I know it’s very old fashioned but I like using a pack for when I’m out on my ATB. I like to carry extra clothes, decent first aid, spares and, most importantly, food and drink. I have an excellent Thule item that is very good but just not big enough for winter use. My Camelbak (probably the third I have had) has reached the end of it’s life.
I have been keeping an eye out for the HAWG 20litre at a reasonable price and have got one for £95 from Sport Pursuit. Unfortunately it appears to be a second as the seams are terribly stitched, I’m appalled that it passed quality control. They will give a derisory £10 refund or a return, Camelbak helpdesk have been no help except pointing me towards their website where I can sign up for 10% off.
So, can anyone suggest a hydration pack, at least 20litres capacity with good pockets and sub-division for tools, snap, clothes etc? Water resistance is necessary and a cover desirable but not essential.
As a lifetime Camelbak user I have been very disappointed, see below.
Thank you for suggestions in advance!
Evoc FR Trail. I have the e-ride one that has a battery pouch. It's a decent size - and quality.
Back protector and a decent strap system. I prefer Camelbaks hydration placement, but overall Evoc's are better bags imo
thats pretty terrible quality. take the return and wash your hands of it.
I had one camelbak once, good enough quality but not the amazing thing I may have been expecting given their name was almost synonomous with biking bags at one point.
I've got an osprey raptor 10. they also do a 14 which may be more what you are seeking.
I dont use it much - if a ride can be done packless, it will be. But its served me 10 years of mtb and hiking with that limited use and still looks good as new after a trip in the washing machine - no rain cover sadly.
Came here to say EVOC too. Ones with back protector do give you a sweatier back but they're very stable - I've got both 10L and 20L versions. I've also got a non-protector Stage 18L which has a nice mesh/raised back and I'd say is bigger than the quoted size.
The Osprey stuff is great quality - my pack is being replaced after 10-15 yrs of use & abuse.
My wife's one is about 8 yrs old & still looks as good as new.
Osprey syncro 20
I've got one. Nearly a decade old and doing well. I was pessimistic about the netting and weaker feeling fabrics, but it's good. Odd design of compression straps and the pocketing for weight and stability though.
Better though is my son's Vaude Moab 20 pack - almost identical but it's got a back protector built in, better weigh/pocketing and the compression straps are much better.
This is closest I can find, but not the exact one:
I've had an Evoc Explorer Pro for a fair wee while now (available in 26 & 30) and it's a great bit of kit. Had a loan of a FR Tour and found it a bit uncomfortable when loaded up due to the back protector.
I've way too many backpacks and probably the best made is the Ergon pack I bought to carry my spare Ebike battery, this looks like a nice pack .
https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/ergon-bx3-evo-backpack
I have a brand new Evoc Trail Pro 26, in a light moss green. Could do it at £100 plus postage if any good ?
I was loyal to camelbak until I got an Evoc. Another rec for the Stage 18 - stable, reasonably ventilated, decent waterproof cover.
@wheelsonfire1 - I have mailed you back, it may have gone to your spam folder. Thanks
Ergon BX2 or BX3. Adjustable back length is really amazing for getting proper fit. I have first gen BX3 which has been excellent except some pocket/strap interference, it is still working fine but my newer BX2 Evo has much improved pocket layout and is even more comfortable.
Another shout for Osprey Syncro here. Bought one a few years ago because my Dakine Drafter was a bit small for rides where I needed extra layers etc.
It's got a suspended mesh back so it's slightly less sweaty in summer. Hydrapak bladders are excellent. Separate section for tools with a mesh pocket and key holder thing.
It felt a bit flimsy compared to my pervious Dakine and Camelbak bags but it's held up really well.
It huge inside. I can happily get tools, spare tube, lunch , waterproof, insulated layer, pump plus extra snacks and spare gloves and a load of other crap that I probably don't need in there. It just sucks stuff up. Has a helmet hook thing and a flappy pocket on the outside to stash your filthy waterproof when it stops raining.
On shorter rides, it squishes down well. The harness system keeps it in place.
I'd buy another one tomorrow if I lost it
I've got a 26L Evoc with a back protector, possibly the same one as ianc is selling as it's also light green. I got it so I can take enough stuff for me and my daughter on rides. It always amazes how it feels hefty when picked up but when worn the weight just vanishes. It's ended a few decades of camelbak loyalty and I'd definitely buy another.
Whichever Deuter pack fits your needs. Very well made and thought out.
The Osprey stuff is great quality - my pack is being replaced after 10-15 yrs of use & abuse.
A mate has just had a 12 Yr old Osprey pack replaced free of charge after they couldn't repair it so I'd probably be looking at them if I was after a new one
I'd probably go Osprey or Vaude.
Some of the Vaude bags can be adjusted for height & it really makes a difference to comfort.
I've got a Large Vaude bag that must be getting on for 20 years old now. It's bigger than I need for 95% of riding, but gets used regularly for supermarket runs.
I've also got an Osprey Syncro 10 which is better than the Vaude for organised pocket storage etc. but I think Vaude has got better at that than they used to be.
Both have the raised mesh backs to try & help with ventilation in warmer weather.
Osprey syncro 20 again here, and again I'd second Vaude as a great alternative.
Whichever Deuter pack fits your needs. Very well made and thought out.
This. I've got a 14l Deuter with a built in back protector thats an excellnet bit of kit.
We have a few packs in our house.
I have a Evoc FR Enduro (16L). It's probably nearer the 20L mark as it's an XL.
One teen has my old Osprey bike specific pack that's a similar claimed size as the Evoc.
Other teen has a Dakine Drafter 10L.
In terms of build quality, they are all much of a muchness. I've tried them all. The Evoc is best as it fits me the best as it comes in actual back size.
I have taken all the stuff the OP mentions out for big days out on the Scottish Mountains in the Evoc. I have also used it when it barely has anything in it aside from extra water and a few tools/spares as it's a comfy back protector. If you're going for a long back size you might be able to get away with the smaller FR Enduro rather than the FR Trail.
If you're not worried about back protector or full face carry then EVOC have other options that might suit better.
I’ve used an Osprey Raptor 14 for general mtb rides. 13 years on and, apart from some wear to the mesh sleeve for the hydration tube is as good as new. It’s survived being used at least twice a week. As a bigger pack, for long days in winter I have a 10 year old Osprey Escapist 25. I use it off the bike for hill walks too. They have altered it in recent years but the original one is very bike biased.Both can take the same 3ltr bladder .
Im a long term convert from Camelbak , those I looked at before going Osprey as a replacement for an ancient one looked like they’d been made in an eleven year olds home economics class, complete with Christmas cracker buckles.
Thank you all for the input, once again, despite it’s faults STW came up trumps. I’ve got the EVOC bag from @iainc and it’s just what I need - it should see me out!
I’m a lifetime Camelbak fan but after the atrocious quality of the pack pictured above (it’s actually worse in real life), I’ll never buy from them again. They blamed the packaging and handling by Sport Pursuit (easy return facilitated) and the best they could do as a goodwill gesture was “sign up to our website and you get 10% off”!
Now, I did say I was riding today even if it’s hammering it down…
I like my Dakine very much. 3l reservoir helped out on SDW last year. Also has mesh at the back which helps with heat management, like Deuters.
I've got some USWE packs in small and medium sizes, both are solidly built and have been down the road a couple of times with no damage. They don't make the models i have anymore, but i'd happily buy another one in any size.
Double post glitch