|   Camelback vs Hydrapack vs... | E:\Drive
Apr 24, 2003 8:32 AM | | I'm in the market for a hydration pack. Looking for one that will also carry some basic gear (tube, tool, powebar, etc). Any recommendations? Is one brand better than another? |
| Actually, you might want to check out Deuter packs | Balthazar2000
Apr 24, 2003 8:54 AM | | I was at REI several weeks ago checking out packs, and the new packs from Deuter really outshined both Camelback and Hydrapack.
For one, they have better smaller, more efficient contact areas with your back, so when you work up a sweat you won't soak your shirt. They even had a model where only a webbing touches your back, and the frame of the pack is built away from the webbing to allow for better ventilation.
Second, they had one model that had a rain cover sewn into a pouch at the bottom so that you can pull up and over the back of the pack. That could prove handy in the mud.
Third, they had a nice, easy clean water reservoir, with plenty of space around for your gear.
And, of course they had lots of room.
I know I sound like a salesman, but believe me, I'm not. I was just on a very similar quest not too long ago, and was really suprised by how much nicer they were. Check them out on the deuter site, or at REI. |
| Deuter, Deuter, Deuter! | Dropout
Apr 24, 2003 1:24 PM | | I bought a deuter pack last year and it is by far the best bike pack I have owned. I have the model mentioned above with the mesh that contacts your back and leaves room for ventilation. I am an extremely sweaty guy, and with the deuter I have no "back stain" problems anymore. The mesh/suspension design is also extremely comfortable.
There is enough room in the pack for: all of my tools, my jacket, girlfriend's jacket, food, and toilet paper with room to spare.
A great pack, I highly recommend it. |
| re: Camelback vs Hydrapack vs... | Steve F
Apr 24, 2003 8:54 AM | | I have both and prefer the Hydrapack. The bladder top is wider and and much easier to clean. Earlier Hydrapaks had a valve leaking problem, but I think it has been sorted now.
Check the reviews, and talk to other riders.
Good luck
STEVE |
| re: Camelback vs ...Ultimate | The Weasel
Apr 24, 2003 10:15 AM | | Ultimate wins. Don't know about Dueter, but sounds nice. |
| re: Camelback vs Hydrapack vs... | TypeScar
Apr 24, 2003 10:46 AM | | I have both - a Camelbak Lobo and a recently purchased HydroPak Keg. The Camelbak was pricer, smaller, and is not as "feature rich" as the Keg. My one qualm about the Camelbak is that the old bladders where a pain in the arse to clean. They redesigned it by increasing the intake cap, but I still suspect it is not as easy to clean as the HydroPak.
One caveat - I have yet to use the bladder on my HydraPak - which for now has been designated as my commuter bag (my Timbuk2, while very coolio, restricts my breathing). From my initial inspection, the nozzle is more complicated then it should be and closure involves a series of folds. Otherwise cleaning should be a breeze.
Bottom line: If you want "name-brand" and the product innovator, support CamelBak. If you want value, go with HydroPack (they are on fire sale at PricePoint). Still, water bottles are the way to go.
Keg at Price Point |
| my opinion, don't buy one unless you've tried it on. | pfunk
Apr 24, 2003 11:10 AM | | Every brand has it's pluses and minuses. I think it's different for different people because different packs fit different body types better.
I have a camelbak blowfish I got 2 years ago. It's a good pack, although it had some flaws. A while back I got the new omega bladder, and it's a HUGE improvement.
I've been searching for a new pack for 6 months as I needed something a little bigger to hold my armor. I tried on a lot of different packs, and a lot of them just felt funny/didn't fit me well. In the end, I decided fit would become the most important thing.
My man got has two ulimate packs and swears by them. They don't fit me well. My back is much smaller than his, and I have breasts (which clearly, he doesn't). The ultimate packs seem to fit so that the straps go right over my chest. This does not work for me. I do better with packs that that have curved straps to wrap around your sholders better (hence not nipple rubbing).
After all the shopping around I got the new camelbak h.a.w.g last weekend. I looked at last years model a few months ago, but didn't like several things about it. The 2003 model is much better IMO, it fits my back well, the straps sit in a good place for me, and it holds what I need it to. They also redesigned almost all of the features that I didn't like about my old camel bak model.
Bottom line, don't buy a pak if you haven't tried it on. Last thing you want is to be uncomfortable. I personaly found the deuter paks didn't wrap around the neck well in back and tended to pinch. Go to rei. They carry most of the brands and they have weigts so you can put them in the bag and walk around the store. This gives you a feel for how the pack will perform when loaded.
So, that's my advice. yep. |
| The Keg.... | E:\Drive
Apr 24, 2003 11:14 AM | | looks pretty sweet, but I definitely want something smaller and not as roomy. May pick up one of the Hydrapacks though- thanks for tip! |
| The Keg.... | TypeScar
Apr 24, 2003 12:05 PM | | Yeah, I'll have to admit - the Keg is crazy huge. But again, it is for my commute - carrying work clothes because I don't think the co-workers will be too thrill with me wearing lyrca around cubicle farm.
Definitely take pfunk advice and try stuff out at the stores. Place loads in them and jump around like you were riding. And if you like what you tried - check online for a good deal.
Luckily, I had the good fortune of not having to worry too much about fitting - but then again, I don't have breastses (sic) - well, at least not milk producing ones.
Bouncy bouncy bouncy. |
| LOL.... | pfunk
Apr 24, 2003 2:36 PM | | yup, people look at you kinda funny, but you gotta move around. I was totally jumping around and shakin my a$$ to see if the pack would stay balanced at rei last weekend. |
| how do I clean my bladder? I like cranberry juice | beer
Apr 24, 2003 7:22 PM | | |
| With Hydrapaks, you just... | fonseca
Apr 25, 2003 11:43 AM | | ...turn the reservoir inside out and put it in the dishwasher. I love the Hydrapak reservoirs. With my camelbak reservoirs I use warm water and baking soda, and shake it up. Some people add in dry rice to scrub. |
| Jandd | 5.10
Apr 24, 2003 12:32 PM | | When it comes to packs you can't beat Jandd IMO. Check out their water packs:
http://www.jandd.com/fanny_packs.asp
They usually have some factory 2nds for pretty cheap. The bite valve on their bladders suck, but great packs. |
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