[PatBranch]

I'm 5'3, 125lbs, so I don't want a huge one.

Right now I have a camelback mini mule (50oz). It is really nice becasue it is small and not bulky especially downhilling and freeriding. It has enough space for 2 tubes and tools.

I want a pack for longer rides. It want a little more water capacity (probably 100oz). I want it to be able to hold my mini DV camera wrapped (to use w/ a helmet cam), tools, and a sandwhich. Basically twice as much water capacity and a little more room.

What are some good ones? I like the Mule, I think that might be a good option for me.

 

[Spunger]

I have had my Mule for a while now and love it, it has just the right amount of space for a spare tube or 2, pump, tools, small emergency kit and what not. It does get a little heavy when everything is packed (sometimes with water can weigh over 10lbs) but that's my best educated guess. Sometimes I just leave it half full and ride as it cuts down the weight a bit.

Either the Mule or a bag from Dakine. I like their features more with carrying a full face helmet and pads and such. Pricewise I think the Dakine's are a little more but they seem worth it.

 

[lovebunny]

mule.

 

[amateur]

Another vote for the Mule

 

[Jabuttri]

you are probably looking for the mule but i am pretty dang satisfied with my trailblazer even if it is a bit bigger

 

[Spunger]

He's 5'3, I dunno if a trailblazer would be as big as him j/k

Sometimes the extra room helps more than you'd think. I have a cheapo Outdoor's waterpack for hiking and stuff and it holds 70oz but has no room to put anything. Just having the room of the Mule makes a worlds difference. I am a packrat by nature so the more space the better.

But if you're going to wrap up a camera and such to put it into the pack you'll want one a little on the larger side because of expansion due to padding. The mule doesn't really have a whole lot of "expansion" room if you were to wrap a camera some t-shirts or what not for help with the shock and riding.

 

[PatBranch]

I am a packrat also. Whenever I go somewhere, I bring everything, even for only 2 days. For a 2 day trip -> bike (if my parents aren't pissed off at me), ipod w/ speakers, laptop, slr camera, skateboard, clothes, bike porn (magazines and movies), (maybe homework-haha) etc.

I am always prepared- haha.

How big is a trailblazer, i'm probably not much taller...
What about the camelback blowfish?
Then there is the hawg, but thats bulky.

 

[jacksonpt]

I have the Mule - it's not bad... though not as much storage as you might think. That 100oz bladder takes up a TON of room when full.

If I pack it right, I can fit all my gear for a 4 hour ride, but only just barely. I have a fairly big camera that I pack in an otter box, so that and the bladder take up the most room. There is no way I could also fit a sandwich, but that's not important to me. On a 4 hour ride, here is what I take with me...
- 1 tube
- 1 patch kit
- tire levers
- multi-tool
- chain tool
- chain
- first aid kit
- knife/leatherman
- zip ties
- 2 cliff bars
- 2 gells
- camera
- car keys
- driver's license

 

[Acadian]

May I suggest the Dakine Nomad - Best pack I've ever owned.

 

[robdamanii]

I'd vote Mule as well.

 

[in the trees]

I really like my Dakine Heli pack. It's originally designed for snowboarding, but I like it because it has a low profile once on your back. It holds a ton of stuff, too. You can usually find them on sale. I did have to buy a separate bladder, though. A small Nalgene bladder fits perfectly in the packs bladder pocket.

http://www.backcountryoutlet.com/outlet/DAK0131/DAKINE-Heli-Backpack-660-cu-in.html?id=r3wBfGbi

toby

 

[Skookum]

Blowfish.

You can cinch it up and have a regular sized pack, or you can unzip it and carry big stuff.

 

[PatBranch]

I like the dakine nomad. For my size (5'3), would it be bulky? I don't want something throwing my weight around when i'm jumping off stuff.

It looks good.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Blowfish.

You can cinch it up and have a regular sized pack, or you can unzip it and carry big stuff.

I use a Mule most of the time, but I was impressed with a friend's Blowfish.

One problem I have in the cold part of the year is stowing clothing once I warm up. None of the packs I have do that really well.

J

 

[Echo]

I used to swear by Camelbak but the last 2 I've had came apart on me. I won a Dakine last year and it's been awesome, I recommend checking their stuff out.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

I used to swear by Camelbak but the last 2 I've had came apart on me. I won a Dakine last year and it's been awesome, I recommend checking their stuff out.

The first Mule I had came unstitched. They replaced it with no hassles. I haven't seen the Dakine.

