Osprey Rev 1.5 – The Tech

There’s a bewildering amount of technology and cunning design packed into the Rev 1.5. The heart of the matter is the slightly elastic BioStretch, body-wrap harness which uses foam with a mesh overlay for the back and main straps.

It’s designed with two webbing sternum-straps so the pack sits high up with no need for a waist belt and the pack sits high and clear of your hips.

There’s plenty more going on too. The DigiFlip is a clever. fold-down phone pocket that allows you to carry a smart-phone or GPS in a secure protective pocket, but still use it through the transparent front of the pocket. It fitted an iPhone 5S nicely, though may be a tad small for a 6.

On the other shoulder strap are couple of stretch stash pockets for gels or bars. And out back there’s a lash-on, adjustable bungee cord too.

Osprey Rev 1.5 – Performance

Loaded up and ready to go with a full reservoir, we found the Rev 1.5 easy to adjust and super comfortable. The two sternum straps need a bit of tweaking to find the sweet spot between security and restriction, but once done, the stretchy harness fins help keep everything pulled in and secure.

We had no issues with bounce or swing at all. Those chest straps come complete with positive locking clamps that stop any slippage the run. In feel it’s not dissimilar to a vest-type running pack, but we think it feels cooler in use, particularly in hot conditions.

Speaking of heat, that 1.5L reservoir is good for a couple of hours across the tops, maybe more. It’s an excellent bit of kit. Easy to remove and refill. Has a great, fast-flowing bite-valve that’s held firmly in place on your chest strap by power fun magnets – mind your compass – and a super-effective anti-microbial treatment that stops stuff growing.

We like the phone pocket. It means you can actually use it either for calls or to run an app on the move rather than sticking it in an inaccessible pocket and struggling to retrieve it when needed.

The twin stash pockets on the other shoulder are handy too. Ideal for a couple of gels on the go. And there’s more storage in with the reservoir too, in a zipped, sun-glass friendly pocket with key-clip and using the bungee cord on the front of the pack.

There isn’t enough space for all-day stuff, think more a lightweight shell, hat, gloves and some food – have a look at the Rev 6 if you need more space – but we found it a good call for medium-length fair-weather runs, when we more concerned with hydration and nutrition than spare clothing.

Osprey Rev 1.5 – Verdict

A cracking secure and comfortable trail-running pack that comes complete with an excellent hydration system as standard. No need to change or upgrade. And we’d say easier to use than bottles.

The stretchy system holds everything neatly in place and, once properly tweaked, doesn’t interfere with breathing. Locking buckles stop things coming loose as well.

On top of that, neat storage and stowage features like the DigiFlip phone pocket and three stretch gel/bar stashes all work well. And while there’s not a huge amount of additional capacity, a lightweight shell, hat and gloves plus a few sundries are all swallowed up. And if you do need more, there’s always the bungee cords.

Overall, it has a lot of the security of a running vest-type pack, but less body contact, makes it cooler in use. And finally, it’s been reassuringly robust and durable despite regular, hard use in the Peak District. recommended.

More Information

See ospreyeurope.com