Anyone out there got any comments good or bad about Camelbak products. I have looked at the Razor, Aerobak, Siren and Hydrabak, and cannot decide which one to go for

I've got a cloud walker (backpack with integral camelbak) and I love it. The only problem is the stuff that grows in the tubes - it's really hard to get out. If you keep the pouch in the freezer between rides, though, no problems. Infinitely better than bottles.

I've got a M.U.L.E, and it's been great. No need for any other bags or packs, cos I can fit enough kit in there to keep me riding through a nuclear winter.

Just had to replace the nipple though, after a rather disgusting black slimy build up on the old one!

got a platypus, which is fine. my shoulders tend to ache a bit though, especially if i've filled it to bursting (2 litres). they are handy for long rides as it takes away the worry of dying. use mineral water and keep in the freezer afterwards and they should stay clean.

I used to use a Camelbak rogue, but have recently swapped to a Karrimor Rushlite 15, with a Camelbak Unbottle Omega resevoir. The rush lite is much comfier to wear than anything I've seen from Camelbak, as well as holding more than the rogue, but Camelbak's bladders and valves seem to be the best. The new Omega ones have a really big hatch and no tight corners for things to grow in. Regular miltoning and then keeping the bladder in the fridge solve most problems

Agree with all the positive comments above. I went for the Blowfish rather than the Mule as when I carry clothes etc they're all in my big sizes.

The other day, it carried 3l of water, two OS explorer maps, a pair of tracksuit bottoms, a t-shirt, a full allen key set, a pair of pliers, a spare tube, a puncture repair kit, an LED light and some energy bars. There was room to spare. Not much, admittedly, but it was by no means bulging at the seams.

I've had a MULE for 1 & 1/2 years and had the old 'standard' camelback for about 2 years before that. I love them and would never go back to bottles.

The MULE is about as big as you'll ever need for a day ride and has a 3 litre bladder, full length pocket (for pumps etc.) and webbing, keys pocket, bungee cord etc. I also find it dead comfy if a bit sweaty on really hot days.

Bladder wise, milton fluid to clean, and keep in the freezer (like everyone else apparently).

9feet.com has got MULEs for £40, reduced from £60.

Just thought you'd like to know

I've got a new model rogue, I didn't want a load of carrying capacity so it's fine, will accomodate innertube, tools and chocolate.

I don't like the mouthpiece banging on my leg because there is not a hole in the chest strap but evrything else is all nice and lovely, I think 9feet.com have them for 25 quid

Essential purchase is the right angled thing with a tap on it.
It lets you run a shorter tube, no banging about on your knees,
and you can shut the water off so it doesn't leak out when you
sit on your bag.

For those with the mouldy bladder (yuk), may I suggest Milton sterilising liquid, available from your local chemists. Rinse out bladder after use, fill with diluted Milton, leave for about 30min, drain and hang up to dry. Instant bacterial/fungal annihilation and no need to keep it in the freezer either.

Don't try this with your own bladder, of course, just the Camelbak one :).

I have a Blackburn Hydrapak which is ace, as it has a full length zip on the outer pocket (which is as long as the camelbak)you can fit loads of stuff in there should you so wish. Also has two smaller pockets inside the big one.
Mine is years old and still going strong. I had to change the bladder, and I got a Camelbak one but only cos I couldn't find a blackburn.
Alistair is right about the Milton - although personally I go for the cheapo Tesco sterilising tablets.

I'd agreee with Jon above its difficult to beat the Karrimor Rushair or Rushlite. They're available in diff sizes - 10ltr - 25ltr. Bags of room and vey comfortable.

go out this weekend and buy the new camelback blowfish, i love mine all the latest bits including shut off tap next to the bite valve,3 ltr bladder, lots of secure pockets,flourescent liner in one pocket so you can see inside (the deepest) pocket better. lots of optional straps to keep it from moving around your back..nuff said!

wahey thats me happy ive just ordered one!!!

The best thing to do is buy a rogue for £40. It has room for sanni's, a sweater or coat, tools and water . Also, don't do what most people do and just use the bladder area for the bladder- put stuff in there too to maximise storage . Will last all day with 2 litres .

Or if you want value buy a Bell hydropak from lesiure lakes (leisure-lakes.com) with 3l water capacity and plenty storage for £20 and buy a Camel bak tube, hydrolock and big bite valve for maximum performance- all for around £35 . Bargain!

nah get a waterbottle and have laods of mud adn shit in your drink adn fall off when you try adn drink and only have about 3 minutes of water. I use an old classic day in day out and it's great I leave for work dehydrated and even in the summer I was getting to work needind to see a man about a dog (go for a piss.I put the bladder into a rushair for weekend jaunts, well every other weekend cos I work at halfords. doh!

ernie

I recently received a camelbak hyrdobak as a freebie when I subscribed to a certain magazine. It wasn't really what I wanted as I wanted space to store pump, tools, inner tube mobile phone etc etc. So in order to make the thing useful I have used it with an old toiletries bag, secured in the bungee cord, holding all my bits and bobs. Not entirely pretty but funcional and it has sold me on the idea of the hydration pack. So all in all hasn't cost me a penny, other than I'll end up reading that bl**dy magazine for the next few months.

oopps sorry... 'functional'