Camelbak/Hydration Packs Review(merged)

Hydration Packs...

I was wondering if you have a suggestion on what hydration pack to buy? I currently have a 1998 camelback hawg and was wondering if I should upgrade to something else.

In the winter time i find a need a lot more room like extra jersey, jacket and arm warmers, I also have a canned beverage. And sometimes if I go on a long ride I need to pack a lunch. I also put a few tools and a pump/tubes in there.

Oh keys, wallet, phone digital camera. Wow..i may need a trailer.

Thank you!

 

I prefer the Dakine Nomad, or the Apex if you need more room. The Path has both in stock.

Here is a good thread:

http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/general-discussion/15099-camelbak-review.html

If you need even more room the Osprey Talon line of backpacks come in a number of sizes. I think that REI carries them.

 

If you decide to go for dakine apex....
http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/market-place/42244-dakine-apex.html

 

Hydrapak

Check out the Hydrapak Big Sur. Chain Love is selling them for $29 which is a steal.

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/accessories/water-carrier/hydrapak/big-sur/PRD_415505_156crx.aspx

 

WingNut Adventure. It will hold a ton of gear. You need to buy a bladder separately though.

 

+1 on the Wingnut...The Best pack I ever bought.

 

I'm happy with my camelback MULE. decently small, lots of water, and stays in place really well.

depending on how much crap you carry, though, it could be a bit small. I normally fit keys, phone, wallet, tube, shock and tire pump, multi tool(crank bros 19 tool), park hex set, a few quik sticks, and occasionally the battery for my light. with that, I still have room to stash a smaller jacket, warmers, or other such squishable items.

 

I love my Wingnut Enduro. Loads of space. The wing pockets are handy for tools, food and keys. It also keeps the weight of the pack on your hips instead of your back.

 

I rock a MULE NV. The NV is the new padding that holds the pack off your back to so you don't get that nasty sweat spot on your back. I could not ask for more from a compact biking pack. The engineering and build quality of Camelbak products is superb.

 

I use the Wingnut 2.5 if I have to carry a pack. My back doesn't hurt and I don't have to duck as far under trees, plus the side pockets are invaluable for food, ipod, tools, as many others have stated.

Madre hate's 'em though. I think girl hips and Wingnut packs don't mix.

That's me out front w/ the 2.5.

 

Any new reviews out there? Looking to upgrade from my Big 5 special. Something with a large water capacity.

 

I love my Dakine Drafter. It has the right amount of capacity and pockets for almost all my rides. If you want something a bit larger then the Dakine Nomad or Apex are worth a look. I own all three and the Drafter is my goto pack.

I also have a Camelbak Blowfish that used to be my main pack. It's yours if you want it. I'm in Camarillo and I'm often in T.O. for rides.

 

Awesome! Let me know next time you go out for a ride!

 

I'm using a camelbak mayhem. It carries all my pads and a fullface helmet when I bring them and has plenty of space for other stuff. I've thought about upgrading to something different, but really the only thing I don't like is the bladder being tough to open as others have mentioned. If you want something different, you can also check out osprey and wingnut. Both of them get pretty good reviews.

http://www.rei.com/gear/feature/sea...eferralID=NA&gclid=CKfL_7mNiKUCFSdtgwodBBMMPQ

http://www.wingnutgear.com/

 

any reviews about the
Camelbak Racebak Hydration Jersey '10 ????????????????????

hahahaha

 

Osprey Raptor Series!! Check it out.

 

A while ago I switched from the Camelbak Mule to a Dueter Race 1 pack (3 liter). I like it a lot. No problems to report. The main thing about it is it's "mesh screen" thats intended to keep the pack off your back so your get more airflow. The Camelbak Mule has those designed channels for air flow but I don't think it works as good.

The only thing I liked better about the Mule was better storage/pocket organization. But both are good packs.

 

Freaking awesome! Question, on the hipbelt pockets, do those zip up, velcro, snap or none of the above??

 

None of the above. The hip belt is kinda elastic type material. They have a pull tab that you can stretch open and stuff things in there.

This was initially why i didn't buy the pack sooner because I would slide my ipod into my hip belt on my old camelbak. This issue was solved by the vertical side pouches on the Osprey pack. I can access it with one hand and its no problem.

I bought mine at Tani's night sale for 25% off too!!

 

Wipe a little food grade lubricant around the seal and treads. Cooking oil, lip balm or astroglide