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Submitted by
Waide
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA USA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything near the hub in the Santa Monica mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Value
Very nice size
many nice touches (see below) | | Weaknesses: | poor bite valve
the don't sell replacement bite valves | | Similar Products Used: | water bottles | | Bike Setup: | FSR XC Comp w/ two bottles/cages | | Bottom Line: | I think the Megagulp from supergo.com is an excellent hydration pack for $39.00. I believe it holds 70 oz. and it has a large pocket (big enough for a wallet, cell phone, a spare tube, a multi tool, and a patch kit), a small pocket (big enough for keys and some change), and a mesh pocket (big enough for a windbreaker or a vest.) It also has elastic cords to strap on a bigger jacket, a key clip, velcro tabs to hold the reservoir up, and a mesh back and straps. Another nice feature is the drip valve. If you get a "Hang Dry" and cut the hook off, and put it inside, you can hang the reservoir from a loop on the other end, and the bag will usually dry overnight. The heavy nylon pack seems to be sturdy and the screw top for the bag is leak-proof if sealed tightly.
The bite valve will give out sooner than it should. I found a replacement from Gregory at a backpacking shop that I like so far. This does, however, eliminate one unique advantage of the pack. The hose has screw fittings at each end so it is easier to clean and dry. I would give it more chilis if the bite valve was better or if it was easy to get a replacement. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
value, design | | Weaknesses: |
bite valve | | Similar Products Used: |
camelback | | Bottom Line: | I've had mine for over a year, and it works great! The first time I filled up my bag with Gatorade & put left it overnight in the frig, it leaked everywhere. Supergo sent me another one & I'm good to go. I tried using the bite valve, but it's not worth the effort. I actually used a Blackburn gulp valve with mine, and it flows like a fire hydrant! Great design. Just the right size, enought pockets, etc. to carry what you need for an afternoon ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex kerin
a Cross-Country Rider
from boston
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Bottom Line: | Okay, an update from the previous mail - the new bite valve is still crap - v. poor. BUT, the camelbak bite valve fits with a bit of trying, even though it is not meant for that diamter tube - just buy the bag and a camelbak valve.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Cross-Country Rider
from kerin
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
price - size - mesh on back | | Weaknesses: |
bite valve, BUT read below | | Similar Products Used: |
bottles | | Bike Setup: |
Kona hardtail/ Z2 AtomBomb | | Bottom Line: | Good bag, good price - but as said by all the bite valve was poor (Full flow leak after 5 weeks). So I emailed them referencing this product review page - the result - they sent me a replacement valve of a different design (more akin to camelbak design)- this works well so far. Any of you with the duff sprung valve, just email them.... 5 jalepenos | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtb_411
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Just a quick follow up:
Everything is good except for the tube that dribbles. Like any other part, you need to lube it. Just oil it with some olive oil, rince it and you should be good to go! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from VA
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anything with lots of climbing | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Cost
Capacity
Ease of use
Features
Value | | Weaknesses: |
Bite valve
85 oz not always enough H2O for epic rides | | Similar Products Used: |
Blackburn HR-100 Rush
Avenir Aquasimodo | | Bike Setup: |
Various | | Bottom Line: | After a full year of use my megagulp is still going strong despite me. I managed to pretty
much destroy the belt and rip most of the storage pockets through my own clumsiness
and poor judgement, but the pack lives on and still holds plenty of water and gear. Compared to others I've tried it is a cinch to fill and drain because of the thoughful inclusion of a handle near the fill area and the drain plug, not to mention the hang loop. My only gripe is the bite valve, which drips like mad, but that is the only thing. I am going to swap it out for a new Cannondale bite valve, and hope this will remedy the situation. Still, for $39 it is a sweet deal. Five, count 'em, five flaming chili peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DRay
a Cross-Country Rider
from Ellensburg, WA
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Taneum | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Awesome pack, great price, big bladder, big hole, holds everythin from chain tool to sweatshirt. | | Weaknesses: |
Blinkin' bite valve! | | Similar Products Used: |
Water Bottle | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 7000, Manitou FS... | | Bottom Line: | What a great pack. I can take everything I need with me, and I have yet to run out of water. I've been using it about every other week for about a year now, but the old Bite Valve Disease reared its ugly head last weekend. Thank goodness it was raining, or i would have noticed my soaked arm and hip much quicker and been much more annoyed. I called Supergo last week to order some other equip. and asked the sales guy about it. He said all they could do is sell me a new bladder! I think I'll call them back. If I do get a new bladder, it will not only be something that doesn't leak, it will have more flow than the cursed Megagulp.
