Mountain Biking - 100 oz (3ltr.) hydration packs...

I'm looking at getting a bigger pack. At the moment, I have a Camelbak Classic 70oz pack that doesn't hold squat. I have a Dakine Session 70oz pack that holds pretty-much all I need, though I would like more water and possibly a tad more cargo. The lighter, the better...but needs to be able to handle the occasional trip over the bars.:lol:

Any pro's/con's on the:
Camelbak Mayhem
Camelbak Mule
Dakine Nomad
____________?


My Dakine bladder leaked at the silly quick-release joint almost immediately, so I put in a Camelbak bladder. Not a huge fan of the Dakine bladder unless they've remedied this flaw. I do like the QR idea and the higher flow bite-valve is pretty nice too.

Any other comparable options I haven't listed?

I've got a 3L Camelbak from a few years back and like it a lot. I believe it's the Mule (maybe HAWG) and it's been really good to me. I take my dog with me on most rides so the large bladder is a must. Beyond that the pack is big enough that I can stow a pump, suspension pump, couple of tubes, tools, CO2, and food without it being overstuffed. I've got a minimalist 2L Camelbak too for short rides but I never use it. I just keep the Mule packed with all the stuff I need. When I'm ready to ride it is too. I just grab it and go and know that I didn't forget anything that I might need later.

Mike

Dakine Drafter (http://www.dakine.com/sport-packs/bike/drafter/). Does it all and then some. Not quite as much cargo space; but in the last three years I've watched the Drafter evolve into basically a "mini-Nomad" - - adding compartments, cu. in. and reservoir size to where they are as capable as the Nomad was three years ago. That's why i finally pulled the trigger on one.

Oh, need to address your reservoir question: hose QR does not leak on mine at all and the bite valve behaves itself well too. Dakine has changed bladders each model year of the Drafter for the last three or four, presumeably to address just those issues maybe. Seems to finally be dialed. (BTW, mine is an '08 model that I bought on closeout this year).

The hose, QR and bite valve on that dakine is the exact same one that my Hydrapak uses. My bite valve developed a tiny split in the elbow.. but the entire hose assembly has a lifetime warranty.. I just have to send it in.
This one is similar to the one I have.. http://www.hydrapak.com/catalog/product2129.htm

I have the Mayhem. I really like it, but for hot (80*+) XC rides, it is too much. Makes me overheat and the bag is pretty heavy, even empty. It does hold a bunch of stuff though. I use it as my everyday backpack with the bladder removed and as my trail work pack. If this one ever breaks, I'll get another.

The storage is kinda narrow. If you have the bladder in and some stuff in the other pockets, you need to undo a few of the straps if you need to get anything out of the bag. Otherwise you'll end up getting your hand stuck in there. It's not a huge deal, but you can't really just reach in and grab stuff. This does keep everything from rattling around though, so it is a reasonable trade off.

I have the Dakine Nomad, it is huge w/ so many cargo spaces - 3 + the water chamber. the outside pocket expands to fit my elbow/knee pads w/ no hassle. The two storage compartments have lots of little pockets to put tools in which is nice. I give it a :thumb:

I read that post too fast and read it as "needs to be able to handle the occasional trip over to the bars" rather than "trip over the bars," and got this nasty picture in my head of how nasty a hydration pack's bladder would get if you filled it up with beer. That said, I have nothing useful to add to the topic. Carry on.
*Retreats back into shadows*

I read that post too fast and read it as "needs to be able to handle the occasional trip over to the bars" rather than "trip over the bars," and got this nasty picture in my head of how nasty a hydration pack's bladder would get if you filled it up with beer. That said, I have nothing useful to add to the topic. Carry on.
*Retreats back into shadows*

Well, my CB Mayhem has been known to carry 6-packs of bottles on occasion. Not in the bladder though, ewww.

Hey, Ed-

In my racing days I had the minimal Camelback like most everyone.

When it came time to get a new one I thought the Classic would be fine, minimalist kinda like the original. Well, it doesn't really hold that much more.

Fast forward to a couple years ago and I bought the Mule on recommendation as the most popular. It did not disappoint. Enough room for pump, tools, tubes, mucho food, small first aid kit, jacket/shell, longsleeve underlayer, camera, phone, keys & little bitty pocket crap. With all that there is still some room. One reason I like the Mule is the sternum and waist straps - keeps it in place when going airborne (the Classic lacks the straps, and drives me nuts flopping around on my back).

I would only get one bigger if I needed to carry more food, H2O, clothing, armour maybe.

The Mule serves me well for all day rides.

Likely I will rarely if ever use the Classic again.

Well, the Mayhem is out.

Narrowed down to the Drafter, 100oz Lobo, and the Mule.

The Dakine is the cheapest at $44 (if I don't mind red flanel)

The Nomad was up on Chainlove earlier today. I forget what it was up for though.

