Hydration Backpack opinions

[Chadvdw67]

19 minutes ago, PhilipV said:

Hydrapak makes Salomon's soft flasks as well. Probably the bladders too. 

I'm using a Camelbak bladder in my Salomon backpack. Don't overthink bladders. If it fits, it will work. 

I think it is more a case of the bladder warranty, I see Hydrapak also has a "beyond lifetime warranty" whatever that means, but Camelbak has a great track record with replacing broken bladders

[guidodg]

https://www.decathlon.co.za/trail-running-equipment/168329-29289-mixed-ultra-trail-running-bag-15-l-blackslashbronze.html#/demodelcolor-8488290/demodelsize-200mslashl?queryID=f82e037257c173a6a3608cf87e4eb1f4&objectID=2503236

 

designed for trail running but works really well for cycling too...really well made and thought out and NOTHING comes close at this price...

quality is on par with any Salomon or other high-end hydration pack..mine is 3 years old and still looks new..

 

smaller 10L and 5L options available too...

Edited February 1, 2022 by guidodg

[Rolf Hansen]

3 hours ago, guidodg said:

https://www.decathlon.co.za/trail-running-equipment/168329-29289-mixed-ultra-trail-running-bag-15-l-blackslashbronze.html#/demodelcolor-8488290/demodelsize-200mslashl?queryID=f82e037257c173a6a3608cf87e4eb1f4&objectID=2503236

 

designed for trail running but works really well for cycling too...really well made and thought out and NOTHING comes close at this price...

quality is on par with any Salomon or other high-end hydration pack..mine is 3 years old and still looks new..

 

smaller 10L and 5L options available too...

I use their bladder only in my own backpack. Works great and for R200 you really cannot go wrong.

https://www.decathlon.co.za/sport-trail-mtb-water-bag-adult/184912-2852-2l-hydration-bladder.html#/demodelundefined-8399482/demodelsize-254no_size?queryID=79faf61e4a567946920462d85cab0c9e&objectID=2365645

[Darko]

On 1/30/2022 at 6:24 PM, ChrisF said:

What is the difference between the "normal" and "ladies" Camelback units ? 

Absolutely no bloody idea. Suits me just fine! 

[DieselnDust]

17 hours ago, OVERDRIVE said:

Chatted to Thule, they outsource the bladder from HydraPak. Just waiting to hear from them how we get it here, will update. 

Before everyone jumps on this, even Ferrari source parts from other suppliers, as does Specialized, LOL 

Hydration Reservoirs | HydraPak

Hydrapak and Camelbak are the two main hydration bladders suppliers. Hydrapak is sort off a generic and they supply

USWE

Thule

First Ascent

Osprey

etc, etc, etc

 

[DieselnDust]

7 hours ago, Chadvdw67 said:

I think it is more a case of the bladder warranty, I see Hydrapak also has a "beyond lifetime warranty" whatever that means, but Camelbak has a great track record with replacing broken bladders

what it means is that if you suspect your wife is poisoning you for the insurance money piss in the bladder and insist the pack goes in the coffin with you. That way they will catch her beyond your lifetime

[MORNE]

23 hours ago, ouzo said:

I thought hydration packs were not cool

 

but for the very reason displayed in the dirty water bottle pic above I think they should make a comeback

They are just using crappy bottles. Camebaks own bottles (and others) have nice silicone caps that cover the spout for this exact reason lol.
My bike can carry 3L of water with ease. I hate riding with weight on my back as some have mentioned here already.
Camelbaks are only really a bandaid on dual sus bikes that can barely fit 1 x 600ml bottle between the frame and the rear shock imo. 

[Shebeen]

6 hours ago, guidodg said:

https://www.decathlon.co.za/trail-running-equipment/168329-29289-mixed-ultra-trail-running-bag-15-l-blackslashbronze.html#/demodelcolor-8488290/demodelsize-200mslashl?queryID=f82e037257c173a6a3608cf87e4eb1f4&objectID=2503236

 

designed for trail running but works really well for cycling too...really well made and thought out and NOTHING comes close at this price...

quality is on par with any Salomon or other high-end hydration pack..mine is 3 years old and still looks new..

 

smaller 10L and 5L options available too...

i actually went straight there to check first..the basic cycling one is crap (but then it's only R300).

i have a decathlon brand running vest, you will not beat this product bang for buck in Mzansi.

 

 

[Darko]

This thread is 2 years old now? I thought it was recent. 

Who is looking for a hydration pack and have you made up your mind as yet?

