What's your favorite hydration pack?

kazlx

kazlx

Well-Known Member
I have an old Camelback that's getting a little long in the tooth. Everything is starting to break, zippers and pulls, stitching coming apart, etc. I think it's time to get a new one. I usually get the 100oz but might just go minimalist this time, as even with extra stuff, it never even comes close to full. What's everyone like? I prefer a pack to bottles.
 
kazlx said:
I have an old Camelback that's getting a little long in the tooth. Everything is starting to break, zippers and pulls, stitching coming apart, etc. I think it's time to get a new one. I usually get the 100oz but might just go minimalist this time, as even with extra stuff, it never even comes close to full. What's everyone like? I prefer a pack to bottles.
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I prefer bottles, but when the ride calls for a pack, the Osprey Syncro is pretty comfortable. I use it with Camelbak bladders, though... The 100 oz fits nicely, as does the 50.
 
Osprey is head and shoulders above anything else I've used (Camelbak, Dakine, Wingnut). Lightweight and comfortable and lifetime satisfaction guarantee.

Had a 4-year old pack split open parallel to a zipper, thought they might be able to repair it so I sent it in. They couldn't repair it, and sent me a brand new one for free. That pack owed me nothing and I actually felt bad to accept it knowing that nothing lasts forever.
 
For packing bottles, Platypus is the way. Cylinders are not efficient shapes to pack.

I'd just fix the old pack if you like it. I have an old pack that is shredded, but I'm afraid that, as usual, models are updated in ways I don't like. I keep fixing it. Seams can easily be repaired by you or your neighborhood vendors. Patch fabric tears with SeamGrip and Gore-Tex or rip-stop patches. If you just want a new pack forget all that. Mine looks like hell, even fresh out of the laundry.
 
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mike said:
For packing bottles, Platypus is the way. Cylinders are not efficient shapes to pack.

I'd just fix the old pack if you like it. I have an old pack that is shredded, but I'm afraid that, as usual, models are updated in ways I don't like. Seams can easily be repaired by you or your neighborhood vendors. Patch fabric tears with SeamGrip and Gore-Tex or rip-stop patches. If you just want a new pack forget all that. Mine looks like hell, even fresh out of the laundry.
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I can keep using it, but it's two-fold. I feel like I want something smaller and more compact. I have my necessities down and still have a ton of extra space, so thinking of something a bit more compact and maybe a bit better ventilation.
 
kazlx said:
I can keep using it, but it's two-fold. I feel like I want something smaller and more compact. I have my necessities down and still have a ton of extra space, so thinking of something a bit more compact and maybe a bit better ventilation.
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I can dig wanting to minimize. But one thing that's annoying to me is a pack that's stuffed so full you have to remove everything to get anything. Is a 14l pack really that much cooler than a 18l pack? I guess that's up to you. I'd rather have some room for seasonal adjustments and not carry a ball on my back. A pack is armor, too. I've landed on my back a few times and been glad to have more than minimalism there.
 
I have an "Outdoor Products" and an Osprey Skarab 32. Can't really see any difference between them; compartments are the same size and storage capacity is identical. Never used either one as a hydration pack, though - I can carry at least 2 bottles on every bike and I am part camel to boot. Both packs have been/are used to carry work clothes while commuting.

Both bladders appear to work the same way.
 
Mikie said:
:eek: Wow Osprey is kicking azz on this thread!
I’ve never owned an Osprey, but I do love my Camelbak Volt (100oz.) and Charge (70oz.)

@UPSed turned me on to a killer deal over at Nashbar for the Camelbak Charge. On sale for like $45 bucks!

https://www.bikenashbar.com/cycling/camelbak-charge-10-lr-70oz-hydration-pack-yp-cbkc

At least check it out.
:)
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I like all of my packs for different reasons:

Camelback Volt (just like @Mikie's) is my go-to pack. I love the fact that it carries the water low without looking or feeling like a fanny pack. Smart compartments - tools and snacks accessible without taking the pack off, slot for arm guards, room inside for extra shirt and essentials, like pumps. I like that I can remove the bladder completely by disconnecting the hose. It's light, but not very durable.

Dakine Nomad - GREAT compartments. Very smart. Best organized pack I own. I think it has hip pockets as well. Pretty comfortable. Durable. Attractive, for a pack. I switched the stock bladder for a Camelback. Worked great.

Osprey Zealot - Fits everything, although it's mostly just one big compartment. There are hip pockets for getting to tools or snacks quickly. Slot for pads and a helmet hook for carrying stuff you may need. I like the separate tool pouch that zips into the bottom. Durable, although the bite valve started leaking after about a year.
 
