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Camelbak… rogue or fairfax
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Looking to buy a small hydration pack, with a bit of cargo possibility (extra tube etc…),
and I can't make the choice in between the Camelbak Rogue or Fairfax.
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/...
http://www.camelbak.com/Sports-Recreation/Packs/...
Anyone could recommend one of these two?
Cheers
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Tags
I'd go for the larger pack as you're primarily going to need for longer outings. Shorter outings you can often just take a water bottle and shove some spares in your jersey pocket and/or a saddle pack. It's those longer rides where water sources are fewer and further between and where you want to take a bit of food and maybe some extra spares.
I've got two Camelbacks - a Blowfish and a Mule. Both fit a 3l bladder. The Mule also has room a for a few spares, tools, and a few gels / snackbars and phone. Enough for a 3-4 hr ride. For longer epics where there is a need for more food, ability to carry some clothing, first aid kit etc, I use the Blowfish. For shorter rides I either just put less water in the Mule or just take a water bottle and phone.
In summer, 3 litres can disappear pretty quickly. Well, in most summers
I have quite a few CamelBaks - I love them
Mine range from one with just 1.5l for water and enough storage room for a house key (or a credit card, but not both) to one which take 3 litres or more of water and enough gear for an overnighter in the snow (this is a trekking pack, not for riding).
My most used CamelBak is the MULE - even for just a spin around Manly Dam.
* Your first option to decide is "how much water" and I suggest that bigger is always better (because if it is a short trip you don't have to fill it).
* Your second decision is "how much stuff" and again a bigger capacity that you don't use is more practical. Also, if you do fill the bladder to its maximum capacity then you'll find there is nowhere near the suggested storage capacity remaining, so bigger is more practical.
And FWIW I've found that CamelBaks without a hip/waist strap will bounce around if you are riding anything other than smooth fire trails which can be very distracting, potentially dangerous, and both of your listed options don't have them.
Look at the Osprey range. I've gone through 2 camelbaks (which are great) but I've really moved on to the Osprey range now.
I have the 10L Viper (with 3L bladder) & love it. The magnet holder for the tube is priceless. No more swinging mouthpiece! Also, the bladder has a 'spine' so it holds it's shape. Much easier to load, unload.
Bivouac.co.nz have them quite cheap, I'm not sure about suppliers in Australia.
http://www.bivouac.co.nz/gear/camping-and-trampi... (Shown in $NZ)
This is the last thing you want - another brand - but really take a good look at the Deuter range. THe bladders open properly to allow proper cleaning and easy, mess free, filling.
They are also much better insulated than a Camelbak.
Sorry - just worth considering if you are spending.
Brand choice is good as there are some other great makers out there. Whatever brand you choose I would go the larger as 1.5L is not that much water (think 1L per hour on a hot day and you can easily go out for a few hours). I have a 3L that gets a lot of use but I'd consider a 2L pack for enduro racing as the 3L is quite a large-ish pack. Is this a case for n+1?! Most bike gear is isn't it.
Lack of waist/chest straps = dealbreaker. Even if you won't use them when biking, if you ever take it hiking/running you'll wish you had a few more straps to keep it still.
Just to throw another brand into the mix, I have a Source Spinner 3 Pro that goes everywhere - from a loop around the KC to 40+km trail runs to 12hr rogaines, the thing is bulletproof. I find Camelbak a bit overpriced for what you get.
I took my Chest/waist strap off because it was annoying and did nothing, everyone is different.
I have one of these and have been very happy, nice design features, 3 litres and built in gel/bar pockets in the waiststrap. I think it was about $150 at mountain designs
http://sourceoutdoor.com/hydration-packs/70-spin...
good kit but let down by fragile bite valve and lack of local support. It's a pity really because in other markets they recognize the weakness of the bite valve and simply send you a new one, here in AUS they want to charge you a bomb to get a complete tube kit!!!
I just wait for Anaconda to have a sale on their hydration packs they are just as good as named ones & a lot cheaper especially if you are after a sml bladder .
The fit of the Deuter Air Comfort range craps on the other brands. Chuck a full 3L bladder full into a Camelback/Vaude/whatever and then into a Deuter, lean forward (bike position) and just see who wins......
Construction quality of all mentioned brands is 1st rate.
Resist the urge to be like a fishes arse, and buy what WORKS the best.
Agree with Ants totally...
Don't be tight.... get it right!
As previous posters have indicated, you really do need a reasonable supply of liquid, plus space for tools and provisions.
That rules out the fairfax immediately. With it's capacity, you'd have to think it's for joggers or such, out for only an hour max, with nothing to carry.
And the rogue doesn't appear to be much more competent.
I'd suggest making a list of the things you need to carry with you on your rides, and find a pack that'll take it all.
Some ideas*;
- 3 litre bladder capacity, minimum
- space for tools; pump, chain breaker, replacement chain link, tyre levers, CO2 canisters, tubes, spare derailleur hanger, ...
- space for medical kit; bandage, wipes, disinfectant, ...
- space for mobile phone, keys,
- space for food!
*Refer elsewhere on this site for a proper, authorative list of things you should always carry. This is just to give a general idea.
Now, you don't want to just chuck everything into one big space (tools on top of food on top of mobile phone etc), so look for a bag that has different compartments for the various items.
