Osprey Savu – MTB Pack Review
Osprey have produced something a little different for the lumber pack market with the Savu. An ideal solution for quick laps on your local singletrack or gravel trails, the Savu lumbar pack does away with a hydration bladder altogether and opts for a dual bottle approach.
We’ve reviewed a few lumbar packs such as the Osprey Seral, Source Hipster and Enduro by Henty, but the Savu from Osprey has really caught our attention. It’s a fresh and feisty, modular take on the traditional bladder style lumbar pack.
Above: The Osprey Savu lumbar pack is compact and modular. Photo: ©Richard McGibbon
Fit & Comfort
The Osprey Savu uses an angled hip belt and compression straps to provide maximum stability over every type of trail, with minimum creep or sway. The Savu features an AirScape back panel with a contouring lumbar wrap that provides maximum stability on the rowdiest of trails. The combination of large mesh fabric wrap and the thick air channels, provide excellent levels of breathability.
Above: The Airspace feature provides maximum airflow and comfort. Photo: ©Richard McGibbon
Storage
The Savu offers an impressive amount of storage with a large, main compartment directly in the centre of the pack. Having this in the centre allows for the larger space, in-between the two bottle pockets. The Savu also features two zippered, hip belt pockets on either side and a quick stash pocket on the top of the pack, ideal for sunglasses.
Combined, the Savu has enough storage to fit your vital flat-fixing tools, a tube, snacks, phone or small camera and other small mountain biking essentials.
Hydration
The two bottle pockets can 450, 650 or 750mm bottles and when not in use, the pockets can be tucked away giving the pack a slim profile. This is handy if you don’t want to carry bottles at all but still want to use the pack for your ride essentials.
On The Trails
Out on the trails, the Savu felt stable and secure over many types of terrain with a snug body-hugging feeling, but not uncomfortably so. We didn’t experience any creeping or sliding throughout the test period, this was due to the ergo-pull waist strap and the secure feeling of the lumbar wrap.
The two bottle design did take a little bit of getting used to at first, as you can feel the weight on the outer area of your hips as opposed to a more centrally weighted feeling with a traditional lumbar pack. But after about 15-20 minutes of riding, we quickly adapted and the Savy soon began to feel normal.
Above: The Osprey Savu feels secure on rowdy trails. Photo: ©Richard McGibbon
Access to the water bottles is straightforward, however, you may want to drink evenly from both to avoid an unbalanced effect. We also found it a little tricky getting the bottles back into the pockets, whilst on the move. This may
Overall, the Savu is a neat piece of kit if you’re looking for something a little more modular than the usual lumbar pack
Above: Easy access to tools or snacks on the go. Photo: ©Richard McGibbon
Conclusions
The Osprey Savu hip pack is a great alternative to the traditional lumbar packs we see today. With a modular design, it allows you to fill up or cinch down, making it quite an adaptable hydration pack solution.
In terms of storage and comfort, we rate it high. The Savu has a very secure and stable fit even on the rowdiest of trails. Ideal use is for short to mid-length rides.
Where to Buy / Price
- Osprey Savu $69.95AUD
- Available to buy at MTB Direct or ask at your local bike shop.