[ChrisF]

On 1/31/2022 at 9:10 PM, OVERDRIVE said:

Chatted to Thule, they outsource the bladder from HydraPak. Just waiting to hear from them how we get it here, will update. 

Before everyone jumps on this, even Ferrari source parts from other suppliers, as does Specialized, LOL 

Hydration Reservoirs | HydraPak

 

@OVERDRIVE did you get any feedback about sourcing Thule bladders ?

[ChrisF]

I bought the 2 liter Classic Camelback.

 

Actually liking it more than I ever expected to.

 

 

With winter almost here a "bit" of schoolfees are about to be paid ....  layering clothing is a good start to a winter ride .... but at some point you need packing space for some of the layers .... and the Camelbak Classic has hardly any packing space.

 

 

The Rogue has a bit more space .... though that stretch fabric does not bolster confidence.

 

Friends have older Rogue models.  Much nicer packing modules.

 

Struggling to find any other models in SA, that are actually in stock ....

 

 

 

What do you do with your layers as the day heats up ?

[Eddy Gordo]

11 hours ago, ChrisF said:

 

@OVERDRIVE did you get any feedback about sourcing Thule bladders ?

There are some here including thule. Some other local shops also sell them.

https://www.driftersshop.co.za/collections/water-bladders-bottles

[PhilipV]

11 hours ago, ChrisF said:

I Struggling to find any other models in SA, that are actually in stock ....

 

 

 

What do you do with your layers as the day heats up ?

How many layers do you really expect to pack? If it is just one layer, you might be able to stuff it in the bladder compartment?

The Camelbak bags are nice minimalist bags, but I won't buy a Rogue or a classic. If it has to be Camelbak, and you can get stock, get the Chase or the Mule. Especially for you, who carries for two. 

 

I'll be honest though, after going riding with my running (running pack/waistcoat/whateveritscalled) pack, I've retired my riding backpack. The riding packs are years behind the trail running packs ITO comfort and not moving. 

 

My 12L Salomon is versatile enough for the days where I grab 1 soft flask bottle and a rain jacket, but on Saturday it packed 3L of water, 300ml milk, gas stove, matches, breakfast, warm jacket, rain jacket, a lot of snacks and a first aid kit for a 5hr mountain mission.

 

 

 

[Jewbacca]

2 minutes ago, PhilipV said:

How many layers do you really expect to pack? If it is just one layer, you might be able to stuff it in the bladder compartment?

The Camelbak bags are nice minimalist bags, but I won't buy a Rogue or a classic. If it has to be Camelbak, and you can get stock, get the Chase or the Mule. Especially for you, who carries for two. 

 

I'll be honest though, after going riding with my running (running pack/waistcoat/whateveritscalled) pack, I've retired my riding backpack. The riding packs are years behind the trail running packs ITO comfort and not moving. 

 

My 12L Salomon is versatile enough for the days where I grab 1 soft flask bottle and a rain jacket, but on Saturday it packed 3L of water, 300ml milk, gas stove, matches, breakfast, warm jacket, rain jacket, a lot of snacks and a first aid kit for a 5hr mountain mission.

 

 

 

True, until you fall in it though. That fabric gets torn apart quicker than an injured gazelle on the Serengeti.

The mule is fantastic as a stash pack. The modular hard back system also breathes well AND importantly forms a protective layer between your back and your tools/anything hard in the pack.

I actually rode Freedom challenge with the Mule and a custom made front pack. It is hardy and it works.

Running packs are super comfy and I agree, hold a lot for their body hugging size, but they are not really hardy and sit high on the torso. 

As someone who rode Motorbikes, dress for the fall, not the ride.  

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, PhilipV said:

..... get the Chase or the Mule....

 

Thank you.

 

I will keep an eye out for stock of these 👍

[PhilipV]

1 hour ago, Jewbacca said:

True, until you fall in it though. That fabric gets torn apart quicker than an injured gazelle on the Serengeti.

The mule is fantastic as a stash pack. The modular hard back system also breathes well AND importantly forms a protective layer between your back and your tools/anything hard in the pack.

I actually rode Freedom challenge with the Mule and a custom made front pack. It is hardy and it works.

Running packs are super comfy and I agree, hold a lot for their body hugging size, but they are not really hardy and sit high on the torso. 

As someone who rode Motorbikes, dress for the fall, not the ride.  

good point, the running tumbles don't compare to the mtb slide, roll, stop and groan.

First Ascent Stealth pack looks like a good mix of the straps to make it sit and stay, with harder materials. Also the Camelbak Chase. And USWE as well. 

Maybe one day when I grow up we'll see the ideal hybrid packs....