Excellent review- just what I was looking for, thank you. Also - you're one of the few RU-vidrs who've actually had the common sense to show a hip bag load out with a full water bladder - huge thanks for that!
Very thorough review, thank you! I recently purchased one of these and solved the magnet issue by super gluing half inch neodymium magnet discs over the existing magnets. Very strong magnets, very cheap solution, very clean looking. I also added 1” black elastic straps around the hip belt to clean up the hanging straps. Don’t forget to adjust the hose length too, then the bag is dialed! Get a tire boot and zip ties for your repair kit too! Lol Great review though!
WOW! that thing holds a TON of stuff. In comparison to a backpack, how does the weight distribution feel when it all sits in the lower back area? Also, when doing things like drops, that require you to lean back, does the hose ever get caught by the saddle when returning to a neutral stance? Great review and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
The weight distribution is different than a backpack since it sits lower. And sometimes I feel it bump up. But I love not having the heat on my back and keeping the weight lower. The hose has never gotten caught on the saddle for me. Hope this helps! ✌🏼🤟🏼
A very good and thorough review about the hip bag. Thanks for sharing it. It is great to see what you can fit into the bag, too. The Osprey's website states the blinker light loop is a part of the bag. However, in the Osprey's website the model looks like an updated version of the bag with no blinker light loop.
Thanks! Definitely looks like they now have a Seral 7 and a Seral 4 which are 7 liter and 4 liter options. I can see the blinker light loop on both still when I scroll through the pics. ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@AdamMock In the photos I can see the loop only in the 4l version but not in the 7l version. Might be the loop is not visible due to the angle of the photos.
No. The side pockets are smaller and good for snacks. But there is a partition in the main water bladder compartment that works great for a phone that size. That's the area I put my phone in and it keeps it well protected. ✌🏼🤟🏼
Thanks Goon! I loved using a backpack and still do for long rides. But I found this definitely solves that short to mid ride ability to carry what you need. ✌🏼🤟🏼
www.amazon.com/Wysi-Wipe-Hypoallergenic-Reusable-Cleansing/dp/B001NWVBPC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=paper%2Btowel%2Bhydrate&qid=1603238650&sr=8-4&th=1 This is what I carry for that purpose
I have the Seral and I hate the entire bladder design. The hose doesn't disconnect and the design of the bladder itself makes for very difficult cleaning and near impossible to dry after cleaning. I have replaced the bladder with a Mazama bladder.
I haven’t heard of that bladder but I’ll check it out. With any bladder I’ve owned I usually have to use a pair of tongs to prop open the bladder, and stuff it with some paper towels in order to dry it out. ✌🏼🤟🏼
Awesome review Adam and love all the details about the gear you carry - great ideas for me to add to my pack. Question - how is the Camelbak magnetic tube trap attached to the pack?
Thanks! The tube trap attaches the same way the Osprey magnet does. The bottom magnet plate clips into the side loops on the Seral. Then the second part easily snaps to the tube. ✌🏼🤟🏼
jerome santiago I love it. I just rode out in the serious heat of Santiago Oaks today... wait a second, that’s your last name! Anyhow... and the Seral was perfect. I brought a 21oz water bottle with me too which meant I had just over 2L of water. Let me know what you think of it when you get it!
Subbed! Question I use A USWE back system for hare scrambles and have had very good luck with it. Does the small pouch on front of the bag come off I just need the 2 side pockets and the Hydration pocket if not it's not a deal breaker that looks like a wonderful bag and I will probably try it over the USWe one! Was just wondering if I could take that storage bag off if I wanted to
Thanks for the sub! None of the bags are detachable on it. If you want something smaller, there is a 4L Seral available too. But that doesn’t have any side pockets. ✌🏼🤟🏼
I think it depends on how compact that wind jacket folds and what else you’re packing. But yes, with the right arrangement I think it has enough space for a wind jacket. ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@AdamMock I have a GORE Trail jacket, that I'm sure It will fit. But I also have a Leatt 5.0 jacket, that is bigger. I have syncros 12 that is very usefull tho for small rides I could enjoy something smaller. Specially that rainy season is coming in the Andes. Thanks a lot!
I'm wondering if this one can be used for camera + lens bag when cycling (MTB) and for skiing? Is it "meshed" inside? Waterproof? I have also considered the Lowe Alpine Spacecase 7 ...just one more question, how much "load" you can put in it before it starts to slipping down?
Hey Samir, good question. The carrying capacity is 7 liters, but I’m not familiar enough with cameras and lenses to know if it can be used for them. It seems to be water resistant, but maybe not waterproof. It doesn’t have waterproof zippers and with enough water, would probably get wet inside. I haven’t had this problem but I don’t ride in the rain, just through the occasional puddle. As for loa, I have it pretty packed and you can synch up the belt well enough to feel stable going downhill. It will naturally bounce on your lower back, but it has never slipped down on me. If you’re open to using a backpack, you may want to consider the Osprey Raptor hydration backpack as a possible option. It might allow room enough for your camera equipment to be safely tucked away in camera cases. Depending on where you live REI or most outdoor shops usually have the Seral in stock for you to check out in person. Hope this helps! ✌🏼🤟🏼
Evan Weiler Hey Evan, you can buy them separately. Amazon used to have them but aren’t available now. Search for “CamelBak Magnetic Tube Trap” online they should come up from various sources. Looks like REI has some which is great if you end up not liking it.
