[super_fly]

Hey Kids,

Well I had all of these thoughts rattling around in my head and I wanted to put them somewhere. So I started up a blog. My focus is the point of view of an older mt. biker who rode "back in the day" and is re-entering the sport with a bit more weight than when we started. Seems to me there are a couple of us around.

So this is a place I started up to put those thoughts.

Here's my first "big review". Let me know what y'all think.

http://clydeosaur.blogspot.com/2009/06/big-review-camelbak-hawg.html

I'll also post a shorter version of my reviews on the MTBR review site since that's the first place I go to research something. But I don't think it wold accommodate the expanded review as well.

I'll also look at putting up some pics to enhance the review.

But I'd love to get some of your feedback. I've dabbled with blogs before but never really found something that was worth doing. Clydesdale mt. biking - that I have a passion for.

 

[Nubster]

Looks good but one thing, how big are you? I ask because a clyde is a rider 200 pounds or more. So you could be 201 pounds and a clyde and much of what is said about a product, especially clothing or packs like the camel pack you reviewed would really mean nothing to me, a 300 pound clyde with a 54" chest and 40 something inch waist. So maybe giving some stats to put things in perspective might be helpful, but otherwise looks like the beginning of a nice blog.

 

[super_fly]

That's a great point Nubster. Thanks, I'll look at adding that in.

Oh, and no worries - I'm bigger than you. The pack should fit. lol

 

[AL29er]

Pictures are good, especially since you link to "not exactly" the pack you reviewed

I am rocking a hawg from circa 2005. Used to use a mule, but the hawg just fits me better (far less of the pack hitting me in the back of the head on steep stuff nowadays). It is nice to have on bigger days where I can pack all my stuff.

 

[dog.gone]

Nice job, super_fly! :thumbsup: I look forward to more reviews in the future.

 

[super_fly]

Thanks again everybody.

I updated the review to include:

explanation on why it's not the linked model (i think BPS picked up a big lot of closeouts or something

Relevant stats for the fit review: height, shirt size, pant size. Yeah, I just don't like seeing my weight number in print. 4x should hopefully cover questions about that. lol

 

[The Red]

I bought an '08 H.A.W.G. about 4 weeks ago. Its great and fits everything my saddle bag couldnt. I'm trying to fit my camera inside, I'll be taking it out for a ride soon enough, I'm thinking of putting the camera and lens in 2 separate socks for some protection.

The bladder to me is tasteless btw, I was really, really worried, as if the water would taste bad I would not like it and not drink enough. :thumbsup:

I use that mp3 pocket for my zune, and then run my earbuds through the left tube strap, while the actually tube is in the right shoulder-strap tube strap. Works great. My back doesnt feel wet after rides. And for someone who has never ridden with a hydration pack, took me only a week to get accustomed to the new weight distribution and additional weight.

I now got room to pack wallet, cell, 2nd flashlight, 2nd pair of 1st flashlight's batteries, space blanket and flint, even on my shorter (13.33 mile) paved rides..

Lets not forget the awesome tail-blinky tab on the rear of the pack, that lets me ignore attaching the plastic blinky mount to my seatpost, making it look nice and slim, with no worries of it catching on my bike shorts. :thumbsup:

Oh, and the elastic tube straps, I also use to hold my sunglasses if light changes too much while I'm out, like at dusk, and my orange sunglasses no longer amplify but darken. I often go on dusk rides, and not having to think about my glasses being banged up and scratched inside the pack is a BIG PLUS.. I just fold em and put one arm through the elastic tube holder strap that already might have either my earbuds or water tube going through. :thumbsup:

Can throw all that into your review too ... I have not experienced other hydration packs, but I love my H.A.W.G.

 

[super_fly]

Great feedback Red. Good observations!

Feel free to add it to the comments. If not I'll add & post a link.