Dakine
I use this pack to carry my water for medium to long rides, as well as any food, additional clothing, tubes, tire irons, tools I need to cover. The water bladder is large, and its weight is distributed over my hips, which is great for balance. The pack is comfortable -- but I haven't used it in really hot weather yet. I tend to pack a lot of stuff -- most people will find the capacity more than adequate. I like the way the bladder seals -- I prefer the fold and slide a clip to the screw-seal that the Camelback Mule uses. I still own a serviceable Camelback Mule, but will favor the Dakine pack.
It looks nice and the straps are OK but it has an odd crescent shape which prevents rigid objects from sitting in there well. I used it daily for riding for about a month and it's on the shelf. A plus to its shape is it lies snug against your body. If it's filled with gels or rags or something it could be fine. The mini pump and phone just couldn't find a comfortable spot in there. It ends up having a bunch of unused space in it as well. I moved on to a regular rectangular bag.
After years of riding with a traditional camelbak I started leaving it at home on shorter rides, and now I like riding that way so much that I'll do what I can to take no pack on pretty much any length ride. This little guy is a big help in making that possible, and it's not every day you can find a bike part that changes your experience so much for so little money!! It's a pretty basic item, but it works well and very securely holds a tube, two C02s, tire lever, and mutli-tool.
If your'e debating between this or just taping/strapping a tube to your frame, I highly recommend going for this. Being able to easily access and re-attach your stuff is much more convenient. I used to have my stuff strapped to my frame with a voile ski strap. That worked really well, except it was a bit of a pain to take off and put back together so I found myself mooching tools from buddies to avoid having to mess with it. This bag makes it easy to access your own tools whenever you need them.
Ive never been one to mind having a backpack on while riding, it just needs to be comfortable and I wont notice it. I forget I have this bag on half the time. It has tons of space, fits all my daily necessities and whatever bike accessories like a lock or tools Im carrying. Even has enough room to really max it out and fit a days clothes in it for the ride in. I do 20 miles a few days a week with this pack and its never bothersome. Its super lightweight, the straps are strong and well designed, and the back panel is stiff and doesnt create a giant hotspot on your back. To be honest, I rarely use it for a hydration pack, but that system also works perfectly, Ive had no issues with it, and its easy to removeinstall and clean.
