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Hydration systems - which one???


CJVDM

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Hi, i need some advide.  From a prev post seems the Camelback Mule is preferred by most.

 

Ive seen a special st CWC on Hydrapaks for a great price eg sub R300 while the Camelbacks only start at abt R600 (the Mule is R1000+  !!!)

 

Some reviews i read on the Hydrapak complains abt space constraints and taste of the water.

 

Any of you have a Hydrapak and willing to give feedback on it?  Alternatively, are there any other specials out there.  I just feel R1000+ is too much......

 

Im looking for a nice system which can take my spares and enough for a good day's ride.

 

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The MULE or HAWG is the business! If you are serious and want something that's good for multiday stage races or marathons.

 

otherwise the ROGUE or LOBO work just fine for a good 80km out on the bike.

 

as for taste, I've had no issue. I mix in my favorite jungle juice, but even plain water tastes ok.

 

Just make sure you clean properly. any fungal growth can make Jack a sick boy.
zaslinger2009-12-20 06:32:50
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Ive seen a special st CWC on Hydrapaks for a great price eg sub R300 while the Camelbacks only start at abt R600 (the Mule is R1000+  !!!)

 

camelbag you buy for life - mine's bladder was 7 years old, and cap didn't seal properly - they replace whole bladder, no questions asked.

 

 

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Anyone that owns a Hydrapak??  Im interested due to price reasons, but would like to hear some Hubber's comments.

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Anyone that owns a Hydrapak??? Im interested due to price reasons' date=' but would like to hear some Hubber's comments.

 

[/quote']

 

 

 

I've got the Hydrapak Hydro-20, works well, about 2 years old. Enough space, 2L bladder and plenty strong. It is a bit bulky, but that's why I have a Fox as well.

 

 

 

Nothing wrong with the Hydrapak, so if you don't want to pay the premium for a Camelbak, buy one.

 

 

 

 

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I'm not sure what the Hydrapak valve is like, but you could always replace it with a Camelbak bite valve for R100 and you then have the best pak for a great price.

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I have a Hydrapack which keeps water cooler for longer than the Camelbak as it has thicker padding. There is less space for other goods though. If you only plan on carrying a few spare items, the Hydrapack is the way to go. For stage races where you may need to take extra spares along, you would be better off with a Camelbak.

The valves on the Hydrapack are not quite as good as the Camelbak. They will need replacing after a while. The bladder on the Hydrapack can be turned inside out, allowing for easier cleaning and drying out.

 
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I have a 2L fox hydration pack that works great, water tastes good and valve is fine aswell, there is enough space for a sh*t load of tools and the like and it cost alot less than camelbak

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I would not go for a Hydrapak?. I've been using one for 3 years now and every year I must buy a new mouth piece, they just do no last. And Pro-bike has them last on their priority list. The bladders are great though. you can turn them inside out to dry and the hose disconnects completely. Wonder if I can get a Camelbak? mouthpiece to fit.

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Wonder if I can get a Camelbak? mouthpiece to fit.

 

It should work well, but just check the tube width. I initially bought a cheap bladder from Mr. Price for R49. The tube was too short, so I went to Mica and bought some irrigation tube and a Camelbak bite valve from Due South and it works just fine in whatever back pack I choose to use.
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http://media.rei.com/media/xx/a6a74ad8-0069-4a36-b96b-55ee0abf83c9.jpg

 

ClapClap Yes, have this one already......
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Long term the extra bit you pay for the camelbak is worth it.Apart from the superior quality,replacement bladders, straps and valves are easy to get.Initially i was tempted to get the hydrapak,but i saw too many comebacks due to leaky valves and bladder caps.I went for the 2L Rogue,and it was worth every cent..




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Camelbak is the way to go.

 

I have one based on the Lobo and got it off CRC for R500 in May. Mine even has a built in rain cover. And CBs are damn strong. Have taken a few tumbles and my CB is still 100%.

 

Yes, they are pricey, but they are the Leathermans of hydration bags. Once you got a CB you could never go back.

 

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Yep found my mule to be pretty bullet proof also got to remember the lifetime warranty on the bladder

I just bought a rogue yesterday for my son for christmas (I also can use it for shorter rides when the mule is overkillLOL)

I just like the build quality of the camelbak
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