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Hydration Packs?
Thinking about getting a new hydration pack. Also, I am planning on doing longer rides. So I am trying to get a feeling what other people uses. I would appreciate if you please share the following information. Others may find this thread useful if we have a good number of responses. thanks
Hydration Pack: Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): Pack Brand: Bladder Brand: Your Riding Duration (average): Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): How much water do you use on an average ride: How comfortable is the suspension system: how well the back pannel manages sweat: Additional Features of the pack you like: Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: Features you dislike: What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: Things you do not like about the pack: Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: thanks for your help. I am looking for different opinions which would help me decide about my next pack. thanks. |
Camelbak rogue
2.1 liters 130 cubic inches camelbak Omega Hydrotanium reservoir 20miles hot dry dusty summer/cool wet winter 2/3 of the 2.1 liters "suspension system?" uhh, the straps are comfortable? the back of my shirt is sweaty, but not to the point where the pack makes it a problem... the pack has this special groove and is fitted with special sweat ventilation system... guess it works fine. could use a little more storage... but i'd just go up a level in the camelbak series ...too many questions, just go check out websites, youtube for reviews.. mtbr for reviews... |
same as above, used it for a 25 mile ride once, and it worked fine.
I don't think a rogue would disappoint you, and it's relatively cheap. |
Hydration Pack: older CamelBak Rogue
Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 2.1 L Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): 130 Cu. In. Pack Brand: CamelBak Bladder Brand: CamelBak Your Riding Duration (average): anywhere from 2hr-8hr Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): -15 C to 35 C How much water do you use on an average ride: Fill it up full and come home pretty much empty How comfortable is the suspension system: It's pretty good...I just sewed on a bottom strap also so it fits really well now how well the back pannel manages sweat: Not well...but then again I sweat a lot. Additional Features of the pack you like: Pump Pocket Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: Easy cleaning What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: More storage Things you do not like about the pack: Not enough room to put stuff in for me Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: No cover on bit valve so it's always covered in dust/mud EDIT: Dang the Rogue seems to be pretty darn popular. One more thing I forgot to mention. Take a look at Dakine's line up of hydration packs. My dad uses one and its awesome. I like his a lot more than mine and it was also much cheaper. |
Hydration Pack: OLD CamelBak Blowfish (I think I got it back in 2000) Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 100oz Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): A lot. More than my girlfriend's M.U.L.E. when expanded http://www.bikeforums.net/showpost.p...7&postcount=19 and that's without filling the main compartment or expanding it. Pack Brand: CamelBak Bladder Brand: CamelBak (pre-Big Mouth) Your Riding Duration (average): 2-8 hrs Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Variation): 65-100 deg F How much water do you use on an average ride: Depends on the weather. There have been cases where I've needed to refill, but it isn't often. How comfortable is the suspension system: Very How well does the back panel manages sweat: The newer ones do a better job, but I've never had an issue. This is probably also due to the fact that half the bladder is full of ice. Additional Features of the pack you like: Initial cargo capacity is adequate for anything I'd choose to do on the trail, and if I need more I can expand it. Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: The bite valve is the best I've used, I also added the insulation kit to the hose, and that was a big help. Features you dislike: The current bladder. I'd like to get one of the newer "Big-Mouth" bladders that come stock in the new packs. What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: Irreparable damage. I might get a slimmer more "roadie" version when I build up the Crosscheck, but it's not a top priority Things you do not like about the pack: Seven years no gripes. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: Like I said I'd rather have a "Big Mouth" bladder, but the current one is still fine. ( I only put water / ice in it and I store it in the freezer) The tube insulation kit is a MUST have, but that's not really a dislike. Everything should be as reliable as this CamelBak has been to me. |
Hydration Pack: Camelback M.U.L.E.
Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 3 Liters Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): Huge Pack Brand: Camelback Bladder Brand: Camelback Your Riding Duration (average): 4-6 hours Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): Foggy/Windy/Sunny How much water do you use on an average ride: 2-3 Liters How comfortable is the suspension system: Very how well the back pannel manages sweat: Very Well Additional Features of the pack you like: Chest clip, lots of pockets, MP3-specific pocket (good for point-and-shoot digicam) Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: Good bite valve, easy to clean, dirt dosen't cling to mouth-piece. If you throw some chunks of ice in with the water, it stays below room temperature for the duration of the ride. Features you dislike: Plastic-like taste lasted for about two weeks. What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: N/A Things you do not like about the pack: It takes an odd shape on your back when you fill it up with the full 3 Liters, but it goes away when as you drink water. Comfortable at ~2 Liters. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: See above |
Badlands daypack with added 2 liter Camelback bladder
Mine is a daypack, but they come in a lot of different sizes, including in hydration type packs. I take it on all rides, from 10 miles to 100, year round. It also went to school with me. The comfort level is as good as it gets. Your back will always sweat on a hot day, and the back of the backpack will get wet. There are no exceptions that I have seen. It has a system on it to make it more comfortable with a wet back, and the newer ones are even better. It has a lifetime warranty, even if you're the 30th owner. It's extremely comfortable, and built to last. I've had mine for almost 8 years now, and I use it constantly. I really need to invest in a blackhawk hydration bladder. Camelback bladders only last a year or 2, then they take a **** on you. I can think of nothing to complain about with Badlands. There will ever be a need or reason to replace this pack unless it's stolen. It has a no stings attached warranty. http://www.badlandspacks.com/packs.php |
Originally Posted by Michigander
Camelback bladders only last a year or 2, then they take a **** on you.
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Hydration Pack: Camelbak Mule
Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 3 liters Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): Enough Pack Brand: Camelbak Bladder Brand: Camelbak Your Riding Duration (average): 2-6 hours Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): humid/hot summers, moderate winters How much water do you use on an average ride: Depends on planned length How comfortable is the suspension system: It's pretty comfortable how well the back pannel manages sweat: Ok I guess. My old backpack caused my back sweat profusely. I still come home with a sweaty back, but it's not unbearable. Additional Features of the pack you like: MP3 pocket is perfect for my phone. Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: It's simple, and it works well. Easy to add ice due to the big opening. Features you dislike: None other than the ones listed below What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: If I were going to be on my bike for a few days straight, I'd want something with more cargo capacity. Things you do not like about the pack: I don't like the balloon effect when the bladder is full. It goes down in a few miles though, so no biggie. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: You kind of have to "cram" the bladder in when you have the full 3L of water. The whole pack is very practical and usefull. It's pretty well designed and has made my life much easier. Oh, and it looks *****in'. ;) |
Hydration Pack: High Sierra (not sure model)
Bladder capacity: 2 litres Gear Holding Capacity: Not positive of the cu/in but it holds more than enough. Multi tool, food (if need be) glove. It even has a fold away pouch designed specifically for carrying a bicycle helmet! Pack Brand: High Sierra Bladder Brand: ? Your Riding Duration (average): Mtb = less than 10 miles. Road = used it on a 65 miler and had h2o left Type of weather you ride in: Im a fair weather rider... How much water do you use on an average ride: Mtb = I fill it about 2/3 and it varies on how hard i pushed myself How comfortable is the suspension system: nothing to compare to but its comfortable how well the back pannel manages sweat: Not the best but it's thin enough not to bother me Additional Features of the pack you like: $20!!! Has several compartments, fold away straps, reflective taping, sturdy zippers and "insulated" bladder and hose Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: "insulated" water does stay fairly cool and I used it once on an all day ride through 2 different trails. Features you dislike: I cant look like a spent $100 on a camel back cause I only spent $20 on something that works exactly the same... What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: If it broke, I would buy a second of the same. Its so cheap I can ruin 4 before I come to the cost of a comparable camelback brand! Things you do not like about the pack: Nothing as of yet. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: Once again no complaints yet. |
Hydration Pack: The North Face Hammerhead
Bladder capacity: 3 liters Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): 12 Liters Pack Brand: The North Face Bladder Brand: Your Riding Duration (average): 90 Minutes How much water do you use on an average ride: all of it How comfortable is the suspension system: Very how well the back pannel manages sweat: Horrible! Additional Features of the pack you like: lots of space Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: easy to use and fill Features you dislike: none What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: It does not eliminate sweat from my back, just builds up Things you do not like about the pack: Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: none thanks for your help. I am looking for different opinions which would help me decide about my next pack. |
I have a Hydrapak, I love it.
