Sofia from the Nature Travels team reviews one of her best-loved and well-used bits of running gear.
I bought my Osprey Rev Solo back in 2013 and as a hydration belt/pack and I still love it!
My main concerns with any hydration belt or backpack are that it’s going to jump around, or that you’ll feel the “slosh slosh” of the water with every step. But with the Osprey Rev Solo I even forget it’s there, that is until I want a drink!
The Osprey sits very comfortably in the small of the back and as the bottle is stored lengthways, it’s perfectly secure there. It doesn’t move at all when you run (if it does, then you have the belt too loose).
The bottle is big enough to provide a good drink, but small enough not to be heavy. It’s also very easy to access the bottle while running and no fuss putting it back again.
One negative, though, is that the phone pocket is too small to fit most modern-sized phones. However, I use the phone pocket to store my gels in for my long runs and I carry my phone in a pocket on my running tights.
It also has a small zipped pocket with a key hook, which is perfect to carry my home keys and a small amount of change in, etc.
It also lasts. I’ve used it a lot over the years and the only sign of wear and tear is that the zips are starting to get a bit stiff sometimes and need oiling.
I highly recommend it. I don’t think Osprey makes it any longer, but there are a number of retailers still selling the Rev Solo on the internet, prices around £30.
The Osprey Rev would be ideal for use on running adventures such as Trail Running Weekend in North Wales.