Hydration Backpack opinions

[VirenB]

lol, definitely don't want the kitchen sink along on a ride.

 

few basics would be handy. same as T- Bob pretty much

 

2 tubes,

bombs & adaptor

a pocket windbreaker

wallet, keys & Phone
Multi tool and levers

basic 1st aid kit.

 

Would prefer a backpack.

[RocknRolla]

The last time I used a hydration pack was on Tour de Tuli, as it is in the rules.

It is understandable, due to the remote location of the riding.

 

Think carefully about your riding locations and type of riding before spending a lot of money on a pack, in my mind it's not a necessity.

 

If you are overlanding, where you will be out on the bike for 5 plus hours without access to water, by all means get a hydration pack.

If you are shredding local trails, just roll with a bottle or two, and get a small tool wallet for spares/multitool plugs and CO2 cartridges.

 

I like stopping to buy water/snacks cooldrinks from little shops along the way. One supports local small businesses. (and mainly find my legs and lungs because I went too hard.)

 

For mass participation events, water tables are catered for, and one really do not need 1.5l of water for 25 to 30km in between stops.

 

Having said all the above.

We have a Camelbak Mule, it's indestructible.

We also have another Camelbak pack that only takes a bladder and a small storage pocket for whathaveyou's. They are both rarely used, due to the factors mentioned.

 

 

 

 

[Super Sywurm]

The last time I used a hydration pack was on Tour de Tuli, as it is in the rules.

It is understandable, due to the remote location of the riding.

 

Think carefully about your riding locations and type of riding before spending a lot of money on a pack, in my mind it's not a necessity.

 

If you are overlanding, where you will be out on the bike for 5 plus hours without access to water, by all means get a hydration pack.

If you are shredding local trails, just roll with a bottle or two, and get a small tool wallet for spares/multitool plugs and CO2 cartridges.

 

I like stopping to buy water/snacks cooldrinks from little shops along the way. One supports local small businesses. (and mainly find my legs and lungs because I went too hard.)

 

For mass participation events, water tables are catered for, and one really do not need 1.5l of water for 25 to 30km in between stops.

 

Having said all the above.

We have a Camelbak Mule, it's indestructible.

We also have another Camelbak pack that only takes a bladder and a small storage pocket for whathaveyou's. They are both rarely used, due to the factors mentioned.

I only use my hydration pack on the 60km+ races, even if there is water points.  The main reason is I don't like to stop at a water point.  When I stop at water points, it feels like I loose momentum and the will to ride when I'm suffering on the bike.

[Shebeen]

onedayonly seem to buy up camelbak stock a lot and flog it.

 

so if you want to wait, you can save

https://www.onedayonly.co.za/m-u-l-e-hydration-packs-3l.html

 

 

 

+1 for osprey

i haven't used their hydration packs but their bigger bags are awesome.

PLUS they will fix it if it's broken - no quibbles

 

as for bladders, hmmph i think camelbak's huge advantage here eroded in about 2006 - you get plenty of decent options now and they are all interchangeable

[Chadvdw67]

one really do not need 1.5l of water for 25 to 30km in between stops.

That is a very blanket based statement, I can tell you now that on a hotish day I can/will/do go through every drop of my 2l backpack on a 25km ride.

[Grey Hubs]

I use hydration pack for ALL my rides. I like to stay hydrated even on a 2hr ride...

After a few falls on my back OTB, I try keep very little tools and hard objects in my backpack in fear of spinal damage. So I use the bottle cage to store tools and bombs.

 

Have a few versions on Camelbak. For me they bounce around too much.

 

I tried this: https://www.uswe-sports.com/

 

Holds solid on your back! The inner bladder died after a year or so. Now using the Camelbak bladder in this pack. Fits fine.

 

Not sure who stocks them locally...

[RocknRolla]

That is a very blanket based statement, I can tell you now that on a hotish day I can/will/do go through every drop of my 2l backpack on a 25km ride.

