[Closed] Recommend me a backpack

I know it's only 14l but I love my opsrey raptor, I was never a fan of backpacks but often don't notice I've got it on and can easily fit drink, tools, food and an extra layer with my jacket in the extra pouch. Also can attach my helmet which is surprisingly nice.
I believe they Also do a 19l version but couldn't find any when I went to buy mine.

Just got a second hand wingnut 3.0 - an it's great got zippy pockets an mesh pockets by hips which are great...

Worth looking at although not cheap new does seem to be very comfy an cool

You're going to get lots of different answers here.

I really like Dakine stuff in general. Robust and loads of different compartments everywhere. Only reason I don't have one is being tall the waist strap tends to sit halfway up my body (as with most packs).

I use an Ergon BX3 instead

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/bx3

The layout's nowhere near as good as a Dakine or Osprey IMO but in terms of fit and comfort it's absolutely spot on. Fit is adjustable and the weight sits low much like a Wingnut pack.

Used this for 5 full days straight with no issues at all. Pricey but worth it I reckon.

Camelbak, Osprey, Dakine, Hydropak. Between my wife and I we've owned stuff by all of them and they are good. Find one with the right features and the right colour and go for that.

I have a camelback mule which I think is excellent. However I've been more impressed with a friends osprey raptor, more sensible features from what I recall and same decent quality. He has had his for three years decent use with no issues

Osprey. Osprey. Or....Osprey.

Good people, good bags.

I have a very old camelbak mule which has been good but is a bit small (it's a long thin shape) and the straps etc are starting to go on it.

Looking at osprey vs camelbak in go outdoors the other day and the quality of the osprey wins hands down and the equivalent pack was a little cheaper too.

The camelbak bladders have always been good though. Don't know how the osprey ones stand up.

Up until last year, I was using a Camekbak MULE. A very good, well made pack, Camekback bladders are good too, although, bite valves don't seem to last me more than a year.
My g/f needed a new pack to replace her old one, so, siezing the opportunity, I washed the c/b and presented her with it. Fully justifying a new purchase for myself.
I bought an Osprey Raptor 14.
Given that both packs are broadly the same size, carry similar items most of the time and are equally well adjustable for fit. Any differences are readily noticeable. In terms of ' chuck it on your back and go ride ', just possibly, the Osprey leaves a slightly less damp,sweaty patch on me back.
It is ease of use when taking the bladder in and out where the osprey wins, hands down. The rigid bladder back helps, as well as the zip for the bladder pack and the bite valve magnet. The separate tool roll is great and keeps weight at bottom of the pack as well as preventing bananas, haribo and chain tools becoming one .
The devil seems to be in the detail. MULE has lasted well ( 8 years so far), so longevity of the Osprey , for me , is untested. in terms of use, the Osprey has it because of little details that reduce faff and separate kit better. Can't speak for newer Camelbaks though.

I have been very pleased with my Osprey packs over the years. I had a nice Dakine one too but it didn't quite fit "right".

My mate has an EVOC that he rates also.

If you are tall or have a long back one that comes in different sizes can be advantageous.

It really depends on what you want. I recently went through this, my thoughts are:

don't expect bike-specific packs to be better for what you want - I found them all too fiddly with too many "features" I would never need, medium sized general sporting day packs appeared to be what I wanted (but YMMV).

from past experience, Osprey and Deuter make good long lasting and thoughtfuly designed kit, and between the two ranges there is probably enough choice.

Osprey Talon 6 or 8. Lumbar packs with two nice bottles. Stays put amazingly well, and the lack of a sweaty back is a revelation. I've used mine exclusively for about 1 1/2 years now and never felt the need for a larger pack. On the HOTS 75km ride I just put another bottle on the frame.

@cakefacesmallblock - sounds like you've had good use out of your Mule. For what it's worth, the pack design and more importantly the bladder has been updated and improved since. Probably much more similar to the Raptor, though many still favour the Raptor still

(disclosure - I have a Mule and about 4 other Osprey packs)

I've got a USWE f4 and really like the way it straps up, very secure on your back.

How big are the belt pockets on the Ergon BX3 bags, they look pretty big but can't tell in comparison to a wingnut wing pockets? As they are so useful on the wingnut

You can stash so much in the zipped and mesh pockets of the Wingnut, it's soooo useful and the weight sits really low so they are super comfy. I hate and can't get on with the feel of standard backpack position now.

I have neck/ spinal issues so been through a few bags and makes, personally I do not get on with camelback, saying that the new skyline looks good,

Dakine, felt clumsy on my back and certainly hurt my nexk

Osprey I liked but felt it was not as stable as my other packs,

Wingnut I have had a love hate relationship and I have had four so far best for me is the 2.5 as you cannot over fill as they become uncomfortable....mine will be up for sale shortly.

Ergon the best for carrying stuff and for me the most comfortable, I have the one with the link .....heavy off carry's the weight lightly.

has anyone tried any of the OMM packs for cycling ?

i want a new running pack and my camelback blow fish is close to expiry - can i kill two fish ?

Another vote for the Ergon stuff, I've tried Camelbak (terrible fit) and Dakine (better) but never got on with them and would ride without a bag if at all possible.

Just picked up an Ergon BE2 and while not cheap and having a little less space the fit and adjustability is a different league.

osprey for the bigger bags, but i like my evoc smaller 4or6 litre bag too for local rides

The problem with all these packs, (and it's sadly true of all of them) is that they're not waterproof. which for a mountain bike rucksack is pretty bad really.

just ride when it's sunny. Problem solved.

