Hydration pack sizing

[thanita]

Anyone out there know of any hydration pack that is sized for smaller/slimmer bodies? Most seem to be sized for the "average" (male) rider, which provides some slop on smaller frames . . .
T

[Divscotty]

I have an old Plattypuss that is made for a woman and I like it however it doesn't hold enough water for an all day ride. So I purhcased a Camel Back Mule for the 100 ounce bladder after seeing the rave reviews. WHAT A PIECE OF TRASH THAT PACK IS. Their new o ring system leaks live a seive - it takes a real careful touch and a couple tries to get it to seal each use. When new it also ruined two shirts and when I aproached Camelback about their dye leaking our of their material they said I was suppose to wash the pack before I used it. Radiculous of course - anybody knows washing ruins the DWR on packs. They never did pay for the 2 shirts their pack ruined even though I have it in writing from them that they knew they had dye leaking out of the material. Never again will they get opportunity to take advantage of me or mine. My extended family has since purchased 8 hydration packs and you can bet none are a Camelback.

My next pack will probably be an Vaude. I am hoping they can keep their feature of a dry back and lower the weight some.

Divscotty

[grizphrog]

You might want to check out Ultimate Directions. They make womans specific hydation packs. Also check out any company that makes more than one size of a certain pack, someone like Golite-they make two sizes but they are still on the big side-and Kelty makes some woman's specific packs also.

Yes, I know I'm a man,
Larry

[free spirit]

Originally posted by grizphrog

Yes, I know I'm a man,
Larry

That's ok. You're forgiven. ;)

I only have the camel back I was given as an x-mas present. Haven't had the money to play around with new equip. I need a larger one for longer rides though. I'll keep the above suggestions in mind.

Dirtdiva, Bummer about the shirts. I never had a problem with the one I have, but I will remember your experience!

[polly]

in the Uk we have the camelbak Siren, which is a bit shorter in length than the regular camelbaks -
Do you lot get these?

[Divscotty]

The Vaude Pack has adjustable straps and adjusts sizing just like an quality overnight back pack has- so it is very very easy to adjust to different toro lengths. It also has a system that truely keeps your back dry while riding. Not just the camel back system that when you fill the bladder full it rounds the pack out this sytem lifts it pack just off your body but not so far as to mess with your center of gravity.

You might check out their packs. Our local bike shop carries them in several models and everybody I know women and men are very happy with theirs. Just be sure and upgrade to 100 ounce bladder if you need to - they come with a 70. Our LBS does that for just a few bucks more.

MBD

[thanita]

Hm. We've got to check some of these out here at DR. Don't know about the Siren, Polly - doesn't sound familiar. Discrimination!! ;)
T

[polly]

you can see it here (http://bikeprobicycle.com/camelbak.html)

[stumpy]

I was at the store looking at a hydration pak for my stepmother (she wants one for yard work) yesterday and looked at the Camelbak Siren. Can't remember how much water it held but is a nice small size yet still has a couple of pockets for stuff. It looks like it may be nice for smaller size women.

[thanita]

The thing about these smaller packs is that they tend have small bladders and storage space, but are still built on the same spec as the larger packs (fitting the "average" body). I found this on the Rocket . . . sure, I'm nit picking a bit, it's not hellish to wear these, but it sure would be nice to wear a pack that really fits, not "one size fits all," ya know?

T