Customer Reviews Osprey Katari 3

Dear Osprey: If you want someone to actually test this on an bike, I'm available. Honestly, did someone actually get on a bike with this pack on?!?! Pack is extremely unstable on mountain bike - constantly slides up back (like almost overhead!) on any small bump. This causes your balance to shift on the bike causing you to lose control. You are constantly worried and anticipating this so you cannot enjoy your ride. Problem is, this pack doesn't have a waist strap to help stabilize it (or the option to add one). In addition, if you cinch the shoulder/sternum straps down on the pack enough to make a difference in stabilizing the pack, then it's too tight and begins to affect breathing, movement and comfort. Finally, the magnet on the sternum strap for the drinking tube is EXACTLY where your arm bends at the shoulder so it is constantly pushing the drink tube away from your body and popping the magnets apart. Someone at Osprey needs to test their "bike packs" on an actual bike BEFORE it goes to manufacturing. Unfortunately, this pack design is a fail.

I was in search of a replacement for my amateur drawstring/water bottle combo and I bought the 3 after much consideration; finally deciding that the the 7 was too big and the 1.5 too small. The 3 was the perfect compromise. I wasn't sure how much 2.5 liters of water would be but holy cow, it's more than enough for me. Granted, I live in the Northeast where it's pretty shady and not nearly as hot as other places so keep that in mind when comparing your water needs to mine. First, storage. I was very nervous about this being too small but nope, it's the perfect size. Roughly the same size as a drawstring. The two outer pockets can easily hold a couple Cliff bars, an extra water bottle, shirt, etc. The storage pocket on top holds my phone, keys, and wallet no problem. Something that no one has mentioned, however, is the compartment that the bladder itself goes into. This compartment has plenty of extra room for a couple sandwiches, an extra shirt, or your rain shell. I was pleasantly surprised at what I could fit in there. And speaking of the bladder, it holds so much water! Most of my Brita fits into it and I've found myself pouring out a ton when I get back. The water doesn't slosh around at all somehow and it's easy to forget you have it on your back. The tube comes long but I liked being able to cut it down to size. Now for my only complaint: lack of velcro straps. I'm skinny so I really have to tighten my packs to get a snug fit. This means that I usually have a bunch of straps hanging down and this bag was no exception. For everything they did right, Osprey dropped the ball here. I keep bread ties around for this but it would've been nice to have something included. That's a very minor complaint though. All-in-all I give this bag a 9.8/10, but one minor change would make it a perfect 10!

This pack carries an ideal amount of water for 4-6 hours of hiking on a warm day. I have not yet used it on a bike. The pockets are the perfect size for an iPhone, car keys, and two snack bars. I am a woman, but purchased the men's bag for the all black color option. I have an 18.5" torso and it fits wonderfully. The adjustable chest strap with magnetic clasps is convenient as well. I love this pack and am very happy with this purchase!

I primarily use this as a hydration pack while I am fatbiking and cross country skiing and it works fabulous for that. I wear the pack over my baselayer, and then multiple layers over my pack (midweight fleece+windbreaker typically) as this is the best way i've found to keep water thawed and available while out in the winter. It does feel a little bulky when the bladder is full to the brim, but after drinking 1/2 liter or more it is very comfy. The minimalist design works well for winter, as my layers over the pack hold it in place well, and remains comfortable on long (12+ hours) days. I've used it some in the summer for cycling, and it works well for road biking and bikepacking but it is not nearly stable enough for how I ride singletrack. I find it bounces around quite a bit, and have been thinking about adding a waist belt to stabilize it as I do really like the pack overall.

I like the pack, it fits well and is able to keep cold water throughout my ride. I wish there were more clear instructions on how to disassemble and clean it though. I recommend buying this for shorter rides.

I bought this pack for short rides. Unfortunately the fit is off. The pack is unstable while mountain biking. If you make it tighter it feels restrictive. The hydration hose is in a weird spot as it causes the pack straps to bunch. I would not recommend this pack.