If you already have a bladder, or know of somewhere to get one cheap, take a look at the GoLite Rush. Capacity is halfway between the Drafter and Nomad, and stays in place better than any other pack I've ever worn. The downside is that the bladder isn't included. No helmet carry either...not sure if that's a selling point for you.
http://www.golite.com/Product/proddetail.aspx?p=PA5268&s=1

My Mule works great for me. I use it for extended rides (+3hrs).

The Nomad was up on Chainlove earlier today. I forget what it was up for though.

If you already have a bladder, or know of somewhere to get one cheap, take a look at the GoLite Rush. Capacity is halfway between the Drafter and Nomad, and stays in place better than any other pack I've ever worn. The downside is that the bladder isn't included. No helmet carry either...not sure if that's a selling point for you.
http://www.golite.com/Product/proddetail.aspx?p=PA5268&s=1

Fail...you obviously don't know what a cheap and miserable man I am:lol: For $80...it needs to come with a bladder with about $35 in cash stuffed inside.;)

It can be had for cheaper. Here it is for $41: http://www.campsaver.com/itemmatrix.asp?GroupCode=gol0012&MatrixType=1 Still no bladder though, and the cheapest I can find a 100oz bladder for is $20 (which is a Dakine that you don't like anyway), so it's probably a loss.

I still stand by checking Chainlove though! Never know what's going to pop up.

Well, the Mayhem is out.

Narrowed down to the Drafter, 100oz Lobo, and the Mule.

The Dakine is the cheapest at $44 (if I don't mind red flanel)

Dry storage:

Drafter- 700 cu. in.

Lobo - 200 cu. in.

Mule - 600 cu. in.

Why isn't a HAWG on the list?

A little over the top...I don't plan on bringing back roadkill:lol: Same reason the Nomad isn't on the list.

Dry storage:

Drafter- 700 cu. in.

Lobo - 200 cu. in.

Mule - 600 cu. in.

Guess it's down to the Drafter and the Mule.

Too bad you're on those two, I love my Nomad. I feel like the quality of that is better than that of a camelback and the only issue that I've had is not tightening the bladder enough and it leaks. I guess I'd go with the Drafter.

and it leaks.

You mean it leaked around the cap? (past tense) Or it still leaks?

I thought Dakine had the hot setup until mine started leaking at the elbow joint. Alas...according to D...they've solved that issue. It's gonna be a tough decision...though I'm starting to think red plaid flannel will look odd enough to accentuate how truly weird I am. It's a good sale at $45.

The bite valve cooler (IMO) and the QR hose is nice for cleaning/installation.

The Mule has external storage too. There's two pouches that adjust size with pull straps. I can stuff a jacket in the big one.

You mean it leaked around the cap? (past tense) Or it still leaks?

I thought Dakine had the hot setup until mine started leaking at the elbow joint. Alas...according to D...they've solved that issue. It's gonna be a tough decision...though I'm starting to think red plaid flannel will look odd enough to accentuate how truly weird I am. It's a good sale at $45.

The bite valve cooler (IMO) and the QR hose is nice for cleaning/installation.

What I should say is that it only leaks if you dont tighten it, but other than that it doesnt at all.

...though I'm starting to think red plaid flannel will look odd enough to accentuate how truly weird I am.Just hum the . . . Lumberjack Song . . . while you're riding and it will feel natural.

Oh yeah Doug, that's an awesome skit!

The Mule has external storage too. There's two pouches that adjust size with pull straps. I can stuff a jacket in the big one.

I like my Mule (see avatar photo I have it on)- it's big and can hold alot but its not huge like the HAWG. I can easier carry all my tools, cell phone, pump, spare tubes, snackies, disgarded clothing, GPS, camera etc. alot fo stuff.

For shorter rides or cooler days I use a Lobo with a 70 oz. bladder

You mean it leaked around the cap? (past tense) Or it still leaks?

I thought Dakine had the hot setup until mine started leaking at the elbow joint. Alas...according to D...they've solved that issue. It's gonna be a tough decision...though I'm starting to think red plaid flannel will look odd enough to accentuate how truly weird I am. It's a good sale at $45.

The bite valve cooler (IMO) and the QR hose is nice for cleaning/installation.

I've been using the Drafter for a couple of months now. No leaks on this one (2009 version, they changed whoever made their bladders before to Hydrapack branded ones) and it stores all the tools, helmets, and armor quite easily.

Not too much to say other than my Mule has treated me flawlessly for a few years now. More than enough storage for tubes/tools/pumps/food and I've never felt like it's shifted on my back in any way that affects my balance.

What about for the opposite? I looking for a minimal pack. 100 oz res. and enough room for what you would put in an under the seat bag only? Already have a HAWG and it's nice but big, hot and heavy. Don't need all that room unless I'm packing a picnic lunch for two. I was thinking "lobo"? Anybody got one they could recommend?

+10,645,458.67483 For the M.U.L.E.!!!

I wore mine just about every day for 7 months in Fallujah. If it can survive there, it can handle a few trips over some bars. Or to the bars! :lol:

Another vote for the Mule. It has a great retention system, and it never moves around. I can't imagine needing to carry so much junk as to need a pack with more storage. I have gone down a few times and once hard with it and it doesn't seem damaged at all.

What about for the opposite? I looking for a minimal pack. 100 oz res. and enough room for what you would put in an under the seat bag only? Already have a HAWG and it's nice but big, hot and heavy. Don't need all that room unless I'm packing a picnic lunch for two. I was thinking "lobo"? Anybody got one they could recommend?

The best hydration pack I have ever used is a WingNut Hyper. It does not have a bladder but I already had a 100 oz Camelback that I use. It sits low, carries a lot of stuff, but is not overkill like some of the big Camelbacks. Since I have had it my Mule goes unused hanging in the basement

Again...if you'd read the thread, you'd see that the WingNut Hyper is not applicable...no matter how much you like it:

"Base Price: $120.00"

That's what I love about this place - - the reading comprehension RAWKS!

I like the Lobo which looks like a bigger Rogue. Personally I just want to haul water and few tools and the backpack style hydration packs are too much.

Again...if you'd read the thread, you'd see that the WingNut Hyper is not applicable...no matter how much you like it:

"Base Price: $120.00"

I found mine on line a year ago for $69.00. May still be too much for his budget but it is the best and will last forever. And dminor, my comprehension is good. I saw where people were recommending fairly expensive Camelbacks and Deuters upthread. But, the Wingnut can be found cheaply. You just gotta look around for it

I found mine on line a year ago for $69.00. May still be too much for his budget but it is the best and will last forever. And dminor, my comprehension is good. I saw where people were recommending fairly expensive Camelbacks and Deuters upthread. But, the Wingnut can be found cheaply. You just gotta look around for it

Good to hear...I'll keep my eyes open, thanks.

And dminor, my comprehension is good. I saw where people were recommending fairly expensive Camelbacks and Deuters upthread. But, the Wingnut can be found cheaply. You just gotta look around for itOh, I was just yanking your chain - - it's what I do. I hear you though. That's why it took me so long to get a Dakine. Had to wait for the right price . . . and then they kept upgrading the less-expensive Drafter into something I wanted.

Besides, anybody with a Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen song (I know, it's a cover of earlier versions) for a username can't be all bad.

Oh, I was just yanking your chain - - it's what I do. I hear you though. That's why it took me so long to get a Dakine. Had to wait for the right price . . . and then they kept upgrading the less-expensive Drafter into something I wanted.

Besides, anybody with a Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen song (I know, it's a cover of earlier versions) for a username can't be all bad.

I really did not take it seriously. Besides, I can be a putz sometimes

I like my Mule, holds everything I need, good for them epic rides. REI has it for $90.00 you may find it else were for less. REI-Mule (http://www.rei.com/product/779955)

Oh, I was just yanking your chain - - it's what I do. I hear you though. That's why it took me so long to get a Dakine. Had to wait for the right price . . . and then they kept upgrading the less-expensive Drafter into something I wanted.

Besides, anybody with a Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen song (I know, it's a cover of earlier versions) for a username can't be all bad.


I really did not take it seriously. Besides, I can be a putz sometimes

Oh yay...lets all hug and be gay now.

". . . all we need's a harmony and we'll convince the world to sing, La-la-la-la-la . . ."

I've been using the Camelback Hawg for about 2yrs now....100oz of water plus plenty of storage.Its really amazing how much stuff it can hold.Its also really comfortable because of all the padding in the back...I would def recommend this one...Since I havent had any problems with it so far, its an easy recommendation :)

http://i10.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/dd/37/d993_2.JPG

hawg= 2dambig

I'm going to order a Lobo off Ebay for 59.90 delivered off Ebay unless someone knows of a better idea. That wing nut looked cool but I need a new bladder too.

Dakine Drafter is $45-$53 at some vendor somewhere...google.

The dakine drafter 100oz was just on chainlove this morning for 36.99

I picked up a dakine glacier 70oz for 19.99 on chainlove last week.

Dakine Drafter is $45-$53 at some vendor somewhere...google.

That's big though isn't it? I already have a HAWG.

Smaller than the Nomad / Hawg
http://content.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/DAK/DAK1453/WHBOX.jpg

Lobo 100oz $49.98
http://www.blueskycycling.com/view_product.php?pid=45&ref=GPS&utm_source=GoogleProductSearch&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=GoogleProductSearch

Looks big. I don't dislike my HAWG, just looking for a pack for shorter rides. The drafter looks a lot bigger than the Lobo.