[Closed] Camelbak or something else

After years of camelbacks I tried the USWE packs, converted here, not sure on your sizing but well worth a look for fit.

2 litres of water always feel better on the bike IMO, I smash everything else needed for the day into a bladder-free Lobo.  Works, but ymmv.

Have a look at the Dakine Session 8?  I came close to getting one for light groceries and more loaded runs but instead grabbed a Lidl special because of the tensioned mesh/airflow and cheapness.

I've been running an Osprey for last few years and cant fault it. I would say that it ticks your boxes for sure.

2 litres of water always feel better on the bike IMO

Yes yes yes I've been through all that.  I'm asking about backpacks.

I’ve been running an Osprey for last few years

Osprey what?

EVOC CC series are slim and pretty lightweight. Think they come in 6 and 10 litre versions.

I use a dakine heli pack with a camelbak reservoir

Recently bought an Osprey Raptor 14 for all day mountain epics. Last pack was Camelback Skyline but was too small and zip kept jamming. Had loads of packs over the years, the Osprey wins hands down. Ticks every box possible for MTB, hardly notice it on even with a big load. Loads of well thought out MTB features, up to 3ltr water, can carry spare clothes, has tool compartment in base so very stable, superb warranty. Can be compressed down for short days. Reckon it will last years and years, money well spent.

Wingnut? Lightweight, squishes down when empty, decent water capacity, gear capacity, waist pockets...

Uswe

I've an osprey raptor 14l which is probably about the right size for you. It has pockets on the waist strap and can be squashed right in when empty but I'll confess I've never done this as mine is usually quite full. I also like the bladder over camebak ones as it opens right at the top rather than the 2l camelbak one i had which had a screw cap type thing stuck on the side.

Osprey viper 9 purchased one for the same reasons it's been excellent

Osprey viper 9 here, it's excellent. No waist pockets but it holds a 2.5l bladder, pump, tools, food and has a stretch pocket just about big enough to stuff a softshell jacket in.

They're very good with repairs too and sell repaired/returned packs at a decent discount on their site (you have to log in to see them).

As above, whatever Osprey takes your fancy. I've been using a Raptor for years and it's been superb. Also, they're a very, very good company to deal with, as well as being a good company overall (Excellent supply chain and wokforce ethics, etc)

I've had an Osprey Syncro for several years and it's my favourite pack. Dunno if they still make it though.

Although to be honest, it doesn't have side pockets & there is no way of 'compressing' it when empty. It's not a bulky bag though.

Vaude do some nice bags too, so might be worth a look. I've got a Splash Air 20+5 which is way too big for what you need, but it must be a decade old now & still in good condition

Yep, they still do the Syncro10. The pics make it more look bulkier than it actually is:

https://www.ospreyeurope.com/shop/gb_en/syncro-10-14

I don't think it comes with a bladder.

If lightweight is really important, then this would probably take some beating - 345g:

https://www.vaude.com/en-GB/Products/Activity/Best-in-Test/Uphill-12-LW?number=121780100

presumably that's without a bladder though, as they don't come with one.

Only issue I have found with the Vaude bags, is there is generally not much compartmentalisation - everything gets chucked in & jumbled about. Thing is, the more features like compartments you have, and other things like waist pockets, the more the weight goes up.

In the grand STW tradition of 'recommend what you have' I've been riding with the 6-litre Thule vital for a few months now and I'd definitely check it out.

1) 6-10l luggage capacity, but it has to be able to compress well when empty.

Yup, sits really nice and low, doesn't move about nearly as badly as my old Dakine, I use the 6 they also do an 8 litre version with an extra expandable pocket.

2) It has to be light – no big enduro gnar thing with a back protector and space for your armour and full face. None of that – this is lightweight XC only.

500 grams including bladder, perfectly reasonable it's also really well ventilated and breathable.

3) Ideally I’d like some waist pockets for gels or snacks.

Check, mahoosive elasticated jobbies that can take a big phone or loads of food.

The magnetic hose retraction system is also genius.

Having just started to use my recently purchased EVOC 3L Stage CC which just so happens to be the best I've ever used, I will recommend it and they come in larger sizes if you prefer.

@molgrips just to inform my Osprey is a Raptor as well.

Loads of different pockets and a handy tool roll as well.

raptor 10 for me.

