[ATBScott]

2ndgen says it - MULE - the pack is big enough to grow into, and you only have to put in 50 Oz of water for shorter rides - if it's hot or you want to go longer - put in more water! I use it for everything, from 1-hour quick loops to 5 - 7 hour epics. On the real long rides, if the refills are far-between (or non-existent) I'll carry 2 bottles on my frame and a small bottle in the back mesh part of the pack. If you only have one pack, get something mid-sized or larger so you have options!

 

[2ndgen]

Yeah, I like it's capacity to carry both water "and" a bottle or two inside
(I can't drink "just" water...I need a little flavor when I make my first stop).

I don't carry anything on my frame because I like to jump a lot.

 

[Timon]

if i haven't convinced you enough already...
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=432570

 

[jh251]

I'll be looking at the 50oz and 70oz next time I go to the bike store. Like I said, I won't be riding more than 2 hours. If I bought the 70oz, it carries more water, but also more room for other things?? tube, snacks, tools etc.....

 

[jervana]

doesn't hurt to shove in an extra water bottle in the camelback for safe measure.

 

[2ndgen]

I'll be looking at the 50oz and 70oz next time I go to the bike store. Like I said, I won't be riding more than 2 hours. If I bought the 70oz, it carries more water, but also more room for other things?? tube, snacks, tools etc.....

The difference between a 70oz bladder and a 100oz bladder is negligible.
The storage side of the pack is what determines your storage capacity.
You don't store anything in the bladder pocket.
Just a note.

 

[Tilos]

Here you go...

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylePkey=17986&offer=EM087EM2

Tilos

 

[Berkley]

Camelbak classic: 70oz. $22

Just enough pocket for important tools and an elastic strap which can be used for holding a water bottle.

 

[havnmonkey]

I have a classic 70 oz. which would fit your ride lengths very well... however if you have a "thirsty" day you'll kill it off before your rides over... nothng sux worse than sucking that last sip out o' the pack before the ride's over!!!

I'll be stepping up to the Mayhem 100oz soon... I think the Classic is cheap enough to start w/ and then upgrade to something bigger later on... there's nothing wrong with more than one canteen!!!

 

[kapusta]

I ride off road trails for no more than 2 hours, and city streets for no more than a 1/2 hour.

I had a MULE for a few years and then got a HAWG. Honestly, I don't see any advantage to the smaller MULE over the HAWG. I can pack light in the HAWG if I want to (50 oz water) and it compresses down to the size it needs to. On the other hand it can hold a lot more if it needs to, including an extra layer or two inside the pack.

 

[2ndgen]

It's the difference between a butter knife and a multi-use knife.

 

[YZINGERR]

its personal preference. You have to evaluate:
What are you going to carry in your pack?
What are the longest regular rides you do, and how much do you drink on those rides?
What features are you looking for in a new bag?
Everything else falls into place!

 

[Natedogz]

The bladder goes inside an insulated sleeve separate from the tools-pouch. I just don't see any way the bladder is going to get punctured. I also have landed on my back on some rocks a few times. Never punctured a bladder. It's also pretty hard for anything besides a knife or nail to puncture a deflated tube... and you can put the tubes in a separate pouch anyway...

I just had to replace the bladder a few seasons ago. So, the first one lasted 9-10 years. I only replaced it because some mold started to develop in the straw and I figured I'd just replace the bladder+straw instead of trying to wash out the straw.

X2 and I put my tubes, inflator, CO2 cartridges and anything else like that into quart sized Ziploc freezer bags, just in case something should try to make a hole in my spare tube or whatever. Definitley no worries of puncturing the Camelbak bladder.

FYI, REI near me sells the straw tube, bite valve and all the other little parts seperately and has them in stock.

2ndgen says it - MULE - the pack is big enough to grow into, and you only have to put in 50 Oz of water for shorter rides - if it's hot or you want to go longer - put in more water! I use it for everything, from 1-hour quick loops to 5 - 7 hour epics. On the real long rides, if the refills are far-between (or non-existent) I'll carry 2 bottles on my frame and a small bottle in the back mesh part of the pack. If you only have one pack, get something mid-sized or larger so you have options!

X2.....it's frickin hot here in summer and I too carry two large bottles on my frame and the Mule full of water....haven't added a small bottle in the Mule, but it could be done. :thumbsup: I carry multi-tool, spare tube, dry patch kit, cellphone, keys, several snack bars, shot blocks, CO2 inflator w/four cartridges, spare pair of gloves, two pants leg reflector velcro strap thingies, and map/directions for where we're riding all in my Mule and still have a little room for wind-breaker etc. in mine. A minute into the ride I forget it's on my back until I need something out of it.

...so people who connect trails look homeless you to?

Maybe he saw me after a long hot day of riding covered in sweat, dirt, and dust? LOL

 

[2ndgen]

I can't see myself riding for distance without my MULE.

Even to just carry my keys, cash, cell phone, sunglasses (when not wearing them) and a snack it's just so much better than having to have every pocket I have stuffed with something that can fall out on a trail or while jumping.

I can understand the bare-bones approach if one is riding on a trail with other riders around that can help them if they have a problem (minor breakdown, etc...) and if they were within walking distance to help.

2 each his/her own.

 

[ADDam]

I just bought a MULE a few days ago and I love it! I had a regular 50oz CamelBak, But it just DIDNT hold enough water! Cheapest place I found for the mule was www.treefortbikes.com

 

[TLL]

You need two packs.

A smallish pack for short rides: Camelback Lobo does a nice job.
A larger pack for longer rides, gear, pads, etc. Dakine Nomad is really the pack of choice.

 

[2ndgen]

You need two packs.

A smallish pack for short rides: Camelback Lobo does a nice job.
A larger pack for longer rides, gear, pads, etc. Dakine Nomad is really the pack of choice.

Makes all the sense in the world.



The thing is, carry water no matter what.

 

[eatdrinkride]

I can easily run through 100oz is just over an hour to 1 1/2 hours where I live (in the summer time) so I have a Mule and a Hawg. I bought the Hawg so I could carry a second bladder in the summer and extra layers when riding up north in the less predictable weather. Bottom line is I have not used the Mule, aside from hiking, since I bought the Hawg. It just works better if you carry stuff in addition to water. Once the Mule is filled to 100oz's, the storage compartment is quite cramped and small.

If you are a weight weenie then use a small pack or a carbon fiber water bottle holder if that floats your boat, but if you like roomy pack big enough for extra fluids on those epic rides in summer, try the Hawg.

 

[2ndgen]

Agreed on the MULE's lesser capacity.
It's enough though for a nice long ride.
But I like being overprepared so...

That's my next Camelback...HAWG:

 

[denmikseb]

The 50oz. Rogue will hold more than enough water for your rides, and has enough pockets to hold needed tube, tools, even has a mini pump pocket. I find the Mule too big and bulky with space I don't use.