Camel Bak Lobo? /Osprey 3 review

Looking for a hydro pack and found this one at a great price. Any users here, likes dislikes? http://shop.camelbak.com/lobo/d/1348

Camelbak...overpriced for what they are but good quality. For a light weight pack that is essentially just a way to carry water on your back and little else...this would be my choice...lighter, cheaper, looks better IMO, but does carry .5L less...

http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/product/viper-3-VIPER3_806.html

Buy it through Active Junky and Backcountry and you can get 7% cash back. Same with the Camelbak. And Backcountry has some cheaper options for hydration packs as well...both brands.

I'd also check REI...especially the clearance section. Quite a few nice looking <$100 options.

With discount code REIGARAGE this one comes to $53 shipped and you get an additional 4% cash back through Active Junky if you sign up.

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/102082/osprey-viper-5-hydration-pack-70-fl-oz-2015

This one is less than $50 but you pay shipping unless you add something to bring the total up to $50 or more...but it's less than a pound, hold 2.5L of water, and has space to carry some small items. I might actually order one myself to replace my Hydrapak.

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/102092/osprey-syncro-3-hydration-pack-85-fl-oz-2015

Thanks. I like the osprey 3 , I think it is just the right amount 2.5ltr and it looks sleek. I could get the lobo shipped @$47 but it looks kind of bulky.

I've never been a huge fan of the hydration packs when riding but after doing my last event...there was a screw up with the aid stations and I had two bottles expecting to be able to hit 3 stations during the route. So I was drinking like I would have three chances to refill. Due to the mix up...the first two stations never setup. So I went 30+ miles on two bottles which normally wouldn't be too big of a deal but it was really hot...lots of climbing, and I was empty at around mile 15...lol...so the next 15+ miles were a bit miserable. It has me rethinking the whole riding with a hydration pack thing. At least for longer mid-summer rides when refills are questionable. I have a nice pack...but it's on the bulkier side...I really like the sleek look of the Osprey packs too...all I'd need is the water capacity and maybe a place to store my phone and car keys to keep them out of my top tube bag so I have more space for food.

Nothing worse than being out of water on a hot day. You made it though. When I road my trail bike I used a Mule nv3 ltr. The mule was a necessity in the hot fla sun and it always came home empty. A little on the bulky side though but worked great.  Now I am riding longer distances,road,dirt, gravel and I need to carry more H20. I tried using a 3litre bladder in a frame bag and that worked but not ideally. So at this point I think I will pick up a nice pack unit. I like the synchro 3 a whole lot looks great , positive reviews and it has same capacity but less cargo than the Osprey 3 Shopping for best prices now.  REI $57 shipped another place amain $56.25

Not sure if you are signed up to Active Junky. If not...check it out. You get cash back...how much depends on the participating stores. REI I believe is only 4% back but some places as high as 10%. When you purchase stuff through the store portal on Active Junky, you get the credit and every quarter I think all the cash back gets deposited into your paypal account. It's pretty cool and legit. It's free too. 

But yeah...riding long distances in the summer...I'm definitely seeing the pro of having a light slim pack. Not to carry gear so much but just for water. Maybe to stash a couple items or shove in your arm/leg warmers if you start riding early when it's chilly. I wouldn't want any more space than that. The pack I have now has a lot more room which makes it heavy and bulky. Still debating on whether I should order one myself.

Added a $3 patch kit and got the free shipping and total down to $50.73 With the Active junky discount around $48. I am happy thanks for the tips. Will let you know how it rolls! Went with Velocity green @REI Garage because they stand behind their gear if any probs arise.
This will also see use hiking, landscaping, bushcrafting and long hikes with the dog.

The exact pack I used in the Maah Daay Hey last week. It's a great pack and I paid $53 for it at REI

Thanks for your input Marinrecon,

 I decided to go with the Osprey Synchro 3 this time and I will post a quick short review when I get it. My reasoning was to save a little weight and bulk.  For me sometimes having a lighter option means it will get more use.  The osprey loaded with water will be ~1.5lb lighter but hold .5 ltr less. This will be my first Osprey, I have and like my other Camelbak packs.

Rei shipped very quickly. Looks much better in real life than in photos. First impressions are very good, the pack is light and well made. Has a forever guarantee too. Nice.

Next to C/B mule NV the Osprey Synchro 3  holds .5ltre less water but is much more streamline. The mule is a great pak though for carrying more stuff. The osprey has a wire frame which keeps the pack more upright. You can see the size difference and feel the weight difference too. The L/M fit is just right for me @6'1" 214lbs with plenty of room to spare.

        



 
The opening is smaller than a Camel Bak bladder so 12ozbeer cans won't fit inside in case you are wondering.
Maybe the smaller nips size might. 




That's all for now , until I get some usage miles on it to see what I can stuff in there and how it performs. There is a smallish kangaroo pouch and zippered pocket with key loop below it for storage essentials. A phone, snacks, jacket and tools should be able to squeeze in there. Think minimalist here.

