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MTB Dirt Mountain Bike Forums forum - Topic - Good Hydration Packs

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Nutz

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Good Hydration Packs

September 01, 2010 09:04pm

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I know that the good old camel pack is a favorite choice, but i was just wondering if anyone knows of any other packs that are up to the challenge.

I have personally looking a 2 packs one being the Lezyne Great Divide and the other being the Osprey raptor 18. I was just hoping to get someones else's opinion

Lezyne Great Divide Link

http://www.lezyne.com/products/hydration/great-divide

Opsrey Raptor 18

http://www.ospreypacks.com/Packs/RaptorSeries/Raptor18/

Let us know what ya think??

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Klunker Schlumper
Forum posts: 4318

Good Hydration Packs

September 01, 2010 09:37pm

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I have 3 Camelbaks for MTBing and a Deuter (with the airflow back) for commuting. If I didn't have the Camelbaks already (I've had them for years and the Deuter for about a month) I'd buy another Deuter for MTBing, they are brilliant, though I would probably stick to the Camelbak bladders as they seem to be one of the better ones that are around IMO.

Off the two you linked to, I couldn't see the Osprey back contact area very well, but the Lezyne one looks to be OK but again the picture could be deceiving. Have a look a the Deuters for a really good back airflow system and great support. It almosts feels like I have no pack on when using it.

pain is temporary, quitting is forever

DrGeoff

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Good Hydration Packs

September 01, 2010 09:47pm

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X, which Deuter model do you have?

Does anyone know which Deuter pack would equate to a Camelbak M.U.L.E?

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Omad

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Good Hydration Packs

September 01, 2010 10:05pm Updated 01-09-2010 10:12 pm by Omad

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Out of the two your looking at, I think the Osprey looks pretty tidy. The web site was a bit confusing, does it have the AirScape Suspension system?

I've got a Dakine Nomad and a Camelbak Mule. Both 3L bladders. But gear carrying wise, a bit smaller than the two you've listed.

I like the Mule and don't really have any issues with it, but the Dakine is better than the Mule in every possible way. Comfort, design, adjustability, price, bladder design, looks.

Given Dakine doesn't have much of a following in Australia (I got it off ChainreactionCycles) I wasn't expecting it to be as good as the Camelbak. Was quite surprised at the quality of the product and whenever I want gear I always go and check out what Dakine has to offer. Especially if as much thought goes into all their products

From recent research I've done it'd be tough to go past X's Deuter for carrying a bit of gear (weighty items) on the bike. Seems to have good ergonomics and very good weight distribution in its favour!

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Klunker Schlumper
Forum posts: 4318

Good Hydration Packs

September 01, 2010 10:15pm

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Futura 22 (22 litre), comes in other sizes, they are hiking specific but crossover very well to cycling. The do cycling specific hydration packs bit I found the Futura to be what I needed for commuting.

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/hydration.php

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/hiking.php

Paul W

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Good Hydration Packs

September 02, 2010 10:06am

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Globe treckers in the CBD have the osprey range in stock, so you can go try them out. For my money they were a little painful to get the bladder into every day, plus they didn't seem to hold that much gear.

Another option is Vaude, who do the air back packs like X is talking about, but also in smaller sizes; they would equate to a slightly larger MULE (but still not heavy).

Like X I got a deuter cross air X EXP recently, and like X I would recommend this hands down over the camelbak; mainly due to the air back on it. You can't have too big in a backpack, just too small....

mikey

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Good Hydration Packs

September 02, 2010 10:28am

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Quote: X

Futura 22 (22 litre), comes in other sizes, they are hiking specific but crossover very well to cycling. The do cycling specific hydration packs bit I found the Futura to be what I needed for commuting.

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/hydration.php

http://www.deuterusa.com/products/hiking.php

How many biddons can you fit side by side into it? I'm looking for one I can fit 3 side by side into and not get blisgers on my back from the constant rubbing.

Bones heal but scratches weaken the carbon

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Klunker Schlumper
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Good Hydration Packs

September 02, 2010 12:00pm

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could easily fit 3 and I reckon 4 bidons across the futura 22 I have.

sirbob

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Good Hydration Packs

September 02, 2010 01:16pm

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this is the best bag i've ever used -

Vaude Aquarius Air 7+3

http://www.vaude.com/epages/Vaude-de.sf/en_IN/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Vaude/Products/15245/SubProducts/152450400

Perfect size to fit a shirt and pants for commuting but still small enough to be reasonably aerodynamic. Has a full suspended harness that allows your ventilation between your back and the bag. Sufficent capacity for a 3L water bladder and all the gear you could ever want to carry. the bag is also exapandable for times when you need to carry something bulky.

I've also used a Dueter Race X-air and that was a good bag, but i found i rode with it mostly empty. I have also tried a camelback but found that the lack of harness meant it flopped around on my back during rides.

Nutz

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Good Hydration Packs

September 02, 2010 08:45pm

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Jesus

There is so many to pick from thanks for opening my eyes. Does anyone know o f a good set of stores in Brissie to check most of these bags out, i think it will hepl me make a better choice

sirbob

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Good Hydration Packs

September 02, 2010 09:21pm

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As stated above;

Gloe Trekker in the CBD has the best range of bags. Failing them you can walk across the road to Kathmandu.

