A leaky bladder and a ten-year old bag means it’s new backpack time. I could buy a new bladder, but looking at standalone prices, I might as well go the whole hog.

So, what you got and what’s rot? I have a big pack for all-day epics, so I’m looking for small and cool for 2/3hr runs out.

I’ve one of the original Camelbak Lobos: 2 litre bladder and about 3 litre capacity in the rest of the bag. More than enough room for toolkit, etc. Don’t know what the current version is like as mine’s still going strong after ten years.

I have a small camelback but to be honest it’s too small. Enough room for water but a multitool and maybe a tyre lever and that’s it. As such I take my Mule out all the time, just load it up depending on how long I’m planning on being out.

Yeah, that’s what I have now (a Lobos). Bladders are pricey though! Just wondering what else is being rated.

evoc. silverfish have a 50% off sale at the moment which brings them back down to reasonable prices.

edit: but all the cool kids are going packless for 2-3hr rides…

Ah, thanks for that. Looks good. New backpack on way. Days for pretence to the cool kid group long gone!

Rescuing a ‘cool kid’ that is ill prepared does mean you can take the high ground and offer lots of good backpack advice during your trail side rescue.

Camelbak kudu here, like having a back protector after hearing about some crashes recently (own pump digging into delicate spine parts etc.).

I used to use a Camelbak Mule. I tried a Evoc FR Enduro and while it’s heavier it’s also much comfier so I prefer wearing it. Definitely not cheap but managed to get it for a good price.

Strangely, I’ve used it as a daypack quite a few times off the bike, even walked up the odd fell with it.

Sold my Mule a short while ago. They were going cheap a little way back though

The new KUDU range would be getting my cash if I was in the market for a new pack

One day my OG Apex will die and I can justify getting one

Don’t Decathlon do cheap bladders?

As for a small pack, the USWE ones have a great strap system. A few of our group really rate them.

Osprey, best use of space and quality IME.