It appears that this product has been discontinued by Osprey. Does not appear on their website. Most if not all retailers seem to be sold out and maybe only a couple available through Amazon. Unfortunate if that is the case!
So I just called Osprey to check. Definitely not discontinued but they’re waiting for more stock to come in. They also gave me a heads up that around Jan 20th they’ll be splitting the Seral into a 4L and a 7L. Both will have the 1.5 liter bladder. So you’ll have a choice of two sizes soon.
I’m now using a TLD Stage helmet so I don’t have the chin bar attachment anymore. I’d use the Osprey Raptor 14 instead of the Seral if I needed a way to hold a chin bar. ✌🏼🤟🏼
There’s no actual bottle holder since it comes with a 2.5 liter bladder. If you don’t use the bladder and depending what you’re carrying and how full the pack is, you can fit a 21oz water bottle in it on its side. But it’s not ideal. ✌🏼🤟🏼
I'm a trail runner but hate sweaty back packs! You think this pack with suffice for a few hour trail run? Not annoyingly bounce around. Also in summer I love to run shirtless and catch some rays!
I’ve never tried it on a run, but on downhill mountain biking is very stable through technical sections and chunky rocks. I think the “bounce around” will depend on how loaded up it is. As for working on a few hour trail run, it would depend on how much water you normally need, and how hot it is. It’s definitely a capable pack. It will sit somewhat on your lower back, so if you’re shirtless, you’ll feel a bit of the pack on you. If you have an REI around you, they have a great one year return policy, even for used products. So you could buy and try it. Then return it if it doesn’t work out for you. Also, I heard Osprey will be releasing a 4L version of this bag, still with a 1.5L bladder. That might be a good option for you too. No word on when that’s coming though. Hope this helps! ✌🏼🤟🏼
I have that bag. After about 3 months, the bag was broken and unusable. Two really small falls broke the material. Osptray did not replace or fix anything. The material is NOT durable and the warranty does NOT cover anything other than manufacturing defects - if any.
I'm sorry to hear you've had a bad experience with this pack. That's frustrating to have it damage the material from two small falls. I'm not sure what country you're in, but I've been told that Osprey has different warranties for different countries. In the US, the all mighty guarantee should be honored. ✌🏼🤟🏼
Hey Adam, excellent review! Im searching for a Seral bladder drying hack. I currently drain it after each ride then blow the excess water out and then blow it up and seal it. This seems to work but I haven't seen anyone address how to deal with the post ride 'drain down'. any thoughts?
Hey Robert, thanks! To dry a bladder I usually empty it, dry it with paper towels, then wad a few dry paper towels up and place them in the bladder in different spots to keep the walls of the bladder from touching. Then for the mouth of the bladder, I prop it open with a pair of tongs. That way, air can circulate throughout the bladder to dry, without the walls touching and keeping any moisture in. Let me know what you think if you try it! ✌🏼🤟🏼
@@AdamMock Ha!, I feel pretty daft!, great solution bro! also I ordered my camelbak magnet, the osprey set up was driving me crazy. I historically crash while climbing and it was merely a matter of time while fumbling with the tube... cheers! and happy 2021!
@@AdamMock for sure... if you are ever in Lake Tahoe let me know if you are looking for ride ideas... I've been riding in the dirt here since '86...scary to think. But I've seen more progression in trail access/building the the last 5 years than in the previous 25. Me I'm a trail rider/light enduro mostly driven by wrist complications, but There is something for everyone.
@@bwcdesign thanks! I don’t ride for speed or gnar, just for a good time. Happy to take smiles over sketch! I’ll reach out if I’m ever riding in the area.
@@AdamMock would love to see a video about climbing. I don't do much downhill just climb up hills and do long ride on the trails. Which bikes are best, tires ect
@@bayarearob Man, I'm not a strong climber at all. But, I can see how this could make for a good video. Normally people dig the downhill to see what they might hit, but getting some solid info out there on what kind of rig and gear can help those climbs would be good.
@@AdamMock I get itI, majority of videos are catered to downhill. I like to climb every hill I can on my trails and do some longer rides. Would that be considered xct? Should I get full suspension, stick with hard tail, do tire size make a difference, how about the cassette and gears? Thanks man!
@@bayarearob From what you're describing, I think that would be more XC for sure. Especially the longer rides. XC focuses on endurance so that sounds like it fits your affinity for climbing and long rides. As for type of bike and gears, a lot is going to be personal preference and skill level. I would suggest a short travel bike so you have a bit of full suspension when you need it should the terrain get technical, without being overpowered by a long travel bike. I'm an average rider and not a big XC guy, so my opinion isn't too qualified, but I hope it points you in the right direction!
I can why a 3L capacity bag would be attractive to some riders. For others like me, I think the 7L is a great option. It all come downs to different riding styles and overall use.
