Camelback Consigliere vs Hydrapak Selva? Help!

[jon777]

Which one is better? I like how the Hydrapak reservoir is easier to clean and how the Selva has a dedicated pump sleeve but the Consigliere seems to have better back venting, a bit bigger and has a fleece lined pocket for cellphones.

I already place an order for the Consigliere on JensonUSA but I'm considering of changing it to the Selva just because of the reservoir. Only thing is that the reservoir that comes with the Selva isn't the shape-shift one with the middle baffle.

I could just stick with the Consigliere and then buy a Hydrapak Shape-Shift reservoir but that just takes the savings out of the sale price (Consigliere is on sale on JensonUSA)...

So...

1. Is the middle baffle really all that? Lots of reviews say it gets rid of the football/scuba tank effect which is good.

2. Is the antidote hard to clean at all? Will getting the Hydrapak reservoir be worth it just for ease of cleaning?

3. Any comments on how breathable the back venting of the Selva is would be much appreciated..

If only the Selva came with the Shape-Shift reservoir it would be an easier decision I think.

[iamspartacus]

I looked at these and they seem pretty similar. You get a larger reservoir with the hydropack, and the on/off valve feature seems like a nice add on the hyrdapack. The magnetic clip also seems like a nice touch. I guess since I too am in a market for one of these, I am going for a hydrapack. Hope these observations helped you.

[SJKevin]

I suspect it's tough to go wrong with either. I own the consigliere which I bought because I wanted a pack that could hold a bunch of stuff in addition to water (which it does, comfortably). I've been nothing but pleased with it and it's not terribly difficult to clean. My recommendation would be to figure out what are the most important features for you and make your selection based on that. I wouldn't get too hung up on all the extra bells and whistles.

[madaxc]

I have the Consigliere and am very happy with it.Zero experience with the hydrapak, however.

[jon777]

I looked at these and they seem pretty similar. You get a larger reservoir with the hydropack, and the on/off valve feature seems like a nice add on the hyrdapack. The magnetic clip also seems like a nice touch. I guess since I too am in a market for one of these, I am going for a hydrapack. Hope these observations helped you.

The reservoirs are both 70oz or two liters so the Hydrapak isn't bigger. The antidote reservoir from Camelbak also has the on/off feature.

[jon777]

I suspect it's tough to go wrong with either. I own the consigliere which I bought because I wanted a pack that could hold a bunch of stuff in addition to water (which it does, comfortably). I've been nothing but pleased with it and it's not terribly difficult to clean. My recommendation would be to figure out what are the most important features for you and make your selection based on that. I wouldn't get too hung up on all the extra bells and whistles.

Can you fit your hand inside the reservoir to clean it or is it advisable to get a brush for it like the one that Camelbak sells? Thing is, all the stuff I mentioned are important to me so that's why I'm having a dilemma. I ended up ordering the Hydrapak and will see which one I like better and return the other one. Or keep both. Whatever.

[DudeNudem]

I have the Consigliere and love it - I chose it because I am 6'x6" 250 lbs and wanted something that would be comfortable on my big frame and not feel like I was wearing something for a little girl.

The cooling channels work great - I live in an extremely hot climate and forget it is there after 10 minutes on the trail. I find it easy enough to clean but I only put water in it and just rinse it out after every use.

[jon777]

Just got the Consigliere..wow that was some fast shipping JensonUSA! I think I placed the order on the weekend, they shipped it Monday then I got it Tuesday..and I'm way up in Canada..not close to the border at all.

Anyway, the pack looks awesome. The fit is pretty good. Like the bite valve. Compartments seem pretty good. I don't know if the bag is just not worn in yet but it seems like it doesn't have much room to expand if the bladder is full. I put all my stuff in and then tried to put the bladder in but it was tight. I ended up taking all my stuff out, put the bladder in then put my stuff back in. Kinda makes the "quick-link-remove-the-bladder-only-for-quick-fill-up" null..

Only have pump, shock pump, two spare tubes (2.35 for me and 2.1 for gf), patch kit, tire levers, small multi-tool, wallet and keys in the two pouches. It's not that the pouches are full, it's just that the bladder is pushing too much into the other compartments that it seems hard to put more stuff in...
Anyway, not too bad..love how the pack looks though...

[addy09]

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[addy09]

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[iamspartacus]

Jenson USA also has a 70 oz/90 cubic inch Hyrdapack Soquel for $27.00!!!!!! I think I might try that one out!!!!!

[bs250r]

I could not find it on there for that price. Do you have a link to it? thanks

[jon777]

The Soquel is selling for $54 I don't know what Spartacus is smoking.

[iamspartacus]

I was wrong on the site, its not Jenson, it is Blue Sky Cycling. Soquels are 27.98..........I just looked at the site now to verify. Sorry for the confusion........and I wasn't smoking.......I was drinking! :-)

Here is the link:

BlueSkyCycling.com - Hydrapak Soquel Hydration Pack