Great pack and bladder. Poopy bite valve. 3 dookies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex H.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Caesar's Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Storage capabilities and comfort. | | Weaknesses: |
Bite valve bites. | | Similar Products Used: |
Original Camelbak | | Bike Setup: |
SID XC 80mm on hardtail | | Bottom Line: | When I first got the Megagulp, I really like it. I can stuff my first aid kit into the elastic mesh, plenty of tools and Clif bars into the zippered compartments, and a small pump in the long compartment. The bite valve looked interesting and worked well. I worked at a bike shop at the time and even recommended it to a friend over the Camelbaks that we carried. Then the bite valve started leaking. Sometimes it's just an annoying drip and sometimes a full gush that refuses to stop. The customer service from Supergo has been awful. When I finally spoke to someone, he flat out said there is nothing he could do and transferred me to the customer servie voice mail. It was full and would not let me leave a message. I left several e-mails, the only one that ever got returned said that he was forwarding my problem to customer service. I have read good things about them in the past, do they think they don't have to back up their products anymore? I am very disappointed. 5 chilis for the pack, minus 2 for the bite valve, minus 2 for the lack of service. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mtb_411
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Cheap, usefull, looks good | | Weaknesses: |
Tube dribbles | | Similar Products Used: |
Bottles | | Bike Setup: |
XC Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Good looking, and usefull. Enough pockets for tool, some food, lots of water, and cords for a windbreaker on the exterior. The tube dribbles though after a drink so all you need to do is blow some air back into the tube after your sip and the air pressure will hold out the water. Once your thirsty again though, watch out! The water will come SHOOTING out!!! hmmm.... I guess that's a positive after all! Five chilli's!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mass
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Otis on Cape Cod | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Holds tons of water, filler cap is big enough for regular sized ice cubes, plenty of storage space | | Weaknesses: |
? | | Similar Products Used: |
Just water bottles | | Bike Setup: |
I ride with this on my back. | | Bottom Line: | I actually got the Super gulp (not the Mega-gulp) when it was still available. It was like $30. It still holds 80 oz or so, but it doesn't have the padded straps or as much storage space. It'll still easily hold a tube or two, a hand pump, your keys and a couple packs of Gu. I like it, except for the pathetic bite valve. I got rid of that and bought the Blackburn bite valve, which rules. I guess since you can't get my model anymore, get the mega gulp- it's probably better suited to all day excursions, and maybe more comfortable due to the padded straps. It's worth it... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ron
a cross-country rider
from USA! USA!
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have owned a Supergo Mega Gulp for almost six months and I have to say that I am fairly disappointed. However, I must give credit where credit is due. The thing cost me less than fifty bones including shipping, as compared to a C not for a comparable camel back. But, the thing is, after the third ride, the plastic bite valve stuck open and promtly voided itself of any of the precious fluids within. Supergo was good enough to send me another bite valve only to let it happen again and again. After the third bite valve sticking, they sent me a rubber bite valve and it seems to work well. It doesn't hav the same rate of flow, but it works. Also, I have a problem with the drain plug at the top of the bladder. When it was being bonded in there, they missed a spot and it leaks like a newborn. And just recently, a new leak has formed where the hose screws into the bladder. Again, I did pay a lot less than if I were to go with a camel back, but come on, this thing leaks more than a frat boy after a 45 second keg stand. Maybe I got a lemon. Maybe I have a strange way of biting down on the valve. Maybe I ruptured the seal on a fall. Or Maybe this thing is a piece of crap.I give it 5 chilies for value, but -1 for it's workmanship | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pepe
a weekend warrior
from Portugal
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've just received my new megagulp. Used only once, but my opinion is the best.
Just hope that usage doesn't ruin the bite valve. It worked fine in the first ride. It carried a lot of stuff inside: a rain protection, and food, and tools, and a spare tube, and a pump, and the car keys, the mobile phone, my wallet: everithing you need, and more...
I ordered it from the US, payed import taxes ($15US), payed for transportation and it still is cheaper than the M.U.L.E..
Looks like a great value for my money. Give it a four because time must pass before I give it the killing five chillies! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Al
a weekend warrior
from Amish Country, PA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love my Supergulp. I got a free pair of Fisher gloves when I ordered it. The only thing that bit was the bite valve.
It started leaking all over my shorts. They sent me a new one yesterday. By the way, Supergo is the besk kickin' mailorder house in the world.Peace out!
Big Al | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JoBu
a cross-country rider
from FL
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a Megagulp. What a deal. Incredible amount of storage, extra large H2O capacity, and a cheap, cheap price. My only gripe is the bite valve. I prefer the Blackburn-style gulp valve and quickly put on one. With products like this out there, it's hard for Camelback to justify their prices on their H.A.W.G.'s and their M.U.L.E.'s. If you are currently contemplating the purchase of a hydration system, look no further. If you don't need all the storage and H2O capacity, get a Supergulp. Also a fantastic deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a cross-country rider
from Pasadena, CA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Megagulp because it was much cheaper than a MULE. I think it's all around great, except for the mouthpiece, which I quickly ditched for a real Camelback Bitevalve. Plenty of storage, and I do like the waiststrap and the sternum strap. It's also nice in that it keeps my water cool.
