Hydration/Gear Packs

[Vacman 0]

I've been wanting to try this out...I'm just not willing to spend $200 to learn whether or not I like it.

I believe this set up would distribute the weight better than a regular soft hydro pack.

http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/zac-speed-exotec-rp-3-protector-pack-719999/

I have used the Zac Speed backpack/chest protectors for many years. High quality stuff. They do distribute the weight very well. The newer models are even better in that regard. I had the smallest one. Can't remeber the model #. It was too small for anything but a day ride. Still a great piece of equipment. Now I have the Dakar. http://www.zacspeed.com/12site/usa/2012-dakar.shtml It is really nice. Lots of room and it fits great. They have good airflow. The pack/protector is big so you have to wear it over a jacket. Not that big a deal. Keep an eye on the screws for the first few rides. The hydration bladder is 3 liters. Pretty big. Don't bite real hard on the mouthpiece, ask me how I know. Just bite easy. Comes with a nice tool pouch too. I've sent email to them with questions and the customer service is really good, same day reply. Ordered it direct from them in Australia and it showed up real quick, like under a week. Had to by a replacement part once, and it was real fast shipping too.

I went the same route of wanting to find chest protector and backpack in one. Currently trying this out from Leatt:

http://www.leatt.com/shop/chest-protector-4-5-hydra.html

Nice rig, things I wished it had:

-some kind of protection/padding on the shoulder straps for the collar bone

-a little more storage room. once you have 3L of water, theirs just enough room for my tool pouch and some odds and ends. Can't fit a tube in there with the tool kit.

-the bladder doesn't have a shutoff valve when you remove the hose like my Klim bladder does, annoying as you have to fill the bladder while in the pack or completely unthread the hose from all the loops.

You can buy the klim replacement for $29 or so. Well worth it for the quick release, imo.

[Yeti 0]

I have both a Kreiga Hydration Pack and small backpack with a hydration bladder. Both are incredibly comfortable due to the strap design. Since I have a massive chest, or wear armor when I ride, I made a piece to extend the sternum strap a bit which is nice. You're welcome to check 'em out any time Mike.

[blakeNY9 0]

I've been wanting to try this out...I'm just not willing to spend $200 to learn whether or not I like it.

I believe this set up would distribute the weight better than a regular soft hydro pack.

http://www.spotmotorcycles.com/zac-speed-exotec-rp-3-protector-pack-719999/

I have used the Zac Speed backpack/chest protectors for many years. High quality stuff. They do distribute the weight very well. The newer models are even better in that regard. I had the smallest one. Can't remeber the model #. It was too small for anything but a day ride. Still a great piece of equipment. Now I have the Dakar. http://www.zacspeed.com/12site/usa/2012-dakar.shtml It is really nice. Lots of room and it fits great. They have good airflow. The pack/protector is big so you have to wear it over a jacket. Not that big a deal. Keep an eye on the screws for the first few rides. The hydration bladder is 3 liters. Pretty big. Don't bite real hard on the mouthpiece, ask me how I know. Just bite easy. Comes with a nice tool pouch too. I've sent email to them with questions and the customer service is really good, same day reply. Ordered it direct from them in Australia and it showed up real quick, like under a week. Had to by a replacement part once, and it was real fast shipping too.

I went the same route of wanting to find chest protector and backpack in one. Currently trying this out from Leatt:

http://www.leatt.com/shop/chest-protector-4-5-hydra.html

Nice rig, things I wished it had:

-some kind of protection/padding on the shoulder straps for the collar bone

-a little more storage room. once you have 3L of water, theirs just enough room for my tool pouch and some odds and ends. Can't fit a tube in there with the tool kit.

-the bladder doesn't have a shutoff valve when you remove the hose like my Klim bladder does, annoying as you have to fill the bladder while in the pack or completely unthread the hose from all the loops.

You can buy the klim replacement for $29 or so. Well worth it for the quick release, imo.

I've tried the Klim bladder in the Leatt pack, problem being it didn't fit well. The Leatt bladder and pack are wide but not deep. The Kilm bladder is taller and narrower. Not the greatest fit in the pack.

[Bp619 104]

Finally caved in and bought a new hydration back the uswe f6 pro

http://www.uswe-sports.com/page/USWE-F6-PRO-HYDRO_2594/ENG/EUR

this thing is amazingly comfortable, perfect size for dual sport rides 15l total size sounds like a lot but Its also counting a exterior pocket so total storage is perfect for dual sport use or empty for just trail use. Went for a bicycle ride loaded with 3l of water and put a 5lb weight in just to see what it feels like loaded down and feel like 2lbs are on my back can't believe how good it distributes the weight and how it doesn't put all the pressure on my shoulders and cut off blood flow to my arms.

[robertaccio 406]

good move on the USWE---they really do have position and attachment optimized. Like I mentioned my racing pack is the 3L (which is a heck of a big bladder, but I barely feel the thing when its on.

"NoDancingMonkey”. Is their moniker, the thing stays put and doesn't bounce around.

A look at who uses their product line is good indicator from top tier World class MTB racers to World Class Moto/Enduro racers, including our late great KC66

And yes I do use a CamelBak (before I knew they are anti motorsport supporters) with all the long range backpack pockets (for Baja and longer day/distance rides). Snugged down it doesn't come close to the USWE, but note it is a different class of Hydro pack. My USWE is Bikini race pack the CamelBak is a more backpack with hydro bladder.