i've had a camelback ladies magic now for over a year.

 its just not big enough compartment wise- for food & clothes. water capasity is fine. 2l i think?

 can anyone recommend me a bigger sized hydration pack?

also do you wear female specific or does it noit reallly matter? (im 5'3 but not tiny framed if you know what i mean)

Hi Ads,

I had a Berghaus Bladdered for a while but found it kept slipping off my shoulders even though I'm not tiny framed either. I then went for a ladies' specific Karrimor hydration pack which is a perfect fit (and a lovely green colour) - I love it, although it's probably not big enough inside for what you need.

Saying that I bought a ladies specific Berghaus rucksack for walking and hate it - the shoulder straps are that close together that they rub my neck and I prefer the fit of my husband's where the straps are more widely spaced - I must have a fat neck. I tried it on in the shop and it seemed fine but I had a winter top on and in the summer the bare skin gets a bashing from the straps. I suppose it's a matter of trial and error - but isn't it expensive to make mistakes!

So no help really. My experience is that sometimes ladies specifc are great, sometimes not, depending on the design.

I used to have a berghaus and it was great, looked small but had loads of room in it.  Then the zip broke and it was generally knackered so a bought a new berghaus, and this one is a bit big and sloppy with lots of gizmos that detatch but generally get in the way a bit.  However, it is also massive inside.

I've never had a womans one though so i can't comment there, never had any problems with mens ones (including camelbaks that i've used as well and like, but my camelbak is tiny so can't recommend there) and I am short and petiteish.  Apart from my new berghuas that is, which i think is too big on the straps and a bit too long for me.  Actually Ade has a Camelback Mule and that is comfy - I have tried it once, but I got in loads of trouble with him for using it so haven't done again since They are expensive though.

Bought a Camelbak Octane 8 - its great - and I usually hate back packs. It has a zip down the back to expand it, but I fit waterproofs and lunch iin without exapnding. One of the main reasons I bought it is for the soft shoulder straps, you hardly notice they're there. And its got side pockets on the waist straps - great for a camera. Shouldl I go into advertising??

Oh, the only downside is the price. On offer at wiggle at the mo for £65 - I paid more than that

still love my CamelBak Blowfish. Zips up nice and snug when you don't need a loads of stuff, zipped out can hold 11.8 litres (3 litre bladder) which is more than i'd ever want to carry on my back on the bike. Only downside is no mesh pockets on the outside - you have to tackle zips before getting to your snack bars... 

Hubby has a Hawg for big rides and a Mule for little ones - Blowfish does both!