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New Camelbak options
Have been looking around for a new hydration pack for the Summer and wondered about trying out the Camelbak which I have not used before.
They have a new antidote bladder with a removable hose connection so this should make it easy to pull out and pop in the fridge/esky.
I don't need a huge bag and was looking like going for the LOBO.
Can anyone have any comments or pet hates about any of the Camelbaks?
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Use the Lobo for short rides and enduro racing. Small enough to carry your essentials. But has the 3ltr bladder. Nice and light.
Longer rides I use the mule , just has more room to pack stuff for those longer all day rides.
Like the look of the new dakine packs, seem to be better layed out in side, pump pocket, seperate tube pockets etc
Might be worth a look.
http://www.dakine.com/w/packs/bike-packs
I have several Camelbaks, MULE, HAWG, and Peak Bagger,I also have the new style bladder in the HAWG. All bags are great and very comfortable on your back. I've had the Peak Bagger for nearly 10 years and it's still going strong so they get a big tick in the box from me. I have 3l bladders in the HAWG and Peak Bagger and a 2l bladder in the MULE. Why three bags, I use the first 2 for cycling, short and long disances and the Peak Bagger I use for bush walking. I don't have any complaints with any of the bags.
g'day, bought this one a little while ago
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/camelbak-octane-xct-3-li...
never considered the quick link system - figured if i need cold, i'll just throw in a bunch of ice or cold water from the fridge. cant say i have any complaints - except maybe the phone holder on mine - its so tight on an iphone that i cant get it in with a rubberised cover on, only with no cover - then i worry about it bouncing out - ah, such is life.
I'm buggered if i can figure out how people fill the things up - all i need is a rain jacket, some tols, and fill those side pockets with snakes and I m away.
you can always under-fill it for shorter rides, but 3L is pretty handy in summer for anything over 2 hrs. I've had a Camelbak Mule for years (although I'm using a Blackwolf 3L bladder at present) and it is my everyday pack. It has enough space for pump, tube, levers, multi-tool, reading glasses, phone and a snack or two. Not room for much else (although it's about 7 yrs old and the design has changed a bit). For longer rides where I need to take some real food, a spare layer of clothing and / or camera, I use a Camelbak Blowfish.
No problems with either, although I don't like them too tight and a fully laden Blowfish can hit you in the back of the head on waterbars if you don't time it right....
I have the MULE and I am pretty happy with it, and if you are not still convince about it, for this price you wil be https://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/CMHYPN2MU/t...
I use the Rogue for local rides and anything up to 2 hours and I find it perfect. Enough space for phone, some money, 1 tube, levers and a pump. For longer rides I use a Mountain Designs pack designed specifically for adventure racing. It has a large pocket that you can throw any bladder into and heaps of room for jackets, food, first aid kit etc
I've just purchased a Camelbak octane, nice and compact, fits snug and holds 2lt. Camelbak plus bike bottle gives you over 2 1/2 lt plus enough room for spares when combined with a saddle bag.
Got a couple of Classics, 1.5ltr and 3ltr. Would suggest you look at the new Charge with lumbar reservoir.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/...
Currently on sale at Wiggle.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/camelbak-charge-lr-2l-lu...
Arguably Camelbak are the best hydration system available. But get one that is made for biking with the strips down the back so it lets air radiate across your back.
FWIW
I had an earlier Lobo with a 2L bladder, and now have one with a 3L bladder.
It is pretty much ideal for anything short of an epic ride - certainly in fair weather if you don't need to take a warm layer (although you could strap it to the outside). I have used mine for the Convict 100, and it carried all my food, tools, spray jacket, arm warmers, first aid kit, etc, etc.
And as others have mentioned, its small enough that it is not cumbersome on short rides - especially if you don't fill the bladder all the way. I also have a HAWG that I used to use for commuting, and would use on long rides where I need to take extra clothing (it also has a built in rain cover).
Cheers,
Grant.
I recently purchased the muleNV, super comfy with ventilation so your back doesn't end up covered in sweat and has a built in rain cover . Heaps of pockets for various bits and pieces.
The quick link is great as you say for sticking the bladder in the fridge but also for cleaning and drying out after a days ride. I am guessing you have already checked out the camelbak website but if you haven't it's worth a look.
+1 for the Camel back LOBO. Used it on the cape to cape last year and having the 3L bladder helped alot, also lots of room for keys gels and bars.
On the shorter rides half fill it up and its light as!
THanks for the advice!
Very happy with the new LOBO Camelbak.
3L bladder, detachable hose, leak proof mouthpiece with lock.
Two small zip pockets top and bottom and a little stretchy space for a tube and pump.
Great piece of kit and felt light on wednesday night!
Deuter are the way to go. The top of the bladder fully opens and you can put your whole hand in there instead of just being able to get in through some little opening. Best bladders I've bought.
Sounds a bit short on pocket space? Where do you fit the toilet paper?
In case anyone is on the market, t7 has them on sale:
http://www.torpedo7.com.au/products/CMHYPN2LB