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3 ltr Hydration backpack - feedback on yours
Looking for feedback on 3 ltr hydration packs that will take some extra gear. Already have a 2ltr and a 3ltr Camelbak Classic packs. But need to carry more gear such as a first aid kit, Personal Locator Beacon, food bars, gels and sunscreen. Most other stuff is on the bike. Need 3 ltr as will be riding for 3+ hours in warmish weather. I don't need a cavernous pack that will carry rain jacket, other riding clothes, etc! Just with enough capacity to carry the above and not heavy 
.
I'm a camelbak user but not opposed to any good high quality make. If you using such a pack and carry similar gear - Whats your verdict on the pack you use, good, bad or indifferent; any problems; how's it feel in tight stuff or rough downhills?
Thanks for you time and input
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i've got a Camelbak Lobo - 3l bladder, I carry some basic first aid gear, couple of museli bars, spare tube & co2, phone / wallet / keys - fits all i need in without a worry. can carry 2 tubes plus a bit extra if its all squeezed in. no issues with comfort, would happily have another one if i needed to replace it!
I use a HAWG for long distant rides. It has a 3lt bladder and plenty of room and pockets for all your gear.
I have a Camelbak Mule for longer rides. Has good storage capacity without being too big. Able to stash extra layers if you need them or don't whilst riding, plus well organised areas re: phone, tools etc
Hello Hudson,
I have had the mule for a number of years and I have been very happy with it. 3ltr bladder plus 1 top to bottom zippered compartment, 1 easy acces pocket and 1 minor zippered compartment.Also have a small zippered,padded compartment for an MP3 player or phone. I typically carry a minor first aid kit,pump,tube,food,wallet & keys for any rides longer than two hours and this puppy has plenty of space and sits well in just about all conditions.
Cheers,
Chris.
Camelbak for quality. Availability of spare parts. 3Ltr bladder version. I'm a safety sam so I carry a lot of stuff which I won't bother listing here, but has served me well when needed e.g. spare derailleur hanger, inner tube, seat bolt, powerlink, amongst all the other stuff I carry. There are other good brands out there though so shop around.
My vote is for the Osprey Raptor series. I and three 4 other friends have them and they cant be faulted. Plenty of compartments, plenty of room and very durable. The way that the hydration tube clips onto onto the bag is an awesome idea.
I say go for the Raptor 18!.
I've got a Camelbak Lobo and it works really well. It has a 3 ltr bladder and it also has enough room in the pockets to carry a hand pump, spare tube and tire levers. Even with this in there it still has an extra pocket to put food or something in.
I have an Osprey Zealot 16 with 3L hydroform bladder. It is an all mountain/gravity pack that can carry an xc lid or a full face helmet. It is tall but thin and sits very close to your back so you dont have all the weight hanging behind you affecting your body position. It has a roll out tool pouch that sits in the bottom of the pack so that the weight is kept low. It has heaps of space for everything you would need for a full day ride. I have been a Camelback user for years, but after buying an Osprey, Camelback looks overpriced and very under featured.....eg. the ridiculously short drinking tube on current Camelbacks. I would go with an Osprey Zealot or Raptor.
I have a mule, lobo and small 1 litre Camelbak. All are great and have different uses. For what you described the Lobo is a winner. I always use it for The Convict 100 and it's great.
You won't be able to take a christmas ham, but for something like the Kalamunda Circuit it's perfect.
I pack it with:
2.5L water
Main pocket:
1 musli bar
2 lollipops
1 spare tube
1 puncture repair kit
MTB multi tool
leatherman
pump
small LED lamp
retired iPhone
Small pocket:
handful of cable ties
1 strawberry flavoured condom
1 mousetrap
1 small bandage and gauss
tray of panadol
tray of voltaren
the small pocket contents is to be used in that order.
- all joking aside, it's a really good pack. I've stacked it numerous times and nothing has broken or worn out.
I have the Deuter Hydro Lite 3L - http://www.deuter.com/en_US/backpack-details.php...
I use it for every day trail riding and also 100k races. While it's only small, it carries everything I need - phone, multi-tool, pump, spare tube, spare hanger, gels, a muesli bar, small first aid kit and tyre levers. They don't all fit in the outside pocket, but what doesn't fit in that will also fit in the main compartment containing the bladder.
It's a great small, low profile pack that doesn't feel like you carrying a big hulking backpack when you're riding.
+1 lobo
WTF Triple post???
Double post soz.
Thanks people - your feedback has reduced those being considered to Lobo, MULE (and maybe the Charge though some concern over the light material). Looked at Osprey and Deuter impressed and really worth considering with excellent features - but decided to go with Camelbak as already use them and another 3ltr would allow interchangeable bladders (Camelbak Bladders that is, not mine!).
And Koura - really concerned about what you carry, you're really lowering the image of the MTB community - only ONE condom!
So off to the local Camelbak retailer to decide.
Again thanks for you responses
+1 Lobo!
Got the Lobo - $70.