 

Correct, everyone consumes hydration differently. My wife drinks about twice as much water as I do over the same distance. 

 

I can ride 30 kms on about 300ml but on hot days this may go up to 500. 

 

My water consumption has changed a lot in comparison to when I started riding. 

[Slowbee]

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

Might I suggest that you first ask yourself what you want your pack for ?

 

A water bottle holder ? A big water bottle holder ? A water bottle holder plus some snacks?

A big 3l water bladder plus some snacks, plus the suncreen, plsu the bumceam, plsu your jacket, plsu cell phone and maybe car keys, but for sure the house keys?

 

Then ask yourself, what is the biggest meanest longest ride you plan on doing ?

 

Then go shopping.

 

You can always take less - but it is tricky to take more when you dont have any space.

[Slowbee]

onedayonly seem to buy up camelbak stock a lot and flog it.

 

so if you want to wait, you can save

https://www.onedayonly.co.za/m-u-l-e-hydration-packs-3l.html

 

 

 

+1 for osprey

i haven't used their hydration packs but their bigger bags are awesome.

PLUS they will fix it if it's broken - no quibbles

 

as for bladders, hmmph i think camelbak's huge advantage here eroded in about 2006 - you get plenty of decent options now and they are all interchangeable

Osprey for the win and their bladders are easier than camelpack.

[scubes]

So I have used the Camelbak Mule which was awesome. Just all round almost perfect . 

 

Also the Osprey (Raptor) I used for a while, also awesome very well designed pack and bladder.

 

Curently using the Source from Cape Union, it is a light pack and I like the bladder as it doesn't let the green gunk grow so my water tastes fresh without the plasticky taste. 

 

Have tried other packs, like Maxxed etc, which I would avoid. 

[Shebeen]

I use hydration pack for ALL my rides. I like to stay hydrated even on a 2hr ride...

After a few falls on my back OTB, I try keep very little tools and hard objects in my backpack in fear of spinal damage. So I use the bottle cage to store tools and bombs.

 

Have a few versions on Camelbak. For me they bounce around too much.

 

I tried this: https://www.uswe-sports.com/

 

Holds solid on your back! The inner bladder died after a year or so. Now using the Camelbak bladder in this pack. Fits fine.

 

Not sure who stocks them locally...

 

you'd think they would have been huge local demand after this was all over schmepic this year

 

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/bBih9Eh79feJyMapQUbRJHXtb1lc-m7T4S8ofIQvTc81SC_yGT3zaAzO9h7iOygOpQh1LbZUQR-ytVC3ti8kLFSy8A=e30-s0

[T-Bob]

Curently using the Source from Cape Union, it is a light pack and I like the bladder as it doesn't let the green gunk grow so my water tastes fresh without the plasticky taste. 

 

Source bladder are the best IMHO. Nice wide neck and never go gunky. Currently looking for a 2l horizontal one. Saw some on special the other day then lost the site before I ordered. 

[Help.Me.]

I carry my Camelbak Mule , which i bought in 2013 , every time i go out on the bike. It is packed with everything AND the kitchen sink. I am heavy on water and i cannot drink out of my bottles IF riding Single Track.........( i rarely do single tracks   )

[Stoffel76]

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

I've had the First Ascent one for about 6 months... Been happy with it, my previous one was a basic Sportsman's Warehouse one that, to be fair, served me very well for years.  I tend to over pack (it's the whole Scout moto, "Be Prepared" thing... ) and there's enough space in the First Ascent one to fit in a spare tube, bomb, tools, cellphone, keys etc and a lightweight windbreaker... 

[Pieter1]

Get the Mule and be happy forever. Lifetime replacement warranty on the bladder alone has saved me buying two bladders already. Both were old and started leaking after a long time. Also you never know what else you want to use it for. I use mine for fishing and short hikes as well.

If you can hold out One day only has the mule on sale at least once or twice a month.

[RocknRolla]

yes, the mule is a very nice pack for carrying small loads without the bladder.