Hydration System
 

New in mountain biking. looking for a good (price + performance) solution. any recommendation?

check out camelbak anything thats one of the best hydration systems about anywhere...

Yep cant go wrong with a camelbak, i would suggest a 2-3L one. But it all depends on your length of rides, water consumption etc etc...

I use a 3 liter hydration pack from trek. I will say that their bite valve "bites". It has a hard plastic core with a soft rubber cover. Eventually (for me it was three rides) you will bite through the valve. I replaced the valve with a platypus valve, and I have had no problems. For me, 3 Liters is just about right for 2 hour rides.

Deuter is much better than Camelback for the following reasons:they are much cheaper in price while having more Quality in their make, they fit better,they have a MUCH better bite valve, they have a back panel that keeps you much drier in the heat than others called "aircomfort system", you can get one for under $60 that will carry all your stuff(including needed tools,pump,firstaid kit,a light jacket),3 liters of fluid,and your helmet too in a special bungy type holder, they have an antibacterial bladder so you can get away with not changing water if you are in the boonies, no plastic taste in the bladder,hose,or valve and the colors are better

I just looked up Deuter and they appear to be the same exact price as Camelback, use the same anti-bacterial resovoir, and the same air channel principal on their packs... I don't really see any difference or advantage truthfully.

I got a Monsoon from Performance. Nothing special but the price ... I paid $26, but its currently at $32. 70 oz, plenty of room for stuff in separate compartments. I've only used it 6 times or so but it works for cheap.

http://www.performancebike.com/produ...00/20_1516.jpg

Here's the link to it

There is quite a significant difference between the air channels, camelbaks tend to just have large grooves going through to allow the air to flow through (not sure how to describe but im sure everyone has seen one) while deuters have a tightly strung mesh going from the top of the back to the bottom which puts the actually pack about 1.5 inches off the back all over. That way air is constantly moving over the back in all areas through the mesh instead of jsut having certain areas where it is supported by the padding like a camelbak

I actaully have a deuter and a camelbak(the camelbak is the one with virtually no storage space), i only bought the camelbak because the deuter didnt come with a bladder and i would only be spending a few dollars more to get the backpack instead of just buying the bladder. From my experience in riding with both i find the deuter is much better on long rides, you do get alot more air circulation around the back and that makes it alot more comfortable. The shoulder straps also breath really well because of the very airy mesh they use, i would definetly recommend the both but the deuter is better in my opinion.

I second this! Deuter packs are by far the best. I own two of their packs. They are by far the most comfortable packs on the market. I wouldn't give my worn out crappy camelbak mule to my worst enemy, not even Mealstron.........