Hydration packs for mountain biking

[Corey]

Long ago when I was laid off the second time from Boeing I worked part time at REI.
For Christmas they gave us a hydration pack called the Run Off or something like that.

It is actually to big for cycling, it is around 900 cubic inches, and has a two liter water capacity.

I see a lot go with the Camelbak Mule which is around 600 cubic inches, but that is still a little to big for a two to three hour ride IMO.

I saw an add in one of my mountain bike magazines for the Camelbak Lobo, and picked one up yesterday.

This is the color I got.

Kind of matches my bike.

It is perfect for a small pump, spare tire, a few energy bars, wallet, keys, cell phone, and still room to put a small first aid kit in and a few more items.
While not as big as that REI one I have, it is a lot easier on the back and riding.

Plus it has a three liter water capacity.

Anyone run this pack or others, and do you like them?
I find it much easier than carrying water bottles on the bike.

I also picked up the cleaning kit and extra cleaning tablets too.
I hear a few tablespoons of baking soda though mixed with a few cups of water does a good job cleaning the water bladder too.

 

[ttora4runner]

Nice. I have two that I acutally use depending on the length of the ride a 3L Maximum Gear (Camelback 3L) and plane jane 2L camel pack.

The 3L is a little bulky to use most of the time due to it's size so it mainly sees off-road duty with me in my vehicle. The 2L is a perfect size and is fairly light.

I like them better than the bottle, since I've broken the holders for the bottles in a couple of crashes. I figured if I ever land on my back I'd have something to help break the fall.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I run a Camelbak HAWG (100 oz bladder, ~1100 cu-in pack) normally and it's usually not big enough! But then again I am often riding a patrol so I carry quite a lot of things to help people who are bonked, dehydrated, broken down or hurt and didn't carry enough stuff with them...

 

[adventureduo]

Right on, i have a Mule and a knockoff from Costco. I really like the packs with thick shoulder straps.

 

[jh504]

I have the exact same one, except an older version, for mountain biking. I love it. I use it for short hiking trails and hunting too. Pretty much anytime I am leaving my vehicle for longer than a few minutes this thing goes with me. Iv even thought about using it while fire fighting.

 

[Corey]

I have a ton of first aid kits, in fact I keep four in my vehicle with me at all times, but I did not have a compact one for the hydration pack.

I found a cool little one at REI that I will keep in the Camelbak.
http://www.rei.com/product/753285

 

[OneTime]

Too Big? My M.U.L.E is my small pack. Ever break down or get caught in weather 15 miles from the trail head? I'm ready to pick up a H.A.W.G for my epic rides. For short rides I like to just use a water bottle and my jersey pockets.

 

[EMrider]

When it comes to hydration packs, I'm in the bigger is better camp. I ride with a camelbak havoc, and sometimes want more room for storage. Food, tools, extra clothing, etc......really add up fast. And I also drink a LOT. On a hot day, 100oz. can be gone in a couple hours.
R

 

[08whitex]

I ride with the Nalgene Draft. 3L and 365 cubic inches

 

[Corey]

Question on these packs.
When they are brand new, should you still use the Camelbak cleaning tablet the first time to wash and rinse, or it is OK to just run hot water through it, then drain, then fill back up with cold water?

I also think the smaller size of this pack will be fine for a two hour ride through the woods.
If I was going to be gone all day and ride several miles, then I would be tempted to use the old REI one and stuff a Goretex jacket in there.

The REI first aid kit came today too, it fits in there great along with all the other stuff.
Really good quality kit that is compact.

 

[jh504]

Question on these packs.
When they are brand new, should you still use the Camelbak cleaning tablet the first time to wash and rinse, or it is OK to just run hot water through it, then drain, then fill back up with cold water?

Honestly I have never used the cleaning tablets, and I have had mine for a couple years. I have always just washed it out with soap and water. If I had just been using it for a couple hours and then wanted to fill it back up I just filled it back up without washing. I wouldnt do that a lot of times because bacteria can start to build up but once or twice in a day is no big deal to me.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I run a Camelbak HAWG (100 oz bladder, ~1100 cu-in pack) normally and it's usually not big enough! But then again I am often riding a patrol so I carry quite a lot of things to help people who are bonked, dehydrated, broken down or hurt and didn't carry enough stuff with them...

I have the same exact pack I bought about 10 years ago. I've got my pump, spare tube, tools, etc. My saddle bag tore one time and packed everything in my bag. This was years ago an I have not bought a replacement saddle bag yet. Probably never will.

 

[Cackalak Han]

Question on these packs.
When they are brand new, should you still use the Camelbak cleaning tablet the first time to wash and rinse, or it is OK to just run hot water through it, then drain, then fill back up with cold water?

I also think the smaller size of this pack will be fine for a two hour ride through the woods.
If I was going to be gone all day and ride several miles, then I would be tempted to use the old REI one and stuff a Goretex jacket in there.

The REI first aid kit came today too, it fits in there great along with all the other stuff.
Really good quality kit that is compact.

I have never used a cleaning tablet, but couldn't hurt. I rinsed mine out with hot water a few times before use. Also, another good tip for hot days is leaving the pack a little less than half way filled in the freezer. Keeps your back and the water cool.

 

[Corey]

Ice cold water sounds great.

I ended up just putting in two tablespoons of baking soda and four cups of water and sloshing it around, then rinsed it really good.

Used the pack yesterday on a ride, it worked great.

I am able to cram just about everything I need into this smaller pack too since I have a tool kit bag under the seat.
Bag is not big enough to carry a light weight bike jacket, but for winter use I can use my old REI pack if I need to, or find a way to stow the jacket to the new pack on the outside.

The old REI one has the cinch ropes on the back to carry extra stuff like clothing, but the new pack does not.
It has the slits, I would have to get some cinch rope for it.

 

[Silver dude]

I have the Camelbak Blowfish. It has massive expandable storage compartments while keeping the outward dimensions of a smaller size pack. I love it, after riding for years with a Camelbak classic the Blowfish was quite a upgrade I would highly recommend it..:sombrero:

I usually carry.
Bandaids- Stops the blood from running down your leg.
a spare tube- Quick flat change out.
tire levers- Changing tires
patch kit- Useful if spare tube fails
Granola bar- Useful if stuck in an emergency situation also sometimes you need a little fuel.
Shock pump- Useful for adjusting the ride to varying terrains.
Tire pump- Airing tires
chain breaker- Removing broken links or possibly shortening the chain in the case the derailleur went bye bye.
chain master links- Replacing broken links
Derailleur hanger- Replacement in the case the Der gets smashed off by a rock.
Cell phone- Calling for help or whatever.
Car keys- Getting home
Wallet- Holding trail pass and identification
100oz of water- surviving
Bike Multi tool- Tightening loose parts of the bike.
Knife- Defense against wildlife/ useful for spreading brake pads, cutting.


On long trips I'll toss another tube in and a few bottles of water. Knee pads find their way into the pack if I don't feel they are necessary during certain sections of trail.


Once the bladder gets slimy or slick like inside (approx every 10 rides) I drop a tablet in there and it cleans it right out.