As I'm unable to fit a bottle cage to one of my bikes I'm looking at bumbag with bladder or bottle option just for local rides rather than a small CamelbakI have a feeling it could get really annoying and irritating really quickly am I right and are they all stupidly expensive?
Depends on the bag. I've used an Ortlieb waist pack for several years and it's completely stable/comfy. One look at the waist belt explains why, it being the usual Ortlieb "over engineered" design. Those with simple straps/wing pockets are a iot less stable, especially if carrying a decent amount of water.
Not cheap though.
I have two that I use, my EVOC one (silly £) rarely gets used. My little camelback one is bloody brilliant.
Got it for a tenner in go outdoors without the bottle. Modded it to fix the male buckle end to the left of the pack. Being going strong for a while now.
I prefer the size because the bigger the bag the more crap we stuff in it. Holds a bottle, Cornish pasty, my phone & keys and some sweets/energy bars. More than enough for a day at Wharny.
I think it's entirely personal on fit and comfort, I have tried a few, incl the Ortlieb and find they all feel as if they are slipping down all the time. Best bet is to try one loaded and see how it feels
I've got one of those like RM above (though not in offensive Burnley colours !)
It's great for an hour or two, just holding bottle, phone and a waterproof but it gives me a bellyache if I do long rides with it (I have an old wingnut backpack for those - much better as I can have the waist strap loose)
Used an Evoc one for years, along with many of my riding buddy's; quality product - pay for what you get.
Takes 1.5l bladder and loads of storage space plus a couple of 'netting' type externals.
I got a Thule Rail as a birthday present and it's been great, don't notice it unless it's really heavily loaded and the magnetic hose retention has been faultless. Dedicated phone pocket also works well. But yeah it's pricey.
as above, get one with a decent padded waist strap for comfort and stability of the pack.
i use an Evoc 3 litre waist pack for the majority of my riding now, unless it for a big day out or i need to carry lots of layers. i don't use the bladder as i find them a faff and can get a bottle on my frame, however it's got a couple of net pockets to fit spare bottles in which i use in the summer and is stable enough with full bottles and easy enough to access without removing the pack. pretty well organised storage as well
without the bladder there enough space for all the bits i need and a light windproof jacket, although i reckon you could also fit a light waterproof in there.
if you hunt around you can often pick them up for c £30 if you're not bothered about the colour
Haha, mines black. That's the first link I found.
Aye, that's one of the reasons modified it with a side buckle. The evoc pro I have is great, stretchy belt, the ability to loosen it off, but it's a bit too big for local stuff, but not big enough for longer days.
I'm toying with getting a ESWE pack or EVOC vest.
I've got an Evoc one I use as a minimalist bag (without bladder) which is good but if there's too much weight in it does feel a bit saggy, putting water in would not be great. At the moment I'm riding with a camelback chase vest style pack which sits higher on my back than a normal pack which avoids the worst of the sweaty back and is lower profile so doesn't move around too much.
Body shapes make a difference for what pack fits best.
I had a Dakine one that just wouldn't stay in place at all, was either on my arse or I had to have it so far up my waist it was uncomfy to ride with. I got an Evoc 3L one (which I actually won in a competition woo!) which was the same.
I actually have lost quite a bit of weight (not implying anything for you by that, I just had a bit of a belly making my body shape a bit more convex) and the Evoc one now works like a charm, whilst the Dakine one is still exactly the same and doesn't work for me.
Tried bum bags, they flap around and for me arn't comfortable to wear. Heavy wait pulling on my middle just isn't pleasant.
Evoc vest pack is ace, have the 3L one. 1.5L is enough for a decent ride and space for snacks and tools. Another layer would be a tight fit.
Bigger days its an evoc stage6, doesn't flap around and a decent amount of space.
I have a camelbak one. I though it would fly everywhere and be a gimmick.
It doesn't - it stays put all ride even on the rough stuff
Evoc vest pack is ace, have the 3L one. 1.5L is enough for a decent ride and space for snacks and tools. Another layer would be a tight fit.
Hmm, interesting. I'm leaning more this way for sure, the ESWE may be unflattering on the moobs. What's the heat regulation like with the EVOC vest?
Decathlon do one with a large bladder. GF has it and I would say it's more secure than my evoc.
My little camelback one is bloody brilliant.
camelbak flow podium
+1 for this badboy
Not noticeable when riding and doesn't feel like it's slippng down (bigger Osprey one did).
I've got a Deuter one, it's really good. My only slight issue is that I'd prefer if the hydration hose clip was magnetic than a physical clip.
I much prefer it to using a back pack.
Tried a couple of them and I don't get on with them, I do like the Henty enduro pack I find it very comfortable.
https://henty.cc/shop/active/enduro-backpack/
Hmm, interesting. I’m leaning more this way for sure, the ESWE may be unflattering on the moobs. What’s the heat regulation like with the EVOC vest?
Only used it in winter so far. I'd guess its going to be the same as a normal pack in the summer, the bladder will need some insulation, as in the winter, the water does warm up.
I use a north face one with side holders for water bottles. Its good on gravelly type rides, my problem with it is when things get a bit more technical. I stop to check out the feature, gather my courage, commit and push on the pedal to get moving, and the bag catches on the nose of my saddle throwing everything to pot just when I don't want it to. Other than that I like it.
I also use a Camelbak. A Repack(?) holds 1.5 litres. Lifetime guarantee and I don't even notice it's there.
I use the evoc pro. The waist belt is properly comfortable as it is full width webbing rather than a strap with a buckle.
I do use it year round, but most often end up with a backpack in winter due to lights and extra layers.
Waist packs are great when you find the one that fits right
As I’m unable to fit a bottle cage to one of my bikes I’m looking at bumbag with bladder or bottle option just for local rides rather than a small Camelbak
Is there room for a frame bag? Either to stuff a bottle in or fit a bladder? I have a small Tera Nova one for winter gravel riding as it's big enough for some snacks and a down jacket if we stop, I don't tend to use it for water though.
TBH I don't see the problem with camelbacks. Yes they make your back sweaty, but they also hold 4 bottles of water, snacks, tool, spares, and don't turn the bike you spend a small islands GDP on trying to lighten into a heavy tank.
Don't tell the bikepacking purists either, but a 35l backpack is lighter than all the bags, make the bike handle better, your kit is easier to access, and you can still lift your bike over a wall small kerb.
https://www.tritoncycles.co.uk/accessories-c11/bags-and-cases-c137/rapid-pack-bag-p17780
Been using one for a few years now
Camelbak Flow Podium here. Works great and got it for peanuts as it's in ugly camo.
Never got on with bum bags for water carrying...ok for stashing a few tools and clothing but water is heavy. So with this in mind, I picked up a Wingnut Assault years ago...a sort of hybrid backpack & bum bag.
Just having a look but doesn't look like they do them anymore...wonder if there's anything similar about? basically be good to have a bum bag with lightweight shoulder straps
Henty and Source do them. Both great brands.
I've got a Camelbak one that takes a 1.5l bladder & the hose clips in place around the waist.
I've only used it for gravel/XC type rides, but really like it.
You really either have to use it for water or stuff; using it for both is not really practical unless you only half-fill the bladder. When the bladder is in, and full there really isn't much room for anything but wallet, keys and maybe some small tools. If you want a waterproof/arm warmers/banana etc. in there, then it will be a squeeze.
When I first put it on it always feels like it's gonna be a pain, but within a few minutes I forget I'm wearing it. I do have to cinch the belt up, as I'm drinking, obviously.
Henty and Source do them. Both great brands.
Thanks. Ha, and just noticed stue's post...looks perfect
i've had a few, the uswe was terrible, the camelbak was alright, and i bought a second bontrager as its that good.. (black and khaki)
Bontrager Rapid Pack - Trek Bikes (GB)
can be had for £20-25 on a good day
My only slight issue is that I’d prefer if the hydration hose clip was magnetic than a physical clip.
I think I have the magnetic clip from my EVOC pro laying around if you want it? The bladder is long gone but I have both parts of the clip.
+1 for camel back podium flow.
just the right size for pump tools and haribo. I like that its a bottle rather than a bladder, as its easy to clean and use.
I have to put my phone in a pocket, cause i dont want it rattling around with the tools, but thats ok.
Would a fidlock bottle work on your frame?
I gave up on them. They are fine for a quick local spin when I only want 1 bottle in it. For anything more they get too heavy and slip down. Plus I can get enough in them once Ive added some food, jacket, first aid and a couple of litres of liquid if its a 3-4 hour ride then they just dont work
I’ve got a couple of Camelbak waist packs. One bottle, one bladder. The bottle one is fine for winter but I need more water in the summer so I got the bladder one in one of CRCs many fire sales.
Both stay in place and I don’t really notice them once I’m riding.
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Topeak-Cage-Mount_34453.htm to add a bottle cage to bar or seat post.
Alternatively, a bottle bag that velco ties to bars or frame, I got one from PlanetX a few years back.
i’ve had a few, the uswe was terrible, the camelbak was alright, and i bought a second bontrager as its that good.. (black and khaki)
Bontrager Rapid Pack – Trek Bikes (GB)
can be had for £20-25 on a good day
Just throwing my reccomedation in also for the Bontager Rapid Pack - I also tried various other options till I landed on this, its really good.
I have a few. I gave up on the Osprey one with a bladder. The magnetic hose clip failed to keep the hose attached to the bag but always succeeded in sticking to the frame (not a problem for the carbon or alloy framed). The one I use the most is a Dakine with a bottle holder which is very comfortable
Many thanks for all the replies especially @relapsed_mandolorian for the loan offer . I think I will stick with what I've got , as with a lot of these things what you've got is perfect!
A few years back I picked up a hardly used Camelbak The Capo off of here . Much smaller than my Evoc with back protector No need to overload it it'll fit a 3L bladder which I can put 1L of water in , I'd forgotten about carrying a pump which might be awkward in a bum bag Being tubeless my pumps tend to seize up from lack of use but I know what will happen if I don't take one!
I need to remember my experience of carrying a Hip lock Lite around my waist !
I have a small and medium dakine.
Small takes a bottle, snacks or sandwich and a very small jacket.
