Camelbak opinions - Lobo, Charge LR, Octane LR & XCT ?

Anonymous

Got a HAWG NV which is great but really I got it for taking crap loads of kit including an SLR camera, originally for ski trips and then ended up on the bike rides.

What I really want now is something pretty slim but enough to hold the regular pump, spare tube, tools, wallet etc, plus 3L of water.

All kinds of options but currently just comparing this lot:

Lobo
Charge LR
Octane LR
Octane XCT

and wondering if anyone rides with these and what their opinions are.

The Charge & Octane ones in particular I'm interested in as they use a belt kind of bladder with storage up the back and sides, and wondered how that works for people.

The Lobo is a more traditional type I think. Smaller than a Mule?

LR ones though are 2L. The XCT seems to be a 3L version and Lobo is an 3L. I definitely need 3L. During the heat recently I filled with 3L going out and even then filled up with another 2 during the day!

lostboysaint

Dakine Nomad. Better organised, better bladder, more comfortable.

Adotparker

i Have the LR as I love the bladder at the hips...... and can stash the bannana's in the main pac having weight at the hips suits me a lot more, whilst climbing. bearing in mind im already 16 stones :S

warpcow

I've got a Lobo. It'd hold what you list and a bit more, but you're right, it is smaller than a Mule (which I also have for longer rides).

equinefunk

I think the Charge LR is a great pack. But isn't a 3ltr.

Adotparker

equinefunk wrote:

I think the Charge LR is a great pack. But isn't a 3ltr.

Yeah it's just a 2l unfortunatley........

mb london

the mule is the one you need in youor life, it ticks all the boxes

lostboysaint

mb london wrote:

the mule is the one you need in youor life, it ticks all the boxes

Until you try the DK Nomad and then you sell the Mule and never go back.

grenw

Lobo looks a bit like my Rogue only with a 3L reservoir. Great pack but you've got to limit yourself to the essentials. I take out : tube, patch kit, pump, links, tyre levels, mini-tool, energy bars, phone, keys and a tenner. Not much room for anything else and certainly no room for a jacket. Much smaller a Mule

Works fine for anything up to half a day for me if you want more the Octane looks best to me.

DigitalStorm

equinefunk wrote:

I think the Charge LR is a great pack. But isn't a 3ltr.

But if you look at the 2013 range of Camelbak you will see that the Charge LR now has a 3ltr bladder, so maybe wait till they come out.

Anonymous

DK Nomad looks a bit bigger than I want really.

How long would it take for the 2013 Camelbak models to hit the UK? The Charge LR does look nice (not in bright blue version though), though not sure about the water weight around the lower back. One of the areas I get back trouble thanks to last year's big off, though typically the lower back has been okay when riding.

DanDax1990

+1 for the Lobo, I was wanting the Mule for the extra size but the Lobo is fine for what you're wanting.

Fantastic Mr Fox

I have the mule, it comfortably holds an innertube, multitool, 3l of water, wallet, phone, flapjacks and a waterbroof coat. I'd get that.

cycle monster

Good grief, backpack envy - really? I have a variety of Camelbaks and each is superb. The bladders are amazingly easy to keep fresh and keep water cool for ages. They come in such a variety of shapes and sizes it seems unlikely that there is not one out there to suit your needs. Each to his or her own though, really, you can choose for yourself!

paul.skibum

Just picked up a Dakine AMP for 40% off - not tried it yet (technically not bought it yet) but has decent space in it from what I can see, 3l reservoir and some nice little dividers/pockets for tools and what not.

Replacing my errant Mule (which will probably be returned as soon as I buy the Amp).

mcnultycop

I was looking at the Nomad, but the AMP is cheap(er than usual) right now so I reckon I'll get one.

Stevie-eff

mb london wrote:

the mule is the one you need in youor life, it ticks all the boxes

I agree, iv'e got the Mule NV and it is spot on. Holds enough kit but not so much space you start carrying un-necessary kit.
Also has a handy helmet carrying compartment too

Evans cycles was cheapest to get form at the time as they had a sale on, paid about £80. the deals are out there if you look for them.

felix.london

Camelbak Consigliere