powerhouse

I'm currently in the market for a new hydration pack that is durable. Two major companies are Camelback and Hydrapak. As a bicyclist, I'm looking for one that holds up to 70 ounces of fluid and with enough space to put keys, wallet, a few emergency rations, or even stuff a wind jacket. One of these would be like the old Hydrapak Tracker. I haven't been able to find that exact model to replace it. For those of you who own units made by these companies, which ones do you own and/or which models might you recommend?


HYDRATE OR DIE



Please Discuss.

RonH

I think most folks use Camelbak. I do. Mine holds 70 oz of water, although they have larger models.
I have the Classic. I don't need much space to carry stuff. Everything is in my jersey back pockets or my seat pack.
I found out last summer when I got a mysterious pin hole in the bladder that Camelbak has a lifetime warranty on their stuff. New bladder with hose and bite valve works great.
https://www.camelbak.com/sports-recre...ion-packs.aspx

axelfox

I haven't looked at the Camelbaks in a long time, but the Novara line (REI house brand) has a detachable bladder, which makes it easier to take out the pack.

Wheels4

I've got a camelbak 'mule' that i've had for years... it holds 100 oz's of water and can carry a lot of other stuff (rolled up jacket, granola bars, pump, tubes, tools, etc). The hydration pack before that was a normal camelbak... that held 70oz's. I think the mule is awesome. when i use to commute from school (22mile one way) , i would fill it up in the morning and then use it on my way home. it worked great. i also used it when i would ride single track on the mtn bike...

BarracksSi

I really, really like Camelbak's bite valve. Simple and requires so little bite pressure to use. I'd use it on any other brand of hydration pack, too.

I hardly use any of my packs anymore, though, and it's not really their fault. I just prefer not having anything on my back.

LVRider

I have a 70 oz HydraPak that I just got a few weeks ago for about 20 bucks, was last year's model closeout from JensonUSA. I like it a lot, it's nice that the bladder opens up and flips inside out, very easy to clean. It has space for a few tools, keys, snack, phone and id. I do like the Camelbak's bite valve better, and I think I'll replace my bite valve with a Camelbak valve, other than that, it's a great pack.

JonathanGennick 

One thing with Camelback is that -- best or not -- it is by far the easiest brand to find spare parts for.

chinarider

I have the 100 oz Classic, which I like a lot. Has a small zipper compartment which will fit a wallet, keys, a phone & maybe a energy bar as well (if you don't mind it getting squished a little-- I keep my bars in my back pocket). Also has elastic cord that will hold a rain jacket if necessary. I don't often fill it all the way, but I do on occasion and it's nice to have the extra capacity when needed.

Yan 

I got a High Sierra one from a co-worker for our office secret-Santa drive. It's quite well designed and made.

kidonabike

Camelbak MULE for me. Adequate room, important if you are on a long ride or need to carry stuff for others and it carries enough water (100oz) for all day rides.