My old Camelbak charge 450 is getting a bit tatty. I’m looking at something new. It seems all the dedicated mtb hydration packs of the same size come in at >£100. But I’ve seen alternatives that look like they would work just as well. For example

https://www.gravityprotection.co.uk/ski-off-piste-packs/DakineHeliPack12W20BLK.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiA2uH-BRCCARIsAEeef3n61Jhy5KW1IvcOm0sSZdF0YwNbTvp1SsfAkod9WopvNvGezyjLzDMaAo_SEALw_wcB

I’ve got a new bladder so that isn’t essential. Looking for something around 12L. My ideal would be a mini alpkit Gourdon. Simple, robust, water proof and easy to keep clean. Perhaps some additional compression for when it’s not full. I want a rucksack of some sort.

Evoc seem silly expensive, likewise opsrey. There are a few offers on Mules around which is going to be my go to unless there is anything people can recommend?

The Osprey Raptor really is a very, very good pack though.

If i was getting a new bag, i’d be getting a raptor for sure…

Worth noting, that you can get 40% off Osprey Europe if you are NHS,Teacher or have forces disount!!

As above, Osprey.

I use the Henty Enduro… very comfy as weight is lower in the back but surprisingly capacious.

https://henty.cc/shop/enduro-backpack/

Osprey are pricy for a reason – great build quality, but also simply better designed than anything else. Sorry, that’s two reasons. Oh, and they are comfy too. Our three main reasons…

Osprey are pricy for a reason – great build quality, but also simply better designed than anything else. Sorry, that’s two reasons. Oh, and they are comfy too. Our three main reasons…

They also have a really good approach to supply chain, employee welfare and sustainability.

They’re a good company.

I’ve got a slightly older version of this decathlon pack:

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/6l-mountain-biking-hydration-backpack-st-900/_/R-p-10189

I’m sure it’s not quite as nice as an osprey one but it is only £40 and has stood up to most of the abuse I’ve given it over the last two or three years without any obvious singes of wear. I did have to replace the original bit valve but that was mostly needed because littleGinge got at it not long after he was fished teething and chewed it to death.

I got a Deuter Cube Pure something or other, seems be decent

Bought a Camebak Skyline but sold it as it never seemed to fit (kept bouncing up- think you need big hips!)

Sold it and went back to a Dakine Nomad

But 40% off Osprey is mighty tempting!

They’re not the cheapest but buy well, buy once: my Raptor pack is literally a decade old and still pretty much as-new (if you ignore all the mud). They even mailed me some replacement bite valves when one got a split after 18 months.

Worth noting, that you can get 40% off Osprey Europe if you are NHS,Teacher or have forces disount!!

I think that discount has now passed.

I have to say that I love Evoc backpacks. So much more stable than other packs for me, integrated back protection and all the weight sits on the hips rather than shoulders. Love mine. However, I do have a “big pack”. FR enduro blackline I think. Bigger than you are after. It has lasted me for years now with very little obvious wear and tear.

Osprey for back packs.

Evoc for waist packs.

I also use Uswe on my dirt bike.