New Skool...hydration packs Q

[Harryburgundy]

Well I have decided its about time to buy a camelbak or something, as I usually just dehydrate on a ride :roll:
Thing is....arn't they flipping expensive, and there are so many models.
Would appreciate any recommendations.....
Don't need massive water reserves as I don't go out for long enough....1.5l would seem ample, but want some cargo space for when I use it to commute (needs to be able to fit a couple of bottles of wine :shock: ).
If there are non-camelbak items that are cheaper but just as good, I'm up for that.
Ta
HB

 

[Pickle]

I always use a 1.5l camel with a small but ample cargo pack that can (just) hold a multi tool, inner tube (that I actually store under the bladder), couple of tyre levers, mobile phone and 2 gas cannisters.
I got mine from Pauls Cycles, Dereham for £30.
Well worth the money, I would never ride without it.

 

[Pickle]

Ah, just thought, SPESHMIKE has a pack (no bladder) he'd prob get rid of (his dog ate his last camel bladder - hence him having a spare pack now) so you could buy that then just a bladder, prob work cheaper???

 

[cchris2lou]

I have a 1.5lt cheap one from Argos , less than £15 .

Bladder lasted a year , before it started to leak .

I have gone back to bottle, but I would invest in a proper one next time .

 

[neilll]

I use a Camelbak Mule but this might be too big for what you want (3L capacity).

I tend to do longer rides and you can (with a fight) get a gore-tex jacket inside, as well as the obligatory Cool Tool, spare tube, stumpy pump, tire levers, black banana etc.

Cargo capacity = 4.91 L

http://www.gear-zone.co.uk/eshop/Camelbak-Mule.html

 

[cherrybomb]

I have a Source bladder in a Berghaus pack.

I got it 'cause it was cheaper than a Camelback but easily as good quality.

I've had it for years and it's still going strong.

 

[kaiser]

I got one from Aldi's for a tenner and whilst I can't speak for longevity nor will it carry 2 bottles of wine its pretty amazing value.

 

[TheGreenRabbit]

Try Tesco, they have some 1.5L for around £9

 

[Andy B]

Camelback or Source hydration packs (IMHO) last a hell of a lot longer than the cheaper ones, making then worth spending the cash on.

£30 will get you a decent one with a 1.5l-2l bladder & enough storage space for tools, tube, food & maybe a spare layer of clothing.

I have a Source Spinner 2 Pro for shorter rides & a Camelback Blowfish for the longer rides, or when I need to carry extra stuff around.

 

[JustKev]

Camelbak Mule here - think my wife paid £50 for it. Can fit all the tools, food, jacket i need plus spare stems, pedals, saddle etc

In seriousness, it has revolutionized my riding in the same way as SPD pedals did back in 1992!