Which Camelbak?

strodey

People,
Returning to MTB's after 15 years away, oh how its changed!
Just wanting some advice if anyone can helpme out on what Camelbak would suit me best?
I tend to do 2 - 3 hours half climbing half downhill and am looking at getting a hydaration system, i don't carry too much gear.

What do you guys use and why?
Wha wouldn't you use, is there anything i need to steer clear of?

Help would be appreciated as i can be an indecisive chap!!!!

scotttomo

This post might get moved but i've got 2 spare Berghaus nitro packs that are virtually brand new if your don't wanna spend too much? Bout 15 quid if you want one (will amend if anyone thinks this is too steep). Black ripstop nylon material. It has a small pouch at the base with a net in which can carry a helmet (my met parachute full facer fits nicely into it) attaches with a couple of clips to two rings near the top of the pack. Two litre hydration pocket, 1small mesh zipped inside pocket, 1small mesh zipped outside pocket, medium zipped outside pocket perfect size for shock pump, regular pump and a few tools. Main compartment 24ltr capacity i think. Hip and chest straps with reflective strips on. Limpet integrated carrying and compression system, thats just what it says on the back .Got one myself. Neat little pack that does everythin i need it to. Can send it free in work too so no postage to pay unless you aint happy and wanna send it back :oops: just let me know mate. Nother one goin too if anyone interested
Not sure how to post pics though mate coz i'm rubbish on a comp but do an image search on google for berghaus nitro. Should show you what it looks like.

dirtbiker100

urgh just lost my message when i did a search for the bag ha ha.

^^^ should be good enough for you strodey but maybe a touch big if you don't carry much.
i've got a camelbak mayhem, 3L of water and 11.5L of space. in theory its 1L of liquid for every hour of hard activity so you'd want a 2L + hydration pack really. I carry a few tools / innertube / jacket / choc bar on main rides and throw in a lock etc if needs be.


hmmm sounds like a nice bag I might be interested too but i'm trying to cut down on needless spending!! does it come with the hydration "pouch" thing though? i've read it doesn't. a 2L camelbak "pouch" (whats the real name for it!!) would be about £20

Brighty

Remember that you don't have to buy a dedicated 'hydration pack' you can buy the bladders separately. I have one by a company called 'platypus' which cost about £15, available from camping/hiking shops, you can then put it in any size rucksack you like. I use one of those cheap drawstring rucksack/bag things (came free with my old bike from edinburgh bike coop) for short rides, i then have a 15 or 20L karrimor rucksack which i got for under a fiver from sports world or whatever that cheap shop is, for longer rides. If i really wanted to, i could also bung it into my 80L camping rucksack and ride off for a week somewhere.
Why restrict yourself buy buying a camelback, don't see the point, especially at the price they charge for them.

Brighty

dirtbiker100

good points above but the reasons why i like my camelbak:
no bigger than it needs to be. I don't have 25-30 litres (the size i'd buy otherwise) when I only need less than half of that. Gernerally the bigger it is, the more it'll move around on your back and generally be a nuisance. (having said that the way that the berghaus nitro sits on the back is extremely good according to reviews)
designed for mtbing - and even more specifically the sort of agressive xc that I do. thats materials, straps and even the zips are bigger ones for easy use with gloves and able to take a fair bit of abuse.
seperate comparment for the water and a hook to hold it up so it isn't just thrown into the bag or crunched up down the bottom, its spread out across the back and not down the bottom.

a normal backpack is good if you are on a budget but there has been some thought gone into them, mine especially, so thats why I got It (the camelbak mayhem)

pdid

Agree with the Mayhem (which i also have).

It looks good, has a descent size reservoir and it fits everything you may need for a day blast.

Phil

stumpyjon

I've got a cheap Quecha hydration pack from Decathlon. Cost about £ 20. I find it to be great, sits well on my back, feels comfortable, has both waist strap and a sternum strap so doesn't move around much. Came with a 2.0 l bladder which has it's own internal pocket which it hangs in (so it doesn't collapse as it empties). It's got room for a waterproof, butty and tube etc but insn't massive.

Also comes with rain cover that clips on. May not have the most sophisticated valve but It's never leaked.

I might consider a camelback when it dies but on current performance that won't be for a couple of years.

ride_whenever

I like the chaos, which is a little smaller, because most of my stuff can be strapped to the outside. Plus I have larger bags which i put the bladder in if i need to carry more stuff, I also have a 25ltr rucksack that sits away from my back and is great for commuting and coaching, a 45ltr one for slightly more stuff and an 85ltr one for backpacking and camping.

prophet_1000

I have a Camelbak M.U.L.E 4 season, it has a 3l bladder perfect for your 2-3 hour rides, it has easy access to the separate water bladder compartment so you dont have unload the main bag to access it.

