Which Camelbak?

supermonkey
supermonkey Posts: 315
edited May 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi,

I want a Camelbak for general trail duties to carry the usual things like tools, pump, spare inner tubes, bit of food, possibly some emergency clothing from time to time etc etc. But I don't want anything too bulky or thats going to be half empty for most of the time I use it.

The options I'm considering are:

Chaos
Mayhem
Lobo
Mule
Octane 8+ 2LTR (Possibly)

Any opinions on any of these? Which would be best for my requirements?

I may also on occasion want to carry a small SLR. Would any of the above be able to accommodate this? Or would it be better to get a smaller pack for shorter outings and a monster for epic rides when I want to take the camera?

Cheers.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    i use a mule when i use one. mainly for general uplift duties on the bigger mountains.

    so i can fix anything and get to the bottom if needed.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • NikB
    NikB Posts: 243
    I have a Mayhem and think it's a very good bit of kit. You could carry an slr in the main compartment but you would probably need to take the lens off depending on the length of the lens. I'm going to give it a try with my camera soon.
    <a><img></a>
  • robmanic1
    robmanic1 Posts: 2,150
    I've got the Lobo, I think It'd struggle to accomodate a decent size SLR, Mule's probably your best option.
    Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/34335188@N07/3336802663/
  • benjdr
    benjdr Posts: 58
    I have a Chaos and this weekend I had the following inside.

    Full water reservoir
    4 inner tubes
    mini pump
    multi tool
    two phones
    wallet
    keys
    bag of nuts
    three fruit bars
    2 bananas

    and could have fitter some clothing in there if it was the kind that packed up very small.

    An SLR would fit in nice and snug if you took the lens off.

    Why not go to a shop with your SLR and try a few bags out?
  • ratty2k
    ratty2k Posts: 3,872
    Mayhem user here, had a Mule, and while it was a great bit of kit, it was a little too small for my liking. The Mayhem has more capacity, and I find it just the right size.
    Mine usually contains the following:

    Pumps (tyre and shock), camera, tools, 2-3 ltrs of fluid wallet, keys, 2 spare tubes first aid kit, survival blanket, and other stuff like food etc. And there is still room for a jacket during the spring months when sometime its a bit warm to wear one...
    My Pics !


    Whadda ya mean I dont believe in god?
    I talk to him everyday....
  • sacredny
    sacredny Posts: 98
    Get a Dakine Apex - Much better than a camelback (imo) -
  • Larok
    Larok Posts: 577
    I have the Mayhem and chaos for my wife and I. The Mayhem is the bag for you.
    My Ride Stumpjumper Expert 2008
  • makavelilegend
    makavelilegend Posts: 8
    I just got a mayhem and its a great bag and a good size!

    I agree with the other 2 guys above..the mayhem would suit your needs.
  • dunker
    dunker Posts: 1,456
    wether you get a mule or a mayhem each can take a slr i think, if you get a small slr case you can strap that onto either using the straps on the back. or get a mayhem and squeeze it into the main compartment but i think that would still be a tight fit if you've filled the drinking bladder.

    id get the mayhem plus a small slr case and either strap it on the back or put that case into the open mesh compartment.
    Merlin Malt4,
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/7405500@N0 ... 025278584/
  • supermonkey
    supermonkey Posts: 315
    There seems to be 2 types of Mayhem:

    http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/product_ ... ts_id=5219
    http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... uctID=9202

    I think they're the same bar the appearance? Is one 2007 and one 2008? Are there any differences between them?

    Cheers guys.
  • Larok
    Larok Posts: 577
    I can only see that the waist strap pads on the 07 look as though they have padded wings on the bag side of them. The 08 one has the buckles attach to the bag without the wings. I got the 08 for this so I can take the waist strap off if I don't use it. (Which I havn't so far). Seems to give more fliexibility as riding without the waist strap seems more comfortable to me, but if I have a heavy load I can just put them on.
    My Ride Stumpjumper Expert 2008
  • Larok
    Larok Posts: 577
    these are useful for drying out the resorvoir after use and preventing mould from growing in them. (very important if you havn't used one before.)

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.a ... ir%20Dryer

    if you don't get one be sure to hang your bladder up and open it out to dry after each use some other way.
    My Ride Stumpjumper Expert 2008
  • dunker
    dunker Posts: 1,456
    nah just plonk it in the freezer :)
    Merlin Malt4,
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/7405500@N0 ... 025278584/
  • stumpyjon
    stumpyjon Posts: 3,983
    Just bought a Mule which I like but was a bit surprised it wasn't bigger (was using a £20 Decathlon sack before). I got everything I normally carry in, but it was a bit of a squeeze. Maybe just need to junk some junk :lol: .
    It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.

    I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
    Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result
  • NikB
    NikB Posts: 243
    I tried putting my slr in my Mayhem this afternoon. I comfortable stashed an EOS 40D and a Tamron 18-200mm lens but I did take the lens off. I didn't put any cases on and it would be perhaps a little vulnerable unless you put something in the bottom of the bag as padding - I used my waterproof.
    <a><img></a>

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