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paul.skibum
Joined: 22 Apr 2009
Posts: 570
Location: Reading and some crappy office in London
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 Posted Wed Oct 28, 2009 1:58 pm |
I have a Mule that I bought 6-7 years back - it works perfectly for what I want. I am on the second bladder and maybe third mouthpiece but that's not bad in the time.
Secures well on back, has enough pockets etc, on long rides or when I was a guide I could have used a spot more space but for UK general rides its fine - takes a paclite, map, shock and tyre pump, tools, bit of food, 3 litres of water and phone etc.
I keep my phone and money in a ziplock, map in a plastic bag and chuck the pack in a washing machine once or twice a year to clean it - comes out looking like new each time.
The new one is supposed to be better than mine for air flow, stability and storage so if I wanted a new pack it'd be a no brainer for me.
Cool beans, man. |
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furby
Joined: 17 May 2008
Posts: 89
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pte1643
Joined: 25 Jul 2009
Posts: 246
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Posted Wed Oct 28, 2009 3:54 pm |
I have a MULE, the build quality and storage are good (as said).
Problem arises when you fill the bleedin' thing with water (or fluid of some description), it "Bulges" out too much and doesn't sit on the back very well IMO.
It's rather like having a rolled up sleeping bag on your back rather than it "Hugging" you the way it should. The old Karrimor one I had before fit a lot nicer, and I suspect there are a few more that do too.
For me, it's not the Holy Grail of hydration packs, as reported.
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simonp123
Joined: 06 Aug 2009
Posts: 150
Location: Wiltshire
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Posted Wed Oct 28, 2009 4:46 pm |
| pte1643 wrote: | I have a MULE, the build quality and storage are good (as said).
Problem arises when you fill the bleedin' thing with water (or fluid of some description), it "Bulges" out too much and doesn't sit on the back very well IMO.
It's rather like having a rolled up sleeping bag on your back rather than it "Hugging" you the way it should. The old Karrimor one I had before fit a lot nicer, and I suspect there are a few more that do too.
For me, it's not the Holy Grail of hydration packs, as reported. |
I guess that is one area where the Hammerhead would be better as it sits slightly off your back apparently.
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simonp123
Joined: 06 Aug 2009
Posts: 150
Location: Wiltshire
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Posted Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:00 pm |
Hmm, the more I look in to this the more I am tempted by the Osprey Talon packs. The 11 looks to be the right size and takes a 3l bladder. The thing I like is that it seems to be reported to be particularly comfortable whether used whilst riding or as an ordinary backpack for walking. Lots emphasis placed on strap comfort and adjustability.
Downside is that you need to purchase a hydration system to fit, though the total cost is about the same.
I wonder whose hydration system would be the best choice if you are not stuck with the one that comes with a pack?
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Radiorat
Joined: 04 Oct 2009
Posts: 19
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Posted Thu Oct 29, 2009 3:49 pm |
I've got the Dakine Nomad, fit is bloody brilliant and very flexible I'm 6'6" and as braod. 3 ltr bladder, tube gets to the god way easy. carries full face or XC helmet without compromising tool and kit space. I've thrown it around quite a bit (very stable). I've run it on the road.its like its not there. £60 nothing competes with it... no more camelbak for me
Ratty
Wishin you sweet rides and cold beers
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Briggo
Joined: 24 May 2008
Posts: 100
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Posted Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:25 pm |
Northface hammerhead, couldnt recommend it enough theres oodles of space for stuff and a good 3L hydration pack, only downside is you cant buy spares for it (well I cant find any) and I dont think any other hydration pack fits the NF Hammerhead with the way its clipped in?
Also the vent system is superb and you just cant tell the bags on your back sometimes it fits so well.
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pte1643
Joined: 25 Jul 2009
Posts: 246
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boogercj
Joined: 12 May 2009
Posts: 276
Location: The Southsea Bronx
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bails87
Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Posts: 697
Location: Solihull, United Kingdom
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Posted Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:48 am |
I had a Big Sur, got it for £25 from onyourbike (the website based in wales, not the London and Bham one, one's .com, the other is .co.uk, can't remember which is which though)
It was good for the money, but I found it a bit sweaty, excellent bladder system though, very easy to clean and dry.
"Upgraded" to a Hammerhead, for £45 from Blacks Outdoor, it seems a step above the Big Sur in terms of build quality. It's much cooler thanks to the 'trampoline' which keeps it off your back, and it's got plenty of space, doesn't seem to bulge as much when the bladder's really full either. I'd recommend it.
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simonp123
Joined: 06 Aug 2009
Posts: 150
Location: Wiltshire
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Posted Mon Nov 2, 2009 3:25 pm |
Popped in to John's bikes whilst I was in Bath on Sunday. Haven't been in there for donkey's years. Nice to see a bike shop with a good range of gear in.
Anyway I had a look at a couple of Camelbak packs, one of which was a lightweight version of the MULE. Not sure about the durability of such a thin material, but there you go.
Anyway, it is certaily smaller than I expected, though on further inspection it looks like you can get a fair bit of gear in there. I don't think I would want a smaller pack than that, certainly not to be of use for walking as well. Does look nicely made though, and I like the bitevalve and lock arrangemet.
I later found a MULE NV on a display dummy, not sure the extra vent arrangement is worth all that extra cash to be honest.
I'm still undecided as to what to go for:roll: but at least I know now that I don't want to go smaller than the MULE.
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simonp123
Joined: 06 Aug 2009
Posts: 150
Location: Wiltshire
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Posted Thu Nov 5, 2009 12:36 pm |
Had another look at a Camelbak MULE NV, I noticed that it has a built in rain cover, and also realised the NVIS system will stop the bladder bulging the pack on your back, which I understand is an issue with some packs, the standard MULE included.
Having found that Gaynors have a good price at the moment (£63.75 and stock!) I bought one, which arrived today, I only ordered it yesterday 
After going round in all those circles I have ended up back with the pack that everyone seem to have  . Due to that I went for the garish Citronelle colour  just to be different, that and all my gear is black/grey so though I could do with some colour.
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cheers drive
Joined: 25 Aug 2009
Posts: 10
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Posted Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:13 pm |
I tried out the new Osprey Talon 10 at the weekend - it's not available until next year but I was very impressed with the storage and stability. The hydration bladder was really easy to fill too and is rigid at the back so won't stick into you. Also has stretchy pockets in the wast straps - great for energy bars.
I think their available in a few months and I'll be getting one
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ChrisMidsUK
Joined: 19 Mar 2009
Posts: 52
Location: Stafford
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saltyman
Joined: 19 Oct 2007
Posts: 247
Location: gateshead, tyne and wear
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Posted Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:24 pm |
i use this little 1.5litre pack.
im 17 stone and my rides are usually between 1-2hrs but it has lasted me on 60mile rides etc.
i carry tubes, patches, screwdrivers, pocket knife, tape, zip ties, spare gloves, 2 sets of allen keys and a few other bits and bobs with out any problems.
it has a bag underneath that comes out for rain/night riding, and a mesh back that i stick my lightweight jacket in when im climbing etc.
great piece of kit for very good price.
dekerf uk limited
trek 6500
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=12661212 |
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furby
Joined: 17 May 2008
Posts: 89
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ChrisMidsUK
Joined: 19 Mar 2009
Posts: 52
Location: Stafford
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