hydration packs - which do you have?
 

Looking at picking up a hydration pack but don't want to spend much more than $50
I want one that can hold some light gear (foldable tire, multi tool, keys, wallet, maybe some snacks) or stuff that I may bring along when hiking/hunting (gloves, rope, maps, compass, ammo, etc)

I saw the High Sierra Soaker 70 and it seems to fit the bill but looking for any other recommendations.

Any ideas?

I got a Camelback Mule 100OZ. (in Camo!!!) as a Christmas gift last year. Look around for sales this time of year and you may find a good deal.

I have a Camelbak Sabre

http://www.botachtactical.com/camelbaksabre.html

and like it very much, but It doesn't have a very big pocket. Maybe a small apple and a granola bar or something is about the limit.

Camelback- they have the reputaion and spares are available at most Bike and hiking shops. I only have the small one- not certain of the model but the hydration side works.

Lots of choices. I'd stick with Camelbak brand. I love my Camelbak Classic.
Here are a few for under $50:
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/186...-70oz-2009.htm
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes...cm_cat=1069410
http://www.xxcycle.com/php/boutique/...OM=bestwebbuys
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...cm_cat=1069410

For some reason the Camelbak Lobo is real popular with the cycling group I ride with...

Mine has a 3-liter / 100-ounce fluid bag, and two zippered pockets on the back of the pack, big enough to carry things like a patch kit, tire levers, multitool, spare tube, a few granola bars plus wallet, keys and cell phone. The elastic webbed pocket is big enough to carry a small portable pump. If you don't use the pack's waist strap, you can use it as a jacket strap (roll up the jacket and secure it across the back of the pack with the strap). Pretty versatile pack.

I bought one off Amazon new and it cost me $54.

http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recre...2011-lobo.aspx

Camelbak Mule for quick rides, Camelbak Hawg for longer epic rides.

Is epic the new awesome?

A little behind the times on mountain bike lingo? IMBA Epic rides.

Camelback M.U.L.E. and another, smaller Camelback. I really like the mule because it has space for all my junk. IMHO bigger is better when it comes to storage space in the hydration pack. I've never been riding and thought "Gee, the extra couple ounces this larger pack weighs is terrible" but many times I've said, "Gee, I wish I had space to carry [item that I'd like to carry]"

Dood. I have never ridden a mountain bike. Building trails? WTF???

I went snowshoeing today and before leaving, remembered that the USMC pack my brother (a US Marine) has a bladder so it solved my immediate needs. 3L of water and aside from the fact that the tube froze (6 degrees F today...) it was a godsend. Won't be riding my bike for 2-3 more months and for 99% of my rides will be fine with bottles. Probably fine with bottles for 100% of my rides but back to that desire to have a means to carry some gear...