Paul W

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Good Hydration Packs

September 03, 2010 08:43am

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Actually the adventure stores in the valley are probably better; they have more in stock to look at then the CBD

Nutz

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Good Hydration Packs

September 06, 2010 05:17pm

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Well just an Update

Went in to Globe Trekker today and wasn't really impressed with the Osprey Raptor, It was nice but just a bit flimsy feeling, which also made it look not very water proof. Unfortunately they didn't have the deuter i was interested in (deuter compact Exp 8/12) which looks really good on the web but would like to see in the flesh. Thankfully they should get one in this week so ill go back and check it out.

One of the big disappointing things was the row of shops down near the valley really didn't have much to offer except for Camelpaks of course. I guess they could order in if you were certain but i would like to try before i buy.

Wilson51

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Good Hydration Packs

September 06, 2010 05:28pm

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Having worked for 5 years in an outdoor shop and trying out most brands of gear and having lots of feedback from the people that use the gear that i sell to them i think i can help here by saying that the only two brands you want to use are Camelback or Source. Personally ive had my source bladder for 7 years now as i bought it the day i started that job and its still going well they are cheaper than camelback and i belive they are made better as well their technology in the actual plastic is far better too.

Nutz

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Good Hydration Packs

September 06, 2010 05:57pm

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Quote: Wilson51

Having worked for 5 years in an outdoor shop and trying out most brands of gear and having lots of feedback from the people that use the gear that i sell to them i think i can help here by saying that the only two brands you want to use are Camelback or Source. Personally ive had my source bladder for 7 years now as i bought it the day i started that job and its still going well they are cheaper than camelback and i belive they are made better as well their technology in the actual plastic is far better too.

Just wondering what model's you have used Wilson51. Everyone has mentioned Camelbaks and i took a quick look at the source website and it seemed limited. In the end just wanted to see what was out there more suited to riding that offered extra space comfort and a good bladder system. To be honest everyone that has posted seemed to mention the Deuter thats why i investigated more into it and will probably be a toss up between the Mule NV and the Deuter Compact EXP 8/12

ZepinAtor

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Good Hydration Packs

September 06, 2010 06:02pm Updated 06-09-2010 06:09 pm by ZepinAtor

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Hey Nutz, we have 2 Camelbaks for sale very cheap if you'd like to give them a try out without breaking the budget. They're at the opposite ends of the scale from each other. One is the Rogue which is a race orientated model with a max bladder size of 2 litres & 2 very small pockets for 2 tubes, multi tool & a pump only.

The other is the Blowfish which would easily take a 3 litre bladder + a 1.5 litre beside it. Or for Mikey 3 bottles with room to spare. It has 3 huge pockets with the largest rear one being expandable. They're both blue/ grey in VGC, but I only have 1 X 2 litre bladder between the two of them.

Will do the smaller Rogue with no bladder for $30 & the Blowfish with 2 litre bladder for $60.

I'm currently using the Mule NV & find it to be perfect for long rides with it's new hard backing plate. I was shopping around about 6 weeks ago & almost purchased an Osprey from 99 Bikes at Newmarket. It's almost the same as the Mule NV, but it had a few great features like a magnetic clip for the drink valve & a hard backed bladder on a handle. It was a tough choice but the Mule was a cool green colour & the only Osprey in stock was baby poo yellow.

Stop your b#tchin

Nutz

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Forum posts: 21

Good Hydration Packs

September 06, 2010 07:22pm

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Quote: ZepinAtor

Hey Nutz, we have 2 Camelbaks for sale very cheap if you'd like to give them a try out without breaking the budget. They're at the opposite ends of the scale from each other. One is the Rogue which is a race orientated model with a max bladder size of 2 litres & 2 very small pockets for 2 tubes, multi tool & a pump only.

The other is the Blowfish which would easily take a 3 litre bladder + a 1.5 litre beside it. Or for Mikey 3 bottles with room to spare. It has 3 huge pockets with the largest rear one being expandable. They're both blue/ grey in VGC, but I only have 1 X 2 litre bladder between the two of them.

Will do the smaller Rogue with no bladder for $30 & the Blowfish with 2 litre bladder for $60.

I'm currently using the Mule NV & find it to be perfect for long rides with it's new hard backing plate. I was shopping around about 6 weeks ago & almost purchased an Osprey from 99 Bikes at Newmarket. It's almost the same as the Mule NV, but it had a few great features like a magnetic clip for the drink valve & a hard backed bladder on a handle. It was a tough choice but the Mule was a cool green colour & the only Osprey in stock was baby poo yellow.

Thanks for the offer mate but i think they are bit big and a bit small. Like you will ill get out and try the Mule NV and also see what the Deuter has to offfer when the store gets one in

thanks again

Nutz

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Good Hydration Packs

September 11, 2010 04:44pm

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Well to all that are interested

I got the Deuter Compact EXp 12 and tried it out today in DH. To pick up its quite heavy once i had all the gear in it that i wanted and also i really filled the bladder to test it out. But once on my back i couldnt feel it really so i was impressed. It has enough pockets and i like that you can put the the helmet and rain cover away in there own pockets. So in the end really impressed

thanks for all the advice and see you on the trails