Hello gang, can anyone recommend good backpack with hydro bladder? I've been looking around and want something larger than regular camelback... but not full blown assault backpack.. needs to be large enough to carry some water, sandwich/few powerbars. some tools, spark plugs, small tire iron/flat repair kit tow rope something that's good for enduro or riding alone.. thanks!
I use a Camelbak Blowfish. http://denverlocal303.blogspot.ca/2011/01/camelbak-blowfish-review.html Unfortunately, it doesn't look like they're available anymore. Easily carries all you list, plus I have a spare tube, and a first aid kit. All that is without even using the expansion zipper, which allows a bit more storage. *oops* I don't carry a tow rope. Need to get one of those....
I've got the Camelback MULE it's a sweet rig. It has a 100oz bladder and the gear you described would make a good match with it's storage capacity.
I have the camelback mule also, i have had it for over 10 years and it is still holding up well. I also have the Giegerrig 1200 for the days when I need to carry a bit more. I prefer to carry all my tools/tube in a waist pack to keep the weight off my shoulders, and when I am sitting the pack rests on the seat. Later,
Unfortunately, Camelback is anti dirt motorcycle, and quit selling to motorcycle distributors a few years ago. Maybe you could find something made by Hydrapack instead. Just sayin'.... http://www.hydrapak.com/store-2/
I also use a Camelbak MULE. I carry water, granola bars, and any misc. crap in there, and then I carry my tool kit (http://www.cafehusky.com/threads/would-you-buy-this-tool-kit.36614/) in a waist pack. As Dirtdame said, if you can get something from a company other than Camelbak, it's probably for the best. They don't like us.
Check out Kreiga gear also. I use a Hydro-3 with a US-5 strapped to it + R8 waist pack for tools and stuff.. They have other options too that are more towards a backpack than a straight hydration pack.
I use a Mountainsmith Red Rock 25 on sale for like $25 at Kittery Trading Post. Normally double price that but has a bladder sleeve (I use a Camelback 70 In there) and short rides I'll use the bottle pockets. Can be strapped so flat against your back (tiedowns). Carry tool roll that sits at the bottom, food, water and extra layer/jacket. Small outside pocket for DeLorme SE, etc... Bonus attachment on sternum strap - a whistle! I find it rides well and don't notice it. Capacity is perfect. Mule and other smaller packs would require I wear a tool belt or wear the weight high up and not really have the capacity to be prepared for a day out there.
"Where did you find one for $25? would be great for a weekend trip" Found it 2 years ago at Kittery Trading Post. Was just the size I wanted and did a search online and found it for a steal. I think sometimes you just get lucky. http://www.kitterytradingpost.com/allbrands.php/bid/158/dept/sale
As Dirtdame said, if you can get something from a company other than Camelbak, it's probably for the best. They don't like us. [/quote] ye those rectal orifices at camelbak arnt the sharpest drills in the index why would you give money to groups that are against the people that could be your biggest customer we r all a buncha sweethearts we raise more money for people in need than almost anybody when was the last time you herd about a motorcyclist a group or individual who didnt help out do you think we do it to improve are image cause of the tiny handful of scumbags that are out there ???
As part of the not-gonna-support-those-who-don't-support-us group, I picked this up last year before some enduros. I also use it as a day pack and it was killer out in Moab. It holds a lot. I have the 14L but they have some smaller ones as well. http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/product/mens_1_1/raptor_14_1 But really for enduros, I find this is sufficient for: water, granola bar, 5-hour energy, plug wrench, plug, Y-tool, safety wire + pliers, and multi-tool, and most importantly, a plastic baggy with some clean, dry rags + scotts anti-fog to clean my goggles and gas stops. If it's chilly or wet, I wear one of these. Awesome venting for when it warms up, sleeves store in it's bum pocket. And I move the granola bar/5 hr into the chest pockets. Extra gloves in the waist pockets. http://www.flyracing.com/product/moto/racewear/riding-jackets/patrol-jacket/244/blackgrey I ran a full enduro series last year + 1 extra...and so far none of the tools have been any use. And I rarely eat the granola bar. So, you might want to save your self some weight, and carry just the essentials. Extra bike prep before hand will prevent most problems that you'd be able to fix trail side.
This bums me out about Camelbak. Ive been using their stuff for over 15 years for work. Does anyone have a clue why? Is this anti-motorcycle bit documented somewhere?
Yeah, I assume you have heard of the Sierra Club, right? The major lobbyist group for shutting down riding areas? There's a lot of controversy on it. There are claims that Camelbak have revoked their support for the group, along with several other outdoors oriented companies. Keeping in mind it isn't just dirt bikers they were marketing to, and the land closures affect pretty much all access. I wouldn't be surprised if they just funnel through another charity to blur the money trail. It's pretty revolting to think about...but yeah...It basically turns out that the money you spend on a lot of everyday things comes back around to fund closures. And sorry to say, this goes back to at least 2000.
It's been a couple of years back at least. If I remember right, it had to do, at least in part, with a bunch of outdoor industry people writing an open letter to President Obama, urging him to make some public land in Utah into a national monument, and keep all motorized vehicle traffic out. Camelback was one of the companies on the list.
I use these generic ones available in-store from Big 5: http://www.big5sportinggoods.com/pr.../outdoor-products-ripcord-hydration-pack.html Or Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Produ...=8-2&keywords=outdoor products hydration pack We've got three of them between my son and I. We use them for bigger mountain bike days and motorcycling. It is a very versatile bag and comes with a good bladder that doesn't leak. Relatively durable. I've owned about 10 different packs and they all are decent, but not all of them come with good bladders. Nothing worse than having your thigh wet all day while riding in dusty conditions. This one is about $60 less than a Mule.
