Looking for a new hydration backpack
- Thread starter pscook
- Start date
my wife insist on using them, and they always leak, they are much harder to load up than a 1/8 turn camelback setup, shove ice in and go
pscook
Platinum Level Site Supporter
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)
That is the cat's meow right there. But $237 AUS? That's like, um, (carry the one), a lot in USD. Plus you have to take the whole thing off to access the tools and other errata. I use a compression suit under my jersey and jacket right now, so it needs to be stand alone. I have several recommendations for an MSR fanny pack and just keep using my current CamelBak for hydration. I don't carry enough stuff to warrant a true "does it all" pack right now, maybe in the future after I exhaust my fanny pack options. Some great recommendations, for sure. I will keep using my current pack because I have none of the issues that you all mention. I must have an older version, because it has never leaked and the bite valve is straight and never fails. I know that my buddy has had issues with his, but I have been pretty lucky so far. Well, except for the zipper, of course. I might try the warranty option, but I don't want a new one, just a fixed zipper. We'll see.
Thanks for the excellent suggestions, if I spring for something fancy I'll post up.
GMP
Active member
I like both my drink system and tool bag as small as possible, just big enough to do the job. Also, I can't see having tools somewhere that you can't get to very fast and have to take your gear off to do it. A fanny pack is off and open in seconds. For hare scrambles I don't even carry tools, just a basic 70 oz. Camelback. For enduros or trail rides I have a bigger Camelback Mule (still not that big) and a Moose fanny pack. I have to upgrade my drink systems too, both are beat up. My wife has a simple Blackburn system, and that has been fine for quite awhile. If the battery box on the '12 can be used to stash a small oil bottle, patch/plug kit, and a power bar or so, I could get by with one smaller drink system.
Your the only person I have really ever heard of that has had that much problem with the slide on lock... Maybe try the mil spec bag? They drove over it with a fork truck in a video to prove how well it seals. The slide is thicker/stronger than the regular ones. May do the trick for you??
And GMP,, yes I agree, having tools in the backpack sucks big time. Have not got used to a fanny pack.. On my kdx's and older ktm's I ran a fenderbag that held all the tools. Been trying to come up with a good place on this orange pos to do that and so far nothing. I was planning an underseat thing on the 03 before I sold it. I think I still have the parts. I'd rather the weight of the tools be on the bike than the rider. Winter I carry 50oz and summer 70-100 depending on the ride. I drink a lot. With that much liquid I'd rather not carry tools too.
GMP
Active member
Steve,
I drink a lot too and carry the same as you know. Yeah, the fanny pack is something you may have to get used too. Some just hate it and never do. A lot of it is in setup I think. A tightly packed small to mid size bag with a snug belt will not flop around and is not annoying. If its all loose it feels like a bag of junk and will eventually destroy itself. I added two compression straps to the Moose pack and its been fine. I always seem to need it to fix someone else's ill prepped bike though.
I drink a lot too and carry the same as you know. Yeah, the fanny pack is something you may have to get used too. Some just hate it and never do. A lot of it is in setup I think. A tightly packed small to mid size bag with a snug belt will not flop around and is not annoying. If its all loose it feels like a bag of junk and will eventually destroy itself. I added two compression straps to the Moose pack and its been fine. I always seem to need it to fix someone else's ill prepped bike though.
pscook
Platinum Level Site Supporter
Accessibility is key for me, too, hence the direction to go to the fanny pack for the tools and other junk (car keys, ID, phone, map, etc). It's down to either the Enduro Pak or the Litening Pak. Probably the Enduro as it has the positive closure straps and doesn't rely on Velcro alone.
I just recently got used to riding with a kidney belt. All the yrs riding and never using one as they annoyed me. Then the back issues and can't really ride without now. In fact,, I sometimes use one driving the work truck.. Bounces around almost as bad as the bike in the rocks,, maybe worse.
I use these now. Disposable single use container (I think they are cheap bought 10). Easy to wear and comfortable...
http://www.uswe-sports.com/products/fuelpacks/h2-xc/?cat=enduro
http://www.uswe-sports.com/products/fuelpacks/h2-xc/?cat=enduro
No interest it's too complicated compared to a newer camelback
firffighter
New member
I hate the feeling up being "bound up" with my beefy Six Six One pressure suit and a camelback over the top of that it was just too heavy and restrictive. I dont like the lack of movement and heavy feel of a full chest protector and hydration pack.
I tried the butt pack camelback, but it would always slide down after a long day riding and doesnt hold enough water for a long day's ride.
This year I decided to ditch wearing my pressure suit or full chest protector, and tried a lighter duty EVS chest protector. I absolutely love it and it give me much more freedom. It covers the essentials very well and is light yet provides a good amount of protection.
I then picked up the fly hydration pack that attaches to your chest protector. It took a bit to get it set up the way I wanted, but once in place it works great.
I carry a fair amount of tools and extras to repair just about anything that can wrong and with the tools, and water, it can add up to a pretty heavy pack. I like to carry the weight up high on my shoulders and always found that I could never get the weight high enough with camelbacks .
With the Fly hydration pack attached to the EVS, I get the weight up on my shoulders nicely and still have lots of freedom and movement.
I tried the butt pack camelback, but it would always slide down after a long day riding and doesnt hold enough water for a long day's ride.
This year I decided to ditch wearing my pressure suit or full chest protector, and tried a lighter duty EVS chest protector. I absolutely love it and it give me much more freedom. It covers the essentials very well and is light yet provides a good amount of protection.
I then picked up the fly hydration pack that attaches to your chest protector. It took a bit to get it set up the way I wanted, but once in place it works great.
I carry a fair amount of tools and extras to repair just about anything that can wrong and with the tools, and water, it can add up to a pretty heavy pack. I like to carry the weight up high on my shoulders and always found that I could never get the weight high enough with camelbacks .
With the Fly hydration pack attached to the EVS, I get the weight up on my shoulders nicely and still have lots of freedom and movement.
I think the complaints about the camel back bite valves are spot on as to them coming out and hanging on the bars, but they are still the best in use and they are readily available. Ill add two things i have not seen mentioned. 1.That 70- 100 ounces of water you are carrying up and down your spine provides a great measure of protection. 2. When i wear a hydration pack i drink substantially more water than i other wise would.
GMP
Active member
Boyscout makes a very good point that I may be able to back up from experience. I once hit a tree head on a KTM300 with a stuck throttle. I went over the bars, and actually hit the tree upside down with my back. Amazing I was not hurt, but the camelback bladder split at the seams from the pressure. At least some of the energy was transfered to the camelback, so yes its a good thing.
rgranger
Gold Level Site Supporter
I always tell my buddy, "Hey, grab that whatsit, from the bottom pouch..." I figure if I ever really have to bust out all the tools, the stuff is coming off anyway os that I can work easily. I hollowed out the foam protector for my flexx bars for a small screwdriver, so quick suspension changes are easy. The tools get used most by others needing something, so I make them get the stuff out and load it back up
I can't see how you guys ride with a pressure suit, I tried one for the shoulder protection while healing from surgery and I felt claustrophobic.
