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Hydration pack recomendations.

Rawry

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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.
 
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Still have a , couple of Camelbak… Mule is my go to , 2 litre bladder, and enough space for gloves, Oakleys, phone, and a jacket..and some…with a couple of secret pockets..!!!
 
can you tell me where a good retailer is as i would like to try them on before i buy i live on Teeside
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.
 
I've got the Evoc with the spine board in the back. Thankfully not had to test that aspect but as a riding back pack its great. Often I'll pick it up, think to myself "do I need all this stuff?" and then when it's on I barely notice it.
 
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.

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.
 
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.
no waist strap is good - my gut looks even bigger with a waist strap
 
I wear a hip pack for 90% of riding but when I need a pack the Raptor 14 is my go to. Absolutely love it. I even use it hiking. I use the tool roll in my hip pack and just transfer it over when needed.
 
I use a Camelbak Skyline LR. it sits low on your hips and is super comfy.

3 Litres of lqiuid, has a roll up tool pack, room for keys and phone. Two hip pockets and just enough room for a vest or windbreaker & small lunch.
 
I have a few in shed. But picked up a vinyl one in mountain warehouse 6 months ago 14 quid not specifically for bike and bigger but tried it once and it's the only one I use now.
 
I like the Osprey bladder the best. At first it seems funky the way it folds up to close, but, after years of use It has proven to be the best. The Camelback has a screw type opening and because I keep Gatorade in mine, it gets sticky and is very difficult to open. In fact I have to use pliers on it even though I keep it washed good.
 
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.
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.


Screenshot 2025-09-13 08.34.06.jpg



Screenshot 2025-09-13 08.34.30.jpg



Screenshot 2025-09-13 08.34.49.jpg


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.


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.




Be safe, get out and ride
Rod
 
I always think camelback etc are too small , or the ones i had or I see in my bike shops are. My pack now is a normal rucksack probably 20 ltr at least . It has a pouch for a bladder but i dont use that . Plenty clean water in the burns where i ride so half litre water bottle does me. Carry lots if out for the day , four hours riding average 9mph another four enjoying the scenery if it's nice day.
 
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.


View attachment 167990


View attachment 167991


View attachment 167992

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.


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.




Be safe, get out and ride
Rod
Come on now " Rod " ...tell the truth you're really Steve Sordy in disguise 🥸 🤔
 
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.
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.
 
Had 3 Camelbacks but switched to USWE. Awesome piece of gear. Stays like glue on the back.

I have the small one, the MTB Hydro 3 for short rides and got a Shred 25 for bigger days but for your situation I would go the 9 L or the Airbone.
 
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