Cost of Hydration packs and bladders

[Mr Legs]

I went to look for a replacement bladder for my cheapie Camelbak clone and I was shocked at the prices for both the bladders and the new hydration packs. I do not mind spending money on equipment but cannot justify spending R 600 for a plastic bag and a length of tubing with a mouthpiece. The cost of new hydration packs simply cannot be the same as what I paid for my top quality German 80 litre hiking backpack. I do own a big Osprey, too big for my cycling backpack. I eventually went round to Mr Price Sport ( horror o horror, fortunately I did not see anybody I knew) and bought a bladder for R 100, if Mr Price did not nett R 80 on that sale they are also being ripped off by their Chinese supplier.

[bassasdaindia]

couldn't agree with you more,I also needed a new bladder , I ended up buying a new camelbak for cheaper than a bladder.

[TK-Sp3cialiSt]

If you just need a bladder, goto mr price sports and get one of their cheap camel bak replicas for R239(iirc)

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I bought a cheap Ryder 2L hydration pack for R350 four years ago, still serving me well. just had to change the mouth piece.

 

Camel Back is way overpriced, I'd rather use that money for serviceable parts on my bike.

[Spoke101]

Lizard as in the Surf brand do packs and bladders separately and are way cheaper than anything else. I think the bladder is +-R100

[Steven Knoetze (sk27)]

I bought a cheap Ryder 2L hydration pack for R350 four years ago, still serving me well. just had to change the mouth piece.

 

Camel Back is way overpriced, I'd rather use that money for serviceable parts on my bike.

 

I had one of the Ryders, I now have a Dakine which I managed to get at a really good price.

The difference in quality is visible but more importantly the water is cold which the Ryder was never able to do.

Just my opinion on the difference

[linuxlg]

I love my Lizard. Works great!

[Gandharv]

I went to look for a replacement bladder for my cheapie Camelbak clone and I was shocked at the prices for both the bladders and the new hydration packs. I do not mind spending money on equipment but cannot justify spending R 600 for a plastic bag and a length of tubing with a mouthpiece. The cost of new hydration packs simply cannot be the same as what I paid for my top quality German 80 litre hiking backpack. I do own a big Osprey, too big for my cycling backpack. I eventually went round to Mr Price Sport ( horror o horror, fortunately I did not see anybody I knew) and bought a bladder for R 100, if Mr Price did not nett R 80 on that sale they are also being ripped off by their Chinese supplier.

Hey,

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried any of the solar hydration backpacks? Like an ECEEN (http://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Charging-Smartphones-10000mAh-Waterproof/dp/B00NFD3DBC) or  Lumos backpack (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VWIV40O)? They are usually larger (can carry 3L), but useful for slightly longer journeys. 

 

On that note, do you guys use hydration backpacks just for mountain biking or do you use them on smaller tours (Sub-200kms) as well? 

 

Thanks

Gandharv

[velomonatiCT]

 

Hey,

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried any of the solar hydration backpacks? Like an ECEEN (http://www.amazon.com/Backpack-Charging-Smartphones-10000mAh-Waterproof/dp/B00NFD3DBC) or  Lumos backpack (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VWIV40O)? They are usually larger (can carry 3L), but useful for slightly longer journeys. 

 

On that note, do you guys use hydration backpacks just for mountain biking or do you use them on smaller tours (Sub-200kms) as well? 

 

Thanks

Gandharv

 

cant buy stuff on amazon here buddy and 100 USD for a 1.8 L backpack are you kidding

even if it can charge an ipod that's ridiculous

[Skylark]

Camelbak bladders are priced like printer cartridges. The complete bags are not too bad but the bladders on their own are crazy expensive. That being said if you look after a Camelbak bladder it should just about last the life of the bag.

[Tumbleweed]

Camelbak bladders are priced like printer cartridges. The complete bags are not too bad but the bladders on their own are crazy expensive. That being said if you look after a Camelbak bladder it should just about last the life of the bag.

 

Ja, most people who look for replacement in the shop say they need a new one as the old one has become "yuck". 

[TALUS]

Keep the empty bladder in the freezer. No yuck.

[velomonatiCT]

don't put anything but water in the bladder and empty it when you not using it

 

mines three years old been thru 3 mouthpieces but bladders fine

[Mojoman]

don't put anything but water in the bladder and empty it when you not using it

 

mines three years old been thru 3 mouthpieces but bladders fine

4 years on for my bladder in my Lobo. Nothing but water is used in it though. One mouthpiece bought as wicked dog ate some of it.... A friend took his Mr Price cheapie pack to Oppikoppi and filled it with Whisky and water....It still reeks of whizzers years later!

[Stretch]

My bottle only costs r30.....

[keithbe]

Cape Union Mart have a 2l kway bladderfor R250. The hose uncouples from the actual bladder and makes cleaning far easier. The cap also works far better than the annoying camelbak. Fits into normal camelbak 2l carrier.