Product review/what's inside

Every day before I set out on the bicycle I take a bit of time to think about what I may run across while I'm pedaling around. Flat tires, broken chains are generally the most common, but you should always be prepared for the worst. There are many times when my pockets haven't been stocked and I'm left stranded. Thankfully most of those times I've been with cell phone service or close enough to hitch a ride with a stranger.Once a group of friends and I were riding Porcupine Rim in Moab, when at one point, everyone in our group got a flat tire. One right after the other. We were all packing tubes and pumps, some a few extra. After the flat tire plague and just before we entered the final stretch of single track, one of my biddies broke a chain and worked over his rear derailleur at the same time. Now there was six teenagers sitting on the trail, trying to figure out how to convert his bike into a single-speed. Again, thanks to multi tools and our brilliant minds we pulled it off and kept rolling.Now days I try to keep a pack fully stocked and ready to roll at a moment’s notice. The pack for the job is the Osprey Raptor 6. This compact 6 Liter pack is the jack of all trades when it comes to cycling related packs. Its light weight, fits great and has just enough room to pack the essentials, plus room for some good eats to keep you on top of your game as well as nice and hydrated after sucking down the two liters of your beverage of choice. There were two aspects that really attracted me to this pack. The first was the Hydraphone Reservoir. It’s build with a convenient handle that makes it easy when filling it up and cleaning it out. It also slides into the pack locking the reservoir into place and eliminating any movement. A secure fit is a valuable asset when you’re hauling two liters of water and some extra gear.The second attraction was something so simple yet so revolutionary I wondered why it had never been done before. The bite valve has a small metal piece attached to it that securely fastens to the magnet on the chest strap. Brilliant! No more extra long, dangling hose or kinked neck trying to reach a short not so dangly hose. All you do is spit the bite valve out and it nearly attaches by its self. Super convenient.The next item in my pack is the Crank Brothers Multi 17. This guy is the ultimate multi-tool. It’s light small and simple and packs nearly every tool you’ll need for the trail. Most tools now all have a torx wrench which is mandatory if you’re running XX. None of my tools in the past had this.A few extra links of a chain are always a great idea as well as a Powerlink. This little guy can be a huge lifesaver out on the trail or during a race. Just make sure your get the correct one. They come compatible to your 8,9 or 10 speed chain.A few extra links of a chain are always a great idea as well as a Powerlink. This little guy can be a huge lifesaver out on the trail or during a race. Just make sure your get the correct one. They come compatible to your 8,9 or 10 speed chain.And finally, an extra tube. If you’re running with carbon hoops, you’d probably invest in the 48mm long stem tube, or you can always carry a valve extender. Be careful though, I’ve had  a few issues with various inflator heads and CO2 cartridges not working well together. The extra tube with a long valve is the better way to go.And finally, an extra tube. If you’re running with carbon hoops, you’d probably invest in the 48mm long stem tube, or you can always carry a valve extender. Be careful though, I’ve had  a few issues with various inflator heads and CO2 cartridges not working well together. The extra tube with a long valve is the better way to go.Other items I pack include: Patches for both tubes and tires. Some first-aid items like Band-Aids, alcohol wipes and tape. Even a little electoral or duct tape can go a long way. If you’re headed out on an epic ride, it’s always nice to take a small container of lube to keep the chain fresh and smooth so you can sneak up on wild life.Go forth and ride.