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I have 2 ancient Camelbak Chaoses, and they're great and will outlast me, but a little small for winter. So I reckon I need a bigger pack just for hauling wateproofs and such, but there's a couple of things I really want.
Basics- 2 litre water is fine. Prefer it to be, well, backpack shaped not low hanging or whatever. Needs to sit well. Tough is good, doesn't really have to be waterproof or have a cover but I guess it'd be a bonus. Standard strap layout, no weird parachute stuff. Doesn't need to be huge I think, middly sized- enough for standardy stuff + a jacket. Helmet straps needed but I guess that's standard on bike bags now. No tool rolls though, nice idea but they're just never the right shape for your actual tools. Not really too demanding on back panel stuff, don't need fancy air systems or anything, but not against it, as long as the pack basically sits on my back and feels planted.
Pickiness- I want a chest or waist pocket that I can stick a phone in, and ideally 2 so I can squeeze in some snacks, that's the dealbreaker. Not for every ride, but I want the option if I'm using it for navigating. It's got to pack full without bulging out like a balloon like some do- ie I'ee got to be able to actually use the space. I'd rather not have much external storage stuff like foldy out panels or whatever, I never used them when I had them. Fullface helmet excepted but straps are fine for that ime, I don't do it often. Oh and I like a tougher fabric in general, I'm sure the lightweight stuff makes more sense but I like bags with a little substance of their own.
So that's led me to teh Camelbak Mule Pro, which seems to tick most of the boxes but I'd sooner have normal solid straps than the venty ones, I've had that before and always found they like to twist and fold and generally get in the way. Fox Utility 12 looks good too and seems a bit more solid, though, I'm pretty sure the Camelbak will be just that bit better executed. Osprey Raptor, maybe? Evoc fr trail, maybe?
But some of these ranges are pretty bewildering and I'm bound to have missed stuff... What you got?
Have a couple of Mule's and an FR Trail. No experience of the Mule Pro though
The Evoc is ahead on features, storage and comfort, Camelbak does better on the water containment. I've done a 45 mile ride with the Evoc full (including a spare ebike battery) in comfort
Of the Camelback, Osprey, Evoc and Scott bags we have which are of the size you're looking for, the Osprey and Scott are notably better.
The Osprey fits really well and is stable, perhaps too many pockets and nets that barely get used.
The Scott's manage to fit well, don't have the superfluous nets and pockets, and seem a heavier weight of fabric. One even has a full back protector in it. They were both uber cheap at startfitness.
I've got an older version of the Deuter Attack 16.
Really like it. Phone pocket is in a great place just next to where the hip strap attaches into the side of the bag. Does have hip pockets too.
It's quite a flat pack which suits me well and doesn't bulge at all. The back protector helps with this as keeps it rigid.
I don't use it often as most of my rides are short enough for a small hip pack. But I always enjoy using it.
I’ve got an Osprey Raptor. It has never had me wondering whether another choice would be better.
Also, my favourite riding bag ever was a Vaude I had for 25 years...
Scotby have a few on sale
https://www.scotbycycles.co.uk/collections/vaude
None of the Osprey packs that I've got feel tough. The material feels soft and thin. Admittedly, none of them have ripped despite my best efforts.
My favourite is still the Dakine Drafter. It's got the fancy air system that you say you don't want but the advantage to a system like that is that it's rigid so you can stuff it as full as you want without it turning into a ball shaped thing that wobbles about on your back.
The 14l that I've got comes with a decent 3l reservoir that sits horizontally in its own pocket at the bottom of the bag so no arguing with a water filled sausage trying to coerce the bladder into the pack when it's full. There's extra space on the bladder pocket too that I usually stuff spare gloves or food into. Main compartment fits a hardshell jacket, lunch and a bottle with a bit of space left. It has a seperate compartment with mesh pockets for tools and spares and has a sensibly sized place to hold a pump.
No snack pockets though on the hip belt though.
If they did a bigger size, it would be perfect for me but I wanted something bigger for proper winter where I'll want an insulated layer and other extra stuff.
Ended up with an Osprey Syncro 22 which is okay but compromised. It does have snack pockets though and cinches down nicely with the compression straps
That generation of Cemelbak were the best they ever made. Amazing quality fabric and zips that were easy to use and felt like they’d last forever. I regret giving mine to my nephew as the only thing that had failed was the waterproofing on the phone pocket zip. But it’s still going strong in his use.
Evoc Stage 6/12/18 is my choice. No back protector (bulky, expensive, unconvinced). Helmet and armour straps. Waterproof cover. Stable in use ( A lot of other packs seem too small on your back so end up “thick”. This has a larger “base” against your back so even the 18 is fairly low profile.) Outside organiser pocket is pretty good for tools and bars main pocket is simple. Like nearly everything now comes without reservoir
I’ve never seen a pack with waist pockets big enough for a phone - I reckon you’re better getting a separate phone pouch and attaching it.
Another Osprey fan here. My raptor is getting on for 15 years and is the comfiest bag I've had, Goldilocks size, and apart from a cracked buckle that I stood on, still solid.
I did have to buy a lower hanging back for the Tweed Valley steeps because the bag pushed up against my helmet, but that's the only "fault". For all other riding it's great. And sure you know but sports pursuit have / had them all half price.
Pickiness- I want a chest or waist pocket that I can stick a phone in
When I read this I also thought the same as b33k34 in that it might be better getting a separate pouch. It's what I done (have a muc-off waterproof version - others are available) and basically I swap it between whatever bag I'm using at the time - i just loop it through one of the straps. Would also open up more options of bags for you
Thanks all, lots of options I'd not considered here- I'll check em out!
I’ve got a MULE Pro EVO…….
Chest straps dreadful…. Quality gone…….Not located to fit me either regardless of positioning (I’m 183cm)….
Added to that there’s no lower strap “cinch” so it’s set up then live with it…..
The actual bag itself is good and it’s tough…….The vented media phone pocket daft though. Why not have it also waterproof ?
Ergon BX2 Evo is what I have and can recommend. I have older BX3 as well which had some annoyances in how the pockets were arranged but they have been fixed in newer model. <br />The adjustable back length allows proper fit on my long back and straps are comfortable with thin shirts and heavier jackets. There is a fitting pocket for phone on hip belts right side which actually is between the pack and belt. Works for regular sized iPhone with cover but I still got separate phone pocket for shoulder strap.
Osprey raptor 14 here. If I didn't have 4 kids I'd probably get the 10, but it cinches down and doesn't move with nothing in it, or expands tardis like to take all the kids discarded layers. I thought the various pockets were a bit silly but actually work really well for stashing wet layers or easy to access waterproof. Tool roll unclips. Seems pretty tough. Waist pockets are good for snacks, not tired a big phone in them but would definitely take a normal one.
I bought an Evoc with a back protector after finding out I have a couple of crushed vertebrae in my spine, I find it sits on my back far better than a Camelback . The only downside is the huge waist strap that can get a bit sweaty in the Summer.