My Camelbak Rogue bladder has died after buying it 6 and a half years ago, looking for something to replace it. Something with about 2 litres I think (don't think I need any more), and enough space in the bag for basic tools, a spare tube, a mini pump, some food and a spare layer. I don't think that Rogue design is made anymore from looking online (it was a bladder that wrapped around your lower back).
And what about these bum bag things that people are using, love them or hate them?
My main use will be for long solo spins, but more XC style than Enduro.
Cheers.
Recommendations, I meant 😀
Most on here will suggest you tie your tube to the frame with an elastic band, slot the tool into your frame, stuff the pump up your nose, leave the food behind along with any additional clothing that might make your ride more comfortable and use a bottle covered in sheep poo to drink from....
..personally I use a camelbak skyline and it sits perfectly on my lower back so that I barely feel its there. Plenty of space for kit but no too much, internal pockets means easy to find stuff and comes supplied with a bladder for around 60 quid. 2 years of hard use and its still good as new.
Boring recommendation but Camelbak Mule or similar. I have the original slimline one which is about 10 yrs old which I use for light rides and a newer larger one which despite feeling flimsier seems to be doing well - its a bit dirty but has no tears or loose seams. Holds 3l of water, tools, food, layers and assorted gubbins
I've been using the Chase Vest this year (after seeing it reviewed in the mag). Very happy with it
nd what about these bum bag things that people are using, love them or hate them?
I've a camelbak repack, and for what I use it for it's brilliant, and that's mostly sub-2 hour rides, you can get just enough water and spares that you'd normally need (pump, spare tube, multi tool, tyre levers and a gillet if you pack carefully), I wouldn't want to use it it for "Hither and Thither" solo rides in mid winter though when you need to carry more than that. For those sorts of rides I've "invested" in a Mission Workshop Hauser
https://missionworkshop.com/collections/hydration-packs/products/the-hauser-hydration-backpack
It's completely indestructible as far as I can make out, completely waterproof v comfy and carries all that need. I'm aware that it's cripplingly expensive, but as long as it last twice as long as the equivalent camelbak, I'm quids in.
Just the bladder dead?
Decathlon do a good one for £8 or so.
Need new bag too? My two Dakine packs have been bombproof. Would buy again for sure.
Just the bladder dead?
Must be - the packs last forever!
Osprey Raptor. Choose the size that best suits. The bladder, house routing and tool storage is way ahead of any other pack I have owned from Camelbak Mule & Skyline, Deuter, Dakine or Wingnut. The Dakine and Wingnut were both excellent though!
+1 for Osprey in the size of your choice. Just really well designed hydration packs.
stuff the pump up your nose
This is really poor advice even by STW standards. Very few pumps will fit the average nostril. If you must try this, CO2 canisters are arguably more suitable.
..personally I use a camelbak skyline
Great pack, would also highly recommend
+1 for Dakine
I bought a Camelbak MULE about 16 years ago. It's been bashed, battered and seen everything from blazing sunshine to blizzards. It's still going strong. I have changed the bladder though.
I've had a couple of Dakine bags over the years and thought they are excellent (so much so I've just ordered a Dakine hip bag, just arrived today so can't give you a review yet). Comfy to wear and well organised storage and excellent durability. They come with hydropack bladders which I think are also good and hydropack's after sales support is very very good too. I prefer the camelbak bite valve to hydropack but you can interchange the hoses and bladders between brands!
I have the Dakine hip bag and won't go back to a shoulder hydration bag.
I switched from Camelback to Osprey, I wont be going back, just so well designed, great storage solutions, bulletprof and the bladders dont grow stuff if you are half a day late in washing them out.....
Any Evoc bag you care to mention. They sit low on the back and really support the pack weight via the waist strap so that you don't feel any weight really through the shoulder straps. Plus … back protector!
I've got the camelbak repack for short rides and it's a great bit if kit. I'd try one on if you have a waist of 38inch or greater though. It's a bit "snug". I have most of my tools and spares in a wee cog saddle bag as it's easier to swap between bikes. I can get a thin waterproof and fleece jumper in the repack with keys wallet and a snack.
For longer rides I've got my 10 year old dakine heli pro that I use for ski touring. Its bullet proof. Just put a cheap bladder in it.
Platypus are excellent. I use them all my under my skinsuit for long time trials. No big mouth, just unscrew at tube and fill.
Another vote for the Osprey Raptor. I've two in different sizes, the kids have Camelbak mini-mules and they're quite annoying in comparison.
