You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Im after a new bag after my cheapish hydrapak has given up the ghost. Ideally it would have a 3L bladder, but does'nt need to come with one. and enough gear storage for a couple of tools/pump/first aid kit and a jacket.
Looking at camelbak mule. osprey raptor. at the moment. has anyone got any experience with either of these? or can recommend anything.
Cheers
Its only 2 litres but my Costco one is ace. Came with a Roll top bladder for £17.
I have an Osprey Raptor (7 I think?) and an Osprey Zealot. Whilst the Raptor was good and big enough for day rides, I use the Zealot all the time now. 14ltr (its the smaller 16ltr option) and has enough room for everything you mention and more. The toolkit at base is excellent, as is the full length opening zip, waist pockets, phone holder on shoulder and the usual helmet holder, bite valve magnet.
Zealot, highly recommended.
I had a Hydropak and it didn't last very long so replaced it with a Camelbak Hawg. Had it a few years and it's still going strong and comes highly recommended. 😀
How well do the Hawgs compress down for shorter rides around local trails? Don't really want a tent on my back with just half a bladder in...
Very happy with my Dakine Nomad.
Osprey Syncro 10 here & very happy with it. Not masses of space though once the bladder (not supplied) is in, so go for a bigger model than the 10 for the use you describe.
grum - MemberVery happy with my Dakine Nomad.
This.
How well do the Hawgs compress down for shorter rides around local trails? Don't really want a tent on my back with just half a bladder in...
Not bad really tbh. They're big boys but I can't say I ever really notice it in a bad way.
Wingnut 3.0. Great bag, very comfy and sits low down on the back, out of the way and weight low.
Wingnut just look "odd", and I cant see myself spending the dosh on that tbh...
Grum says:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dakine-nomad-hydration-pack/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&utm_content=Dakine-Dakine_Nomad_Hydration_Pack-Black
As much as I like my Nomad and it's big enough to store everything, I get trolled constantly by the bite-valve which likes to grab everything. It's also not as "user-friendly" as the CamelBak alternatives. It's a nice bag though :).
I have the mule which is about 4 years old now and would recommend it. I have just bought a alpkit Guordon for commuting and for the price it's a great bag. not tried it with a bladder yet though.
I know you're probably not looking for a budget option, but I took my 2L bladder out of my Deuter RaceX and plopped it in this [url= http://lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/SID-3E14A1EB-A094C849/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_32687.htm?offerdate=7510&ERR=noservice ]Lidl special[/url] and its been ace. It's made well and will carry tools, first aid, pump and patches, spare tube, wallet, phone and banana easily. It also looks more expensive that it is, with no real branding. £10! Prob worth waiting for a re-run.
Anyone else?
What are you currently using, and what would you get again?
I'm using an Ergon BX2, can only compare to my old Camelbak Blowfish, but it's much more comfortable and stable. The only thing I don't like about it is the lack of separate bladder compartment, but it would stop me buying again.
I got some useful responses when i asked recently
[url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/other-than-a-camelbak-mule ]Linky[/url]
How well do the Hawgs compress down for shorter rides around local trails? Don't really want a tent on my back with just half a bladder in...
I had a Mule NV for about 4 years. As my routes got bigger and bigger I just found that it was too small. 2 tubes, some tools, a first aid kit, a flat chain box full of spares, wallet, car keys and few nutrition bars was all it could take when the 3L bladder was full because the bladder compressed all the compartments down. I was looking for an excuse to change it but it's built out of girders and in the end it was the rain cover that was torn to shreds, the smell, and an offer at Wiggle which persuaded me to change.
This time I've opted for the Hawg NV. First of the NV version(the back ventilation system) has forced the extra storage into pouches on the side of the pack and round the waist straps (not on the standard model though and the NV system really does work), plus there are straps all over it including the side ouches to compress it all down so you don't really notice the extra space at all until you need it but it's definitely there. There are loads more compartments that you can actually put the tools etc into which in turn frees up the main storage area and because the new bladders are wider and segmented internally they don't squash the compartments up in the same way.
I've taken it out on big and small rides now and not noticed any down side. For once I can take a Cowards Pie, a jacket and books toys and games on a big ride !
I was looking at the Evoc's for a change but you don't get a bladder and for the same storage capacity their back pack is a lot bigger.
Hunt round and you'll find this years Hawg NV for a good price. £95 on CRC. The 2013 Hawg NV doesn't have the side pouches which I think is a mistake because they are really handy.
Hawg NV on Amazon £78.
I might have spoken b****cks about the 2013 models. There is a 2012 NV30 version which is bigger again that has no side pouches. I think you'd fit a Fiat 500 in that !
Still have [url= http://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/fs-camelbak-hoss-black ]this[/url] . It is nice bag and super comfy,but the back ventilation gubbins must add a wee bit weight ,as it always felt heavy .
I use a Camelbak Mule now .
I hung on to it with the idea of using it as a hill walking bag ,but it's sat in a locker at work for 2 years 🙄
I really need to kick this hoarding thing 🙂 .