Whats a good size Camelbak?

[Skylark]

What's a good size Camelbak style bag to get (doesn't have to be camelbak brand), suppose 2L bladder is fine and then space for cellfone/wallet/energy bars/tools(multitool,tyre levers, spare tube,puncture kit etc). Not always easy to gauge from the description what a bag can hold apart from the bladder volume.

[Vetseun]

What's a good size Camelbak style bag to get (doesn't have to be camelbak brand), suppose 2L bladder is fine and then space for cellfone/wallet/energy bars/tools(multitool,tyre levers, spare tube,puncture kit etc). Not always easy to gauge from the description what a bag can hold apart from the bladder volume.

Ive got a HAWG. Only use is for really long stuff. Same one the US Marines use.

[BrianMTB]

The Lobo is a good size - 2l capacity and space for what you need. I also have a Mule for the really long stuff, 3l capacity and space for the kitchen sinc...

[Skylark]

The HAWG looks sick, foking expensive though.

Lobo has a nice storage pouch. Are there any cheaper brands or is camelbak just worth the outlay?

[cadenceblur]

Camelbak Mule.

[Skylark]

What can a mule fit, it's quite a sizy pack?

[enjoi]

I have a HAWG and MULE. The MULE is the go to pack when ever I feel like it, its big enough for longer rides yet small enough for short rides to. The HAWG is a great pack but its huge more like a day pack. I only use the HAWG on long exploring ride or hikes when I need to take food and what not along... The thing about Camelbak is that they really last I've had both mine since 2010 and they look ???? for another couple of years. Get the MULE money well spent. Otherwise I've only heard good about the Dakine range.

[worriesnot]

I've been riding with a Rogue for a few years now - 2lt bladder and some space for packing. Typically I pack all the usual tools that would normally go in a saddle bag and then there is some more space for a few bits and bobs (food, phone, keys and other smalls) - nice bag for races.

Received my MULE yesterday from CWC specifically for longer rides and few days commute during the week. 

Rogue has 3lt capacity and MULE 11lt, so significantly bigger.

[Matchstix]

The new lobo's are 3l I have a 2l lobo since 2004 I pack with bit tools tube lube etc.

Osprey makes nice packs as well

[JXV]

My mule fits

one of those thin water/windproof jackets

phone

chainbreaker

patch kit

spoke spanner

multitool

leatherman

Chain Lube

cable ties

spare tube

spare cable

spare brake pads

spare hanger

quick links

snacks

pump and shockpump

buff

gps

headlamp

....enough for a full day out and get back in the dark

[Pikey]

I had the rouge and its a good size,but couldn't carry tubes etc without stuffing the bag to the limit. The other minor irration is that when you have drunk the bladder dry it would jump up and down on your back. Now have a volt 13 with the waist band strap ( much better) and it holds everything comfortably with room to spare.sometimes feels heavy but after 5 min don't even notice it. The waist band strap is a huge plus imho .

[Dicky DQ]

But why? After 2 days of use mine has been in the cupboard for years. 

 

Question:

1. Do you really ever run out of water/sous?

2. Do you not get hot with thing on your back? I did.

3. What tools can't be carried in your pockets or be taped to the bike?

4. Do you really need more that 1.5L of water/sous on any ride with water points?

[Dicky DQ]

My mule fits

one of those thin water/windproof jackets

phone

chainbreaker

patch kit

spoke spanner

multitool

leatherman

Chain Lube

cable ties

spare tube

spare cable

spare brake pads

spare hanger

quick links

snacks

pump and shockpump

buff

gps

headlamp

....enough for a full day out and get back in the dark

Why?  

1. You can get a combo Chainbreaker/mutitool/spokespanner they are small,

2. If you need a shockpump on a ride there are serious questions to be asked about your mechanic

3. Cable, which one? if you snap a cable then refer to to 2 above.

 

The rest can all be comfortably be carried in pockets or taped to the bike and there will be place for a wind jammer, sleeves and leg warmers in your pockets.

[Matchstix]

I don't usually fill my camelback but I have learned rather save than sorry.

So used to it so no don't really get hotter, I have found that the sun doesn't bake as hot on my back as well.

And I dislike things taped to my bike or to much stuff in my back pocket.

I grab my camelback and have everything I need or might need

[Pikey]

.

And I dislike things taped to my bike or to much stuff in my back pocket.

I grab my camelback and have everything I need or might need

ditto

[Skylark]

Suppose it also depends on your riding type, not always possible to have 2 waterbottle cages on some bikes and even if you could the water bottles would jump out with some types of riding, also apparently your center of gravity is improved with a camelback if you are taking things into the air, 2L of fluid + tools etc adds up.

 

With a dropper post it seems a saddle bag isn't optimal, may rub on the post. I quite enjoy having almost the kitchensink with me, obviously within reason, if you ride hard stuff will break, tyres will shred and things will need to be fixed, ever had the the 8km push the bike back walk, every step of the way you wish you had the spare or tool. One thing I really want to have in a camelbak is decent tyre levers, those midget saddle bag style levers are useless on some rim/tyre combo's. Horses for courses!