Here's a quick follow up that should hold true for the forseeable future unless something goes awry.  


After my 15 mile fitness ride (urban paved) this is what I like and dislike about the Osprey Synchro 3  Tested  at 82 degrees feels like 95 with humidity.
 
Ergonomics are well thought out, the straps,buckles,zippers,compartments and more are efficient and easy to adjust.

Ride comfort is well balanced and like a helmet after a few minutes you don't know it's on.
I noticed no difference in handling, from hoods to drops or other positions. No sloshing of water. 

The bite valve releases less water when you draw than a camelbak. Water will last longer no big deal really. The water stayed cool for an hour which is pretty good.

I was able to put a small tool kit,spare tube, 2 co2 cartridges, in the pouch pocket. Phone keys wallet in zippered pocket. There is room for more items like a small jacket packed up or other small packable items.

Not bulky or cumbersome when wearing and holds a fair amount of water and stuff. Felt comfortable right from the start and at the finish. My back did not sweat.  

One issue I discovered after my ride is the pouch pocket had some condensation off the bladder which came through the material and beaded up on the inside of the pocket.. Not sure how this will play out over time. I put a plastic ziploc baggie on the inside of the bladder pouch to see if this will stop the condensate from coming thru. Not a place to put any electronics unless they are bagged. I will follow up with my findings down the road.

Overall I am happy with this hydration pack because it fits the bill for a lightweight pack that holds a good amount of water and essential items. Definitely a nice piece of kit and will see a  fair amount of use here in Florida.


I would like to see the designers offer an insulated tubing with purchase, so the first draw of water is cool.
On sale it is a good value but @ full MSRP I would keep shopping.

I kinda agree with Nubster -- not a big fan of bladder bags for H2O. PITA to clean and dry, and uncomfortable to wear. But ... it's very hot even in New Hampshire this summer, and few gas stations or convenience stores on the back roads I ride. 2 bottles isn't enough. Besides,   the bottles tops become coated with dust and sand, making drinking from them unpleasant. Bladder bag may be a smart way to go. That Osprey looks like a nice design; but can anyone suggest a more minimalist approach. Just a plain pack that holds a few liters of water, and nothing else?

I never had any issues cleaning my packs just Dawn dish detergent and an occasional rinse thru with bleach.
Amazon has some decent $20 2 ltr packs. The better packs will be more comfortable but I wouldn't pay MSRP for them. This time of year retailers should be clearing them out discounted to make room for the new stock.

bobknh wrote:I kinda agree with Nubster -- not a big fan of bladder bags for H2O. PITA to clean and dry, and uncomfortable to wear. But ... it's very hot even in New Hampshire this summer, and few gas stations or convenience stores on the back roads I ride. 2 bottles isn't enough. Besides,   the bottles tops become coated with dust and sand, making drinking from them unpleasant. Bladder bag may be a smart way to go. That Osprey looks like a nice design; but can anyone suggest a more minimalist approach. Just a plain pack that holds a few liters of water, and nothing else?

Look at packs designed for runners. Something like this is pretty minimalist. Water and maybe your keys/wallet and a couple gels.

https://www.amazon.com/ErgaLogik-Gravity-UltraLight-Hydration-Pack/dp/B01ECCEAR0/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1471300872&sr=1-7&keywords=running+hydration+packs

Yeah...for the price...I might pick one up too for those longer rides when bottle refills are uncertain but I know 2 bottles won't cut it.

Nubster wrote:Yeah...for the price...I might pick one up too for those longer rides when bottle refills are uncertain but I know 2 bottles won't cut it.

Yup - mine is coming tomorrow. Time to get used to it before my first GG Spotive -the Rose Mountain Rumble on 8/27. There are some water stations on the route - but I doubt that they will have Gatorade. Water in the bladder bag - Gatorade in the bottles might be a good plan.

Here's a good review of a new larger Osprey Viper http://www.bikerumor.com/2016/08/15/review-ospreys-viper-9-keeps-slim-comfortably-hauls-short-loop-essentials/

bobknh wrote:
Yup - mine is coming tomorrow. Time to get used to it before my first GG Spotive -the Rose Mountain Rumble on 8/27. There are some water stations on the route - but I doubt that they will have Gatorade. Water in the bladder bag - Gatorade in the bottles might be a good plan.

Well - came today. Sorry to say, I find it very uncomfortable. But ... others, who are more accustomed to wearing their water on their backs, may not. I'm not a good reviewer of water packs. I guess I'll just stuff some extra water bottles in my jersey pocket or use my trusty old Mountainsmith Fanny pack to carry extra bottles. I hike with the Mountainsmith regularly, and have ridden with it once in awhile. It interferes with my jersey pockets, but is reasonably comfortable. It also has removable shoulder straps which make it almost like a day pack. I can easily snap the shoulder straps off for cycling.