Camelbak Selection
 

Looking for a Camelbak. Don't want one too small, nor too big. Want if for short as well as longer trips. I have yet to do any serious trail riding, but it is something I really want to get into. I am 6' tall and 240 lbs. I don't wanna carry too much unnecessary crap with me, but I want to bring things I would need for hitting some trails.

I drink a lot of water when I am at the gym.

Think i have it narrowed down to M.U.L.E, Blowfish or Lobo

Any ideas?

I'm 260 and will easily empty my 70 oz bladder within 2 hours of a ride. Wish I had the 100 oz bag but luckily where I ride there's plenty of spots to refill.

Get hydrated before a ride and you won't need to drink it all in the first 15 minutes of riding.

I asked a similar question last week. That thread might be useful to you.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=225870

What did you wind up buying?

Not the camelbak as it turns out. Got something cheaper.

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/142...stem-100oz.htm

I like the actual pack better, and if the bladder/bite valve sucks, i can always put a camelbak brand one in for less than buying the MULE to begin with. Hopefully the sette wont develop any problems.

I have been using the same Lobo for five years now. I am on the second bladder though, my rat terrier decided the original one made a great chew toy. :rolleyes:

I've used a MULE for several years now - still works and looks like new. It just seems to fit me well, once in place it doesn't move around at all and I almost forget it's there.

Man's best friend, at their best. My border collie is suffering from seperation anxiety since moving in the house. No need to shred my junk credit card mail, catalogs, and flip flops. I've been wanting a new pair of full finger gloves, maybe my boy Shiner can help.

For the record, the Camelbak Motherlode is too big.

I have a similar dilemma as you do and can't decide either. Went to check out the mule and it seems to be on the small side. I can't see it holding much more than a spare tube and multitool, unless you want to stow something in the webbing on the frt of the pack. Also it really doesn't have enough pockets to seperate your stuff.

I'm kinda leaning towards a hawg now which has more pockets and is a little bigger when you need it but can cinch down when you don't. Also with the slightly larger hawg I don't feel like one of those fat girls with the tiny backpacks you see at the mall.

To me, the Hawg was waaaay too big.

So far it seems people like the MULE. hmmm...we'll see how it turns out.

I wonder if things are prone to fall out of the MULE since they aren't truely secured.

If you have a Wal-mart near by, there is a brand called North 49 that makes a camel back type product. 2 litres and tons of pockets for around $20.

I carry plenty of stuff in my MULE. Besides the usual tools and spares, I can squeeze in a small rain jacket.

It is not big enough for commuting and carrying a change of clothes, though. If you want to use it only for mountain biking then the MULE has plenty of space and carries a 3L/100oz bladder.

I won't be using it for my commute, which is only 6.5 miles. A water bottle is fine for that distance. I wanted something for an assortment of weekend rides, both short and long distances. On streets, bike trails and off road terrain.

i have a mule. so far no complaints. i guess it's up to how much water you need personally. space wise, i can fit gloves, tools, phone, wallet, and other accessories. i mean, it's not big at all, but it fits the necessities.

would anyone argue that the M.U.L.E is too big?

I tried the mule and the lobo/rogue on, and to me the lobo is more comforatable. Although, I would hate to loose the extra space and another liter of water.

I looked as some "The North Face" bags at Sports Authority. Anyone have an opinion of them. They were advertised to have some sort of quick drying back bag. Propaganda? Or does it work?

Will a MULE make me sweat a lot more? Does the pack itself start to stink since it rubs up against a sweaty back?

the mule fits really well for me. doesn't move. it's more on the small side than big side so no, i don't think anybody would argue that it's too big.

it doesn't sink for me.

oh, i also have the chaos. it seems a tiny bit smaller than the mule if i remember correctly. no complaints with that one either.

I too have the mule, it does double duty as my caving pack as well. I upgraded a few years back from an older camelbac with NO storage except a tiny zippered pocket and the bungie cords. The mule is much nicer.

I had a Blowfish. It was a little too big for daytime riding. I've had 2 Mules since and love them. 100 oz of water and room for tools, tubes, food and a jacket. When I start an afternoon ride I can carry my lights in there if I don't want to put it on my helmet until dark.

On the other hand, if I'm just doing a short ride, i don't have to carry much at all except up to 100 oz of water. I rarely ride off road without my pack. It just feels wrong now!

I thnk the north face packs are about the same as the nalgene branded packs.. I know they use the some bladders and the nifty magnetic clip to keep the hose from flying around. I'd say those are good packs.. not sure about the sweat thing.

I have only used the nalgene pack, how does camelback secure the hose on their packs???? I have never looked. I see some people with the hose just flopping around.

I took a look at a blowfish today, and I really liked the way it felt on, and even how it looked. I was thinking MULE all the way, but now i dunno. Think I'm leaning towards the blowfish. The MULE seems like the storage could possibly allow things to fall out of the back.

fwh32720, if you like Camelbak you will LOVE Deuter bags

I have a small Macpack backpack which came with a slip for a bladder which works great for me. Not speciffically designed for riding but big enough to fit everything including full leg guards which I take on some rides which are up to the top then all downhill home.

Basically what I'm saying are there are heaps of options out there.

Does anyone know what the difference is between the 2005 and 2006 Camelbak Blowfish?

i use the blowfish and really like it.

Decision process is beginning to evolve. I am considering the Blowfish since i think a camelback will fit nicer on my back than a regular backpack, which I was thinking about for a commute to work. I can store my lunch and a change of clothes in the blowfish. My commute is less than 7 miles each way. Certainly not long enough to need to hydrate with a camelback, but it would be nice and small enough to carry my work essentials. And big enough for a long day at the trails.

Anyone think the blowfish is too big? It only weighs around 2 ounces or so more than the MULE.

I've got the mule and while for the most part it has enough storage it definately wouldn't be enough for commuting. The blowfish isn't that much heavier and the expansion zips down so it shouldn't flop around much with a small load. I'd say go for it.

Thanks. Definately thinking about it. I'm just surprised how few people have chosen it in the pole.