I wan't to get a larger pack for longer all mountain style spins and these are the two that I'm drawn towards.
I've seen the Osprey up close but not the Mule NV. The Osprey are a really good quality but I assume the Camel back is every bit as good and it come with the convince that spare bite valves are really easy come by and cheap enough.
Being of the larger sort I'm thinking the camel bak's articulated straps might be more comfortable.
If anyone had any first had experience of either I'd be keen to hear it.
Hi Adrian I have the Mule. It's a 3Ltr reservoir and A 6.5Ltr backpack with one main pack with zips an open pocket with adjustable straps around it and a smaller zip pack at the bottom with 3 compartment for storing things like gels keys money multi tool and compressed air.
I find the bag really useful on long spins as you can store all you need
Like water proof jacket,pump, food, tubes, multi tool, air, keys, money,glasses, fruit. And 3 Ltr of water and if you carry a water bottle as well that's 4Ltr of fluid
That pack has good straps and sits nicely on my back, no rubbing or chaffing.
The mouth pice on the water tube is really well designed and easy to use
I have done a few rides over the 4 hour and the pack easily supports this.
There is even a small pocket at the top of the pack for things like headphones or tissues.
Hope this helps
Ben
good deal on the standard mule on merlin cycles ,€69.40 includes insulated tube(handy) and flow meter(possible pointless).just got one for longer rides as i have the camelbak lobo already and reservoir is interchangeable http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-sho...low-meter.html
All the camel back stuff is well made but... I've switched to much cheaper quechua bag for the following reasons:
Much lighter than the Mule
Has zipped pockets on the waist straps in both sides, that's a must have feature for your multitool, gels, all the handy stuff (Columbia bags also have those)
Has a whistle built into one of the buckles.
Cheers for the replies lads, Graham as soon as the NPS is over you better put that new looking bag to use on some big spins.
Max I never even though about Decathlon, I've a bunch of their stuff including a 60L rucksack and the quality is excellent. Do you find the 10L an okay size for holding a waterproof jacket on AM style spins?
It's not massive, ok for a spin but you wouldn't fit all the group leader stuff into it (that won't fit in any cycling bag). Enough for food, jacket etc. I don't use the water tank so that would take some space I suppose.
I already have a small bag type thing (older model of this http://sourceoutdoor.com/product.php?id_product=69 ) which is okay when you don;t need to bring a whole lot with you, I rather not use a bag of any sort on short spins around Djouce etc.
I prefer to ride AM style spins when I can and just would rather to have more room for jackets etc hence looking at the larger camelbak bag. Would like gret to try one on before dropping the best part of 100€ on a bag I might not even like.
Adrian you can borrow my Mule if you like as I'm not going to be using it for about 6 weeks due to a small accident on Friday evening.
I can bring it to the Epic league race on Thursday or to the NPS in Sunday if you'd like just let me know.
Ben
