Camelbak Review

[sdyeti]

The Deuter Hydro 8 EXP

[Shu]

I use the DaKine Nomad w/ 100z bladder...but then again I NEVER worry about weight(I carry tools/tubes/water/camera/phone/electrical tape/zip ties/iPod/pump/snacks no matter how long my ride is and it also has back support)...if a pack w/ an extra couple extra pounds tires me out tooo fast then I stop an rest for a couple mins...thats just my style of riding

[northshore]

Tough to say. It's really based on what your needs are, how long you plan to ride, and how much water your body needs. Everyone varies. At the very least go with a CamelBak or Dakine hydration pack with a fair amount of storage for basic tools, pockets to hold your keys, phone, money, etc.

[RustyIron]

For most rides, I use two water bottles. For long rides, I supplement them with a small Camelback, don't know what model. Tools are in a pouch under the seat. I don't need 10 pounds of junk hanging on my back. In warm weather, any kind of pack will inhibit air circulation and cooling of your body.

[allison]

Wingnuts are nice. Last time I was there The Path had a nice all black 3.0. If they are local to you, go check out the packs there.

I wish I would've gone with the 3.0 instead of the 2.5

My pack of choice right now is the Camelbak Octane 8. No inside pockets, but it has two wing/hip pockets, a mesh zip up pocket to shrink down the size, and then a big inside pocket.

If you want separate compartments, there's a new one due to be out (I totally can't remember the name Lsine, or something?), but hopefully Nancy will chime in.

[thebush]

Have you considered the Ergon BD1 or BD2 w/ a CamelBak bladder? Stores should be finally receiving their shipments this week or in the upcoming weeks. Check out the site to see what makes this pack "different" then other packs out there. I've been waiting for this pack for a while and plan to order one soon.

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/backpacks/bd2.html

[katonk]

I vote for the Camelbak MULE. It's tough as heck, it'll fit everything you need, has a 100 oz bladder with a lifetime guarantee. It's a lot easier to get spare parts and accessories for Camelbak's as well. As other's have stated, a 70 OZ bladder is a waste of money. You'll just be back buying a 100 OZ latter.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/160...15&zmas=1&zmac

[cjwally]

Wingnut makes some nice swag... http://www.wingnutgear.com/

They tend to focus the weight on your hips which is a lower center of gravity than running most of the weight on your shoulders... I was looking at the hyper 3.0. Pretty bad-ass.

[jeffj]

I've collected a few Camelbaks and other hydration packs over the years and use them all at different times and sometimes I just use bottles. Point is, no one pack is 'perfect' for all rides, but a fairly large pack can be made to work in most situations.

My favorites are the H.A.W.G., Blowfish and Rocket (I haven't bought a new one for a few years). I have a Deuter or two that are fine packs as well.

Then again, sometimes I just use two bottles. Usually in the winter on shorter rides I don't require as much water, so I put supplies in a seat bag and/or jersey pockets and enjoy the freedom of not having a pack on my back (it does feel good to ride without a pack).

If I were buying my first pack, I would probably get something on the large/expandable side so you can pack a windbreaker and pants for some winter riding where weather can change in a hurry.

I also recommend something with an insulated tube.

[Drum n MTB]

I have a camelbak classic and a Mayhem. The classic cool for small rides like fully loop, but you can't carry much more than a cellphone and a cliff bar. I bought the Mayhem recently and love it, it's big and heavy but the extra water capacity is awesome. Plus I don't have a seat bag rattling around, and I have room for a jacket and more tools. I dont even notice the weight on my back when I use the Mayhem.

[Jordansrealm]

I love my Camelbak Mule. Its a fairly small pack but still holds a 3 liter water pack. Feels small on my back which is nice. Lately, I have been riding more and more without a pack though I love the freedom you get with nothing on your back.

[audiopablo]

I'll chime in for the MULE, too. I never know it's on until I need to drink. It doesn't get hot on and fits right. There's an mp3 pocket big enough for an iphone at the top (padded), two zipped compartments, and a mesh in between for putting jackets or extra shirts. There's even a key latch inside so you have a wee bit of extra protection for your ride home.

http://www.cameronville.com/audio/myers.wav

[mtb_prodigy]

If you wanna save some cash, get this. It has that same exact cargo room as the mule and same exact water capacity.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/142...stem-100oz.htm

[Oleanshoebox]

Camelbak Chaos. Its in the middle in terms of size and has lots of straps for protective gear/jacket/etc. I also have a Sette max flopak and a camelbak classic that I never use. I enjoy not needing the seatbag and my bottle cage is open for a battery pack.

[madrider]

Dakine Nomad- just got one for Xmas and it is the sh!+! plenty of room for bike repair gear, 100oz + pads and full face if needed

[m210]

egron bd1 here. fantastic bag, loaded with features. put it on and wore it around the house, and didnt think i felt a difference. put on my camelback and i cant believe i wore that thing. ergon pack is way more comfortable. you just dont feel the size or weight of your gear.

[graves.z]

I would second (third?) the Dakine Nomad. I use the Apex, and it's a bit too big for my uses...and thats my only complaint about it. I bought the Camelbak HAWG and ended up getting rid of it for the Dakine. The HAWG was much more difficult to access the pockets and compartments, and it didn't have expandable outer pockets for armour/FF helmet. The Dakine seems a much better design. The only thing I can say for the camelbak is the bladder was simple and the mouthpeice seemed very easy/comfortable to use.

Just my 2 cents.

[Lambda_drive]

I like Hydrapak, they're bladder design is really good. Its easy to clean, and even easier to fill up. Plus it's almost impossible for them to leak or break.

[kbteachme]

I have an older CamelBak Blowfish and Hawk. My favorite CamelBak is the Blowfish. It has a zipper to expand the outer compartment when you have a lot of stuff to carry on those epic ride. However, most short rides, I just keep it zipped for a tighter profile. I think you can't go wrong with any CamelBak. I agree with everyone else, get the biggest bladder. P.S. My friend has the Mule and he likes it, too.

[Roadstar_Rider]

Im new to mountain biking, but I am a Marine so I am used to carrying stuff on my back. I use a cheapy north face hydration pack that I got from a sports authority. It has a large inside pouch and a smaller one attached to the back of that. I carry everything in there. Tire and shock pump, multitool, patches, tubes, ipod, keys, wallet, cell phone, food, and I can even throw a sweat shirt in there if I want. I dont know how big the bladder is, but I usually drink a lot of water when I am active and I havent run out yet while using it. Just my 2 cents!