I carry a pump, 2 tubes, patchkit, wallet, keys, tirelevers and 2 liters of fluid. I'd give it 5 flamers if it had a better bitevalve. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a
from VT
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
good price-nice features-ditch waist belt-i took a hacksaw to the threaded adapter at the business end of the hose,tossed the spring-loaded bite valve, inserted a simple on-off/push-pull unit and hey presto,near perfection -plenty of space for spare tube, pump, multi-tool, handgun, girlie magazines okay just kidding about the last two but damn it have i hit the magic fifty word minimum yet or must i ramble incoherently like some doddering yuppie idiot w/ a $3500 fs bike that will nevr be used to its fullest potential-not darkbitter for nothing | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kyle
a weekend warrior
from Lake Wylie, SC
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
A great value. I purchased the SuperGulp. $20 is not far from what you'd pay for a good cage and bottle. With the SuperGulp, I get 5X as much water, enough space to store an extra tube, camera, and pump, and it's got a great little dohickey that you can clip your car keys to. Recommended to anyone that rides where it's hot.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drew
a cross-country rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Megagulp four months ago and have been thrilled with it ever since. It offers plenty of water capacity and storage space. I keep mine packed with tools, a tube, a pump, and food, and there is plenty of space to spare! The bite valve is unique and easy to use. The pack is (forgive the pun) packed with intelligent features like a drain plug at the bottom of the reservoir to allow all the water to drain. No more mold and gunk!On top of all this, I've gotten outstanding service from Supergo. My sales person was friendly, efficient, and courteous, and shipping was immediate - I had mine in a couple of days. Service after the sale has been outstanding as well. When my reservoir developed an inexplicable leak a couple of weeks ago, Supergo's staff handled the problem quickly and had a new reservior on my doorstep in a few days - no questions asked! They also displayed a welcome and genuine sense of humor that is seldom seen in the mail-order business. Overall, they treat you like a person, rather than a credit card number. Way to go, Supergo!I'd give the Megagulp 5 chilies and Supergo another 5 for service if I could, but I'll have to settle for a perfect score of 5! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a cross-country rider
from the Bay Area
Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The MegaGulp is a great deal for $ 39. The pack itself is well designed and durable. Good storage space. Easy set up and the capacity (85) is enough even for hot days. The only draw back is the bite valve. I have two MegaGulps and one valve leaked badly (the other is fine). Too much power needed anyway to get water out of the bladder, a replacement is recommended. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a weekend warrior
from Calabasas California
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Best price and best value on the market. Also tough as hell. Three headers landing on the mega gulp and it still looks like new. Lots of storage room for extra's. Waist strap was overkill so I took it off leaving the chest clip wich is more than enough to comfortably and securely hold the pack on. At this price and quality I cannot imagine why anyone would buy a camelback! Kudo's to Supergo! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from stockton, CA
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well after a long intial wait for my megagulp (due to backorder) I am quite pleased with it. I have never ran out of water, even when my buds are drinking cause their bottles ran out. The pack holds tons of junk (more than ya need really) & the fabric is quite durable. I pulled a few headers in which I landed on my back & the pack still is in great shape. For the money this is the best hydropack out there, best $39 I spent biking this year.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a weekend warrior
from West Australia
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Follow-up to last review:
I contacted Supergo & they are sending a new bladder immediately. Take note other suppliers... this is the service which should be provided. Thanks & congratulations to Supergo.
I've said all I want to & now am just writing to make up the fifty word minimum before MBR review will let me post... should be enough now! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: May 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Megagulp a couple of weeks ago & have used it quite a lot since. Overall, I'm very pleased with it... especially at the price; about a third of the Camelback. Just be careful with the little cap at the top of the bladder. Mine dribbles, leaving me with a wet back. Takes some wriggling to make it seal enough to hold water securely. After reading other comments here, I'll e-mail Supergo with the problem.
