Forum menu
I'm wanting to take my Dslr out more when biking but I'm struggling to fit it and everything else I need to carry in my existing Mule (2008 model). What does everyone else do/recommend?
H.A.W.G. Huge capacity when required - straps compress it to smaller size when not needed.
Osprey Raptor or if you want even more space then the Talon.
Evoc FR Trail?
Big luggage capacity, loads of useful smaller pockets, sleeve for a bladder, a built in CE rated spine protector, great looks and very, very well made.
i have a hydrapac jolla (16l i think) for longer trips, great bag. if i replaced it it'd be with an osprey, i really like their kit, it's well designed.
dakine apex or dakine to a photographers back pack too
I have tried umpteem types of backpacks for carrying loads of stuff on full day and two day rides and I've finally found one I'm going to love long time.
I despised with a passion the Ospreys I tried. The models with the stiff back and hydraulic bladders were heavy and I couldn't get them to be comfortable, the lighter weight soft back versions were better but not big enough (all sod via the cklassifieds on here) North Face Hammerhead was too heavy, Lezyne thing....lord no, that thing was just hideous all over, Camelbak Mule was not big enough, the HAWG came close but was too heavy, Transalp was like carrying a water filled carrier bag, Dakine Nomad was awful. So awful I can't even remember the 2nd time I used it. I might have only used it once. I asked for recommendations on here and one that was mentioned caught my eye and it's superb! £25 for a 17 litre pack. very light. Very comfortable. Uncomplicated. Love the waist pockets to keep fruit pastilles in while I'm riding. I hate stopping if I don't have to. It's Decathlon's Diosaz Raid 17. They do a 20 litre for £30. Bladders are included but they're not the best bladders.
How bigs is your DSLR? If it's a big one (e.g. 7D with a 17-55 2.8 lens) get a Dakine Apex, if it's not get a Camalbak Havoc (30d with a kit lens or a 550d or something). That bit of advice is the product of many many bags....
Cheers for all the replies - got a good shortlist now to have a closer look at.
Camera is a Nikon D90 with a cheap kit lens (18-55, doesn't matter if it breaks), although I fancy getting an ultra wide 10-24 to play with at some point.
Osprey Raptor 18 defiantly worth looking at, love mine. I've now heard a couple of people saying they couldnt get it to sit right which surprised me a bit as there is loads if adjustability in the straps. I like it because it's comfy/reasonably light, has a great reservoir, has tons of space but also compresses down making it good for short rides and full days/weekends out. It also has some nice features like the helmet holder and magnetic bite valve holder on the sternum strap. The hard back should also provide some half decent back protection in the event of a off.
What about a 2011 camelbak cloudwalker with the new antidote bladder?
Oh look, I've got one on ebay!!!
(And another one if you want it sooner)
Picked up an Osprey Raptor 18 from Cotswold last week. Bigger than my Mule, but not too massive, and with lots of really nice design touches.
Should be trying it out this weekend