Looking for a new hydration backpack

[pscook]

My hydration backpack split the zipper on my last ride. It is a little thing, more hydration than pack, so it's a good time to upgrade. Room for the odd power bar, but not much else. Anyone have a suggestion that is around $60-$70 US? Prefer to have enough space to pack a small assortment of tools, not too much. I didn't use to have to carry tools (my last bike was well dialed and stone-ax reliable), but with the XC300 I want to be able to handle the odd failure or adjustment. Enough to get me back to the truck, at least.

Anyone have suggestions for a smallish pack that has a 2 liter hydration bladder (or room for one, at least)? Anything to avoid?

 

[stainlesscycle]

i went through 2 camel backs in 1 year. now i just buy the small walmart one for $20...it lasted 50 races... the strap across the chest broke about 30 races in. i'm still using it...

 

[ditezz]

Hi Mate,
Just bought one of these.Carries 2 litres of water plus my gas gas tool kit plus extras.Its a Camelpak blowfish(I think) Cost me about $120 aus.Works great and very comfortable

 

[GMP]

I got my son a Fox hydration pack for Xmas, ordered in from Rocky Mtn., and when it showed up I wanted to keep it. Very nice and a bit more durable looking than a Camelback. I forget the model, but its about 2L. Not a lot of room for tools, but you won't find that in any small pack. FWIW, I don't like to carry a lot of tools in the backpack, just a small tire pump, and a plug and patch kit. Small bottle of oil for the longer rides. All the heavier tools go in a fannypack, which is more heavy duty and is off and accessible in seconds.

 

[PEB]

I use a Platypus bag in a generic hiking backpack. The Platypus bag is top notch.

 

[GMP]

The Fox bag opens like the Platypus, probably the same thing.

 

[swazi_matt]

There are also the military spec camelbaks on eBay. Just a 3l bladder and you can squeeze some other stuff in there

Last forever , mine is about 5 hrs old now, even think they withstand chemical warfare!!!

 

[Cruiser]

The fox is really nice,, several to chose from.. they have the blackburn/hydropak bags inside.. these can be turned inside out for cleaning.. no special tools etc.. My Wifes work carries them for the tourists.. I'm thinking about getting one.. that or the fly quick fit as it has extra straps that keep it planted offroad..from the reviews.. its a 50oz? havent heard if a 70 can be shoved in..

 

[pscook]

Okay, now off on a tangent- Since my hydration pack still works what about fanny packs? After looking at backpack options, the fanny pack may be a better plan. Easy access to maps, plus I never carry anything bulky. What say Ye?

 

[MrBlah]

I have a fanny pack permanently attached to my chest protector

for water, camelback without a doubt, best bite valves that dont leak, and a big opening so you can pack it with ice

 

[Fred1956]

Check out the Geiger Rig line, very versatile and almost bullet proof. Prices are well in line with other brands. Share your water, rinse your face, wash a wound......All lines are high quality quick disconnect, super wide fill mouth and you can turn it inside out to wash in the dishwasher. For you all weekend/hardcore/deep in the woods types there is an inline filter setup so you can fill from any water source, creek, pond, cow print and still have safe water. One of our series members bought one from me and had a wild 5th gear get off, he said he thought he tore the valve off as it was still spraying, while he was searching the area for the valve it stopped spraying, thought it had run out of fluid when in fact it just rinsed the dirt from the valve and then stopped. They also make a bladder only to use in your existing pack if you choose. It is the only hydration system that I stock here at the shop now. Very high quality and worth the $$$ NEVER SUCK AGAIN!!
http://www.geigerrig.com/buy-now/rig-1600.html

 

[JP4]

I've been using the Camelback Mule for 4 years and can't complain. 3l water bladder and room for a few tools, extra pair of gloves, can of puncture seal, and other small items. It's seen lots of rough use and no tears, busted zippers or other damage.

http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/2011-Mule.aspx

 

[biggstr6]

Camelback Lobo for me.

 

[mcnut]

I have "The Don" from Camelbak. It's huge and is mostly overkill. I rarely use all the pockets and it has a bunch including padded & waterproof compartments. I don't even notice it's there but my riding buds make fun of me because of it's size. The bladder lasts longer than I do too. Camelbak stuff has a lifetime warranty. This backpack was a free replacement for an older similar model I had that developed a zipper problem. Their customer service is excellent.

 

[rgranger]

GasGasMan turned me onto the zacspeed stuff, or someone that rides with him anyway
http://www.zacspeed.com/10site/usa/home.shtml

Look for the Exotec RP-3 or the Exotec SP-3 (bigger)

 

[MrBlah]

GasGasMan turned me onto the zacspeed stuff, or someone that rides with him anyway
http://www.zacspeed.com/10site/usa/home.shtml

Look for the Exotec RP-3 or the Exotec SP-3 (bigger)

this looks like what I use, but I built mine myself, it's all permanently together, I use an evs neck brace under a well worn MSR chest protector and the camelback is zip tied into it

chest protector + neck brace + camelback + fanny pack + gopro on the front, it's took a while to find stuff that worked together well, and now it's all permanently together, ziptied at key points

 

[Cruiser]

I have a fanny pack permanently attached to my chest protector

for water, camelback without a doubt, best bite valves that dont leak, and a big opening so you can pack it with ice

I also mount to permanently to the CP.. but...
Sorry,, not a fan of the camelbak.. I've had too many failures with the bite valves on the older ones just coming off on the trail and had a 90 degree one catch on my throttle cable once.. Also they are very hard to clean.. the hydropak ones are often rated higher or best for no taste and they have a dry bag type close that the whole bladder can be turned inside out to dry, clean etc.. several companies use and re-tag these as theirs.. kriega? not sure on spelling for one.. and fox.. The zacspeed also use these as well as the Fly brand and klim was also using them at one point.. I do like some of the camelbak bags but that zacspeed is really nice.. one of my buddies got that and he loves it.. its just a tad $$ for me..

 

[MrBlah]

I also mount to permanently to the CP.. but...
Sorry,, not a fan of the camelbak.. I've had too many failures with the bite valves on the older ones just coming off on the trail and had a 90 degree one catch on my throttle cable once.. Also they are very hard to clean.. the hydropak ones are often rated higher or best for no taste and they have a dry bag type close that the whole bladder can be turned inside out to dry, clean etc.. several companies use and re-tag these as theirs.. kriega? not sure on spelling for one.. and fox.. The zacspeed also use these as well as the Fly brand and klim was also using them at one point.. I do like some of the camelbak bags but that zacspeed is really nice.. one of my buddies got that and he loves it.. its just a tad $$ for me..

I dont clean mine, ever. I hate the bladders that use a slide on seal, I wont own another one of those

 

[Cruiser]

most have the roll and velcro.. the slide on is a pain and sometimes if not done just right will leak.. still better than the camelbak plastic and the funky taste..

 

[MrBlah]

most have the roll and velcro.. the slide on is a pain and sometimes if not done just right will leak.. still better than the camelbak plastic and the funky taste..

I prefer the camelback, those slide on ones always leak