Hydration pack

[PamNY]

This came up in the thread about "what you consider necessary on a ride" so I hesitate to mention it, but here goes...is there any argument against using a hydration pack?

I'm considering it because of poop. Horse poop, goose poop -- usually I can avoid it, but yesterday I had to choose between riding over poop and colliding with a pedicab in Central Park, and I picked the poop.

Having the weight of the liquid on my body instead of on the bike would be easier when carrying the bike up stairs, and I object to the expense and waste of bottled water.

Again, not looking for an argument; just wondering if I've overlooked something that's apparent to everyone else. Also, are hydration packs something people will make fun of on bike club group rides? Not that I care very much, but I like to be prepared.

Pam

[BikeDutchess]

I would consider that entirely personal preference. Whatever works best for you. Some people may have physical limitations why they cannot use hydration packs. I like using one on longer and hotter rides because I drink more that way. For shorter rides I do just fine with bottles.

Making fun of hydration packs on club rides? Hasn't been the case on the club rides I've been on, but I guess that would depend on the club.

And if horse poop, goose poop, or other poop were a risk on my rides, that would certainly fall in the "pro" hydration pack arguments! :eek:

[OakLeaf]

They're heavy and hot and make your center of gravity higher. The straps can chafe. I have three, I use them all the time for outdoor events and running, but I use one cycling ONLY when it's extremely hot or when I know I'm going to be riding more than two hours somewhere that I won't be able to refill my bottles.

No one will make fun of you. Lots of people use hydration packs, you're just in the minority is all.

Re: expense and waste, when people talk about water bottles we're talking about reusable bottles. Any bike shop or sporting goods store has polyethylene bottles that fit in bottle cages. Some people prefer other materials like stainless steel, aluminum or other plastics, but those can be harder to find, and also harder to hold and drink out of since they're not flexible.

As far as cleanliness goes though, I'm not sure a hydration pack is any more sanitary than a bottle unless you use a bite valve cover, and those can be pretty unwieldy on the bike. My experience is that the bite valve is always dragging in something, which is why I use a cover.

[Blueberry]

I have a clip that keeps the bite valve for my hydration pack on my shoulder. I like my fanny pack hydration pack.

People will make fun of you for whatever they want to. I don't let it bother me. Seriously, maybe 1/4 of the people on rides here wear them. The only crowd likely to say anything is the super-competitive lycra-clad racing bunch. And even then - maybe not.

Seriously - I'd worry about the poop. A bunch of people got sick on a ride here a few years ago. It had rained, and the poop from livestock trucks sprayed up on their bottles. ICK!

CA

[ASammy1]

PamNY-

I'm so glad you brought up this question! BF and I are looking into getting hydration packs after our 90 degree plus ride this past Saturday. Our water bottles were just barely enough even with 3 stops! Just enough to make me nervous...

All-

Any tips on which one to buy?

[jobob]

If you have a smallish road frame, you might be able to attach only one water bottle to the frame. Then it would be a good idea to use a camelback if (pick one or more :cool:) you're going on a longer ride, if it's hot out, if you don't know where the next water source will be, or you want to use a sports drink in the bottle.

And although I can carry two water bottles on my frame, I was planning to start wearing my camelbak on my longer road rides as the weather got warmer, to see if I liked it.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being prepared - especially for something as essential as water.

[PscyclePath]

Here in the South they're popular, especially during the summer months. On a lot of our rural rides it can be "a fur piece" between places/opportunities to refill your bottles.

Many riders like them for convenience... especially if they're not comfortable reaching down to get their bottle out of the cage, drinking, and putting it back while pedaling down the road. And as you noted in your original post, there's that issue with "Belgian toothpaste."

They can be heavy, sweaty, etc., but it's a matter of personal choice and comfort. I've been using just bottles for the past year and a half or so, but still have my 70 oz. CamelBak stashed away for those long summer training rides before the Hotter 'n Hell Hundred...

Tom

[sundial]

Like the others have suggested, I use my Camelbak when I'm going for a long ride on a hot summer day.

There are bottles with a covered lid to protect the mouthpiece from dirt and debris.

[Kalidurga]

They're heavy and hot and make your center of gravity higher. The straps can chafe.

As far as cleanliness goes though, I'm not sure a hydration pack is any more sanitary than a bottle unless you use a bite valve cover, and those can be pretty unwieldy on the bike. My experience is that the bite valve is always dragging in something, which is why I use a cover.

I use one all the time and have rarely, if ever, experienced any of those issues. And if anyone ever laughed at me for using my Cambelbak, I'm sure I could find something to laugh at them about in return :D

The Dream (http://www.bicycling.com/gear/detail/0,7989,s1-14-27-1492-0,00.html) is a good one (though Bicycling is silly as usual in their review of it :rolleyes: )

And, hey, this is yet another thread about which I should be grumping about the search function. I must be in a good mood today or something ;)

[sundial]

Kalidurga, lol.

[Cataboo]

I tend to always use a hydration pack. I'm coordinated enough to drink through a tube, I'm not so sure about bottles on the bike, I use a frame pump, so having 2 bottle cages isn't possible, adn I definitely use more than 1 bottle on some rides.

I;ve got the Deuter Race X Air I with 3 Liter Hydration Pack:
http://www.altrec.com/deuter/race-x-air-i-with-3-liter-hydration-pack

No, I don't always fill it with 3 liters, it depends on how long I plan on riding - all day, yeah, I'll fill it up. halfway or less if it's just a short ride.