Hydrapak Glacier fluid capacity 100 fl.oz. / 3.0 l. gear volume 450/875 cu. in./ 7.4/14.3 l. empty pack weight 1 lb. 8.5 o.z./ 700 g. Full 360 degree zipper around main compartment allows cargo space to double in size Large internal pocket has Hydratunes cord port and Gizmo gear pocket for mp3 player or helmet light tube routing Air Chairman back with form fitting pods for comfort and ventilation Shoulder mounted cell phone pocket Padded shoulder straps, adjustable sternum strap and removable waist strap Top flap attached to external gear pocket with large buckle, creating a large storage space for helmet Compression straps for securing pack load and bottom straps for securing shin guards or attaching other gear Fully insulated reservoir compartment has 4-way tube routing: top or bottom possible Full feature Reversible Reservoir drink system with Plug-N-Play valve |
I used my new Camelback Lobo for the first time today. It worked awesome. Forget bottles. I don't like stopping on a ride so the camelback is much easier to use than trying to hold a bottle in one hand and keeping control of the bike with the other hand when going over bumpy trails. Just the right amount of storage capacity for me.
Camelback Lobo 100 oz. (2 liter) capacity. I went through 60 oz on a 1 hour ride with outside temp @ 75 deg. Cargo volume: 200 cubic inches. Comfortable harness. Great airflow through the backpanel Nice quick access pocket on the front of the harness for a gel packet. Removable water reservoir for easy cleaning. The bite valve worked very well. No leaks. Everything about this pack seems perfect for a 1-3 hour ride. I would probable carry a water bottle for a 2 hour ride on a hot day, (90+ degrees). |
Hydration Pack: Low end Camel Back
Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 1.5L Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): Not sure. Pack Brand: Camelbak Bladder Brand:Camelbak Your Riding Duration (average):4 - 6 hours at a time. Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): Clear Days How much water do you use on an average ride: All How comfortable is the suspension system: It becomes very irritating. how well the back pannel manages sweat: I wear body protection. Additional Features of the pack you like: None Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: None. Features you dislike: None What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: I would like more to carry around, also, there are no pockets. The only thing that I can carry is the bladder itself. Things you do not like about the pack: Not enough space. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: I love it. I can lock it, and when I am not drinking from it, nothing comes out. My main suggestion, this isn't something that you really wanna cheap out on. It would be worth it to get a decent one. |
anybody has any experience with Deuter or REI hydration packs? I know that the deuter packs dont come with hydration bladder, but I have heard good things about the overall performance of their packs. any thoughts?
