Axis 18

First, I have a slightly older (purple) version of this bag. Apart from some detailing in the top outer pocket and colour way it seems broadly the same.

I've been using this bag daily for commuting by bike in all weathers and it's frequently my weekend pack, too, for the better part of two years now. The colours are good, the materials tough and life-proof and the zips and other fittings excellent.

It isn't perfect: there's no natural home for a pump, it sorely lacks an integrated rain cover and the side pockets could be more accessible from a worn position, but it's still possible to operate the pocket zip without removing the pack to secure or access your lockup key, and the other side pocket is large enough to easily hold a spare tube and a pair of sensible LED lights big enough to actually ride by. The front pocket will comfortably hold things like puncture repair, multi tool, proper levers and maybe a micro pump or co2 if so inclined. It's also well placed so that if you keep your door pass in it you can feasibly beep your way in to a building while your hands are full and you're wearing the pack. The key loop is in this pocket, but you need the bag off to get to it so it never gets used on mine. The little phone pocket inside between your shoulders has protected my phone for all the time I've had this pack and kept it dry in poor weather (this may be luck or due to it putting the phone right against your back with anything loaded in the bag between it and outside).

The back system is good. I do end up with a sweaty back still but not as bad as other packs (I do tend to ride sprints in the morning so sweat is almost inevitable for me). The straps are comfortable for any load you could get the zips of an 18litre pack closed around (I've tried!)

Adding securing loops for a pump and a small hip pocket lanyard for keys would be excellent upgrades that would really improve day to day without seriously inflating cost of production and therefore sale.

If I was wish listing features for an ideal bag, I'd want that integrated rain cover, probably a small separated/drybagged section for clothes and a d lock holster maybe too - but adding these sort of features would add notably to the price I would think.

I've taken a look at the Radial (which is why I was on the site today) and while it does meet some of my extra wishes, the colour choice is dire and it is a much more expensive category.

I can't rate this pack highly enough, it's like a Tardis. I bought it for a 3 day mountain bike trip where I needed to carry spare clothes as this was an end-to-end unsupported trip. I struggle to find large enough packs with a small back to suit my 5 foot tall stature but this fitted me like a glove and was so comfortable.

There is no end to the thought that has gone into designing this pack. The main zipped compartment contained my 2 litre water bladder very comfortably and firmly, along with two sets of cycling clothes, waterproof jacket, a jersey, an inner-tube, a whole range of bike tools, chain oil, first aid kit, basic toiletries, food.

The smaller 2nd zipped compartment is excellent with mesh pockets for money, credit cards, tyre levers and small objects, with a key clip too - everything was easily accessible here and secure.

The small zipped 3rd compartment was handy for snacks and keeping my phone in.

There are also two tiny zipped pockets at the bottom of each side of the pack, again very useful for small objects to be kept handy.

I used the outer bungee strung across the back for keeping my sandals tied to the pack, I also strapped my helmet on here when I wasn't using it.

There is nothing negative to say about this pack. It was so comfortable even carrying all the kit I needed for my trip and the grab handle on top made it easy to carry around when not on the bike. The straps are padded without being too thick, and the waist and chest straps stopped the weight from jiggling around too much. Love the whistle built into the top strap buckle clip :-) ingenious. Even the zip pullers are ergonomically designed .... I could go on and on. (Oh it's great for day hiking too!)

Osprey, you nailed it for me! Thank you. (Oh and love the colours too .... )

(This review was left for a previous version of this product)