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Looking for a new hydration pack.
I have used a Camelbak Mule previously but quite tempted by an Osprey.
Anybody have any experience? They seem slightly better quality than Camelbak but what is the bladder like to live with?
Looking at a Raptor vs a Mule.
Thanks
I've had two Osprey Raptors, both have been really good. Access to the reservoir's well thought out and the reservoir itself works great ime. Good bite valve and flow, very resistant to mould, easy to fill. The very first one I had sprang a leak on one of the laminated seams, but later ones have been fine. The reservoirs are made by Hydrapak I think. The magnetic bite-valve attachment gizmo is handy too and a neat touch.
I don't think you can go far wrong with Osprey tbh, but I've not used a Mule, so can't make a direct comparison. I do think the Osprey reservoirs feel more sturdy than Camelbak ones I've used tho.
Wot he said^^^. I've been using a Raptor 10(?) for about a decade and its been faultless.
That said...
Mine has finally died - the material across the top of the pack between the straps has rotted through UV & sweat and has torn, so I'm trying a Deuter. The one I've got is a little larger with a built in back protector, but otherwise looks equally as well built as the Osprey and has some different but useful features, like a phone pouch you can reach without taking the pack off, and a built in rain cover.
Have both a raptor 14 and a talon 22. Find the roll top bladders much easier to look after than the one Camelbak bladder I have with its screw in filler cap. I’ve also a uswe one that uses the same roll top design (it’s branded as a hydropak) bladder.
The access is awkward on the talon but ok on the raptor.
I used a Mule for many years and moved across to Deuter and Wingnut. I have then been using a Raptor for the last three years.
The bladder used by Osprey seems to be better than the Camelbak ones I used to use - they leak less and wear better. I scrupulously clean and store my bladders and only use water in them - so cannot comment on mould resistance.
The Raptor seems better thought out than the Mule and gives better options for kit storage - as well as seeming a bit better quality wise.
Had packs from both Osprey and Camelbak and I think you'd be hard pushed to say that one was better made than the other, or that the bladders are wildly different. Choose the features that you think would be better for you and buy that one?
Raptor 10 here. Before that I had a camelback something or other.
The cb wasn’t bad. But the osprey is far better quality, as well as (subjectively) fit and comfort.
Don’t have cause to wear it often but when I do I usually take water bottles in it, and refill my on bike bottle over the course of the ride.
Been a Camelbak user since they came out but got fed up of them discontinuing bladders and not being able to get ones to fit a perfectly good lumbar pack. Went for a Raptor and it’s been brilliant. Love to separate tool pocket at the bottom, keeping heavy weight low down. Bladder really easy to fill and clean. Only issue is if you run the pipe over your left shoulder as it can only be routed over the right.
I’ve got an Evoc one which is nicer than the Camelbak I had before.
Thanks all. Raptor 10 ordered.