Dakine - new packs for 2007

[cam@nsmb.com]

The Apex and the Nomad are re-designed for 2007.

I took a close look at the Apex.

Article here. (http://www.nsmb.com/gear/apex_09_06.php)

[DUDEONABIKE]

cool, they look kinda the same, but what ever they have more pockets better features.

[PostCanyonLoc]

When it comes to hydration packs, nothing comes close to Dakine! Even the cheap-o Enduro model is awesome for day trips.

[jonny.zee]

Good thing you had that comfy pack when you climbed Espresso! :lol:

Anyway the Dakines are great packs, IMO. My only complaint is the bite valve on the bladder - it tears too easily and then they start to leak. I've torn 2 to date. But I do like the detachable hose feature.

Interesting that you say the Apex is now smaller becasue I found the previous version to be too big. Waterproof zippers a la Arc Teryx is a nice feature, but do we really need it? Sometimes it's so easy to get sucked in by the marketing.

[Trini-dad72]

http://www.dakine.com/images/xlg/8130010_xlg.jpg

I've got the '06 version of this bag in grey/light grey. I use it to haul about 20lbs of books and crap to and from school. Lunch, books, binders, pens, pencils, journal, agenda, art stuff... I could go on and on. It's super comfy, and very well though out. I use every dang pocket on or in the bag. If I ever need a new hydropack, I'll be looking at Dakine for sure!

[cam@nsmb.com]

Good thing you had that comfy pack when you climbed Espresso! :lol:

Anyway the Dakines are great packs, IMO. My only complaint is the bite valve on the bladder - it tears too easily and then they start to leak. I've torn 2 to date. But I do like the detachable hose feature.

Interesting that you say the Apex is now smaller becasue I found the previous version to be too big. Waterproof zippers a la Arc Teryx is a nice feature, but do we really need it? Sometimes it's so easy to get sucked in by the marketing.

This is the only pack for climbing Espresso!

The bite valve has evolved every year for the last couple and last year's was bomber - never had a problem. The 2007 seems even more robust with more flow as well.

Do we need waterproof zippers? Of course not. Good point. What we need and what we want gets collapsed in the modern world. We could deal with a fanny pack and water bottles like the old days (or one bottle which is all most duallies we ride will carry).

For me part of the fun of riding - in crazy conditions and when sane people wouldn't - is figuring out how to make it all work. Sometimes that involves jerry rigging stuff, sometimes using out of date equipment and sometimes researching to find just the right gizmo to suit your needs. Senior Peter is a great example with his bar end riding style. It probably is rooted in my forebears. My grandfather was born in a sod house in Manitoba. For them figuring out the best way to do things was a matter of survival. Now it's our recreation but I think I'm still driven by the same impulse to figure out the best way to do it. Since we no longer have to struggle to survive I think many of us (riders in particular) do things that supply that struggle for us. Take the triple crown - or the Ironman or just some epic you devise yourself. What would Darwin say about us doing that?

Yes - I've mulled this over once or twice!

[Couch_Surfer]

My Nomad has been going strong for 2 years - Great packs!
Nice new features on this generation. Any word on when they will hit the shops?

[cam@nsmb.com]

Something I missed in my initial review is that the waist belts are now removable on all Dakine hydration packs. They just velcro off and slide out. Pretty cool for times when you want to use it without the belt.

[big ben]

pretty impressive when a product can be that thoroughly thought out and perfected. most backpacks that I've tried have always felt a little awkward IMO, but that one looks really ergonomic, not to mention the ridiculous attention to detail. sweet write up!

[*Pepe*]

Great write up to compliment a great series of packs. DK certainly has its act together.

[frango]

I think there is one thing no one has mentioned yet... Dakine got rid of big pocket for FF helmet :| now, you attach helmet like on Nomad, so it's no more protected from scratches, etc. When I have my helmet loaded in Apex and I accidentally hit something like wall, tree, anything, my helmet is protected. With new Apex, my TLD Carbon helment (if I had one ;) ) will look like a crap, soon...
I asked Dakine employee during Eurobike fair, why they changed Apex... he told me, no other company made such kind of helmet pocket... so what!? it was Apex's advantage...
I hope my Apex will last for years....

[Taylor_P]

damn, and i just bought an 06 nomad a few months ago, now i want the 07 apex. im becoming a gear whore.

[the Master Plan Dan]

Got my first Nomad... never ever ever giving it back!

Killer stuff!

Add to that my use of the Dakine Bike Bag/Box... and that is twice that I have used thier products and have nothing but good things to say!

Keep up the good work!

Oh and Cam... good write up!

