Review: Vaude vs Camelbak Luxe
First of all I must preface this by saying that I do not use a water bottle. Ever. On the road I use a hydration pack by preference, I just won't drink enough on the road if I were to just use a bottle and my mountain bike frame is too small to install one. Well, I could probably install the cage but no room for the bottle and frankly, there is too much dirt/dust etc. from the trail anyway
I've noted as I've been rebuilding my mileage base after my whiplash injury (and also have a bad cervical disk + neck arthritis at the same time) that at times the Camelbak Luxe has caused some problems. Typically the worse is after I get off the bike but have had smaller problems with it on the bike. Prior to my neck injury there were no problems with this pack, I used it for the entire 2011 season without an issue.
This weekend I used a Vaude 100 ounce pack for my first real test. I was fortunate enough to grab it for $15 at a swap meet this winter and really hadn't tested it. I wore it pretty much all day Saturday (drills all Sat morning and a trail ride Sat afternoon) and I kept it almost full of water and all of the usual things I carry. I didn't need that much water but it was as much a test as anything. used it for a 2 hour trail ride Sunday, and I was quite pleased with the results!
The link I provided to the Vaude may not be to my exact model. There is only a fill line on the bladder and no indication of how many ounces it holds when truly full. It is a larger/longer bladder than my 100 oz Camelbak bladder but I CAN force it in my Luxe pack if I wish. The pack looks exactly the same as the one in the link and I can't seem to find an internet reference to a Vaude 100 oz that looks like mine, it may be they don't make this model in a smaller size now.
Not only were there no problems while riding/walking around with it, but my neck felt just as fresh afterwards as before I even started! Something about the different way it distributes the weight apparently shifts enough of the stress from my shoulders/neck that it makes a significant difference. That being said, I prefer the additional space in my Camelbak and the additional sections, pockets, etc - but what my neck wants it gets.
The pack appears to be quite well made and is lighter when empty than my Camelbak Luxe. The bladder is much easier to open, clean, and dry. The bite valve is different but easy to adjust to.
I had wanted to try an Osprey, but when I saw my LBS had this pack for a whopping $15 at the annual winter bike swap meet I couldn't resist it and I am glad that I did not. I wish the color was a little brighter, especially for road use, but the decreased neck discomfort that comes from using it is worth it.
