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Just head to your local outdoor store, they’ll have some of the non-MTB specific packs to try out. Most MTB shops don’t really keep much in stock anyway. If you have a TISO near you I’d check them out first, they usually have a bike shop in them.can you tell me where a good retailer is as i would like to try them on before i buy i live on Teeside
Hi all i am looking for recommendations for a hydration back pack some thing with a bladder and can fit some bits and bobs in ie tools , jacket , snack.
no waist strap is good - my gut looks even bigger with a waist strapThere are several criteria that I find important. I like a bite valve that doesn't leak. The filler cap has to be simple and reliable. It has to be easy to just drop the bladder into the pouch, rather than having to futz around fitting it in. A solid warranty is important.
For the past year or two I've been rockin' the Camelbak Chase Adventure 8. I like that it has sternum straps and NO WAIST STRAP. It holds two liters, which is good for almost all of my rides. I still have larger Camelbaks, but if I need more water, I can put a water bottle in the frame or in the pack.
I second RustyIron's suggestion for the Camelbak Chase Adventure 8. I really like this trail runner style vest pack which is made for mountain biking. As Rusty mentions, the pack has a two liter internal bladder, internal wallet and keys storage, external storage, and an expandable storage pocket for stowing a jacket. There is also additional storage on the vest straps for bits and pieces, i.e. lip balm, power bar, iPhone, etc. The pack weighs an ultra light weight of 14 ounces empty.There are several criteria that I find important. I like a bite valve that doesn't leak. The filler cap has to be simple and reliable. It has to be easy to just drop the bladder into the pouch, rather than having to futz around fitting it in. A solid warranty is important.
For the past year or two I've been rockin' the Camelbak Chase Adventure 8. I like that it has sternum straps and NO WAIST STRAP. It holds two liters, which is good for almost all of my rides. I still have larger Camelbaks, but if I need more water, I can put a water bottle in the frame or in the pack.
Come on now " Rod " ...tell the truth you're really Steve Sordy in disguiseI second RustyIron's suggestion for the Camelbak Chase Adventure 8. I really like this trail runner style vest pack which is made for mountain biking. As Rusty mentions, the pack has a two liter internal bladder, internal wallet and keys storage, external storage, and an expandable storage pocket for stowing a jacket. There is also additional storage on the vest straps for bits and pieces, i.e. lip balm, power bar, iPhone, etc. The pack weighs an ultra light weight of 14 ounces empty.
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Those that know me on this forum, know that I ride a lot. My rides are typically about 20 to 30 miles long and I often ride deep into the mountains where cell service, water or help is not available. I have to be self sufficient, this means water, tools, spare parts, first aid, and other odds and ends such as a poo kit.
Over the years, I've tried multiple types of hips packs and backpacks. None have been what I would describe as perfect. They either are not secure on my back, are too heavy and bulky, or they restrict my waist and are not comfortable.
If I had to describe the perfect ride pack it would include the following:
1. This is critical....The pack must stay firmly secured to my back and not jump around when I hit the tech. A pack that shifts and moves about on your back will throw your balance off and could cause a crash.
2. The pack has to be comfortable. It cannot restrict my waist or my breathing. I used to prefer a hip pack, however with my current bike (Pivot Shuttle AM) and a 210mm dropper post, my hip pack would wedge itself down into the rear tire when I would drop the saddle on a technical section. I also greatly dislike having the strap and hip pack pulling at my waist.
3. The pack must have safe internal storage for my keys and wallet. My friends, the Tweeker roams far and wide. You don't want these shitheads to have access to your keys or wallet by leaving them in your vehicle at the trailhead. Ask me how I know...
4. Summer in Southern California, Nevada, and Utah is hotter than a snake’s ass in a wagon rut. For my brothers and sisters in Europe, that's about 32 to 37 Celsius. You don't want to be forced to tap out mid ride because you ran out of water. I find that if I "Camel Up" and drink a large bottle of water pre-ride and then carry .5 to 1.5 liters of water in my pack, I can cover just about any length of ride on even the hottest days.
5. I absolutely hate hoses which come loose (Osprey, magnetic) while hammering down a trail. I also dislike hoses that are a pain in the ass to re-secure after using the hose as I ride. I want a hose that's very secure from movement. If you've ever had a hose and bite valve drop down into your spokes as you ride, then you know what I'm talking about. I absolutely require a hose that's secure, yet can be easily accessed one handed and re-secured one handed while riding.
5. Lastly, the pack has to have enough internal and external storage to carry the various things I need to be self sufficient. A few years back, I wrote a technical article on the forum discussing "Trailside Repair - What's In My Pack". Here is a link to the article if you would like to read it. Note that since writing the article, I've added and or removed things mentioned in the article.
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Trailside Repair - What's in my pack
Hello, It's been a while since I've written a technical article. I thought I'd change it up and talk about what items I carry in my pack and why I carry them. Hopefully this article may give you some thought on what to carry in your own ride pack. What I carry, may not be what you carry. Forum...www.emtbforums.com
Conclusion:
The Camelbak Chase Adventure 8 is about as close to a perfect ride pack as I've ever come across. With the invention of trail running vest technology, you can now have a pack that stays securely on your back with absolutely no shifting on the back and does not have a waist strap. The pack weighs almost nothing at 14oz, including the bladder. The pack doesn't breath as well as packs with dedicated ventilated breathing pads, however the pack has such a small footprint on the back, I find that ventilation is not really an issue. Due to the vest strap design, there is also no need for a waist strap to restrict breathing and irritate your waist. The hose configuration is well laid out, secure and easy to use. Lastly, the pack has ample storage for all your riding needs.
Is it the perfect pack for all riders....Not a chance...... it offers no back protection and the materials which make it ultra light are not as robust as an Osprey pack. As a side note, I had several hard crashes onto my back while wearing the pack. The pack has thus far remained undamaged. Storage is ample however, it's not as much as you will find on a larger and heavier pack. I'd say the pack is perfect for 85% of all riders. I'm deducting 5% for those riders who use a water bottle and carry their tools on the bike itself. I'm also deducting 10% for the bat shit crazy riders who think Redbull Hardline is for pussies and need back padding to ward off spinal injuries.
Chase™ Adventure 8 Hydration Vest with Crux® 2L Reservoir | Camelbak US
Shop Chase™ Adventure 8 Hydration Vest with Crux® 2L Reservoir at CamelBak.www.camelbak.com
Be safe, get out and ride
Rod
There is a serious issue being discussed here Neil. I only have a 0.5 internal bladder so have to go pretty regularly if you remember . Love a Saturday night.Come on now " Rod " ...tell the truth you're really Steve Sordy in disguise![]()
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He's a mountain biking brother from another mother.... On the other hand, I would so love to ride Scotland someday. The scenery looks incredible.Come on now " Rod " ...tell the truth you're really Steve Sordy in disguise![]()
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Have a look at re strap, their hydration vest is really good,the only mountain bike specific vest on the market i think,1 litre or 1.5 litre bladder,lots of room for tools etc,it sits high on your back,you hardly know its there.Hi all i am looking for recommendations for a hydration back pack some thing with a bladder and can fit some bits and bobs in ie tools , jacket , snack.
I agree best backpack.USWE are a cut above. I’ve used all the above brands and this brand outclasses them. No waist belt and the bags just don’t move. I went for one with a spine protector built in.
No question. The USWE packs are better than everything else (I've tried Osprey, Camelback, several others), period. Fit tight enough to not move AT ALL and also, if fitted properly, takes a bunch of the weight off of your shoulders.I agree best backpack.