Riding Packs/Hip Packs

jShort said:
What's the benefit of a hip pack over a small CamelBak? I don't get it.
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Location of weight. I had to quit wearing a CCamelbak last year after figuring out it was causing me back pain.

I wear a waist pack with my tools in itt on my dirt bike. Plus a Camelback. It's a giant pain to get the Camelback off with the chest protector.i actually really like the setup and may move away from Jersey pockets and use a small hip pack so it's easier to leave for a ride and not forget anything.
 
rlb said:
Keeping the weight lower on your back for better balance and less fatigue of your back/shoulders etc. It also helps to not have a blanket on your back when it's 90 degrees but then again you'll need enough water....
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I just picture the straps pulling on your gut. I guess if the weight distribution is OK. I still think a well designed CamelBak is the way to go, but whatever works.
 
The Kalmyk said:
The Rick Hunter effect
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I like his hip pack but damn, $$ for a hip pack. Also, those wing packs have a phallic look to them
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Anyways, I picked up an EMS hip back this summer because I was tired of wearing a 3 pocket jersey with my baggies and wanted somewhere to put my phone and keys and a camelback is way overkill for the places I ride. It was ok but somewhat annoying. @jShort, I threaded the strap through one of the belt loops on my baggies to keep it in place. Otherwise the strap would ride up.
 
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stb222 said:
I like his hip pack but damn, $$ for a hip pack. Also, those wing packs have a phallic look to them
SplitBack.jpg


Anyways, I picked up an EMS hip back this summer because I was tired of wearing a 3 pocket jersey with my baggies and wanted somewhere to put my phone and keys and a camelback is way overkill for the places I ride. It was ok but somewhat annoying. @jShort, I threaded the strap through one of the belt loops on my baggies to keep it in place. Otherwise the strap would ride up.
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The price is the price. Production is low with this company so margins must be bigger, who knows.

The one gripe I've read online that is consistent is the material used. It is super light weight and some have had issues with it ripping. My experience is exactly the opposite because of my pro style of riding, lol.
 
I got my Source bag. I let it sit for a couple weeks but finally attempted to make the swap from my Camelback.

I don't care for the pocket size/placement on the Source bag...at all. The side ones are good and big but not too big. The main/bladder compartment is as expected with a divider.
The remainder of the pockets on the back have me puzzled. One velcro pocket on each side of center is friggin tiny. Can't even get tire levers or CO2 in them. Are they dual key pockets? The center pocket is big enough for a bottle of drink but only has elastic flaps to enclose it. So, I'm a little confused as to how people store their stuff in this thing.

For now, I took the shoulder straps off and attached it to my Camelback. I've done a couple rides with it. Yeah, it keeps it from sagging and the waist strap doesn't need to be so tight. But it also feels like a regular backpack now.

I had also gotten used to being able to just rotate the thing around my waist when I needed something. Can't do that anymore. Hmm, we'll see how a longer test period goes.

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BiknBen said:
The remainder of the pockets on the back have me puzzled. One velcro pocket on each side of center is friggin tiny. Can't even get tire levers or CO2 in them. Are they dual key pockets?
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Food/gel pockets?

I'm a true believer of the value of back pockets on "traditional" cycling jerseys, but I see that a lot of the shirts being marketed for the non-leg shaving, baggy short population don't feature such things, so the need increases for more accessible pockets on the water pack.
 
jdog said:
I have both the Camelbak and EVOC packs.

They both have shortcomings but I still like them

The evoc bladder is a hydrobak which is awesome in regards to cleaning. It can be turned inside out. The camelbak bite valve is what I am more accustomed to and I prefer it.

At first fit the evoc is better but the magnet for the hose is weak as compared to the camelbak. Sort of a bummer as the hose bumps off the magnet on the evoc too often

The evoc fits super well but unfortunately the waist strap comes loose over time.

I think the storage is more intuitive and convient on the camelbak too.

Both of these hold about 50 oz. that plus a 25oz bottle has been pretty good for fall/winter rides where I don't drink as much.

I first became aware of The resurgence of fanny pacs on a trip to Santa Cruz last year. Everyone had one there.

I'm hooked and honestly, not having the shoulder straps is awesome.

They bounce around when full of water and in a way they force you to drink the first third of your water quicker as beyond that they are way less bouncy.

So yeah.. I'm all about fanny pacs.
I'm able to carry enough water, tire and shock pump, mini tool, levers, chainlink, tire boot and some food. Pretty solid setup that I'm always reaching for unless it's hot or a ride longer than 3 hrs.


For the summer I really like the camelbak skyline 110. The bladder is a triangle and most of the weight is in your hips.
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What's a tire boot?
 
Finally picked up a Camelback Palos 4LR a few week ago from REI on clearance in the $40's. Price is back up to $75.00 again I see. Haven't tried it out yet though. I don't think the EVOC is available yet.
 
All of the same complaint's @BiknBen had apply. It was great when using it as storage, not as a bladder. The first few rides when riding with a bottle it was great. You have to use the strap when it's full of water or it bounces down.
Also the magnetic clip is impossible to find when riding without the strap.It was much more tolerable when using the harness.
Would I get another, absolutely not.
 
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