Camelbak Charge or ...
 

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[Closed] Camelbak Charge or Volt users - your review please.

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I'm considering asking Santa for a new Camelbak for xmas - Volt or Charge.
Any reviews on these?
Anyone bought a Charge & wished they'd bought a Volt.


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 9:53 am
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Hi
I presume you mean the lumbar version?

I had a Charge and thought it was fantastic for 90% of th ride I do.
Embarrassingly I then looped my bike wheeling in a car park and hurt my back. Convinced my self my would have been better protected with a different bag so sold it. Obviously this was nonsense!!!!!!

Regretted it almost immediately and after trying a number of different bags have now gone back to a Charge.
I find I can get a normal days riding tools, tubes, waterproof and food in it with room to spare and the lumbar pockets are really useful.
The limiting factor is th bladder size. At 2 litres it lasts me about 4 hours so for bigger rides I have an older style Charge 450.
The Volt is the same just bigger capacity and a 3 litre bladder and if I could pick one up reasonably I would have one in a flash.
I think the RRP is a bit steep-I paid £45 for one that had been used twice.

If I was only having one I suppose I would go for the Volt if the price was right but there seems to be very few about second hand.
I have seen some reviews where the lumbar style didn't suit people but I really like it.
Cheers
Steve


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 10:10 am
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I find the lumbar reservoir cap digs in on the Charge LR when the bag begins to empty. Otherwise it's great - wing pockets are handy and a great size, main compartment is perfect size for pumps, multi-tool, first aid kit, lightweight jacket and additional layer


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 10:14 am
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Same same but different: i've just brought a Osprey Raptor 10 as i wanted munchie pockets on my hips-

[img] [/img]

not used in anger yet, but will be on the RAW tomorrow.

£68.49 from CRC and also available in enduro green.


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 10:19 am
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Have the volt whilst its good a sieve would be more waterproof!

Anyone make a goretex hydration pack?


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 11:48 am
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Anyone make a goretex hydration pack?

Damn fine idea.


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 12:34 pm
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Thanks for the replies - & yes I'm talking about the lumbar versions.


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 1:38 pm
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Had the original charge lr when it first came out and it was good apart from the way the internal storage was laid. Sold that after getting the later version free with MBR subscription. This one again is a mixed bag (lol) as the storage has been sorted but the reservoir now goes in where it rests against your back which is a bit annoying. As stated already, it only has 2ltr so a bottle maybe needed for longer rides, but I get everything in, pump, couple of inner tubes, sarnies, and a waterproof no probs. It is much more comfy than the mule I had originally had. I would recommend...and Merlin can sometimes have good deals on them.


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 4:45 pm
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Had a Volt for a while.
Comfortable on the back but bladder was a pain in the Ass.
Had to remove pipe to refill.
if you didn't it was right pain to thread it through bag.
Very flimsy when carrying bag outside with bike,always fell off shoulder.
Fabric too lightweight.
Tore it on overhanging branch.
Bought another Mule which I had in first place!
Feels much better,snugger fitting and tougher!
Buy a Mule!!
Thanx,
Max


 
Posted : 15/11/2014 7:07 pm
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I spent ages deliberating this one and went for the 2 litre charge in the end. I've never regretted it and have not missed the extra litre capacity that I had with my old Mule.


 
Posted : 16/11/2014 12:46 am
 rob2
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Charge here. Very good and echo the points above. Good for most rides but I need a bottle for longer rides. It can hold a fair amount of kit though. The buckle on the front top strap broke on mine which is a bit annoying


 
Posted : 16/11/2014 7:19 am

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