CamelBak Repack LR 4

Okay, I know, this is the classic "enduro" item that might label you as trendy or lame, but there is more to it if you go past that.

I've been riding with a backpack and a bladder for probably around 25 years and didn't know better. I used to carry a lot of stuff in it, maybe too much in fact. Trying the Camelbak bum bag made me re-think the things I carry and how I carry them. Sometimes I would come back from a ride with a sore neck or shoulders, and I wasn't sure why. Too much stuff in my backpack ? Too tense to ride today ? Bad seat/cockpit position ? I didn't want to strap all the weight on my bike either, which I always find a bit ridiculous since most people chase the lightest parts possible. Why then strap a pound of tube/pump/tools and another pound or two of water on your carbon wonderbike ?

Then people started talking about the fanny packs. At first, like many people I thought they looked a bit goofy, and that I couldn't carry everything I need for my rides. But reading many reviews, I could see the potential. I am riding alone quite a bit and try to seek times when the trails are mostly empty, so i don't care about looking like the most fashionable.

After reading most reviews of every brand of hip-pack I could find, it seemed that the Repack LR 4 would be the best contender for me. The most important thing was the fit, as I didn't want to crush my organs to keep the pack stable. Good news, the strap tightening system on the Repack is really well thought out. The wide and well padded "wings" and back portion of the pack have just the right density and amount of padding, and keep the bag stable. What differentiates the Camelbak from some other brands -and what makes it so nice- is the fact that you can cinch the straps on the front, even while riding, and this pulls on the front of the bag, tightening the contents close to you and your hips.In my experience, this is the best way to keep the weight from swinging everywhere. It's easy to pull on the straps, and the can easily be adjusted tighter or looser if you want to turn the pack around to grab something or to put it back on after a break.

The compartments are really well laid out, and you can easily have access to the most needed items quick. The left zipped hip pocket keeps my tire levers and Crank Brothers multi tool safe and easy to access if I need to adjust something. I stash the tool in a small zip bag to keep if away from water and to keep my presta adapter and quick link from falling on the ground. It's rolled into a bandana to cushion it a bit and this makes for a great safety item if one needs to stop blood or to wipe sweat or anything. In the right elastic pocket, I always leave an energy bar just in case I get too hungry or if I need some energy quick. The front flap is kept in place by two velcro pieces and can be fully unzipped open with two parallel zippers. Inside there are 3 thin sleeves where I store compresses and tube patches, and there is another zipped pocket to stash keys and a thin wallet.

The main compartment hosts the 1.5l bladder, pump, tube and cell phone, and there is still some space left for a small jacket or shirt. Speaking of the bladder, it is a really good quality one, with a thick material and a sturdy handle/cover/opening that is easy to fill. The straw is just the right length, and it's held in place on the front of the pack by a magnetic clip (which I removed since I didn't like it). I'm using just a regular tube clip instead, and route the hose inside the left hip section where the straps pass through. The water capacity is just right for 2-3 hour rides if I have drank some water before the ride, and usually gets emptied in the last kilometers of the ride. The only thing that I don't like about the bladder is the hard plastic opening hole/cover/handle that takes up precious space and can be a hindrance if you crash on it.

So far, after 3 seasons using it, I am quite convinced that this is an awesome pack. I also bought a Dakine Hot Laps 5L (just to get the thinner Dakine bladder) and while it has some interesting features, the Camelbak fits better and keeps the weight better. I've found out that my favorite combo is the Repack LR4 with the Dakine (Hydrapak) bladder. The Camelbak's fabric is still almost intact after a few crashes and muddy rides, the zippers still glide smoothly, the color didn't fade, and the padding is still in great shape. Once clean, it's hard to see any use!

Unless I'm going on a photography ride and I need a bigger camera, this is the pack I'm using all the time. It's cooler for the warmest/humid rides, keeps your weight tight and centered around the hips (better for jumps and technical sections) and I always forget that I'm wearing it. The price is also affordable, especially for Camelbak's lifetime warranty on the bladder and the durability I've experienced so far. Highly recommended!