Hydration Packs...

moleylfc

I'm after a hydration pack, don't really want to spend more than £50 if i'm honest but willing to if the goods match up to the price.

I've been looking at the Camelbak mule 3l, can get it for £60 on eBay but i've heard it's not waterproof.

So requirements are, waterproof, 3l+ bladder, enough storage for some spare tubes, tools, food etc.

Any suggestions?

Many thanks in advance.
Moley

97th choice

You want to carry 3 litres of water on your back? How far are you travelling?

moleylfc

Will be doing quite a few days out on trails and what not, not to mention long hikes with the missus in the summer months. So 3l is probably not enough in all honesty, but for 6hrs of MTB'ing I think it's a fair shout...

Feel free to offer alternative suggestions, i'm all ears...

RussNicholls9

Would a 2l be okay?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hb-72-water-pouch-grey-blue-id_8203174.html or http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hb-s2-black-blue-id_8243904.html

RussNicholls9

or maybe even if you want to try a real budget, try and figure a way to keep one of these in a rucksack?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/2l-tpu-hydra ... 17347.html

coulddobetter

Go for the mule , superb, you can always put things in a ziplock bag if worried. ( see so many posts with people saying they should have bought camelback rather than a cheap one) 3 litres is not too much as design is so good , I am glad I invested in this weather.

moleylfc

RussNicholls9 wrote:

Would a 2l be okay?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hb-72-water-pouch-grey-blue-id_8203174.html or http://www.decathlon.co.uk/hb-s2-black-blue-id_8243904.html

I'm beginning to think there are a load of decathlon sales reps on here!

No in all seriousness, they look good so thanks for your suggestions. The pack itself looks like it'd do the job although I can't see any detail on it being waterproof.

Ideally it should be 3l, but I may be willing to drop to 2l.

Any other suggestions?

kirby700

Just bought one of these

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/p/1307 ... 1-backpack for £36 - it has a waterproof cover that unzips from the bottom of it, seems really well made and designed.

and

http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-hy ... e=78704503 for £11 - not sure what its like as I have a camelback bladder.

The Northern Monkey

Merlin cycles have a massive camelbak sale atm

YeehaaMcgee

moleylfc wrote:

I've been looking at the Camelbak mule 3l, can get it for £60 on eBay but i've heard it's not waterproof.

Hmm, I've had several camelbacks over the years, and they've all been more-or-less waterproof. I use one to ride to work, to carry a change of clothes and lunch, so I often wash it with Nickwax proofer, and it does me fine. When it REALLY rains, I do still put things in a plastic bag, then put the bag inside the camelbak though.

oxocube1

I have a Mule 3L and really recommend it. I use it mainly for biking, but went up Ben Nevis with it on my back last weekend and It was perfect for the hike. It has plenty of space for tools, spare tubes, even clothing and it has a handy helmet pouch too. It has chest and stomach straps which have loads of adjustment and the bladder has a lifetime warranty.
I've never personally tested it's 'waterproofness' as I haven't used it in anything more than a drizzle but just like others are saying, If you have anything in there you don't want to get wet put it into a small waterproof bag. I would do the same even if i knew the camelback was 100% waterproof.

The Rookie

The Northern Monkey wrote:

Merlin cycles have a massive camelbak sale atm

Yeah but he only wants a 3L, not a massive one!

MrM

Not 3L but cheap! It's often cheaper than the current price
Might suit others after a cheap hydration pack
http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-hydra ... d=215-1572

moleylfc

Cheers for the advice all, made my mind up, gonna go for the Mule.

rapid_donkey

I have a mule. Its brilliant. Just wrap your stuff up in plastic bags.

YeehaaMcgee

rapid_donkey wrote:

I am a mule. Its brilliant.

andyc-43

MrM wrote:

Not 3L but cheap! It's often cheaper than the current price
Might suit others after a cheap hydration pack
http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-hydra ... d=215-1572

I got on of these for fathers day, and for the price there great. Only holds 1.5 litres which suits me for 2 hours riding.

Tigger con carne

andyc-43 wrote:

MrM wrote:

Not 3L but cheap! It's often cheaper than the current price
Might suit others after a cheap hydration pack
http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-hydra ... d=215-1572

I got on of these for fathers day, and for the price there great. Only holds 1.5 litres which suits me for 2 hours riding.

Normally I'd be OK with a bottle plus whatever I can stuff in my saddle pack and pockets, but I've been looking for something like this for Sky Rides where I need to carry paperwork, first aid kit and stuff. Thanks for the link

dhooper7

I've got a Mule and love it.
I've found it only lacks in 'waterproofness' when scuba diving, other than that it's fine.

Buy one