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which hydration pack

stuartc1470stuartc1470 Posts: 10
edited June 2012 in MTB buying advice
Hi, I am looking fir a new hydration pack as I am returning to mountain biking after a few years away. I had a camelback mule previously and would want a similar size again. Are they still the one to go for or do other makes offer a better pack.
Cheers

Posts

  • supersonicsupersonic Posts: 82,708 Lives Here
    Depends what size, as Camelbak make a lot. What water/storage capacity do you want?
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  • stuartc1470stuartc1470 Posts: 10
    I want one the about the same as the Mule, mainly for riding trails and with around 3 Lts water capacity and a guess around 15 lts carrying capacity.
    Cheers
  • ricardo_smoothricardo_smooth Posts: 1,281
    My mule with 3litre bladder is spot on
  • Welsh_WizardWelsh_Wizard Posts: 84
    I visited the 'Mountain Warehouse' in Cardiff the other day (think they are online too).

    Bought their own brand 16litre bag in black with a 2litre hydration pouch. Got the bag & pouch for £20 and got a free hydration pouch for my troubles. The bag itself is quality and really fits tight to your back. Hydration pouch is really good too save for the odd (and I mean odd) drip now and then.
  • brindlescoopsbrindlescoops Posts: 464
    I had a camelbak but switched to a Dakine, better storage, and the bladder is much easier to clean and fill.
    My biggest fear is that should I crash, burn and die, my Wife would sell my stuff based upon what I told her I paid for it.
  • mountaingoatimnotmountaingoatimnot Posts: 185
    edited June 2012
    I nearly opted for the mountain warehouse route too, but in the end the £8 one from Tesco won my business. Used it a few times and even with my son stealing (additional) drink from it we still didn't use more than 0.5litres of fluid during 2hrs riding.

    3 litres is a lot of fluid to be carrying
  • mcnultycopmcnultycop Posts: 2,143
    mountaingoatimnot wrote:
    Used it a few times and even with my son stealing a drink from it we still didn't use more than 0.5litres of fluid during 2hrs riding.

    You should be drinking more.
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  • hainmanhainman Posts: 699
    has anyone used the lowe alpine bags??doesnt have a bladder but at 30quid it looks the part as i have 3 bladders to use anyway...
    http://www.gooutdoors.co.uk/lowe-alpine-edge-18-p203612
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  • lostboysaintlostboysaint Posts: 4,250
    BrindleScoops wrote:
    I had a camelbak but switched to a Dakine, better storage, and the bladder is much easier to clean and fill.

    Ditto. Went from the Mule to the Dakine Nomad. Bladder is MUCH easier to fill, empty, clean, better bite valve, pack is way better organised with fully opening pockets (not just a zip that you have to put your hand through to rummage around for stuff) and plenty of secure storage in each section for phone, keys, wallet etc. Good helmet carrier as well. Generally some good deals around on them.
    Trail fun - Transition Bandit
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  • felix.londonfelix.london Posts: 4,067
    going for the Camelbak Consigliere (which looks like it's been discontinued) Merlin have got it for £40 which seems a good price..but only in white/pink :?
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

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  • felix.londonfelix.london Posts: 4,067
    ...also when the capacity is quoted for these packs is that without the bladder?

    The Consigliere is quoted as an 8L pack - is that total pack capacity?
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • lostboysaintlostboysaint Posts: 4,250
    Couldn't answer that for Camelbak but Dakine is quoted separately. So the Nomad is 3l of hydration and 18l (I seem to remember) of pack.
    Trail fun - Transition Bandit
    Road - Wilier Izoard Centaur/Cube Agree C62 Disc
    Allround - Cotic Solaris
  • MonkFunkMonkFunk Posts: 91
    I recently got this Dakine and have been very impressed with it. Good size, bladder is excellent.

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/dak ... k-ec026690
  • felix.londonfelix.london Posts: 4,067
    felix.london wrote:
    going for the Camelbak Consigliere (which looks like it's been discontinued) Merlin have got it for £40 which seems a good price..but only in white/pink :?

    Found a Consigliere on German eBay in a much more manly red, white & blue!..(although, still slightly gay 'round the edges :wink: )

    camelbakconsiglieremethylo.jpg

    ...£43 delivered but without a resevoir which suites me as I'd prefer a 1.5L than the 2L that comes with that model. Although with an Antidote Resevoir that will bump up total price to about £66 if I'm lucky :|
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • stuartc1470stuartc1470 Posts: 10
    Thanks for the advise and help, I have ordered the Dakine that MonkFunk sent the link to :D it ticks all the boxes and is a great price.
    Cheers
  • RushmoreRushmore Posts: 674
    + 1 for the Dakines... I have one.. I prefer the hydration system to camel baks... My camel back lid thing seizes shut and is a nightmare to undo to refill on long rides... The dakine is perfect.. Really well thought out design ( cant remember what the model of mine is ) But it's in Rasta colours and looks the nuts and works incredibly well... I've used it for 8.5 hours on the bikein one go and it accommodated everything I needed without a hitch,,,
    Always remember.... Wherever you go, there you are.

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