 

[I Are Baboon]

I'm 5'3, 125lbs

 

[Acadian]

I like the dakine nomad. For my size (5'3), would it be bulky? I don't want something throwing my weight around when i'm jumping off stuff.

It looks good.

I don't think so...I'm about to post a Dakine review on pinkbike and I give the Nomad good praise. it's mega comfy and has many straps that allow you to really snug it down before any descents - it feels secure without feeling cumbersome. There is also tons of space for all your vital stuff like food, water, tools, patches, tubes, etc..

 

[SkaredShtles]

The first Mule I had came unstitched. They replaced it with no hassles. I haven't seen the Dakine.

My first Mule came unstitched as well. They told me to pound sand. YMMV.

 

[kinghami3]

I don't think so...I'm about to post a Dakine review on pinkbike and I give the Nomad good praise. it's mega comfy and has many straps that allow you to really snug it down before any descents - it feels secure without feeling cumbersome. There is also tons of space for all your vital stuff like food, water, tools, patches, tubes, etc..

I'm a fan of the HAWG for the same reasons. It's big (got room for 5-6 liters if you want) but you can synch it down pretty small, and it has good storage. Mine's pretty beat up, but is still holding together well, but it can feel a little cumbersome at times though it doesn't throw off my ride by any means.

 

[PatBranch]

The mule and blowfish look good, but I really like the dakine nomad.

 

[berkshire_rider]

Blowfish.

You can cinch it up and have a regular sized pack, or you can unzip it and carry big stuff.

I have had good luck with mine, until I broke the clip in half earlier this year. No problems with the stiching or the zippers. I'll have to look into the Dakine's. Never heard of them until now.

 

[SkaredShtles]

<snip>

I want a pack for longer rides. It want a little more water capacity (probably 100oz). I want it to be able to hold my mini DV camera wrapped (to use w/ a helmet cam) and a sandwhich. Basically twice as much water capacity and a little more room.

What are some good ones? I like the Mule, I think that might be a good option for me.

I think you would have *big* problems getting a mini DV camera in a Mule along with the other stuff for a longer ride.

 

[PatBranch]

Okay, then its down to the nomad and the blowfish.

 

[berkshire_rider]

If it helps, my digital camera is a Fuji S5000, and fits in the Blowfish. It is not a thin camera by any means. Thicker than a can of soda.

If you decide on a Blowfish, look around. They come in various colors.

 

[PatBranch]

My mini dv is a little bigger than a soda can w/ a more square shape.

 

[SkaredShtles]

My mini dv is a little bigger than a soda can w/ a more square shape.

That's about how big mine is, and I would *not* try to stuff it in the Mule. It'd be a sitting duck.

 

[PatBranch]

I might get a pack off ebay.

 

[Rockland]

I've been very happy w/ the Blowfish.

 

[PatBranch]

This is too hard.

 

[PatBranch]

I think I might go w/ the dakine. I like everything about it. The helmet carrier is nice.

 

[Westy]

Ride with a dog that is nursing. Get thirsty, just belly up to a teet and get refreshed.

 

[PatBranch]

How much travel do those have? Do they have a ff helmet strap?

 

[PatBranch]

I want to look at both of them in person/try them on to decide. I can't find the dakine anywhere. I found lots of dealers but they don't carry them normally. It would have to special ordered (i would have to pay in advance)

 

[PatBranch]

just called dakine. They said they have no way of knowing which shops carry the Nomad. I used the store locator on the website; I called those shops and they said that they could only special order the nomad; so I couldn't really try it on.

 

[pixelninja]

My current pack is the Mule, but on long rides its too small. My next pack will be the Hawg. Performance has them on sale right now for $85 on their online store.

 

[jncarpenter]

...I would highly recommend the Jansport Diablo. I was tired of camelbak & wanted something different. The Jansport is very smart pack & the bladder setup makes it extremely nice. Plenty of room for gear (no helmet cinch...if you need that, try the STINGER 2) great fitting & really durable. I am very happy with mine (going on a year of use).

You can find them all over the internet for $30-$50. For example, HERE.

 

[Skookum]

Ride with a dog that is nursing. Get thirsty, just belly up to a teet and get refreshed.

Better yet fill up your Camelbak after the ride with all the yummy dog milk, leave it in the trunk of your car, and make yummy doggage cheese for your next ride snack. You might need to cut off the valve on the mouthpeice to allow the bigger chunks to squeeze through.ink: