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Because we bikers (unfortunately) always have to do something for a living, get out of the house and ride to work out of love for our bikes, Osprey also has a few bags for these purposes in its range. New from the backpack specialist from the USA for this season includes the Metron series, two of which we have tested. And they were hardcore! On the Munich S-Bahn commuter railway... Pros know what we're talking about.
The Metron Airspeed 34 backpack has been completely redesigned and has thus been given a larger volume. The Metron 18 Messenger bag has been revised with new features. Due to their design, both bags are suitable for cycling in the city or on shorter tours.
The rucksack is huge, so it can be really full and heavy. The messenger bag, on the other hand, is more of a stylish urban accessory that is perfect for the commute to work, but out of place on a bike tour. Accordingly, we took the Osprey Metron Airspeed backpack with us on our 35 km commute to work - the Metron 18 messenger bag for a quick change between bike and commuter train. But read for yourself what our experiences were like.
The Osprey Metron Airspeed 34 backpack in practice
34 litres of volume - that's a real statement for the commute to work. And thanks to the extremely practical layout of the interior and the expansion pleat (more on this in a moment), the Osprey Metron Airspeed becomes a mobile office AND wardrobe.
We had no problem taking all of the day's equipment with us on the commute: 16-inch laptop, 1-litre thermos flask, headset, writing pad, long sports trousers, T-shirt, running shoes, rain jacket. Plus an apple, banana and small items. And there would still be room for a second set of sports clothes.
All thanks to the aforementioned expansion pleat, which turns the medium-sized backpack into a large one (26 to 34 litres). Two compression straps are also revealed when unfolding, allowing you to let air out again. Lightweight items such as a hat, scarf or gloves can be stored in the expandable front pocket.
If the Osprey Metron Airspeed is already fully packed, then it must also be easy to carry - and it is. The straps and back plate can be easily adjusted to the length and angle of the back and distribute the weight perfectly. Only the hip belt is not padded and is therefore only of limited use as support - as with bike rucksacks, for example. But that doesn't really matter. On the other hand, the pre-stretched mesh on the back plate really provides ventilation, which ensures significantly more cooling than on the Osprey Raptor bike backpack, which we tested here.
The laptop compartment has a sewn-in shoe compartment with a zip, which is also perfect for smelly climbing shoes. Overall, the compartments are very well organised in the rucksack and the front appears to be particularly waterproof thanks to a layer of thick plastic.
The all-round sewn-in aluminium frame is also practical, giving the rucksack a firm stand and ensuring easy access when opening. It is also easy to carry by the handle at the top and hangs balanced and straight. None of this makes the Metron Airspeed a featherweight. It weighs 1.5 kilos when empty, but with the advantages mentioned, I am happy to accept that.
BIKE summary of the Osprey Metron backpack
Bottom line: The 34-litre version of the Osprey Metron is also ideal for short (business) trips - it has enough storage space for a change of clothes and work utensils. It doesn't matter how heavy you pack, as the strap system absorbs the weight very well. The robust rucksack also cuts a fine figure on the bike. However, the bag can become overweight and slide towards your head if you adopt a very sporty, stretched posture or ride steeply downhill.
Features Osprey Metron Airspeed 34
- Integrated frame storage for a secure stand and easy access
- An expansion pleat with zip expands the capacity from 26 to 34 litres, integrated compression straps provide stability
- Separate inner compartment for shoes or clothing
- Front compartment with zip
- Front compartment made from elasticated mesh
- Laptop/document compartment inside fits most 16" laptops
- Two side stretch compartments - one with zip, one bottle holder accessible from the side
- Adjustable sternum strap
- Hidden LidLock helmet holder
- Rain cover included
- Flashing light loop with reflective pattern (light not included)
- Volume: 34 litres
- Dimensions: 54 X 35 X 30 cm
- Weight: 1.52 KG
- Price: 200 Euro (RRP) >> available here
Osprey Metron 18 messenger bag
The Osprey Metron 18 messenger bag is a waterproof bag that not only looks stylish when commuting by bike, but also offers plenty of space. Typical of the bag with the cool bike messenger look: it can be carried on either the left or right shoulder. The strap is ergonomically shaped and can be reversed accordingly.
The additional thin stabilising straps can be used to secure the shoulder strap so that the Metron 18 doesn't slip on your back. Disadvantage: If you don't want to walk around strapped down like an NYC messenger, the two straps dangle quite long at the bottom of the bag, even if small loops are supposed to collect the strap. But perhaps that's also part of the style.
With the organisational compartments and the laptop compartment for devices up to 16 inches in size, everything is safely stowed away. There's even room inside for an iso cup or water bottle. The lid covers both front zip compartments, which is both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the one hand, everything is protected from rain and long fingers - on the other hand, you always have to open the lid to get to your keys or phone.
In contrast to the Metron backpack, the Osprey Messenger bag does not stay on its base, but actually always tips over. However, at 880 grams, it is significantly lighter. On the other hand, the two carrying handles on the inside are practical if you want to move the open bag, lift it up or pull something out. There is also an even larger, more robust handle on the outside. I had to get used to the new Osprey buckles, but they are easy to open even when wearing thick gloves.
BIKE summary of the Osprey Metron messenger bag
The Osprey Metron 18 is a messenger bag that is not worn on the side as a shoulder bag, but hanging from the back. Then it feels really good and you notice the good padding on the back panel. However, it has a rather narrow cut. This means that the main compartment is just big enough to fit a laptop and a thick apple. A computer and a thick file folder, on the other hand, fit perfectly. The bag is also very robust, doesn't take bumps badly and looks simple but chic. The only thing that is not ideal is that it always tends to tip forwards.
Equipment
- Shoulder strap can be used on both sides and can be converted for the right or left shoulder
- Stabilising strap provides additional support
- Mesh bottle holder inside
- Two carrying handles inside
- Laptop/document compartment fits 16" laptops
- Organiser compartment with zip at the front with small pockets and key clip
- External zip compartment
- Rain cover included
- Flashing light loop with reflective pattern (light not included)
- Reflective patterns for better visibility on the shoulder strap
- Volume: 18 litres
- Dimensions: 30 X 49 X 14 cm
- Weight: 880 grammes
- Price: 150 Euro (RRP) >> available here
Marc Strucken
Editor
