Hydration backpacks...
Discussion
I've been impressed with the Edinburgh Bicycle Coop branded packs that I've been using for a few years: one bigger one for commuting, a smaller one for MTBing. Made for them by Vaude, mesh sprung back panel that keeps the pack off your back.
I've also just bought an EVOC backpack with a built-in back protector. It's quite a big pack on account of having the back protector and has way too much storage for me, but it should be useful for longer day trips and for stuff in the Alps this summer. I figure I'll put up with the size of it for the sake of having the back protector without havign to worry about full-on armour.
I've also just bought an EVOC backpack with a built-in back protector. It's quite a big pack on account of having the back protector and has way too much storage for me, but it should be useful for longer day trips and for stuff in the Alps this summer. I figure I'll put up with the size of it for the sake of having the back protector without havign to worry about full-on armour.
The Wingnut importer pulled out of the UK last year. Summit Cycles / The Holy Trail near Aber had some in stock before Christmas. A LOT of googling resulted in me finding one or two other suppliers with minimal stock but I forget their names.
I have an Adventure pack and it is cocking huge in terms of capacity but in not bulky to wear if that makes sense. The spare room may come in useful one day.
The Enduro Pack is probably the perfect for full day wilderness rides, whereas you could do a (very) basic over night with the Adventure.
The big downside of Wingnut, other than the availability in the UK of course, is the cost. My pack was £125 (I think) and is just a sack made of sail cloth. No reservoir, no fancy back structure. I guess that they know that there is no similar alternative.
So to answer your question, I went from a MK1 MULE to a HOSS and found it very heavy and uncomfortable but it was a good size and properly waterproof. The Wingnut is far more comfy, larger, far lighter and pretty waterproof. A set of lightweight dry bags gives me peace of mind in really bad weather.
I found no comparable alternative.
I have an Adventure pack and it is cocking huge in terms of capacity but in not bulky to wear if that makes sense. The spare room may come in useful one day.
The Enduro Pack is probably the perfect for full day wilderness rides, whereas you could do a (very) basic over night with the Adventure.
The big downside of Wingnut, other than the availability in the UK of course, is the cost. My pack was £125 (I think) and is just a sack made of sail cloth. No reservoir, no fancy back structure. I guess that they know that there is no similar alternative.
So to answer your question, I went from a MK1 MULE to a HOSS and found it very heavy and uncomfortable but it was a good size and properly waterproof. The Wingnut is far more comfy, larger, far lighter and pretty waterproof. A set of lightweight dry bags gives me peace of mind in really bad weather.
I found no comparable alternative.
I've got a Salomon (various here - http://www.salomon.com/uk/segment/trail-running-ba... and it does me well. Looks good too 
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