The unit is strong enough for me to have landed (endo!) on it with no damage, and it's comfortable enough for long rides... if you ditch the waist-strap!Great value, good product, and hopefully great after-sales service! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
moneyman
a weekend warrior
from Cheyenne
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Okay, here is my follow up. I had this thing on several times just riding around town to get used to it. First time I took it on the trail, it never made it out of the back of my land cruiser, as it was leaking like a sieve. The leak was at the bladder where the tube connects - not the actual connection itself, but the fixture attached to the bladder. I contacted Supergo by E mail, they responded that day saying customer service would contact me. Ididn't wait, so I called them. I described the problem, and without any further questions they sent a new bladder to me, no charge. I received it a couple days later and I am a happy camper. I still really like the megagulp, too. Five chili's for Supergo's handling of the affair! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a weekend warrior
from MO
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Supergo's SUPERGULP...I finally got to use it last weekend. I filled it about 1/2 to 2/3 full, water and some lemon concentrate, plus 8 or so ice cubes. Then I drove to the Katy Trail and unloaded the bike and took off for Hartsburg; about 10.5 miles up the trail. I rode non-stop, averaged about 15.3 mph. I don't do that often, I am a bit old for that type of ride. But I wanted to try the hydration system. It is the first time I ever used one of these contraptions. I carry one or two bottles on the frame usually, and stop to drink and stretch.Well, this system, for $25 is a steal. The new valve they sent me is pretty good, no leaks and I get water fairly easily without a lot of sucking. It is a spring loaded bite valve. When the water level drops to about 2.5 inches at the bottom, the gravity flow kind of goes away, but that may be prevalent with all systems like this? If you have knowledge and experiance, please drop me a line and let me know.I do believe (now) that this type water carrer will make you drink more, and more often. I am pleased with it. The straps could be more comfortable if padded, and their MEGAGULP is - but I did not want a carrier that large and this is relatively small. It does have two pockets and straps for a jacket and straps for a pump (or whatever). I am happy for a first time out. They are a pain to clean well after use tho' -- but that goes with it I guess. I do like the suggestion I read about, after cleaning and hanging, place it in the crisper of the refrig (I have a spare in the basement) and it will stay dry and not grow bad things! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Duhamel
a weekend warrior
from MO
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just received my SUPERGULP from Supergo. Didn't want a large package on my back and 85 oz is plenty for my riding. It appears to be well made. I did call them because the instructions state a threaded end on both ends of the drink tube. I got an older setup - they are mailing me the updated one no problem.This has two small pockets, and two sets of velcro tabs on the back to hold a pump, jacket, whatever. More than I plan to use. It is small (lighter) and has two shoulder straps coming off each shoulder which are adjustable after you have it on. No waist strap, but I can rig that up. Also there are two drink tube velcro tabs, one on each shoulder strap in the front. Should be handy. Can't really rate it for use yet, I have never used one of these before, but thought it would be better on hot summer days with longer rides. My two Polar bottles empty pretty fast. Oh - this has a very large cap, no problem inserting ice cubes. And the price is nice too. On sale for $25 plus shipping. Can't beat it!. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
moneyman
a weekend warrior
from Cheyenne, Wyoming
Date Reviewed: April 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I jsut bought the supergulp and am absolutely thrilled. This is the first of these systems I have ever owned, but I can't imagine that there are enough differences in a $100 camelbak to make me want to buy one of those. I took the supergulp XC Skiing and carried gobs of stuff to be out all day in the mountains and it held it all. Very comfortable. The bite valve worked jsut fine - I don't know what the other reviewers had problems with. Great product! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a cross-country rider
from Wooster, OH
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
*****************Having problems cleaning your Camelbak?******************** First: DO NOT BUY THOSE EXPENSIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS!!!!!!! Instead of that $15 device that effectively dries out your bladder, USE A BENT HANGER!
Second:when cleaning your bladder, do not buy those expensive cleaners or even soap. The former doesn't leave a residue, but using Palmolive will leave an aftertaste of soap for about 20-30 uses. Instead, let the fungus sit in ARM'N'HAMMER baking soda for a few hours. No nasty aftertaste, and all the fungus is gone.
Source:I haven't learned these things from wasting money, I just listened to my mother who has cleaned things effiecientlt much longer than I have been alive. Try it, it works!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Xen
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After a single ride all I have to say is the Bite valve sucks!. The rest of the pack seams excellent but when one is putting the power One cannot hold one's breath for twenty seconds while sucking hard on the tube. It just didn't work for me while working hard. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A
a cross-country rider
from So Cal
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i have one of these too and am more than happy with it as well as the large amount of storage it has but... the bite valve is the worse.you MUST buy a camelbak valve on day one. with all of the other brands at nearly double the priceand more (with half the pockets)you cannot lose.check the supergulp for less weight. if only supergo would sell the bladder it would be the best. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee
a weekend warrior
from Mass
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I like it. The bite valve does suck, but it holds a ton of fluid, and a few other things in the 2 pouches on it. I got a blackburn gulp valve, and that works great. For $35 you've got a great hydration system that beats the crap out of water bottles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Moon
a cross-country rider
from Athens, GA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Megagulp for Christmas and have used a few times now. The blue rubber bite valve that
originally came with it leaked like a sieve, but after calling Supergo they sent me a newly designed one
that isn't too bad as long as you're fairly gentle with it.It holds a lot of stuff, but it can be a tight fit when you get a bunch of stuff and try to fit the water
bladder in too. It does seem well constructed otherwise though, and the customer service has been
excellent though not flawless. Overall, a fairly good product.
| | Overall Rating: |
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