General Cycling Discussion - Waterproof/weatherproof Hydro packs?

Of course the initial place to go is camelbak, but I was looking for something that

1. Can keep gear completely dry
2. Has plenty of space
3. Can fit plenty of gear for a day long ride or hike(aka camera and lenses)

Any other brands that have one up on camelbak?

Check out what Ortleib has to offer; their goods are completely waterproof.

Since you mentioned hiking, I assume you're talking about a backpack? If so, you might want to look into a real daypack or rucksack from a company like Kelty, Gregory, Mountainsmith, Golite, Osprey, Arc'teryx, Granite Gear, REI, etc., etc. Most packs these days have hydration ports and can fit any reservoir you like (e.g. Camelback, Nalgene, or MSR), so you don't need to limit yourself to a pack that's branded with the name of the reservoir manufacturer. I don't know of any packs that are completely downpour-proof, but you can get rain covers (including ultralight ones that are easy to pack) for just about any size pack.

As for capacity, it sounds like you may want something in the area of 2000 cubic inches or larger, which is about twice the size of the largest cycling packs (e.g. Camelback HAWG). I find that, for what I like to carry in the mountains, 3000c.i. or so is a good size for a day hike, but that's mostly clothing, food, water, and safety gear. If you start adding an SLR camera and lenses, volume (and weight) go up fast, by which point you are going to be into a size range that probably won't work well on a bike. This is because as you get into larger volumes and heavier loads (say 2000ci and 20lbs or so), the pack will generally have a full suspension including a rigid internal frame and a real hip belt. I'm not sure how that feels on a bike, so you might not be able to find something that does both jobs well.

About the only difference I've seen between the Camelback cycling packs, and a small general purpose daypack with hydration ports is the reflective piping, so don't worry too much about getting something cycling specific.

Deuter Dry Shield.

I was actually thinking the hawg, sometimes Id actually use it for the water pack, and sometimes for other things. So, hiking, and MTBiking.

The reason I'm thinking camelbak/waterpacks is because I'm trying to keep things in that medium compact size range. I don't want a full size pack.

Check out what Ortleib has to offer; their goods are completely waterproof.


+1. They meet your needs to a 'T'. http://www.ortliebusa.com/

Another solution...Get any backpack or messenger bag you are comfortable with that meets your requirements and put a CamelBak Unibottle in it. Turns anything on your back into a hydration pack. Works for me.

Completely "proof" is expensive and fail when least expected (like forgetting to zip it). A decent bag with a couple those giant ziplock plastic bags will, more often then not, be sufficient.

Try www.duluthpack.com. They make really good old-fashioned canvas packs (better than nylon for reasons the Web site will explain), which you can render COMPLETELY waterproof with a bag Duluth can provide, or with a kayaking "dry bag." I've never found a nylon bag that wouldn't leak at least a little in a heavy rain, but my old Duluth w/bag (or Ziplocks) has been completely submerged many times without hurting anything.

Where do you get money for this stuff if you don't have a job?

Jon, are you going to put that new camera in it?

I have the HAWG and it is not big enough to put that camera plus a jacket, plus any souvenirs you might be buying on your trip to Mexico. I'd say go for that mess bag type thing with the uni bottle.

Where do you get money for this stuff if you don't have a job?
I don't have a steady job, I just get smaller jobs sometimes.

I don't have money to get anything right now, these are all "wishlist" items. If I don't waste it all on knives, eventually I'll have the dough to get this stuff. Right now, I only have a few hundred. I need about 600 for the camera.

Jon, are you going to put that new camera in it?

I have the HAWG and it is not big enough to put that camera plus a jacket, plus any souvenirs you might be buying on your trip to Mexico. I'd say go for that mess bag type thing with the uni bottle.

Eventaully I'll need something I can take biking, that isn't a full size backpack that I can put some small stuff plus cameras and lenses into. So yes, for a new camera. The mexico thing is probably out, most likely disney land, I don't need much extra space for souvenirs, just the camera, and some small extra stuff.

Both the wife and I are very happy with our Ortlieb Flight backpacks, used on our daily commutes in all sorts of weather. We have the small size (22 liters).


"Newly developed waterproof daypack in two sizes. Features: 2-way TIZIP zipper, breathable harness system with meshed back for optimal ventilation in all sport activities, especially cycling! Waterproof main compartment, as well as a waterproof outer front pocket which also closes with a TIZIP zipper. Two side neoprene pockets with bottom openings for waterbottles. Integration of hydration system is possible for even the tube passage can be hermetically sealed when regular tubes (up to a diameter of 10,5mm) are used, and can also be completely closed from the inside. The mesh helmet flap is hidden in a tiny zipper compartment at the bottom next to the flashing light holder. Further features: internal organizer in , valuables compartment, reflectors on shoulder straps and front, carrying handle. The zipper for the main compartment can be locked with a small padlock (not included)."
http://www.ortliebusa.com/cartgenie/prodInfo.asp?pid=135&cid=2