[tFly]

Actually the one thing that made me go back to camelbacks (resevoirs at least) was the detachable hose feature. I found the hose would often disconnect itself mid ride, I even lost a couple of the little o rings on the connector part which of course made it leak. Just a pretty useless feature in my opinion, I have no problem threading my camelback line through the 1 or 2 holes...

[Trini-dad72]

Just because I thought of this, I'll write it down; To me it seems that around 60% or more of the students that I see at Langara use Dakine packs.

[Sharon]

I use the '06 Nomad as my Epic pack. It is a tad small so if I need extra jacket/pants I put them in a waterproof stuff sack and strap them to the bottom armour straps.

The only criticism I have for the '06 nomad is the lack of smaller easily accessible pockets on the outside for easy access to food. I use the one small outside pocket for sunscreen. When on epic rides I like to have food easily accessible (preferably in a non-zip pocket) to graze on throughout the day.

It looks like they've remedied this for '07!

I think the Nomad is too big for short day rides, I find the smaller Drifter is enough for the local rides.

[Drunken Chicken]

Great report on it, any news on when they'll be available? :banana:

[E.Long]

i dont know if there is any left but they had a 50% off sale on all apex backpacks at cove, 60$.

[cam@nsmb.com]

Great report on it, any news on when they'll be available? :banana:

I'll work on figuring out availability when we see them down in Vegas.

[cameron]

i like my dakine backpack. would definatley buy another one.

[Drunken Chicken]

I'll work on figuring out availability when we see them down in Vegas.
Nice, thanks. :)

[TylerDurden]

I use the '06 Nomad as my Epic pack. It is a tad small so if I need extra jacket/pants I put them in a waterproof stuff sack and strap them to the bottom armour straps.

The only criticism I have for the '06 nomad is the lack of smaller easily accessible pockets on the outside for easy access to food. I use the one small outside pocket for sunscreen. When on epic rides I like to have food easily accessible (preferably in a non-zip pocket) to graze on throughout the day.

It looks like they've remedied this for '07!

I think the Nomad is too big for short day rides, I find the smaller Drifter is enough for the local rides.

I've used Nomad for Epic rides too, and found that I get massive "sweatback" syndrome. I'll be switchin it out for Deuter with airflow before next epic in hopes of sweating (ie becoming dehydrated) a little less on the long rides.

[intheways]

I love my Apex for all of my riding. I find that I fill it for most rides. It's pretty full with First Aid gear and Bike Aid gear. The accessory pocket is set up perfect.

[PiroChu]

Thanks for the helpful '07 Dakine pack review! I briefly picked up '06 Nomad and returned it right away because of where the bladder went in, and I've been just waiting for the '07 Nomad with all-new separate bladder compartment.

'06 or '07, one thing I'd like to ask you guys' feedback is about the mesh thinggie on the shulder straps, through which you'd put the tube. I found it extremely difficult to put through the tube with 90-degree mouth piece. I wish it was just some simple plastic D-rings to guide the tube along the shoulder straps. Do you guys find this to be true, too?


Also, I received this email back in Aug '06 from Dakine about their '07 packs coming out in Feb '07...

The pack you saw in the forum is a S07 model. We made it for Shandro's Summer Gravity Camps up in Whistler. The new design is not available until January/February 07. The separate bladder compartment is a new edition for 07.

[cam@nsmb.com]

Thanks for the helpful '07 Dakine pack review! I briefly picked up '06 Nomad and returned it right away because of where the bladder went in, and I've been just waiting for the '07 Nomad with all-new separate bladder compartment.

'06 or '07, one thing I'd like to ask you guys' feedback is about the mesh thinggie on the shulder straps, through which you'd put the tube. I found it extremely difficult to put through the tube with 90-degree mouth piece. I wish it was just some simple plastic D-rings to guide the tube along the shoulder straps. Do you guys find this to be true, too?


Also, I received this email back in Aug '06 from Dakine about their '07 packs coming out in Feb '07...

I just pop the mouth piece off. It's very easily removed and replaced. Just pull it off and then push it back in when you are done.

[corey@nsmb.com]

..cool tip for Dakine users: Sometimes the bite valve can come off the end of the hose. It's happened to a few of us, and it is sometimes a challenge hiking back up the trail trying to find where it might have ended up.

So..the solution: You can actually use a small zip tie and sinch the rubber drink tube around the bike valve, where it slides on. There is an elevated ridge that the hose stretches around to hold it in place. You put the zip tie on the back side of that fitting and then you are good to go. Bite valve isn't going anywhere.

My Dakine Nomad has been the best pack I've ever had. I've got tons of miles on it and its never let me down. Definately worth every well priced penny.

[cam@nsmb.com]

Nice tip Corey. I haven't had a problem with the bite valves for the last couple of years.

[Trevor Hansen]

Corey, if you took your valve outta your gob during your superkokaneeman seat grabs you'd eliminate this problem.

[M@M]

I have a crack in my rubber nipple....
that doesnt sound right, but I couldnt think of a better way to phrase it...
Anybody have a magic fix for this?

[Couch_Surfer]

I have a crack in my rubber nipple....
that doesnt sound right, but I couldnt think of a better way to phrase it...
Anybody have a magic fix for this?

Buy a new one.

[PiroChu]

I just pop the mouth piece off. It's very easily removed and replaced. Just pull it off and then push it back in when you are done.

I didn't realize that the mouth piece on Dakine reservoir is "pop-able". (So, with full water, the valve doesn't leak with the mouth piece off?)

http://www.facewest.co.uk/pp/dakine/dakine%20images%2005/reservoir.jpg

Well, it's just that I was thinking of using my current Camelbak reservoir(s) in the new Dakine pack, simply because (A) I already have one being put to use and (B) I never had a prob with Camlebak bladder. Now, if I were to indeed do so, I'm assuming that the bladder will easily fit in the pack's "mesh hold (for bladder)". An issue with this would be putting thru the non-pop-able 90-degree Camelbak mouth piece thru the Dakine shoulder-strap mesh tube-guide would be quite difficult. And my question would be; Would the bladder stay up-right throughout its water consumption? Camelbak bladder has a hook that you hang inside on the loop inside the bladder compartment of a Camelbak pack. A Dakine pack doesn't have this "hook & loop" inside the pack (or does it?), so how exactly does the bladder stay up-right to make the last drop of water accessible, especially when less water is left towards the end?

Thanks again,
- PiroChu

[trialsrookie]

Hi there! I just wanted to say 'thank you' for your excellent review of the DK Apex & Nomad. I've been searching for a while to replace my old cheap-o pack, and came across several options like the Camelback HAWG, Havoc, MULE etc. and a couple of Deuter packs. I wasn't totally happy with any of them, and after reading your review and doing some more web research I decided to pull the trigger and ordered a DK Nomad unseen.

It was REALLY tuff to get a 07 pack, even the official DK webpage still lists the 06 models. I ended up ordering via our local windsurf shop (they were exceptionally friendly and called up the DK representative immediately)... Only a couple of days later I got the brand new Nomad, it's really an awesome bag.

The layout is phenomenal and it offers quite a lot of total storage space (a little less than expected, but that's fine with me). The seperate bladder storage is also exactly large enuff to accomodate my Subnotebook in case that I use it for University.

Two minor things are left that I would change for a 120 % perfect pack: The hook is indeed missing to hold the bladder in place; the Nomad even lacks the mesh compartment in the bladder pocket. I'll try to have a velcro strap sewed in by my girl to hold the bladder upright... :idea: :) Issue #2 is that you need to unclip the helmet retainer in order to access the two larger compartments. If you do so it will pop up and unfold (the helmet retainer), which is a little bit annoying IMO. But I have to say that there are a couple of smaller pockets quickly accessible, so I can usually store most of the frequently needed tools/food in there!

Greetings from Vienna/Austria :beer:
Mike

[PiroChu]

Thanks for your update, Mike. What are the color/design selections for '07?


It was REALLY tuff to get a 07 pack, even the official DK webpage still lists the 06 models. I ended up ordering via our local windsurf shop
Wow, you already got one? Good idea, maybe I'll try contacting a local shop to see if they can get one for me, too.



The hook is indeed missing to hold the bladder in place; the Nomad even lacks the mesh compartment in the bladder pocket. I'll try to have a velcro strap sewed in by my girl to hold the bladder upright.
Yeah, I also noticed about "no hooking loop" when I saw the '06 model. Too bad that they still didn't put a hook with '07 model (http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188953&stc=1&d=1155843189). I'll either sew something like you said, or just run a loop/hook thru the tube hole and tie it to the top carry-on loop, whether using the Dakine bladder or Camelbak bladder in it. Hopefully that'll work.


Cheers,
- PiroChu

<img src="http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=188953&stc=1&d=1155843189">

[trialsrookie]

I didn't realize that the mouth piece on Dakine reservoir is "pop-able". (So, with full water, the valve doesn't leak with the mouth piece off?)
I don't think that you can remove it with full water (in the tube), but I haven't used the Dakine bladder yet. Tomorrow will be my first test ride, I'll report back...

