Time to Replace the Hydration Pack [Archive] - North Shore Mountain Biking Forums

View Full Version : Time to Replace the Hydration Pack

enduramil

11-16-2005, 02:41 PM

Well after 4 years my haydration pack is see though. Want to replace it.

Looked at the Camelbak HAWG, the Havoc and the Transalp. Looked at MEC but the new stuff doesn't have what I would like. Saw on by MSR called the Colarado.

What do you guys suggest? Keep in mind it's sort of a do all pack. I'll be hauling H2O and armour as well.

enduramil

11-16-2005, 02:59 PM

Wish someone hadn't stolen the old Whopper MEC sold for 2 years.

TheGiggler

11-16-2005, 03:01 PM

DaKine.

it's $$'s but IMO, I haven't seen anything that is as well thought out and designed ...

brentomatic

11-16-2005, 03:08 PM

No, no, no, NO!

Oakley makes the sweetest Mt. Bike pack known to all humans!

Here you go:

http://oakley.ca/o/o2228d

You're welcome.

:rocker:

synchro

11-16-2005, 03:22 PM

have a look at the deuter stuff. but that oakley pack does look pretty good.

Rat

11-16-2005, 03:25 PM

For Price the MEC stuff cant be beat. for top quality go Dakine

TomT

11-16-2005, 03:34 PM

I'm also looking at upgrading from my old M.U.L.E. Have some friends with the H.A.W.G. and its a wicked pack, but I'm going with the Apex. I've heard nothing but sweet things about it and personally I think its the collest looking and best designed back out there.

I'd say go with the APEX.

enduramil

11-16-2005, 03:38 PM

Sadly cost is a bit of an issue right now. Guess I'm being a bit of a dirtbag in saving money.

Wish I was in Van so I could check out the second hand places.

CraigH

11-16-2005, 04:08 PM

I'm using a MEC snowboard pack now, best feature is that it is water resistant so stuff inside doesn't get wet.

I think this is the model I'm using although the description doesn't mention a pocket inside for the bladder.

$69 Cdn

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444241 9241&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302726177&bmUID=1132182355382

http://images.mec.ca/media/Images/Products/Packs/5001498_v1_m56577569830553764.jpg

synchro

11-16-2005, 04:12 PM

i only have one problem with that description craig, where it says "it’s also big enough to slip in your probe pole "

i think i'll pass but, if it makes you happy

CraigH

11-16-2005, 04:17 PM

Ya gotta keep your probe pole somewhere...

M@M

11-16-2005, 04:24 PM

i love my apex. does everything i want and i dont even notice the weight of it.

enduramil

11-16-2005, 04:27 PM

So where is the alien to go with the probe? lol

JSinclair

11-16-2005, 04:51 PM

Dakine.
Check out the APEX for big storage, but I would reccommend the NOMAD.

Dakine makes awesome packs. We have been punishing them for a few seasons now and we can't find fault with them.

The packs are EXTREMELY well designed and come with a great bladder (Big mouth opening for cleaning) and a lockable bite valve.

Great company support as well. Dakine stands by their gear.

brentomatic

11-16-2005, 05:29 PM

SkunkworkS

11-16-2005, 05:34 PM

Dakine.

'Nuff said.

enduramil

11-16-2005, 05:48 PM

Who carries the Apex?

DaveM

11-16-2005, 06:04 PM

If you're financially challenged, check out Axiom packs. Good quality, usually pretty cheap. Mine is large enough to carry a helmet (or chainsaw), 3L water pack, and comes with a cool rain cover as well.

synchro

11-16-2005, 06:06 PM

enduramil

11-16-2005, 06:13 PM

Part of the prob is winter is coming. Some riding will be urban and they use alot of salt here.

Funny, if you look on ebay you can't find a Apex at all.

enduramil

11-16-2005, 07:44 PM

Just for fun entered Whopper on Google. Gave some listings and one for MEC. Believe it or not they still list the packon their website even though you can't find it in store. Other than their knock off of the Dakine Apex.

Which is small and has a absolutely retarded bladder. My dog wouldn't have chewed that thing.

This is one of my beefs with MEC. They make a pack that is good like the Whopper then after say 3 years replace it. Man I'd buy one again. ASll they had to do was refine it. You know like say Camelbak, The HAWG is still in the line yet refined.

Carbuncle

11-16-2005, 09:48 PM

Dakine Apex, I had one all this last season, used it for everything from Whistler to day hikes and commuting. Crashed hard on it, abused the hell out of it, and it's functionally pristine. The bladder is well designed too.

jonny.zee

11-16-2005, 11:18 PM

Dakine Nomad is the way to go.

JSinclair

11-17-2005, 03:55 AM

Sponsor-Pusher!

:love:

Everybody knows we only take on the BEST sponsors in the industry...:rocker:

Wait until you see what I have up my sleeve for you guys in the next week or so....I have been a busy little Bee.

enduramil

11-17-2005, 08:23 AM

Was just on ebay and found an old MEC Single track pack. Perfect for what I need. Old yet cheap, bright yellow though. Maybe a bit of spray paint.

