Dakine Nomad Pack - Review
Dakine Nomad Pack
Dakine's Nomad hydration pack isn't a new entry into their lineup, but for 2015 the pack has received a number of refinements, including lighter, better ventilated shoulder straps, and the addition of a magnetic clip to keep the hydration pack's hose securely in place. The removable waist belt has also gained a bit more ventilation, thanks to the use of a foam with strategically placed cut outs, and the design of the bladder's bite valve has been improved. The included 100oz Hydrapak bladder sits in its own pocket, and there is also a large zippered main compartment, along with a slightly smaller outer compartment that can be fully opened to access the mesh pockets designed to hold tools, a pump, and a tube. A fleece lined top pocket fits sunglasses, while the two side pockets provide quick access to items like a point-and-shoot camera or an energy bar. Available colors: Sportsman, Buckskin, Marker Camo, Moroccan, Phoenix, Black. Volume: 18L. Weight: 1060 grams. MSRP: $135 USD. www.dakine.com
Channels located on the back panel are intended to aid with air flow, while the clamshell opening of the tool compartment helps speed up trail side repairs.
The Nomad's waist belt has shed a few grams thanks to the redesigned waist belt, and a magnetic cllip has been added to the shoulder strap. Straps are in place at the bottom of the pack to carry knee / shin pads.
Pinkbike’s Take
 | Fanny packs and bib shorts with pockets sewn all over them may be experiencing a bit of a resurgence, but channeling Batman and his utility belt has its limits, and at a certain point a hydration pack becomes necessary. That's where the Nomad comes in, with plenty of room for an extra layer, knee guards, water, tools, and the food that a long day in the saddle requires. There's plenty of adjustment in the sternum, waist, and shoulder straps to keep the pack from rolling and shifting while riding, and it never got in the way no matter how steep or rough the terrain. This pack accompanied me to the Trans-Provence, where it survived a week of 7+ hour days in the saddle without any issues, and in the months since then its trouble-free performance has continued - the bite valve hasn't leaked a drop, all of the straps have remained in place, and there are no blown zippers or seams. The little details are what make the Nomad such a good pack, things like the magnetic clip to keep the bladder hose attached to the shoulder strap, and the fact that the tool compartment opens up completely, like a clam's shell, making it easy to grab the tool you need without struggling with a pocket that only partially opens. Carrying a helmet, whether it's a full face or half shell, is easily accomplished, and there was plenty of room to accommodate either style of lid. The only thing that's missing is a raincover for those soggy winter days, but the nylon fabric does shed water fairly well, and as long as I remembered to unzip it and hang it up to dry after a long wet ride it was usually ready to go again by the next morning. For all but the longest excursions, when slightly more carrying capacity may be needed, the Nomad is an excellent choice, a durable and well thought out hydration pack that's built to last for multiple seasons. - Mike Kazimer |
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Mentions: @dakinenews
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I carry a lot of gear (and water) when I ride and the Evoc is literally locked to my back (the velcro waist strap keeps it super snug).
Evoc's recommendations:
Small:
Torso Length = 38 - 43cm
Overall Height = 155 - 170cm
M/L:
Torso Length = 44 - 50 cm
Overall Height = 170 - 192cm
As @snl1200 said, try to find a place that carries them and test them out first. They aren't for everyone. A friend of mine returned his because he felt that the velcro waist strap was riding up into his rib cage when riding - he couldn't stand it.
If your concern is carrying a helmet, the Osprey's a better pack, since it has a way to carry a smaller helmet without undoing straps.
I think it's the best of both worlds, rather than having to use one pack for everything.
I have a Mission Workshop (who makes Acre) backpack for work which is almost better than the Acre in terms of ventilation. If Acre could have just included some kind of provision for airflow beyond the perforated foam - such as something that actually keeps the mass of the pack away from your back - it would be perfect.
(yes, I saw the bladder capacity is 100oz, I'm talking the storage capacity of the pack itself)
I just recently received my SOURCE PARAGON hydration pack, it has a 3L hydration bladder & 25L of cargo capacity. It arrived the following week after we got snow here, so I may not get a chance to try it fo awhile, but having spent a bit of time transferring all my gear from my previous pack, I'm expecting it to be really good!!
AND, it has a rain cover built into a pouch @ the bottom......
sourceoutdoor.com/en/37-biking-packs
**packs over $60.00 ship free!!
sourceoutdoor.com/en/hydration-packs/128-paragon-hydration-pack.html
25L for cargo not enough, they have bigger ones in their tactical range
source-military.com/35-hydration-cargo
**and instead of a magnetic hose retention setup, I went with a veleau Lapeleau, which is retractible
www.showerspass.com/products/lapeleau