I got the all black Nomad, but actually I've got no clue which 2007 color options exist. I told the surf shop to order me a black model, if possible, with the '06 black/charcoal color in mind. The one I got now is all black with a few details in olive-green. I guess I can take some pictures during the weekend! The only other color that I know is the olive-green model shown in the review of the Apex. Whatta shame that DaKine hasn't updated it's homepage yet...

The DaKine 90° mouth-thingy is indeed hard to guide thru the strap tunnel. I believe the Camelbak mouthpiece is slightly smaller - I can try that one out cos I got an older Camelbak bladder anyway.

Cheers,
Mike :beer:

[outtanames]

Hi, Dakine's homepage is now updated with the 2007 product lines...actually it seems to have gone an overhaul..looks nicer. :)

[PiroChu]

I noticed yesterday that the local REI store now carries '07 Nomad (& Drafter & Session) packs, so I promptly bought one (Olive Camo). I also noticed that Dakine website has been updated.

http://dakine.com/bike/bike-packs/nomad/

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48136055

I may try to post some reviews & pic's later on,
- PiroChu

[PiroChu]

The hook is indeed missing to hold the bladder in place; the Nomad even lacks the mesh compartment in the bladder pocket. I'll try to have a velcro strap sewed in by my girl to hold the bladder upright... :idea: :)


I didn't do any sewing, but here's what I ended up doing to give it a loop for the Camelbak-bladder hook...

http://forums.mtbr.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=234704&stc=1&d=1171345083


Cheers,
- PiroChu

[PiroChu]

Just noticed something on '07 Dakine website and in Cam's '07 Apex-review pic's. The mouth piece of of the bladder tube looks different.

With my '07 Nomad came a regular/classic/previous looking mouth piece, while the website & in Cam's pics look different like this...

http://dakine.com/assets/image_library/full/8110-896_FLOWLOCKRES_FTR2.jpg

Does this 90-degree mouth piece rotate to flat/180-degree (so that it's easy to put thru the shoulder-strap mesh)? If so, I want one, too!! (how/where?)

Cheers,
- PiroChu

[cam@nsmb.com]

Actually the way to thread it through the mesh is to detach the hose from the bladder. That end is much smaller and it goes through easily. Also you don't really need to ever take the hose out of the mesh because you can pull the bladder and leave the hose attached. Not sure why yours didn't come with the rotating mouthpiece though.

[PiroChu]

Actually the way to thread it through the mesh is to detach the hose from the bladder. That end is much smaller and it goes through easily. Also you don't really need to ever take the hose out of the mesh because you can pull the bladder and leave the hose attached. Not sure why yours didn't come with the rotating mouthpiece though.

Thanks, Cam,

Just to confirm, does your (new rotating-type) valve has a magnet piece embedded, or just a plastic piece (with watermark-like print, as in pic above) embedded?

Nalgene aftermarked mouth piece all has a silver magnet piece embedded. But, since I carry cellphone for emergency on my shoulder strap, I'd like to not have a magnet near-by there.

I called Dakine & Nalgene specifically for the one in pic above, but with no success...

Cheers,
- PiroChu

[trialsrookie]

I just checked the mouthpiece I got, and it's also not the one shown on the Dakine website. It's a simple, fixed 90° mouthpiece. I have to say I haven't used it yet, cos my old 2.1l Camelbak bladder is more than plenty on winter rides.

PiroChou, cool idea with the loop! Simple but very efficient! BTW, I realised afterwards that you are the one who put a lot of effort in the old mtbr-forum thread on the Nomad, including pictures and what not. Thanks a lot for that one, it hugely influenced my buying decision!

[PiroChu]

Mike:

I just checked the mouthpiece I got, and it's also not the one shown on the Dakine website. It's a simple, fixed 90° mouthpiece.

I contacted the helpful person at Dakine (who originally informed me last August about '07 coming out in February), and he knew what I was talking about. He said that...

"The factory has been rolling over the old bite valve since they had some left."

So the "'07 bladder + '06 mouth piece" thing wasn't just my imagination after all. (In fact, all '07 packs found at a local store have that combo.) Anyway, he's sending me a new/correct mouth piece - very cool. Now I'm left to find out whether it'll come with (http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/store/images/2353-0015L.jpg) an embedded magnet piece (seen on Nalgene website) or ]without ([url=http://dakine.com/assets/image_library/full/8110-896_FLOWLOCKRES_FTR2.jpg) (seen on Dakine website). Personally I'd prefer the simpler latter piece, to be used with my Camelbak tube/bladder. Will report back on that when I see it in the mail.



Thanks for reading my MTBR post about Nomad. I'm very excited & happy about this new pack, too.
- PiroChu

[trialsrookie]

Nice move of Dakine to send you the new mouthpiece! Yea, please report back how it works!

