Alright, looking into backpacks with a water bladder. Anybody other than CamelBak make them? The models from Camelbak made for mountain biking look nice, but maybe you guys know of other options?

Walmart sells some different brands and are very cheap. I use the "outdoor" brand one and i like it.

'cookiemonster[MoA said:

There's many, many choices these days. The walmart one is definitely "lower quality".

I think that the camelbacks are by far the most durable.

I agree, Walmart has some pretty nice packs for about half the price of a Camelbak. Check out your local sports store like Academy, Bass Pro, Cabelas, and such too.

Yea, looks like the nicest, biggest Camelbak for mountain biking is about $110 online.

Just got xps 2 litre one from Bass pro shop for $19.00 . Haven't used it yet ,but looks pretty good.

I have the zacspeed setup and love it. If you are going to get a wally world brand, I would suggest upgrading to an actuall camelbak brand bladder. I've had problems with leakage on every cheapo system I've had.

Are you guys talking about just bladders that go on your back, or actuall backpacks you can put gear in? $19 seems awefull cheap for an actual backpack.

I know a person who has had a camelback hydration backpack for years, the thing is built very well. If they still built them as tough, you'd be getting what you pay for. It is one of the larger ones also, holds a lot and has good compression straps.

I've got a Moose brand, camofluage one, I think its labeled atv something. It's ok, fairly comfortable, the back pack part of it does'nt hold a lot, but how much does one want to carry while riding. It does'nt have compression straps,they are very important to keep things from bouncing around inside and jerking you around on the bike when really getting after it.

i think the one i got from walmart is a 2 liter(never had a problum with leaking and i frezze it all the time) has a little outside pockit, a bigger pockit that holds my phone, some tools and spark plug. And the inner part where the platter goes has a mesh pockit and a quick connect key chain holder. I have had it for a few years iven took a few hard spills and it has not ripped and the clips have not proked. Fir the price i think its great.

This is the one I have.

http://www.camelbak....er_270x340.ashx

I really like it. It can be as big or small as you want.

yanni23 said:

:lol: Is that shot gun shell holders on the right and clip holders on the bottom left. I guess I don't need on of those, its not to often I'm on a recon mission that may involve small arms fire.:smirk:

Another good option though:thumbsup:

yanni23 said:

+1, love mine. Carries the weight more evenly front/back and lots of smaller pockets for separation.

I love my OGIO:banana:

Been riding off-road for 40 years now and I have never found anything that can carry as much stuff as well balanced as this OGIO..............and to think that I can even fit 2-3 litres of ice cool wated in it as well is absolutely amazing:thumbsup:

Only problem is that I find myself carrying TOO MUCH STUFF :lol:

Saw some cool military ones in a Soldier Of Fortune magazine, black or any kind of camo. unbelievable choice of sizes & number of compartments, everything from small camel back types to large expedition types. Might be worth doing an internet search. I remember I wanted one pretty bad, but alas it wasn't my magazine & never did look into it any further.

yanni23 said:

You ever tried putting granola/power bars there for quick access on the trail?:thumbsup:

I should have mentioned, I have this one when I do road trips. I holds A LOT of crap. I put my 17" screen laptop in it with several days worth of clothes.

My daughter uses this one She carries our snacks, and other small junk when we ride.

SDMF_Reaps said:

Oh, I'm gonna check that one out, I like the modularity. Lookin at the Hawg and the Hoss right now, cant decide how much room I want. 1,100 vs 1,400 cu in.

yanni23 said:

Wow, never seen one of those before. You ever wear a chest protector with that? Still thinkin I want a backpack though so it can be used for other purposes as well. I commute on the DRZ, need somethin to haul my lunch etc...

AttakGT said:

I've been using various Camel Back type drink systems for years. The cheapo ones can and DO leak, but getting better every generation.

Bicycle stores sometimes have a few different ones besides Camel Back. Outdoor Sports stores too. I don't shop at Wal-Mart. Very bad Ju-ju.

The CARGO Camel Back shown earlier in this thread is very nice but at
$160, a bit rich for my blood, thanks. Do you really need a pack that big?
If you're carrying a lot of gear with you then that is the one for sure.

I bought my Camel Back "Mule" a few years back .... ON SALE ... for
about $36 (this was 50% off, I believe) at Performance Bicycles (a small chain in California). They put Camel Back on sale once a year or so, very good deals.

This pack carries 2.5 liters and has room for lots of other stuff. Spare tube,
Jersey, and lots of odds and ends, like maps, zip ties, camera, air gauge, Loc-Tite,
patch kit, knife, money, whistle, Lighter, surgical gloves, Instant Alu/Steel, and more.
The Multi compartments are great. One large compartment the length of the pack.
A zip open compartment with several internal pockets. An Additional zip compartment
for misc. stuff. A Net compartment for additional fuel or water bottle. Excellent product!


Camel Back MULE

yanni23 said:

:lol: That burrito looks a lil hit. You got a hot-dogger on your bike? Cook that stuff while ya ride.

Ah yea, I see the mini chest protector know. :thumbsup: