[PimpinD]

So we have been testing out a few camel backs deciding which ones we are gonna take on our trip to colorado. I just wrote up a review on the dakine session, which is freaking sweet. ( http://tripxamerica.com/?p=66 ) Its super small, yet still hold 2L of water and enough tooks / snacks for 2 - 3 hours trail ride.

Anyone else use a camel pack while riding? What about camera packs? We were thinking we might take the fancier camera on some of the trails with us, but we would def. need something to protect it. All the camera bags look pretty bulky though.

 

[Bigjerm]

I ride with the Camelbak SlipStream. Holds 50 ounces of water and enough room for tools and such. Could use a little more room but overall it is small and light.

 

[PimpinD]

nice, how much was it if u dont mind me asking, we picked up the session for like $50 which seemed like a kill. mine comes in tomorrow and my friend has been using his the last few times we went on the trails.

 

[Bigjerm]

I believe it was $40 plus shipping through REI. My girlfriend has a Camelbak also. Not sure of the model but it just has a 50 oz blatter and a small pocket for a wallet and keys. It fits her back very well. I think hers was $35 at REI.

 

[PimpinD]

yea, im wondering how the smaller session will do when i put some tubes pump and extra tool in it for our trip...

 

[PimpinD]

anyone know some companies that sell smaller camera packs> the dakine ones look huge. But i guess our HD camera is pretty freaking big also.... that might have to stay in the car ..

 

[RickC5]

I use a seat pack for tools, spare tube, CO2, etc. Personal junk goes in the pockets of my shorts. I use one or two water bottles for shorter rides, like less than two hours.

I have four (yes, four) Camelbaks but seldom use any of them. The smallest has no storage, just the bladder. The three bigger ones can all hold a bunch of junk, but since the seat pack is already on the bike, I really don't use the storage except for snacks & stuff on longer rides.

The reason I don't use a Camelbak more often is because they make my back hot & sweaty, which I just don't care for.

 

[PimpinD]

i hate having stuff in my pockets, seems to always bang around on my knees, maybe i should pull my pants up =P

 

[ebeer]

I'm a big fan of the Dakine. I have an older Dakine hydration pack that is actually their winter model (use it for snowboarding) but it works fine on the bike. One thing about Dakine is the full zip front pocket. Makes it so easy to get to things, not stuffing and searching. Just quick in quick out. For this alone, I like the Dakine set up better than any other.

 

[ChevyM14]

this is my Camlbak H.A.W.G. in ACU camo. it is just right to fit my work colse in and have just a little more room if I need it. Haveing water right when you need it with out have to let go of the handle bars is the greatist thing ever! :thumbsup: . the only think I am dissapoint in is the hadware and the striath of the stiching. don't get me wrong, it is very good, but it is not the unstopabale Military gread pack like my Kifaru Pointman! that thing is the best bult thing I have ever owned, but it is way to much pack for just holding my water and work colse. anyway here are some pics.

 

[PimpinD]

looks nice, but slightly heafty. I wear a regular backpack for my laptop and work close for my commutes/. for the trails i was justl ooking for a small water and tool bag....

 

[ebeer]

If I was going to purchase another hydration pack.....and I do have a birthday coming up....I would look at the Deuter packs. They have a nifty system that holds the pack slightly away from your back to allow air flow. Not only is this reported to eliminate "sweaty back" but I read somewhere that an incredibly large amount of body heat is actually transferred out through the kidneys (and covering them up makes it harder for the body to lose heat). Anyway, the packs aren't cheap, but look nice...and hey, they're German they must be good.

 

[KERKOVEJ]

Ergon BD2

I am running the Ergon BD2 on all back country rides. It allows you to carry stupid amounts of weight...and not feel it. Not to mention, the shoulder harness swivels and the pack sits off your back. Here is the typical gear that I pack for the 6+ hour training sessions....





Here is the write up from the recent ride.

 

[DrNickels]

Shorter rides that only take a day, I roll with a hawg camelbak. It holds my pump, extra tubes, patches, some clothes, gps, cell phone, first aid kit, etc.

For longer rides or over nighters, I roll with an LL bean backpack that holds a 100 ml camelbak bladder, and I can cram rain gear, change of clothes, first aid kit, food, fire starting materials, attach a 1 person tent and sleeping bag, and it all feels good on my back.

I am also close to 300 lbs so I am basically like a damn pack mule on a bike.

 

[PimpinD]

sounds good. i dont think any of our bike trails are gonna be longer than a day. We do about 2 - 3 hours id say. Now if only i could get off work and go get my dakine bag and odi lock on grips ill be happy.

So yea, next review will the the lock on grips i got! be excited people
haha

 

[ReeCee]

I use and love my CamelBak Mule. It's plenty big enough to carry what I need. I've never had any issues with seams or zippers. It's been a good pack for me. More details can be found HERE

 

[bigpedaler]

I go the cheap route.

W-M has hydration packs, too; the "Outdoor" brand, which has been very good to me over the last six years. I wear a pack nearly every day -- always on commute, and every ride for more than an hour, plus utility rides -- and the only thing I had to do to make the cheapo hydration bladder workable is slip a Big Bite Valve on it. 2x in the whole time, I emptied the 2L bladder before getting home. Both were hot summer rides of 40+ miles.

I'd like a Mule, but I need more justification to spend that much, when I can get one that'll serve for years for $30.

 

[Harold]

I go the cheap route.

W-M has hydration packs, too; the "Outdoor" brand, which has been very good to me over the last six years. I wear a pack nearly every day -- always on commute, and every ride for more than an hour, plus utility rides -- and the only thing I had to do to make the cheapo hydration bladder workable is slip a Big Bite Valve on it. 2x in the whole time, I emptied the 2L bladder before getting home. Both were hot summer rides of 40+ miles.

I'd like a Mule, but I need more justification to spend that much, when I can get one that'll serve for years for $30.

I got a pair of Mules for $25 apiece. Ahhh...when company reps come to play. Mine are still in service 5yrs later and still going strong.

But I'm looking for a new pack for better fit. I do not like that my mule does not have a load-bearing hipbelt.
http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/796557
That one's on my christmas list.

 

[Ruger]

I got a pair of Mules for $25 apiece. Ahhh...when company reps come to play. Mine are still in service 5yrs later and still going strong.

But I'm looking for a new pack for better fit. I do not like that my mule does not have a load-bearing hipbelt.
http://www.rei.com/outlet/product/796557
That one's on my christmas list.

The Dueter packs are THE best packs made for Mountain Biking, no question.
I have a DueterCompact EXP 12 . The suspension system is terrific (Airstripes, same as race X) and the pack maintains its shape even with a full 100 oz bladder. Doesnt roll around the full bladder like the Camelback-type pack.
I also dig the Bladder, I didnt think I would.
Thats a great deal! If I didnt already have one I'd definately hop on it!.

Tryed the Ergon BD-2 it was full of gimmick, fragile, hard to set up, still hurt my back and just not reasonable to use.
Also very expensive!