Btw., as you surely have discovered already, the new Nomad features one of this d-shaped plastic retainer where you can 'clip in' the tube. That's a feature which most Camelbaks already got for years, and I remember you complained that the previous Nomad hasn't had any of them. With this plastic clip you don't even have to route the tube thru the shoulder strap. In fact, my old Camelbak bladder has got an insulated tube (with neoprene rubber around it), which is next to impossible to route thru the straps (rubber on rubber doesn't glide very well :)). But with that plastic clip it's piece of cake cos I simply use that one to hold the tube in place; works like a charm!

[PiroChu]

Btw., as you surely have discovered already, the new Nomad features one of this d-shaped plastic retainer where you can 'clip in' the tube.

Hi Mike,

Just to clerify...

I believe you're talking about this plastic clip piece that you can anchor/snap-in the tube to hold it. Both CamelBak & Dakine have had this feature for a while.
http://images.rei.com/media/610510Lrg.jpg


In contrast, I was talking about this plastic D-ring piece, which was found on my '04~'05(?) Camelbak shoulder straps to put the tube through (easy) to lead it, while Dakine shoulder straps have the mesh to put the tube through (difficult) to lead it. ('06~ & '07~ Camelbak's just have a tight stretchy strap across at the top of the shoulder straps, not a D-ring anymore, though.)
http://images.rei.com/media/612244Lrg.jpg


Anyway, with the new Nalgene "rotating" mouth piece, putting the tube thru Dakine shoulder-strap "mesh" will be hopefully much easier. The new piece hasn't arrived here yet, but will surely report back.

Cheers,
- PiroChu

[PiroChu]

Yea, please report back how it works!

Hi Mike & everyone,

So I received the new mouth piece today, and it's just as I'd hoped for!


--- no more trouble with mesh ---
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/medium/shoulder_mesh.jpg
With this newer "rotating" mouth piece (set in the "straight"/OFF position), it's no longer troublesome at all to put the tube through the shoulder-strap mesh; easy in, easy out.


--- Nalgene for Dakine ---
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/dakine_mouth.jpg
This Dakine-intended mouth piece does not have a magnet embedded. This makes sense, as Dakine packs don't come with the accompanying magnetic strap clip anyway. (Everything you need, nothing you don't.)


--- Nalgene aftermarket ---
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/nalgene_mouth.jpg
An aftermarket Nalgene mouth piece (though with magnet) can also help the pre-'06 Dakine-pack users with this same mesh/tube issue.


--- my reservoirs ---
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/medium/reservoirs.jpg
"The factory has been rolling over the old bite valve since they had some left."


Just FYI, if you'd prefer, a Nalgene mouth piece will also fit Camelbak tube; just a bit of a tight (tighter) fit is all. Nothing a dab of rubbing alcohol can't help ease the fitting effort. Plus, tighter fit = no leakage. (That's indeed a Camelbak tube with a Nalgene mouth piece attached, as seen in pic above.)

Cheers,
- PiroChu

[trialsrookie]

Hi PiroChu,

you are right of course - I have mixed up the two 'clips'.

Btw, have you already tried the Dakine bladder - is it possible to disconnect the tube from the bladder while the latter one is still full?

Thanks,
Mike

[PiroChu]

Btw, have you already tried the Dakine bladder - is it possible to disconnect the tube from the bladder while the latter one is still full?

Mike, I just tried that (though just with air blown in, not filled with water), and - yes - the tube-disconnected bladder seems to hold it in. A neat feature, kinda convenient(?).


(At the very moment I'm typing this post, my previously submitted post with pics about my new Nalgene mouth piece is not yet online, FYI. I wonder if this one will skip ahead...?)


Now that I obtained the new "rotating" Nalgene mouth piece, I'm thinking of start using the Nalgene bladder. On that note, I just revised my little fix that keeps the bladder upright, by using a $0.50 key-chain hook piece.
http://media.rei.com/media/473989.jpg


This is what I did this time...
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/medium/dakine_fix.jpg

It works with a Nalgene bladder (on keychain hook)...
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/medium/dakine_nalgene.jpg

And it works with a Camelbak bladder (on string loop)...
http://gallery.mtbr.com/data/mtbr/500/medium/dakine_camelbak.jpg


So, depending on the ride, I can freely use any one of my bladders (Nalgene 100oz/3ltr; Camelbak 100oz/3ltr, 70oz/2ltr, 40oz/1ltr), or carry any two of them (for a long ride on a hot summer day).

Cheers,
- PiroChu

[ClapekDodki]

sesso i
n gruppo (http://eros-amatoriali.iitalia.com/28-sesso_in_gruppo/)