I have two Camelbaks and the only one that really gets used is the MULE. The 100oz bladder is a must on longer rides and the pak is big enough that you can stuff extra stuff in it on epic rides or if the weather is sketchy. You can get them new on EBay for about $50 which seems to be pretty decent sinde I paid $96 at the LBS for mine.

Mike

I bought a Blowfish on clearance a couple of years ago and it works well, but most of my rides are shorter duration and usually include a halfway stop back at the trailhead (Truck), so I barely use it.

I've got a Fox Racing pack that is similar to the LOBO. I use it almost exclusively.

Any other blowfish owners out there?

Unconditional lifetime warranty and far better quality than Camelback-

http://www.vortexbackpacks.com/

http://www.badlandspacks.com/

Do things stay in place in the Blowfish, or do they move around a lot in comparision to the M.U.L.E?

Wow, you are very indecisive. Go buy the MULE and be done with it.

I'm sorry :) I am driving myself crazy as well.

Don't be sorry. You set up a poll and the MULE won. You asked lots of questions and most positive replies were around the MULE.

Your one concern about the MULE was that stuff might fall out. I have never had anything fall out and I use the net section a lot to hold tubes and my pump.

It all depends on how long your rides are, how far out in to no-where land you go and the gear you feel you will need to bring along.

Personaly, I do not use Camel Back, North Face or any of the "big" names. You can save a few bucks by looking around. I purchased a hydration pack 6 years ago from Supergo for 30$ U.S. The bladder is still in perfect condition, holds all the gear you may need (including a spare helmet) for epic rides AND holds 170oz of fluid.

I could not tell you the make/model until I go look at it but it has seen some serious wrecks in its time and there are not teas or rips.

MSF:beer:

I bought a blowfish. I have not gotten a chance to use it yet, but I believe it was the best choice. Thanks for all the input.

Since this got bumped, ill let those of you interered in a cheaper hydration pack know about the sette i bought. Its great. Holds as much as the mule both water and cargo wise, looks good, is comfortable, bladder works well and the bite valve is good and doesnt leak, not even a little bit. For $29, i think its one of the best items ive bought for my riding. Im trying to think of a negative to make this more objective....can't think of a good one.

10/10 for the sette.

I have the Blowfish. It holds 100oz water, my pump, multi-tool, bandages, a towel, two spare tubes, contact lens drops, chapstick, an extra brake lever, seat collar, wallet, cell phone, keys. I always have room to spare. Most trail rides for me are (depending on time and conditions) 6mi - 30 mi.

A buddy of mine bought the same bag, but he packs his so full he actually has to use the expansion gizmo. Still, plenty of room, lots of water, not too much weight. If you go on longer rides, you may want to consider the M.U.L.E.

Camelbak mule, in camo prefferably. I just scored a brand new desert camo mule for 46 bucks on Ebay..I am so stoked.