Medium has a 1.5l bladder and straps for a larger jacket on the outside
I'd rather not have 1.5l in the bum bag bits it's fine with 0.7
£20 Dakine bum bag with a bottle. Use in 90% of the time now for anything thats not a proper big day out. Only negative is that its a bit on the small side for tools/snacks. Need to look at something marginally bigger.
I've ridden with a bumbag for years now, I just find them a useful way of carrying stuff. Montane, OMM and Osprey versions mainly
Current biking one is an Osprey Seral 6 and it works great. I use an Osprey Talon for walking. Prefer bladder to bottles on the bike as I find it more convenient and I drink more, but prefer to use bottles when I'm walking - easier to share them with the kids and also takes an insulated mug so I can have a coffee
Another +1 for the Bontrager Rapid Pack.
Bontrager hip pack is good for short rides when I just need to carry phone and keys and maybe packable jacket, then bottle on bike. Otherwise I've tried bigger bum bags for water and hated it, and getting a bottle in and out of a waist pack is annoying.
Rest of the time use a wingnut pack which I love, reduces back sweat but supports water load and enough room to fill up or carry bear minimum as required. I never got the whole move away from backpacks for mtbing...
Another vote for podium flow here.
Just use a runners waterbottle belt.
They'll generally hold a 500ml waterbottle and maybe have a small zipped pocket for your keys. So are far lighter than almost all most cycling specific waist packs. This also means they don't really bounce around or feel heavy/uncomfortable in use. They're also nice and cheap. Much cheaper than most cycling bags.
Drink a pint of water before you leave and one 500ml bottle should easily be enough for a 2hr ride unless it's particularly hot weather or you're riding at super high intensity.
Just use a runners waterbottle belt.
They’ll generally hold a 500ml waterbottle and maybe have a small zipped pocket for your keys. So are far lighter than almost all most cycling specific waist packs. This also means they don’t really bounce around or feel heavy/uncomfortable in use. They’re also nice and cheap. Much cheaper than most cycling bags.
Drink a pint of water before you leave and one 500ml bottle should easily be enough for a 2hr ride unless it’s particularly hot weather or you’re riding at super high intensity.
This is all sound advice, but I can fit a pump, repair kit and multitool in my Podium Flow bumbag - along with the 500ml bottle.
This is all sound advice, but I can fit a pump, repair kit and multitool in my Podium Flow bumbag – along with the 500ml bottle.
I attach pump, spare tube, tools and anything else for the bike, to the bike (each of my bikes has a frame bag on it big enough). Also means for short 1-3 hour rides I don't have to bother with a bag for me and just run a bottle.
IT'S A HIP PACK
Honestly I don't know why people stuff kilos of water around their waist when small Camelbak back ones exist. Sure, don't wear a huge rucksack, but a small bladder on your back is far more comfortable.
Riding with a bum bag
"it's a God Damn Fanny Pack and you know it you sick son of a bitch"
Searching back on tinternet looks like the Camelbak Capo has been discontinued and apparently is the same capacity as the M.U.L.E. which surprised me . But I'll just keep using that just carry no more than a litre of water a tube, pump and multi tool like I have been doing up to now .
Reading the comments on here confirmed my thoughts re waist packs . Thanks though everyone.
I have the evoc pro 3l.
I tried a couple and the issue I had with many them was the webbing belt. I could not get one with a basic webbing belt to stay put.
The evoc with it's full width padded belt and decent pad on the back of the pack is a game changer in this regard. Even now when I am a little more portly it stays put and doesn't slip down either on rough stuff or jumps. It just works.
I no longer use a bladder though. Having the hose on the waist exposed it to more much and grit than hytro packs with the hose on a shoulder. Instead I add one or two bottles to it as needed. It doesn't deform and there is still plenty of room inside for sandwiches and a coat.
I do keep looking at the hydro pack though, they seem like a good option.
Honestly I don’t know why people stuff kilos of water around their waist when small Camelbak back ones exist.
I need more water if I use a backpack as it makes me sweat so much.
I have a Dakine one and hate it. Far too heavy when I have water in it and needs constant adjustment. I much prefer a proper Osprey pack which can hold fluid, blizzard blanket, spares and warm layer.
I need more water if I use a backpack as it makes me sweat so much.
What does a camelbak look like to you? Like this?
https://www.camelbak.co.uk/products/hydrobak%E2%84%A2light-hydration-pack-2-5l-with-1-5l-reservoir
Or this?
https://www.camelbak.co.uk/products/h-a-w-g-pro-20-hydration-pack-with-3l-reservoir
I use an Osprey Seral, erm, 7, I think, in summer, but without the reservoir unless it's really hot. I just use a bottle cage. I like not having a soggy, sweaty back and it's comfortable, stable and has enough room for everything I need. In colder weather, I mostly use a Raptor 14 because I carry a bit more stuff - a 300g PrimaLoft jacket for one - and get less sweaty.
I find the Seral and 1.5-litres of water a little heavy tbh, which I why I mostly don't use the reservoir, which could also do with a stronger magnet to hold the bite valve in place when not being used. As far as the bag itself goes though, it just works really well for me.