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@Redman check out the Dakine Hot Laps Stealth Hip pack. I talked about it in another thread. $35. Rides under your jersey, on your waist in a way you will never feel. Carries some essentials - spare parts, tools, nutrition, cell phone, keys, bandages, a small pump. I am enjoying the BACKPACKless life for short rides!

REI link

And here's the other thread on the same topic: Click Here.
 
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herzalot said:
@Redman check out the Dakine Hot Laps Stealth Hip pack. I talked about it in another thread. $35. Rides under your jersey, on your waist in a way you will never feel. Carries some essentials - spare parts, tools, nutrition, cell phone, keys, bandages, a small pump. I am enjoying the packless life for short rides!

REI link
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"hip pack", "packless"... Hmmm:bang:

For the true, packless, experience, try not using a pack! :thumbsup:
 
rossage said:
"hip pack", "packless"... Hmmm:bang:

For the true, packless, experience, try not using a pack! :thumbsup:
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Backpackless was too cumbersome to say, but I will change it for accuracy. The stealth waist pack is not noticeable when I ride - at all. Feels packless. And I don't have Sh!t tied everywhere on my bike, like a super cool Endur-bro or stuffed into pockets like a dirt roadie. :thumbsup:
 
herzalot said:
@Redman check out the Dakine Hot Laps Stealth Hip pack. I talked about it in another thread. $35. Rides under your jersey, on your waist in a way you will never feel. Carries some essentials - spare parts, tools, nutrition, cell phone, keys, bandages, a small pump. I am enjoying the BACKPACKless life for short rides!

REI link

And here's the other thread on the same topic: Click Here.
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LOL Like @rossage said, packless.
I’ll reveal my new setup another time, to derail a different thread.
 
My current pack is my favorite pack. It's a DaKine Amp 12L. It's fit most everything I need. But I just ordered an Evoc FR Trail 20L, will see how I like that.

I also have had an Osprey Manta 34L. Great pack, but it was just too big for my use and gave it to a friend who uses it for bikepacking.
 
I RARELY use a hydration pack. I prefer not to trap heat on my back, plus the clumsiness of having weight up high. But sometimes you have to.

I haven't tested it on the mountain bike yet, but the pack I got for ultra distance running is really lightweight and comfortable. Not sure how robust it would be in a wreck though. I think mine is an Ultimate Direction.
 
Osprey Syncro 10. The separate mesh panel is the killer app for me. I would
not ever use another w/out such a panel. Most brands have a similar panel. I haven't
had the need to use the lifetime warranty, esp since I got it on closeout at 1/2 price.

I also need/ride a 6" travel bike (170mm front/rear).
 
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Like several others I use the Osprey Syncro 10 and love it. I wear it pretty much every ride. My weekday rides are to and from work so I run it without the bladder but I'm always carrying some clothes and lunch as well as repair parts. Weekend rides get the 85oz bladder and since I'm part camel I've never needed more water. It does have 2 stretchy little side pockets that hold water bottles nicely though if needed. Bladder is super easy to install in the pack and the hose connects at the top so it's stupid simple. Favorite feature though is the magnetic hose holder. The framed mesh panel on the back keeps it slightly raised from your back and does allow pretty good airflow but your back still gets sweaty. For me it really carries nice on my back. Also have a Camelbak Mule NV but it's way heavier and doesn't breath as well.
 
I've never been a fan of bottles. I actually prefer wearing a pack to having bottle cages and junk strapped to my bike. I have a small amphipod belt that I wear on my DH bike. Usually only on bigger outings like Mammoth or Whistler where I can carry a few little tools, levers, a CO2 setup and things because walking down sucks.

https://www.rei.com/product/858247/amphipod-airflow-lite-runners-belt

24329780-15c2-46f4-9abb-550078e10277?size=784x588.jpg
 
I use Osprey Syncro 15, for packing extra gear in winter, and Osprey Verve 10 for summer. Both packs are great:thumbsup:
I also have an Osprey 65L for hiking
PS, the Osprey Syncro has a waterproof cover stashed into a zipper at the bottom of the pack..just pull it up and over the top and you’re set..it’s genius, I’ve had to use it a few times,
 
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I actually hate having the weight of a pack on my back and I'm really crotchity when it has a bladder full of fluids. I much prefer to have bottles in cages if that covers the needs of a given ride.

On local rides from home, I carry a mini multi-tool and a sharp pocket knife and that's the extent of it. My wife or mom can rescue me if I flat or have a catastrophic failure.
 
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