Larger backpacks

Boy Lard

I currently have a Camelbak Mule and I am finding it a bit small for carrying stuff to work. It has been ok on weekend rides, but I'm thinking as winter draws in I may want to be carrying more, or bulkier stuff. I've also had trouble with pain between my shoulder blades, and although I can't completely point the finger at the Mule, I have tried a different, cheap rucksack (no bladder) and did not get the same pain, but I haven't been able to do the same rides over the same distance with it to make sure.

I want to carry a sandwich box, a flask, a coat/jacket, bike tools, 2 inner tubes, pump and some jelly babies, plus the bladder, preferably 3 litre.

I've looked at the Dakine Nomad but thought it might be a bit small (18L), was thinking of something more like 30L. The Wingnut Hyper looks like it might be better for my back, but I'm not sure how much it can carry.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

warpcow

A mountain-biking magazine not of the Future Publishing franchise, that's named after a type of trail popular with mountain-bikers, have a pretty extensive group test of 25-30L packs this month. They rate the Dakine Apex and AMP packs.

paulbox

I was looking at a North Face one (Crank 25) on their web site yesterday:

http://uk.thenorthface.com/tnf-uk-en/activity/mountain-biking/equipment/tech-packs.html

There's also the 25l Camelbak Rim Runner ( :? ):

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5568

I've not used either though so don't know what they're like.

Boy Lard

warpcow wrote:

A mountain-biking magazine not of the Future Publishing franchise, that's named after a type of trail popular with mountain-bikers....

MattMTB

Kriega R25, 'nuff said 8)

CraigXXL

Problem with empty space in larger back packs is the items move around more even with the straps tightened up, this movement gets annoying. I had a Camelbak Alpine that was around those dimensions and it was just too big so down sized to a HAWG which is just about the right size at 18ltrs which takes all you've mentioned and still only about 2/3 full. Going off your short list I would go for the Dakine Nomad.

rhialto

I have had a Dakine Apex for 2 years now and it holds all the stuff listed in the original post. Well... I don't carry a flask, but it's not a bad idea if you know what I mean . It's really well built, lots of capacity, 3 L bladder, straps for carrying your armour (easily hidden away). etc. The only downside is the price: approx £90.