The problem with all these packs, (and it's sadly true of all of them) is that they're not waterproof. which for a mountain bike rucksack is pretty bad really.

sort of a dry bag with a rucsac harness fitted your not going to get a waterproof backpack. The dry bag type rucsacs lack sophistication but are fine for lugging paddling kit on portages but I won't want to ride with one

Waterproof alpkit g o u r d a n , good pack external hydration sleeve light cheap and comfortable

Omm is ai big no for me to ride in I have a 25 Litre and it is just okay for everything including running

Waterproof rucksack try a rain cover ...ergon or deuters usually have one add in a waterproof bag/pouch good to go ...more flexible system

Oh deuters are a good pack but never ridden using one

Gourdon is shit at active shit IMO

Gourdon is canny for commuting, wouldnt want one on a proper trail.

Go on trail rat ....why.....just out of interest

just ride when it's sunny. Problem solved.

haha, I live in yorkshire... 😆

try a rain cover

errr...no, I just bought a proper waterproof bag...[url= http://acre-supply.com/bags/ ]Acre[/url]

i have a wingnut pack - believe its now called an 'adventure' pack but was originally called 'enduro'

I'm out in all weather and 99% of the time myself normally for epic days.. so i tend to carry quite a lot (being responsible). the design of the wingnut really helps me as it sits on your lower back rather than hanging from your shoulders. its almost unnoticeable. and being able to get access to food, tools and the phone/camera without removing the pack is another bonus.

its a pretty strange looking bit kit, pricey but highly recommended.

Strap cheap is the top issue. As above I use for comuting

CRC have 40% Dakine Amps,

No they don't
They have an Amp 18l with bladder at £79.99 or 20% off the (correct) RRP of £100
Or they have an Amp 18l WITHOUT bladder at £59.99 that is also listed at an (incorrect) RRP OF £100 so 40% off
If you arn't fussed by the bladder then yes they have a cheap(ish) (personally I don't think £60 for that rucksack without bladder is cheap) Dakine rucksack but don't be fooled into thinking its 40% off as clearly its not as they are not supplying the full RRP's worth of pack and bladder
(An equivalent 3l bladder to the one supplied with the Amp pack is listed separately on CRC website at £26.99)

(Same pack direct from Dakine, with bladder, is £75.99 so cheaper than equivalent crc price)

can stash so much in the zipped and mesh pockets of the Wingnut, it's soooo useful

That's why I wondering about that Ergon BX3 looks good depending on how big those side pockets are......

out of my meeting now i can fill in.

the alpkit gourdon is a good waterproof bag with some straps but it is not an active back pack.

the shoulder straps creep out with a modest load so your constantly tightening them

The chest strap is too narrow for even my chest (38") and the shoulder straps sewn too close together for my neck - and im not a big loon.

The mid strap does nothing to support the load unless its restrictively tight in which case it merely stops it falling side to side no load support.

its not quick in the slightest to access

Its fine for a commute where its lightly loaded with some clothes but out with some bivy kit weighing 9lb it was horrendous.

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"Omm is ai big no for me to ride in I have a 25 Litre and it is just okay for everything including running"

interestingly i was looking at the 25 litre for running in - interestingly why is it a big no for riding ? is it just that its too big ?

Have you considered a tidy fanny pack instead of a camel?

Rik - Member

can stash so much in the zipped and mesh pockets of the Wingnut, it's soooo useful

That's why I wondering about that Ergon BX3 looks good depending on how big those side pockets are......

Rik, I can't really give you a comparison as I'm unfamiliar with the Wingnut. By the sounds of it though, the Wingnut has more space in the equivalent pocket.

In my Ergon, the mesh side pockets are used for energy gels/bars. You could probably get a phone in there (not those trigger happy size Iphone 6+ bricks though), maybe some sun glasses.

Video here of one being packed to give a rough idea.

OMM i always feel sits too high on my back and waist, no matter how I adjust it.......I do have three herniated discs in my neck and a few more causing problems in my lower back so a fan of those bags that sit low can reduce pressure on neck/shoulders.

Friends really like the alpkit (riding and running) and though I have one i just use it for bimbling around

it is a really try and see what works for you.

trail_rat - Member
out of my meeting now i can fill in.
the alpkit gourdon is a good waterproof bag with some straps but it is not an active back pack.

Mine's been walked up Snowdon and Elidir Fawr and biked round Moel Y Ci and over Telegraph Valley this week.

Had 3 now, the straps on the last two crept a bit when new, but were fine thereafter.

I do like Osprey and Deuter bags, but find them unnecessarily complicated these days.

Sorry, forgot to agree with you re the chest strap.
Struggles to fit the barrel chested, sort it out Alpkit!

Fair enough re omm it's designed like that to keep away from hips when running.

Between a classic 25 and a classic 32 - although thats probably a bit too big- although my Gourdons 25 is pretty full there with no food in.

For a spot of commuting and hill bivvying. Must find a shop with stock of omm

EVOC FR trail team 20L.
They're not cheap bags (and it took quite a while for me to pull the trigger), but they really are worth it. Make sure you get the sizing right and you'll have a really decent sized bag with plenty of well thought out features, that carries all its weight on your hips. Very comfortable. Highly recommended.