I was also considering the Camelback Ventoux. enough capacity, if I need it (1500 cui) and comes with a 3L bladder. anybody used this particular pack? great response. thanks guys. keep them coming. |
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Originally Posted by sherpaPeak
Hydration Pack: Hydrapak, Big Sur
Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 3L Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): 465 ci/7.6L Pack Brand: Hydrapak Bladder Brand: Hydrapak Your Riding Duration (average): any where from .5 hour to two Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): All, not usually below about 32 deg F How much water do you use on an average ride: depends on how hot it is. How comfortable is the suspension system: Don't notice any hot spot or anything of that nature. how well the back pannel manages sweat: Pretty well. The pads will create sweat spots but will absorb/dispurse the sweat. No pads down the center of the back. Additional Features of the pack you like: Lots. Able to use multiple bladders with tubes out of the left and right sides (useful for left and right handers too) (I have a 3l and a 1l that I use both of when racing. The smaller gets an energy drink and the large one gets only water), the bladders hang in the pack, the flow is great and easy to get, each tube has a velcro strap to hold it in place, the bladders are reversable for easy cleaning, the bladders have a nice wide opening for filling or reversing, the tube has a quick disconnect feature, there is a "gizmo gear" pocket with an outlet for head phones or a battery to support a light, plenty of storage space, the strap to hold the shoulder straps together has an elastic strap, ... Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: Reversable bladder (reverse and hang to dry), removable drinking tube, large opening for cleaning/reversing the bladder. Features you dislike: Can be too big for racing. Like any pack that sits on the back, it traps some heat. What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: I may get a smaller one for racing specifically. Things you do not like about the pack: See above. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: Sometimes the bite valve gets compressed accidently and a lot of water or drink gets spilled. I usually do not engage the lock to prevent this. thanks for your help. I am looking for different opinions which would help me decide about my next pack. thanks. This may be a good sticky when it's done. |
Hydration Pack: Camelbak classic
Bladder capacity (e.g. 2 liters): 70oz Gear Holding Capacity (e.g. 900 cubic inch): one small pocket Pack Brand: camelbak Bladder Brand: same Your Riding Duration (average): Till I wanna go home. Could be all day Type of weather you ride in (with seasonal Veriation): All as long as it isnt too much snow. How much water do you use on an average ride: as much as I need. I try to take in as much as comes out so I avoid dehydration. How comfortable is the suspension system: Hardy notice I wear it. how well the back pannel manages sweat: As well as any other pack on my back. Additional Features of the pack you like: Small size makes it not even noticable after a few drinks. Features of the bladder/hydration system you like: Big fill spout takes ice cubes. Features you dislike: Not enough bladder capacity. What would be the main reason (other than additional fund) you would upgrade this pack or buy a different hydration pack: More bladder capacity would be nice but for now I'm happy with this one. Things you do not like about the pack: I don't like the 70oz capacity so much but I can add a water bottle to the frame if I start running out. Things you dont like about the bladder/bite valve: When I don't close it fast enough I spill it all over my crotch and look like I peed myself. |
I have a Pearl Izumi that I got at a PI factory outlet store cheap. I would not recommend PI hydration packs. The pack itself is fine but the bladder gives me fits trying to get the screw-on cap to stay water-tight.
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I have one of those Sette max flopacks from pricepoint. It carries three liters and has enough storage that I was able to ditch the seatbag. The longest ride I have used it on is I think 20 miles or so. It is very comfortable and was very cheap. I like that it carries a lot of water because I drink a lot of water and am a big sweaty dude. I don't like that the bite valve only lets out a little water at a time but that is probably good because I would drink too much if it flowed more freely. I really don't see myself upgrading any time soon but I might get a camelback someday because I can get them cheap at work when we get closeouts, and they look way cooler than my cheapo knockoff.
sorry I didn't answer all the questions. |
one more question: how often do you clean the bladder? and how do you store the pack/bladder during a long interval (few weeks to few months)? thanks. |
I clean mine and hang it to dry about every 3rd or 4th ride. In between times I drain it, wash the bite valve with soap and water and throw it all in the freezer 'til the next ride.
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i wash mine after almost every ride. i just run some dish detergent throught it with hot water and sometimes I boil the bite valve. i hang it up and use clothespins of alligator clips to hold the back open.
easy to do. works well. |
Originally Posted by sherpaPeak
thanks for sharing that short but informative ad. I am liking the Deuter packs.
one more question: how often do you clean the bladder? and how do you store the pack/bladder during a long interval (few weeks to few months)? thanks. In the real world you would use a snake brush to clean the tube and some type of anti-microbial agent to kill the germs. The camelbak tablets (expensive) work well. So does a cap full of bleach or denture tabs. |
Originally Posted by sherpaPeak
one more question: how often do you clean the bladder? and how do you store the pack/bladder during a long interval (few weeks to few months)?
thanks. |
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