The main compartment fits a shock and tyre pumps plus room for a packable waterproof jacket, at the top is a small soft material compartment for an MP3 or phone which has a water resistant zip.

Then there is a small compartment at the rear big enough for tools/ tubes/ wallet etc and a key chain cord, and in between that and the main compartment is an expandable section with netted sides.

All this and it has the latest air flow design down your back and very adjustable straps for the shoulders, chest and waist.

It is a really compact design which is not wide and when half empty you hardly know your wearing it.

Highly recommended

www.27gears.com

scotttomo

Yeah dirtbiker your right it wont be comin with a bladder for the water, but i picked up mine from millets for 7.50. Not as good as a camelback one but is good enough for me, valve doesn't leak and quite easy to clean.

penfolduk

I had a mayhem, found it too narrow to get much in it. Getting a new pack from Decathlon, £30 to. Can't complain with that price http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/diosaz-raid-27-17408521/ they do cheaper ones to.

Tim in Yorkshire

Many of the ski/snowboard back packs have space/pocket and clip for a bladder too, useful if you do one of these sports in the winter to double up with use on the bike. The straps etc for carrying skis/board may even come in handy one day out on the bike. Got a Da-Kine heli which is great and is now into it's 3rd year, very impressed. Just got a non camelback bladder for it that works fine too.

shivadread

SCOTTTOMO

Hi SCOTTTOMO
If you still have one of those Berghaus Nitro rucksacks, I'll take one of your hands for £15. E-mail me on jpnick@jerseymail.co.uk if still available. Thanks

homercles

prophet_1000 wrote:

I have a Camelbak M.U.L.E 4 season...

Second all of that, except that the Airflow design is essentially worthless. Great bag though.

If using for skiing, the tube insulation is also useless - you will need to stuff it back down towards the bladder to stop it freezing up between runs.

El Capitano

For racing: Camelbak Lobo

For Trail Riding: Camelbak Mule

For Adventure Racing: Berghaus Nitro

All have their own merits for each activity.

strodey

Cheers people, some great advice and really got me looking at everything, looks like i'll probably go for the Chaos as i don't need too much storage, 2 litres is enough water for the moment and it looks quite snug fitting when on!
Thanks

Strodey

cjw

strodey wrote:

Cheers people, some great advice and really got me looking at everything, looks like i'll probably go for the Chaos as i don't need too much storage, 2 litres is enough water for the moment and it looks quite snug fitting when on!
Thanks

Strodey

Just to add one (possible) other option. I use the Camelbak Rogue for short (1-2 hour rides). It's 2L but has less storage space and is more compact than the Chaos. Of course, you can't carry a great deal extra in it. I carry spare tube, pump, tools, med kit, wallet, phone, energy drink and some small bits and bobs. If you want to carry more though it would be too small. As I say, ideal for short rides.

prophet_1000

homercles wrote:

prophet_1000 wrote:

I have a Camelbak M.U.L.E 4 season...

Second all of that, except that the Airflow design is essentially worthless. Great bag though.

If using for skiing, the tube insulation is also useless - you will need to stuff it back down towards the bladder to stop it freezing up between runs.

Your right, but I was really trying to sell him the Idea that the M.U.L.E is excellent for the Money. Now you have gone a spoiled it !

Just kidding LOL

xcracer

strodey wrote:

People,
I tend to do 2 - 3 hours half climbing half downhill and am looking at getting a hydaration system, i don't carry too much gear./quote]

Do you really need a hydration pack? Is it 2-3 hours in the Sahara or in the English winter?

dirtbiker100

Personally I would. 3 hours hard riding can be unpleasant without water.

strodey

Changed my mind last minute and bought a MULE, must say, well impressed and even when doing short rides i'll still wear it as it beats drinking from a bottle covered in mud!

prophet_1000

Excellent Choice my Good man

Now you're one of the beautiful people

buzz1

Hi, I bought a snowboarding rucksack from T K MAX ! which has a built in 2ltr. hydration pack and loads of pockets big and small for keys, money, choccy bars etc., but not too
bulky
comes in snow camo colour and was only....£15 !!




http://www.flickr.com/photos/72834654@N00/

CupraR

Agreed, the Mule is a great pack, just got myself one too.

But what's the elasticated webbings for on either side, that are at the top or maybe slightly back of your shoulders??

P.S. Great site by the way.

strodey

i thread the drinking tube through them!

CupraR

strodey wrote:

i thread the drinking tube through them!

Ah, I see. I did think they may of been there for another reason, but not sure for what obviously.

Thanks for the reply.

CupraR

strodey wrote:

i thread the drinking tube through them!

Ah, I see. I did think they may of been there for another reason, but not sure for what obviously.

Thanks for the reply.

CupraR

Whoops, not sure how I managed to post twice there, maybe it's my extreme tiredness, but I can't find an option to delete a posting.