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CamelBak Lobo
James - 28th November 2005
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I got this pack about two years ago now, basically because I needed something that was easy to clean, would hold some food, small toolkit and a pump. Oh and water?
All without looking like i'm carrying my house around on my back, and something that'd live a few years! Too much to ask? Not it would seem.
Now think Camelbak and I see lycra everywhere, perhaps they arent the most hardcore of companies, but they make some nice backpacks, and if they're good enough for the military, I think we can live with them right?
The pack i'm talking about is the Lobo, it has their 2 litre water bladder inside, a zipped pocket on the front with mesh seperators to keep your phone and your multi tool out of the way for easy access, and then you've got the rest of the pouch for your stuff.
Also on the outside are bungee cords for holding your jacket or whatever you feel like bringing along. Another useful feature is that it has a seperate long mesh pocket on the outside for your mini pump, or your lipstick - whichever suits.
Now the thing you pay most of the cash for is the water bladder, basically you can see in the pictures that there is a big gap behind the flap, thats where the lid of it sits, and it has its own pouch down the back of the bag.
It can be a bit of a hassle to slide it into place, but its easier when its full of water, but you can fill it up without taking it out.
A tip for anyone buying one of these, wash it out straight after a ride. I always forget to wash it out, and I end up with a little village of bacteria floating around.. not nice, and its a bugger to clean. I think after 2 years i'm needing a new pipe (the bladder itself is fine) because some of the tight junctions have become a little populated!
I've ridden cross country and DH on this, and havent had any major worries with either. Theres a strap high up across your chest, and another around your waist which holds it snug, and it doesnt feel restricting at all. Sometimes on drops or jumps it'll lift off your back but you wont really notice it. Its surprisingly comfortable to wear unless you overfill the water, which causes the back to deform and means it'll just roll around! It's taken some hefty knocks too, and saved me a few times when i've crashed and not been wearing armour.
The latest version comes in at around 50 quid, check your local Halfords as they have the Camelbak range, so you can try it for size. Well worth a purchase if you're looking for a good pack.
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