[luken8r]

my LLBean backpack is pretty tired so im looking into getting a new bag. Being that im starting to ride to work, Id like to get a bag with either a inside pocket for my camelbak reservoir or a full out hydro pack that has some pretty good storage. I was on pricepoint last night and found they have a Hydrapak Keg for $40 which holds as much as my backpack and has a 100oz bladder. A comprable Camelbak setup would run in the neighborhood of $40-$50 more than this bag. Are these Hydrapaks worthwhile and durable? i dont want to get a crappy bag, but dont want to spend a lot doing it. Basically I need a good backpack with some h20 capacity.

 

[Evilmunch]

I've got a hydrapack and it works great for me. I've had it for almost 2 years, I think. I've even had a couple good wrecks where I landed on my back. No leaks.

 

[LordOpie]

I absolutely loved the hydrapak packs, but hated the bladder and bite valve.

 

[blue]

I've got a Camelbak MULE that I've had for a year thats been pretty near perfect for everything I need. Just enough storage capacity, not too much or too little, bite valve rocks and so does the bladder. It was pricey compared to the Hydrapaks (I think mine was 60 bucks), but I've heard bad things about hydrapak bladders and valves, and by the time you buy a camelbak bladder for them you could've spent the same amount of money on a Camelbak. I've heard really good things about Nalgene packs and their bladders, however, I might be looking into them if I buy a more race-oriented pack.

 

[golgiaparatus]

Any pack is probably fine, but camelbak bladders are so far above the rest that its not even funny... I still use my 1st bladder and its almost 5 years old now Ive had other brands and their bladders didnt last 1/8 that long.

My current pack is going on 3 years and when clean it still looks brand new.

 

[NFLPATS1]

Eastern Mountain Sports has a bunch of camelbak's on sale. I was in the Hingham, MA store yesterday and saw a Snowdawg on clearance for $60.00. Also check online.


EMS

 

[luken8r]

well i guess it comes down to cargo capacity first. if I dont like the bladder, i can toss in my old camelbak bladder and be done with it. I just need enough cargo room for a weekends worth of clothes, and riding to work with work clothes and crap. i think ill hit this hydrapak up and see what its like, cant really beat $40

 

[golgiaparatus]

Originally posted by luken8r
well i guess it comes down to cargo capacity first. if I dont like the bladder, i can toss in my old camelbak bladder and be done with it. I just need enough cargo room for a weekends worth of clothes, and riding to work with work clothes and crap. i think ill hit this hydrapak up and see what its like, cant really beat $40

The Hawg is pretty sweet... huge capacity and its collapsable.

 

[BigMike]

Originally posted by golgiaparatus
The Hawg is pretty sweet... huge capacity and its collapsable.

I thought the Blowfish was the collapseable one?

 

[LordOpie]

Originally posted by BigMike
I thought the Blowfish was the collapseable one?

it is, but dunno about the Hawg. I love my Blowfish.

 

[zod]

http://www.deuterusa.com/Product/Hydration.htm

 

[MtnBikerNJ]

camelback MULE.. its da bomb. I know quite a few people with them. the thing holds just enough without being bulky, and have had 0000 problems with the bladder, or anything else for that matter.

 

[HippieKai]

i tape a gallon bottle to my back and use a bunch of curly straws stuck together

 

[N8 v2.0]

I have a Mule and it has been a great bag for lo these 3 years...

 

[jimmydean]

I use my MULE, but when I ride to work, I toss the blader into my normal backpack with my clothes and stuff. Works for me.

 

[Meat Foot]

Originally posted by golgiaparatus
Any pack is probably fine, but camelbak bladders are so far above the rest that its not even funny... I still use my 1st bladder and its almost 5 years old now Ive had other brands and their bladders didnt last 1/8 that long.

My current pack is going on 3 years and when clean it still looks brand new.

The Camelback Mule I am using is from 1998 (six years olde). No problem with it. No funky taste, and I do not treat it with anything. It gets emptied after each ride and has a doo-hickey that I insert to "promote" drying. Hmmmmm, come to think of it, Vodka must not really want to host bacteria
Kidding.....
Mike