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Hydration Pack (Camelback or whatever)
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hello, hello, hello. Im in the midst of considering a new hydration pack, im having the absolute sh**z with mine leaking and taking an hour to fill. Im looking along the lines of something witch is good value for money 
Thanks a million everyone!
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I can recommend the Camelback Mule. Easy to fill, great storage too. Nice and light and breathes well in hot conditions.
http://www.camelbak.com/sports-recreation/hydrat...
i use a smaller camelbak "The Rogue"
2 litre bladder & can get tools , parts & snacks into it
They have had different versions of Camelback packs on special the last two weeks.
Depends what your main type of riding is. I've got an older Camelbak MULE which is OK for shorter rides (2-3 litres water, tools, spare tube, a few energy bars, pump, mobile phone, spare reading glasses so I can see what I'm doing if I have to use the phone or repair anything - not much room for too much else). I've also got a Camelbak Blowfish which is good for longer rides - can take all of the above, plus room for a spray jacket, discarded warm layer from early starts, a couple of sandwiches, a map or two.
I have had a Mule for a few months. Good size 3L plus a bit of storage space. When I was looking prices seem to vary from bike shop to a bit cheaper at outdoor shops.
but for the recent wsmtb 4hr enduro i went back to bottles and food in the esky, with the esky left on the dirt somewhere along the course. with levers, spare tube, co2 + head and small multitool in pants pocket. a friend suggested [electrical] taped to the seat post.
when riding with friends i use the lobo. it is good for carrying extra spares, sunscreen, etc. i wore lobo for the rockytrailentertainment 4hr enduro in canberra and it was too much. on the last nobmob social ride i wore the lobo and noticed about 4 other lobos out of 11.
the cheapest i could find online was some crowd in melbourne.
I got mine from an outdoor shop ages ago. 2.5 l and room for pump, tools, spare tube and bananas. The good thing about mine is that it has a "spine". I mean it has a semi flexible metal bar in the middle to keep its form, it is a sort of a frame but only one bar that goes from top to bottom. It boost my confidence knowing that my own spine is some how more protected.
My 2 cents.
There are heaps of options the local post office have them for $24.00 if you are a cheap scate like me or try Anaconda outdoor stores or even Big W & I think Kmart have them now , but camelbak you are getting what you pay for the bladder has a lifetime warranty I think ? It all comes down to bladder storage & junk storage room ie.. tools ,food & spares
Cheap hydration paks are often hard to drink from and the bladder taints the water, making you less likely to drink enough.
Get a Camelbak or other quality brand online when a bargin comes up.
Most people will want 2, one around 2l with minimal storage and one 3l one for long rides and room for food etc. The mule is excellent.
John.
Tien has a brandnew camelback mule in the clAssifieds for $70
http://nobmob.com/node/11215
Give him a call and check if it is still available
D
Got mine from T7 on special for $90-odd plus post. Up to 3L in the bladder for longer rides. Easy to use, excellent bite valve that is not equalled on cheaper units, and built to last a very long time. If Tien hasn't sold his, I'd jump on it before someone else does.
No, I don't mean like that!
I was quite analytical and studied online reviews, forums, spoke to friends, visited shops, etc etc. A good balance between light and heavy is the M.U.L.E. Go for quality. Remember the adage: long after the price is forgotten, the quality remains.
That extra $30-40 may seem a lot now, but will be forgotten long ago when you are scorching those trails. Camelbak is the brand to buy. Model depends on you. Hope this helps.
I use the Black Wolf Fox 1. I was recommended the CB Mule by a mate of mine, but after trying the two on, the BW was more comfortable and it had a bit more storage internally and the external ability sold me.
It only comes with a 1.5L bag, but it could easily hold larger if you required it. I carry in it on every ride; reasonably extensive toolkit, tube or two, half a bog roll, patch kit, pump, and I still have room for a spare shirt, and some food if required. It also has an external expandable section. I can fit my knee-shin pad armour into it real snug. It's quite light and it has a suspended air flow setup on your back. It has two vertical pads and the center is open to let your back breathe.
The only downside was the nozzle, I upgraded to a camelback 90* nozzle, but it occasionally leaked and the rubber sucker kept falling off. I now run this 45* one from NBC and it shnits all over the CB one.
i have an old CB blowfish that has done many years service but the bladder is getting a little mangy and it can be hard finding stuff - but it is light and it is the preference for a few laps round the dam
but for longer rides where you need to carry stuff and need to access that stuff i have recently gotten a Dakine Nomad and its great - a bit heavier than the CB but there is a pocket for everything and room for everything else - highly recommended
Thanks for all the suggestions, will look into it further now
http://www.1-day.com.au/products/K47ADN9VE for $59.99
If you're still interested, torpedo7 has the Lobo for $79.99. until Mon 21 Dec (assuming stocks remain)
Does anyone no the diffrence between the mule and the mule nv?
Iam now the proud owner of a camelbak mule. havent used it yet but so far it looks awesome!