And - as was indicated - look for a pack that has some kind of internal supprt system (spine) and preferably netting that'll keep the pack itself away from your back. This will ensure ventilation around the pack and stop your back sweating heavily.
Also, you want something comfortable, that won't weigh down on your shoulders. In this regard, a chest and hip belt are invaluable for distributing the weight around.
And don't fret too much about getting it wrong; I have ... five! ... packs, and still find reasons to look at others. There's no one pack that does everything.
I've tried cheaper hydration packs in the past but they didn't last and have used Camelbak for the the last 5 years. Currently I have:
camelbak Lobo - 3 litre bladder and my most widely used pack. Not too big or heavy and ideal for 2-4 hour rides. Fits tools and some food.
A small 1 litre camelbak (can't remember the name) - great for lap races or a couple of laps of the dam. No storage but small and light.
Camelbak mule - This is new and haven't used it yet, but purchased for longer epic rides, 4 hours +.
Apparently Deuter and Osprey are both good, but my favourite pack is the Camelbak Lobo.
I have one of these:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?M...
It has 3l bladder, a pocket in the back which fits a pump, tyre levers, tube, multi tool etc, and two big waist pockets for phones, wallets, keys, snacks etc which are all easy to get to whilst riding.
The shape means most weight is taken round the waist not on the shoulders, which also stops it bouncing around. It is also VERY light, designed for XC runners, the lightest pack I've ever owned by far
To my way of thinking you need the smallest, lightest pack that carries everything you need.
I carry a range of tools (multi tool, leatherman, spoke key, chainbreaker, tyre levers), a first aid kit, tube, wallet and keys and it all fits in a rouge without drama.
I don't do overly long rides, 3 hour max, so 2 litres has been plenty of water.
Camelbak Lobo. It's the bomb. It has a 3 litre bladder, enough room for spare tube, repair kit, and other tools, wallet, keys and phone as well as a sandwich and museli bar.
The best thing Camelbak makes is the podium bottle. I now use their bottles exclusively. They are excellent. 2 bottles, a tube taped to your bike, Mini pump in the bracket, food in your pockets. That should last 2 hours, and if you're going out for longer then you just refill your bottles and drop in some shotz tablets.
Unfortunately, your GT doesn't have space for bottles.
Camelbaks are a PITA, so I'm going to go against the grain here and say 'get the smallest one you can be happy with'. Have a look at the harness and make sure you can set it up to fit you well. make sure it can carry everything you want (but no more). The only thing to remember is that if you one of those riders who in winter has to take off arm warmers/jackets etc during your ride, you might need to think about that too.
My preference (if I have to use a backpack) is for the widest, flattest one I can find.
ive got the capo, the bladder is great, freeze it, lasts all day. plenty of room for tubes tools snacks and even pads(squeezey). still a small pack not as small as the ones your lookin at but not too big either. http://www.jensonusa.com/Camelbak-The-Capo-Pack-10 on sale here. word.
After a few years using Camelbak's I wanted something better and bigger. I usually run the Blowfish at maximum capacity (it's all those tins of pineapples) and I have never been _that happy_. After spending far to much time looking into various options I decided to order the Ergon BC2 from CRC ~$200: http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/bc2
Wow. What a bag. Unfortunately due to all the rain I have not taken it out on the trail yet, but I doubt I will ever use another Camelbak for riding. Ever. The waist strap is huge and actually works, the ability to adjust the length of the bag is brilliant (why don't other manufacturers include this?!?) and the ball joint means that the bag does push you off the bike is tight corners. The weight stays put.
The detailing is brilliant. Camelbak would go out of business tomorrow if these guys knew how to get their product known in the market.
Here are some reviews on the web: http://www.gramslightbikes.com/2010/11/ergon-bc2... and http://www.bikerumor.com/2011/01/05/review-ergon...
I also bought a pair of their grips - I'm very impressed.
Andrew
Wow thanks for all your answers.
I have already a 18L Kathmandu pack (Dash), where I've put a 3L Camelbak bladder.
I wanted something smaller for my 1-1.5h rides, as light is possible, but still enough to carry the minimum,
that's why I went to look into the small one.
Have a look at the small bike pack from Kathmandu, has a 2lt bladder which i half fill for 2hr rides and fill up for 4 to 5hr rides. i got mine at there half price sale, it has enought space for enduros seperate compartments for sorting stuff and adjustable straps to compress it up when its not full . just remember to clean your packs out now and then i sometimes collect to much stuff in it so take out the stuff you don't need.
Edit; this is one i have
http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Packs_&_Luggage/Acti...
Don't know the Kathmandu hydration packs specifically, but whenever I've wandered into their stores looking for other things I've found them to be over priced and under specced as a general rule on comparable product. I don't bother going there any more.
Agree at full price the Kathmandu stuff is overpriced but is often on sale at half price.
Have had one of these for years
http://www.kathmandu.com.au/Packs_&_Luggage/Acti...
and is comfortable and stays put with chest and waist straps.
I use a Camelbak bladder in it
Rob(ert)
good lookin bag is it heavy?
Not particularly heavy. Have a Camelback Mayhem which is an alternative pack, but a bit bigger.
http://tbsm.com.au/bike-accessories/backpacks-hy...
It does come with a bladder though.
Sometimes come up on T7 for good prices.
It is heavier than the Mirage but does have more padding and channel back design which is allegedly cooler. Find I go back to the Mirage more often than not?!?
Rob(ert)