Hydration Pack Size

tinytjf

I'm in the market for another hydration pack - I currently have a thirty litre day pack which is rather too big for day rides and a tiny one that works great for a quick blast as it carries tools and a bit of food.

What I'm after is one that will carry my SLR camera, food, tools and a spare layer of some sort (preferably inside) and if doable a rain layer attached to bungee on the outside. Unfortunately, I'm just not really sure how many litres all that equates to.

I know the best way to do it is take everything I want in it to the shop and try it, but that feels rather cheeky somehow. I just wondered what you lot did for the intermediate rides especially those of you that carry an SLR.

Btw, I know they've done a test in WMB71 but they don't really equate litreage to amount of stuff if you see what I mean.

<hr noshade size="1"><font size="1"><b>Reviews</b>
Trails, Kit and Road trips

<b>Pics</b>
My Steed *Updated*
Trails and Road Trips

Deer Park Fence - 2
Tim - 0

Quarry Fence - 1
Tim - 0</font id="size1">

Wolf

I think Northface make a nice 12 litre storage - 3 litre water one. Cheap at œ55 too, and nice bungee accessorie and pockets too. I saw it the same day I bought my Camelback mule [:(]. Happy with it, but a tad small for longer rides.

Marin Eldridge Grade 07
GT Avalanche 1.0 07

tinytjf

Anyone other than Wolf?

<hr noshade size="1"><font size="1"><b>Reviews</b>
Trails, Kit and Road trips

<b>Pics</b>
My Steed *Updated*
Trails and Road Trips

Deer Park Fence - 2
Tim - 0

Quarry Fence - 1
Tim - 0</font id="size1">

s_j_pwmb

It'll depend on how big your SLR is (i.e. whether you want to take lenses too.)

I have a Dakine Drafter (œ30 from Evans IIRC), and a cheap Aldi pack (œ9), both are around 11/12 litres (and 2 litres water). They're big enough for waterproofs, multitool, chain, two tubes, CO2 inflater, mini-pump, wallet, keys, a banana, and a few other bits. Any more, and you're pushing the capacity. Whilst a SLR will probably fit in either, you'd be somewhat limited in what else you could carry, especially if you have it in any form of case for protection.

The problem with larger packs is their overall weight when packed, my smaller packs when fully-packed weight in at a good 8-10kg!

I'd suggest a decent sized saddle-bag for the tools, tubes, and spares. Then use a mid-sized pack like the Drafter, or the many others available, for the camera and your clothes.