Will save the money for the spring to get a Dakine.

brentomatic

11-17-2005, 09:23 AM

Everybody knows we only take on the BEST sponsors in the industry...:rocker:

Wait until you see what I have up my sleeve for you guys in the next week or so....I have been a busy little Bee.

It's about time!

:P

enduramil

11-17-2005, 03:33 PM

Now any suggestions on a replacement bladder? Don't suggest platypus, they are junk.

mudpuppy

11-17-2005, 04:26 PM

I had an old mule for years...loved it, but when it came time to replace it only one pack met all the criteria...Dakine Apex. Almost got the Nomad but I like being able to carry large amounts of stuff. I wrote a review on my site...

http://pedalhounds.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=126&mode=&order=0&thold=0

And they don't sponsor us at all...heh...

Dan CH

11-17-2005, 06:24 PM

I suggest the Apex, it's great for whatever your doing, filming, riding and even school. The armour straps douple as tripod holders

axisofevelknievel

11-17-2005, 09:08 PM

Spaz

11-17-2005, 11:10 PM

Go and check out the ROI sample sale this weekend. THey will have Deuter packs on sale. They should go for pretty cheap.

Lady Gravity

11-18-2005, 12:10 AM

Now any suggestions on a replacement bladder? Don't suggest platypus, they are junk.

go for this http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444259 2277&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693249&bmUID=1132297785852

it's cheap, doesn't leak, and has a cover for the valve. i've had mine for a few months now and have absolutely zero complaints

TheGiggler

11-18-2005, 07:43 AM

Go and check out the ROI sample sale this weekend. THey will have Deuter packs on sale. They should go for pretty cheap.

good call. the deuter packs are pretty nice. i liked mine a lot, before the zipper and some sticthing packed it in.

but if money is no object i'll be a broken record ... Dakine. :P

mudpuppy

11-18-2005, 08:04 AM

In all reality...DaKines are not that much more expensive than Mule/HAWG....

CraigH

11-18-2005, 09:22 AM

go for this http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444259 2277&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693249&bmUID=1132297785852

it's cheap, doesn't leak, and has a cover for the valve. i've had mine for a few months now and have absolutely zero complaints

We have a couple of them. The only problem we've had with them is that they are harder to get all of the water out of to dry them for storage.

axisofevelknievel

11-18-2005, 11:09 PM

In all reality...DaKines are not that much more expensive than Mule/HAWG....

I've found that Dakine packs are always cheaper than a similar sized Camelbak pack. Camelbak's typically seem to be overpriced.

Shmoe

11-18-2005, 11:20 PM

Camelbacks are really expensive.

Ive had nothing but good luck with mine, but if i didnt work at a shop at the time I would have gotten somthing else for the money for sure. That $13 mec bladder looks 1/2 decent im gonna give that a try for this summer.

caspar

11-19-2005, 01:21 AM

Also looking for a new pack , had a 2005 Havoc , bought before the review here on nsmb.Sold it after a week as all the shortcommings mentioned on this site was true , but it seems for 06 Camelbak has listened and learned and the 06 Havoc dosnt look bad in the pics Ive seen.
Anybody fondeled or tried the 06 Havoc , at Interbike maybe ??
(btw Dakine and Camelbak are the only ones readily avab. in my neck of the woods)
cheers

XXX_er

11-19-2005, 10:45 AM

http://www.mountainboardshop.com/bipolar.html

if you like a cold drink these are cool, I have had one in my apex for over a year

mzx

11-19-2005, 10:49 AM

I'm place another vote for Dakine. I went with the Nomad and was very happy with it. It may not be as big as the Apex, but it still has a ludicrous amount of storage.

If you want just a bladder, the Dakine bladder also gets my recommendation. I like how you can easily you can disconnect the bladder from the hose, making it easier to fill up.
Nomad's great - you can carry a lot of stuff in and on it. Very comfortable even when fully loaded - much more comfy than Camelbacks (I own one of those, too, for lighter trips). Detachable quick-coupling hose is a major plus for filling the bladder. Only thing better on Camelbacks is the larger opening on bladders for easier cleaning - you can stick your entire hand in there. Go with the Nomad if you don't need to carry too much stuff, otherwise go with the Apex. Dakine stuff is a little pricey, but they are well worth it, extremely well designed and come with the lifetime warranty. Killer looks, too, if you care.

Go with the best - as the Swiss saying goes - "one's not rich enough to be able to afford buying cheap things"...

thewalrus

11-19-2005, 05:21 PM

are you looking for a reservoir or a whole pack?

i have one of these 2 litre bags with the fat zipper on the top, it doesn't leak, it's pretty nice... got it from MEC. it's a "platypus".

http://gallery.rei.com/media/636894Prd.jpg