Much better than my old bouncy dakine that sat so high it brushed my helmet, and my armoured endurotastic bag which is noticeably bulkier and more restrictive, only gets used for big mountains.

I'd like to try a USWE though, as the theory does make sense

It's completely unfashionable, but I recently picked up a Camelbak Blowfish.

It has an expander zip so fully opened up it's pretty roomy, but doesn't have to be if you don't need it. It has one giant compartment and a front smaller compartment with mesh pockets, and a smart phone pocket at the top...And that''s it. (apart from the bladder pocket, obvs)

It's not on trend in any sense of the word, but as a simple no fuss long distance hauler of kit, it was cheap, does the job and comfy.

It doesn't however have anything fancy, so no waist pockets

That Thule Vital pack looks great, but £105!!!

You could get a bike for that 😉

My pack comes on every ride (my trail bike has no bottle cage mounts) so an uncomfy, sweaty. waggly pack = uncomfy, sweaty ride.

My advice would be to try on as many packs as possible, the fit and comfort of the Thule and the way it stays put low down on my back were the key factors in going for it, the low weight, good organization and cunning hose retention were bonuses.

Wingnut? Lightweight, squishes down when empty, decent water capacity, gear capacity, waist pockets…

This.

IMHO Ospreys are great, but pretty bulky. Deuters are well worth a look for more conventional bags. Otherwise Wingnuts are incredibly stable and have the benefit of not clouting your helmet while descending either, no matter how loaded your pack is.

I could comfortably hop the bike with this lot on my back:

[url= https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2094/2410714707_3fb7c373e3_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2094/2410714707_3fb7c373e3_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/4F2xuF ]Wingnut kit bag[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/ ]Neil Cain[/url], on Flickr

https://www.roughrideguide.co.uk/Wingnut-rucksacks

I’ve tried lots of other bags but always come back to Camelbak.  For me they just fit and work better.

You said not enduro packs but the Kudu are worth a look if you can pick one up at a decent price.  The back protector came straight out of mine and haven’t been tempted to put it back in.  I’ve the 18L and its impressively stable whether fully loaded or almost empty. The 12 or 8 would probably suit you better.

Well worth a look at the Skyline lowrider pack as well.  A lot of smaller packs end up sitting high and the LR packs deal with that.

Right - popped into Go Outdoors just now.

Osprey Syncro looks good, doesn't come with a bladder, no waist pockets, but very light, no compression straps but great price (£50 and I get more discounts on top of that).  Lack of compression straps may not be an issue due to design, not sure.

Osprey Raptor 14 was a great looking bit of kit, but surprisingly heavy and I couldn't work out why.  Maybe the rigid back thing.  Also includes decent compression straps.  Osprey strap management is much better than Camelbak's.

Camelbak Mule - possibly not big enough

Camelbak Mule R - Heavy and full of protection.

Camelbak Solstice(?) - very interesting, but much more expensive than the Ospreys.  Also the back system looked very crude next to Osprey but not sure how much difference this makes in real life.

Wingnut - every time. Had a variety of other packs, mainly Camelbacks and back in the day a Blackburn - but Wingnut does it for me. They last a bit less long than Camelbacks in my experience but are lighter and the mesh outer pockets and shock cord on the back means you can eat on the move out of the pockets and be a bit less considered about stuffing things away and not losing them.

I like the weight lower down -bit less train on the shoulders.

If being picky- if you're jumping off stuff there's a bit of movement ( I don't have the waist super tight) and   because of the different pockets - one on each hip and the main one on the lower back they tend to leave filth on the surfaces even after a bit of a wash as there's places for filth to hide.  Try mine if you're in Manchester.

Bear in mind that there will be hardly any weight in it, so shoulder strain not so much an issue.

Thinking I like the idea of the new bladders with a thing in the middle, presumably stops the bladder turning into a big hard sausage in the middle of your back.  I know how my wife feels now.

I've got an older Camelbak Skyline,comfy ,light ,3L water / 10L stash that's been really good for longer rides -seems to fit what your asking for,Newer one looks OK too:

https://international.camelbak.com/en/packs/R01084--Skyline_LR_10?color=e1f902bda3a243119a6fefcc00a70bce

I use the Evoc Stage 6L - nice and vetilated and slim.

I have a bright yellow version for sale cheap if you wanted to try (just teh bag - no bladder).