After something about the size of a Dakine Nomad which it will replace. Want something secure and stable on rough and steep terrain. Doesn't necessarily need a bladder as I'll buy a Platypus (which as far as I can tell are way better than most bladders). All the usual pockets/features would be good. Ta v much.
If you're buying a platypus bladder seperately ... and into steep and rough I'd consider something with a spine protector. I'm fairly happy with my non cycling specific (Vango on sale at Millets) but it fits me pretty snug yet has decent back breathability. As such I'd probably only "upgrade" for something more protective*.
*My current back protection is inconvenient "single use" ... I've landed hard enough to explode plastic bottles... but then everything gets wet!
No back protection but my Camelbak Skyline Low Rider is a great design. Comes with a totally redesigned bladder which sits around your hips and lower back - unlike most which are much higher up your back, in effect on the rough stuff a fullish bladder of the old style is in exactly the wrong place - flopping around and trying to unbalance you.
The low rider style bladder sits firmly in place on the lower back, is totally unnoticeable on the trails and even has cinch strings so as it empties you can snug id down even tighter.
In practise it works really well.
Osprey Raptor 14. Loads of handy pockets, really comfy and the bladder is excellent.
Although they seem bloody expensive, I was lucky a got one for £45 from wiggle a while back!!
I have the Evoc Enduro Blackline. It's very nice. The last pack I had was a Dakine Nomad, and the Evoc is way more lower profile on your back. Feels more like it's part of your body than a big sticky out thing like the Dakine.
Pricey mind.
I got an Evoc FR Enduro when they first came out, I'd guess it's seven years old now, maybe more. Well organised inside and out, back protector, confortable, the lot. You can go bigger or smaller to suit. Worn through mud, crashes, loads of trips away and there's literally not a stitch or thread out of place on it. They really are incredibly well made. The only issue I've had is that I slammed the waist buckle in the car boot, and broke it. Evoc sent me a new one FOC, just emailed them and it was in the post straight away.
One of those products I'd recommend without hesitation
