Hi Guys n Galls,
Hope everyone is fit and well?
So the question I have is what camel packs are you guys using at the moment? I’m thinking of days out on ‘T’ hill ect.
Perhaps the Mule NV?
Any suggestions on a post card please.
Happy riding & I suppose a belated new year too!
Jeremy
Hello!
I have a Evoc CC Backpack which really like but comes with back protector
http://www.rutlandcycling.com/23130/Evoc-Backpack-CC-16L-Hydration-Pack—2011.html
Also use a Camelbak Hoss
http://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-S-S-100-Hydration-Pack/dp/B0019DCDNY
I would not reccomend the Calelbak as not comfortable at all.
At the moment I think would not look anywhere but the range of Osprey ones – get really good reviews.
My next pack will be an Osprey – tried one in BikeTreks and it felt grate and fits better than the CamelBak Outlaw I use (won from MBR!)I think the Osprey Raptor is the bike one – comes in different sizes, currently on offer with Evans!
Both Ali and Stru have Ofsprey backpacks so hopefully they would be able to enlighten us…
Osprey raptor 10. Very comfy and well designed. Enough space for all my stuff and enough pockets and compartments to keep it relatively organised. Supported bladder easier to fill and helmet holder very neat.8/10
Liking the fact you gave it a score too, excellent stuff.
Should have done a little pros and cons bit at the end.
So the Osprey 10 is looking favourable.
They do various sizes, can squeeze plenty into mine but for all day rides would want something bit bigger. Fine for the usual few hours though as you can get small jacket, spare top and all the food and spares you normally need.
I think it is worth looking at the different sizes.
Either that or get a saddle bag, jerseys with pockets and a water bottle…
I’m kinda thinking of epic days out like at Wales and places like that, so I would want enough space for a decent jacket, tube ect. And I suppose a 3L reservoir.
Christ sounds like I might have to strap a suit case to my back!
Just get the Raptor 14, slightly bigger but still very manageable. I do find if on a longer day I do reach the limit of what I can stuff into mine.
I’ve had a Dakine Nomad for 4 years and its absolutely bomb proof with great storage with room for a 3 ltr reservoir, always seems to score high in tests….CamelBak’s seem to lose their waterproofing layer quickly so i would steer clear.
Must admit Pod, your pack is always very neatly laid out inside. That’s OCD for you, I suppose.
I am sure young Pod’s pack would be well organised whichever brand he used and Rich’s packed with all kinds of tools and the essential pair of pliers.
Now i’ve got to get one of these…….
http://www.podsacs.com/products_lux18.html
Plenty of dodgy comments I’m sure;)
please tell me you have one of those…
i don’t but it’s only a matter of time;)
that is disappointing, think you need to prioritise getting one
+1 for the Dakine Nomad. Fits a 3L bladder in a separate compartment. You can get jacket and spare tubes in the main compartment easily. Has lots of pockets for all your tools and stuff. Back outer panel is hard, so provides good protection for the occasional crash. Weighs about 1kg. So not the lightest backpack out there.
Pic (at snowy Cannock) –
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tonyb_191/6818488887/in/set-72157629173708613
:-)
Tony in ‘occasional crash’ surprise comment!! If anyone would know that a backpack offers good protection in a crash it’d have to be you Tony!! ; ]
On similar note why do you think I bought one with a back protector built in :)
Mmm, Decisions decisions!
Tesco carrier bag, zip ties and bungee cords. No mucking about.
Hmmm. Good point, Rich! :-)
Jeremy – Best thing may be for you to have a look at them in the flesh, so to speak. The Nomad does seem to be made of hard wearing stuff, thankfully!
From experience I would say go and try one on. Possibly using Ali’s tesco carrier bag idea for taking a few of the things you normally carry with you to chuck in the pack you are trying on.
From experience I have bought packs before that fill the space criteria but when tried to ride with them they are really not comfy.
I’ve got an osprey manta 30 which I is great. You can fit shed loads into it and given I used it for the Kielder 100 and it was plenty comfy I think that says enough. I also used it for commuting for an hour and a bit on a cross bike for about 8 months and was great.
Has a nice waterproof cover, pockets on the waist strap, a phone pocket thing, a big pocket and a smaller pocket with some internal dividers and then an expander pocket. Enough space that I could cart a full change of clothes and my lunch to work and still have plenty of space left over. Also, despite the abuse of commuting it still looks almost new.
That said, they have some new ones out that look a bit more bike specific that are probably worth looking at as this is technically a multisport one.
Oh, and the stiff plate in the bladder is fantastic. Even jammed full you can get the bladder in and out.
When my smaller camel bak dies I’ll almost certainly replace it with one of the other osprey ones.
Well hopfully I’ll catch up with you lot again soon and get to take a look at the options.
If you wanted to get a camelbak there is a big sale on at merlin at the moment