VirenB Posted October 2, 2019 Share Hi Guys, Keen to know whats the most popular hydration packs you guys are using when out on trails etc. Had a look at some and would like opinions Higher end of my budget - https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs/R01010--MULE?color=23da9b7298024f0f87ca35d6e5883509 Mid range - https://www.firstascent.co.za/aqueous-ii-2l-hydration-pack Low end-https://www.animalgear.co.za/oztrail-backpack-3l-camo-hydration-pack Keen on the oztrail based on price firstly and then somewhat matches my camo green frame silverback. Just not sure on its overall quality. As with most things in life, do i buy once cry once and get a Camelbak? Thanks guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IceCreamMan Posted October 2, 2019 Share Cry once. I have the Lobo model in racy red. Cant fault it. Will last forever. Lobo and Mule are more or less the same but Mule has a lil more packing space. Edited October 2, 2019 by IceCreamMan Mojoman 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chadvdw67 Posted October 2, 2019 Share I haven't had to buy a pack in ages, but from my limited experience, go for a smaller bag, something with a 2l bladder should be enough, and without to much space to pack other things, just enough space to pack the necessary items, otherwise you land up with a really heavy uncomfortable weight on your shoulders and back Flatdog7 and Wheelie87 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmarc Posted October 2, 2019 Share I have used numerous hydration packs over the years and Camelbak wins hands down Not the cheapest but the best in terms of quality and functionality. Be careful when selecting the size - the more pockets the more crap you will pack into it that you don't need = more added riding weight. Bladder size = smallest you can get 2L max. and even then i rarely fill it more than half. I have place for 1 tube & 1 pocket for trail tools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Sywurm Posted October 2, 2019 Share I had a Maxed one a couple of years ago. Used it once or twice, gave it away and I never wanted to use one again, ever. Not only the Maxed brand, all of them. Last year I got a 1.5l Camelbak after I almost dehydrated and died (not really) and I love it. You can't really feel the difference riding with one or without one. I would suggest a Camelbak out of personal experience, I got mine on special from Takealot I got the red one, much better price than this: https://www.takealot.com/camelbak-hydrobak-1-5-litre/PLID44772018 Edited October 2, 2019 by Super Sywurm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Sywurm Posted October 2, 2019 Share I have used numerous hydration packs over the years and Camelbak wins hands down Not the cheapest but the best in terms of quality and functionality. Be careful when selecting the size - the more pockets the more crap you will pack into it that you don't need = more added riding weight. Bladder size = smallest you can get 2L max. and even then i rarely fill it more than half. I have place for 1 tube & 1 pocket for trail tools. I hydration pack is for water, water only, nothing else. Think my Camelback can only hold one spare tube or something similar in size. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger Dassie Posted October 2, 2019 Share I've generally been loath carrying a hydration bag. Camelbak is always a safe bet, but Osprey and Thule have also put out a range that gives Camelbak a serious run.https://www.thule.com/en/za/bike-accessories/hydration-packs Titan also do some quality stuff at a good price. https://titanracingbikes.com/product/hydroport-1-0/ https://titanracingbikes.com/product/hydroport-2-0/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebob Posted October 2, 2019 Share Consider these two: https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs/mountain-biking/R01074--Repack_LR_4?color=199e02d920d2416a997a7e3beff49b04 https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs/mountain-biking/R01075--Chase_Bike_Vest?color=f42e8e671e8941078e2e749a0ae31643 They both hold 1.5l of fluids, and can carry a tube, some C02 bombs and a multitool easily. I see them popping up on Onedayonly fairly often. The MULE is for seriously long rides. I use one for dirt biking when 3l of fluids is needed, otherwise it is a waste Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DieselnDust Posted October 2, 2019 Share Hi Guys, Keen to know whats the most popular hydration packs you guys are using when out on trails etc. Had a look at some and would like opinions Higher end of my budget - https://www.camelbak.com/en/packs/R01010--MULE?color=23da9b7298024f0f87ca35d6e5883509 Mid range - https://www.firstascent.co.za/aqueous-ii-2l-hydration-pack Low end-https://www.animalgear.co.za/oztrail-backpack-3l-camo-hydration-pack Keen on the oztrail based on price firstly and then somewhat matches my camo green frame silverback. Just not sure on its overall quality. As with most things in life, do i buy once cry once and get a Camelbak? Thanks guys Are you planning on carrying the kitchen sink along as well? This should suffice: https://international.camelbak.com/en/packs/R01075--Chase_Bike_Vest?color=f42e8e671e8941078e2e749a0ae31643 Please no moonbags. those definitely belong in the 80's with big hair Edited October 2, 2019 by DieselnDust Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave303e Posted October 2, 2019 Share bladder - always go camelbak, lifetime guarantee if you ever need it(they swapped an 8 year old bladder for me) Bag personal choice T-Bob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bob Posted October 2, 2019 Share Get a Henty and shut the thread down! No sweaty back. Great storage. No bounce about. Built in banana holder. Only issue is getting the form Aus or the UK but well worth it. Looks a bit weird at first but rocks! https://henty.cc/shop/enduro-backpack/ Danger Dassie and cat-i 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falling Over Posted October 2, 2019 Share I had a Camelbak LOBO for years, and I was very happy with it. Upgraded to a KUDU because of the back protector and 3L reservoir. But as mentioned, be careful with bigger packs. The can get a bit heavy, and before you know it you are carrying everything, including the kitchen sink. Fox, Leatt and Evoc also make nice compact backpacks and are worth a look. Don't underestimate the vest type hydration packs aimed at runners. Due to their design and the way they "wrap" around the body, they fit quite snug and does not move around as much as cycling specific packs. Good option if you ride a bit more crazy terrain. DieselnDust 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJ Van Posted October 2, 2019 Share It depends on what you want out of your hydration pack and what type of riding you are doing. If you want it purely for water storage, then go with the smallest you can get and that fits really comfortable. If you want more storage and not just extra water, then I will not go for anything that does not have a decent hip belt to support the weight of the pack. You do not want to carry the whole load on your shoulders. Again, it must be comfortable and no pack without a decent hip belt will be comfortable after 2 hours in the saddle supporting all the weight on your shoulders. The best pack is the one that you want to wear out on the trail and not the one in the cupboard gathering dust because it is uncomfortable. Also, if your riding includes some more technical, bumpy, rocky and steep downhills a pack with a hip belt that you can tighten helps a lot to prevent the pack from bouncing around. If you want a bigger pack, then I can recommend the Osprey Raptor 10. Does not weigh much and it’s got decent storage and fits really well. I like the fit of the Osprey more than that of the Camelbak Mule or Kudu. They also have their lifetime almighty guarantee which is nice should you tear your pack, or something breaks. Everybody here is going to give you their opinion of what you should get or that you do not need a hydration pack or this or that. One thing you can be sure of is that if you buy a cheep on and it does not fit well you will not use it. Link to the Osprey Raptor 10 if you want more than just water storage: https://www.osprey.com/us/en/product/raptor-10-RAPTOR10S19.html cat-i 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bob Posted October 2, 2019 Share Please no moonbags. those definitely belong in the 80's with big hair Only fanny packs on shorter rides for me. No moonbags. Edited October 2, 2019 by T-Bob DieselnDust 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmarc Posted October 2, 2019 Share Get a Henty and shut the thread down! No sweaty back. Great storage. No bounce about. Built in banana holder. Only issue is getting the form Aus or the UK but well worth it. Looks a bit weird at first but rocks! https://henty.cc/shop/enduro-backpack/ Holy s&*%t that looks like a mobile bike repair shop !! Super Sywurm and T-Bob 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bob Posted October 2, 2019 Share Holy s&*%t that looks like a mobile bike repair shop !! I know, I think they were showing off about how much you can get in there. Obviously you don't need to pack it like you're grizzly adams and heading to the wilderness for a few years. A nice touch is the bladder area is insulated. It's built tough, very well thought out and the all mesh straps / back area mean it's super cool in hot weather and hardly feels like you're wearing anything. For under 2hr rides I've got a hip pack / fanny pack that works well. Can still fit a large CB podium bottle in as well as: - Tube- 2 x bomb- Co2 Adaptor- Card- Keys- Phone- Multi tool- Fox tool- Tyre levers- mini pump- emergency gloves / min 1st aid kit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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