Cheaper Camelbak alternative?

dirkpitt74

Guys,
Need to replace my current back pak as it isn't overly great and compartments are a bit small.

Don't want to spend a fortune (Max £40 really).

My mate got a Camelbak Mule cheap the other week but deal finished/sold out.

Was looking at:
Hydrapak Tamarack

Or

Hydrapak Laguna

as both seem good value and I like the reversible bladder and quick disconnect.

Reviews mention not very waterproof - not sure if that'll be an issue as can get a cover I would have thought.

Anyone use either of the above or have a similar sized alternative?

Thanks

Angus Young

Have a look on the Tesco website. They have quite a few hydropacks on there at insanely cheap prices. Don't know if they're any good but some of them are so cheap it's worth a punt just to see.

The Rookie

The Tesco direct one is excellent value, certainly punches well above its circa £12 weight!

CitizenLee

My gf had the Tesco one and the bladder isn't that great, in particular the bite valve was a bit pants. Still, for the price it's good value. You could always add a Camelbak, Osprey or Hydrapak bladder and still be under £40 budget.

I'd just bump the budget up a bit and get a Dakine Drafter. Best hydropack I've owned, although it now has an Opsrey bladder rather than the original Hydrapak one. Much better than my old Mule.

jairaj

One of my riding buddies has a Hydrapak bag. It looks suspiciously very similar to my Dakine bag which use Hydrapak bladders.

I've only had a quick poke around with it but it seems well made and he's had it a few years now and looks like it'll last a few years longer no problem.

dirkpitt74

This one from Decathlon doesn't look too bad either.

batmo

DirkPitt74 wrote:

This one from Decathlon doesn't look too bad either.

That does look good value, impressed with the waterproof zipped pocket.

Having never visited, I checked out where my nearest Decathlon shop is. A brand new one is opening on Thursday...



...in Harlow.

Craig24

+1 for Tesco, bite valve is ok, mine just needed opening slightly more with a sharp knife

CitizenLee

The bite valve on ours constantly leaked. Osprey has the best valves IMO.

That Decathlon bag above looks excellent for the cash!

dirkpitt74

Thanks for all the comments & links.

Have taken a punt on the Hydrapak Laguna as I thought the Decathlon one was a tad too long at 500mm.

Will post up some thoughts when it arrives.

dirkpitt74

Hydrapak turned up this morning - nice quick delivery from Merlin!

First impressions are that it's big!
Label says it's a 17L capacity (which is more than the 10L listed on the web....)


Plenty of storage pockets space:


(Handy little section for a pump)




Separate zipped section for the bladder:


Detachable waist strap:


Nice big 3L bladder with quick-disconnect and it's reversible for cleaning:



Will hopefully transfer my stuff from my old pack into this one either tonight or tomorrow and give it a try over the weekend.
Will let you know how I get on.

Angus Young

Why such a big pack? Are you taking the kitchen sink with you?

dirkpitt74

Angus Young wrote:

Why such a big pack? Are you taking the kitchen sink with you?

Didn't realise it was 17L - all reviews etc. said 10L.
Needed something slightly bigger than I have with a couple more pockets.

Angus Young

Sorry, didn't read that bit. Was distracted by the pretty pictures. :-)