The nice thing about this one is that the frame of the pack arches the pack away from your back and there's kind of a mesh area that goes directly against your back - so you get airflow back there & no sweat.

I also don't really have handy friends that live near by that I can call and say, hey, come rescue me... So I do tend to keep it packed with whatever I think I might need worst case scenario. Cooler weather it'll have an extra wool layer, it always has a light windbreaker/rain shell, arm & leg warmers if that's necessary, some cliff shot blocks, cliff bars, spare innertube, some first aid stuff, lights, and tools.

[Cataboo]

As for chafing - I've never had a problem with it, but I tend to leave the shoulder straps loose - and buckle the waist belt so that it's sitting on my hips - so the majority of the weight is on my hips and not my shoulders.

[smilingcat]

I don't know of any lycra clad riders making fun of riders with hydration pack. Good for them for being out door and riding. :D:D

[Kiwi Stoker]

I have balance issues so ride with a camelbak. I have sometimes ridden with a bottle and no camelbak (but stop to drink) and find I don't get anymore cooler or hotter when I have one on or not!

I am eagerly waiting to get my hands on the Camelbak Racerbak, a 2.1L bladder that sits in an undershirt and your cycle top goes over it. They are really pushing it for TTs but I would love to have one so people can see that back of the shirts and to not get the little napping the straps of the camelbak does.

In regards to buying, not all are created equal and I have heard of some brands bladders leaking etc. I think you get what you pay for. So even if you don't want to pay Camelbak prices consider at least buying the bladder and putting it into anothers bag (if it can fit of course!)

[OakLeaf]

I really prefer the Platypus bladders, because of the large ziploc opening. MUCH easier to clean and dry (and put ice in, if you like ice). Unfortunately they no longer make a carry pack, but most third party hydration packs will fit one of their sizes.

If you run, I can't say enough good things about the Nathan Intensity pack. But I don't know how well it would work for cycling - my instinct is that one of my Platypus packs would be better.

[PamNY]

And, hey, this is yet another thread about which I should be grumping about the search function. I must be in a good mood today or something ;)

I did search; found discussion of hydration packs but didn't find specifically what I asked.

Besides, no opportunity to use the term "Belgian toothpaste" should be missed.

Pam

[withm]

I only use mine when it's really really hot. I want to drink COLD water so I fill it about half to 2/3rds full, inflate the rest, and set it in the freezer horizontally. It lives in the freezer all summer. When I'm ready to ride, I top it off with cold water and set off. Freezing it keeps the water cold for 3-4 hours in 90o heat.

I have the Rogue model - it's long and narrow but really has no room stow a jacket or anything. I suppose you could get a tube and tools into the pouch, but I already have that in the seat bag.

I have never been bothered by the weight,and since it's insulated, I've never noticed any heat (it's frozen, duh!), cold, nor felt any condensation, or experienced any other of the issues that have been mentioned in this thread.

Yes, I have had people make snarky comments -with the assumption that real roadies would never wear such a thing. Like I care? When it's hot, this is my guarantee to have cold water at my disposal. It works for me.

I also wear MTB shoes on my road bikes, and wear my glasses (non-wrap-arounds) INSIDE my helmet straps. Oh, yeah, I have even leave the little visor on my helmet. THe horror! :)

[Kalidurga]

I did search; found discussion of hydration packs but didn't find specifically what I asked.

Besides, no opportunity to use the term "Belgian toothpaste" should be missed

Very good point. Any post with multiple usages of the word "poop" is a post worth reading.

(And I'm not being snide, that's become one of my favorite words lately ;) )

[Duck on Wheels]

I need to drink a LOT (due to no longer having a large intestine). So on long rides I use a 3-liter hydration pack with water and 2 large bottles of sports drink. I sip from the hydration pack constantly, then from the bottles any time I stop, however briefly. I can probably get through 2 full packs plus 2-4 bottles in a long day's ride. If I were using only bottles I wouldn't drink enough because, though I can do it, I don't feel all that confident at swiping a bottle up off the frame while riding. So for me, no choice. But yes, you have to be careful choosing a pack to avoid chafing, and yes it adds top weight and reduces the cooling effect of evaporation off your back. (btw, Trek, the pack worked fine on Saturday's ride -- no kinks, no drips, kept the water cool enough.)

[Righteousbabe]

For short training rides (~20miles), I only use two polar bottles with water (cooler temps) or electrolyte enhanced water (hotter temps). For my longer rides on the weekends (40-65 miles), I use a small to medium hydration pack. I live in Texas, and in the hotter months I cannot keep myself hydrated using just two polar bottles. When I use a hydration pack, I keep my sports drink in the polar bottles, and I sip on them over the course of the ride. I find that I drink more regularly if I use a hydration pack because it is easier to sip. I do not find that it makes a big difference as far as body heat goes...but that is probably because I am used to it. I was a mountain biker originally, and they are essential.

Oh...and as far as other riders making fun of it...who really cares. Keeping hydrated should be a priority, and if a hydration pack makes it easier to do that, then how could it be a bad thing? Anyway...those are the same people I see year after year on the 100k local rides during the summer, or at Hotter 'n Hell, who are having to end their ride/SAG in and/or seek medical attention because they are dehydrated. If you are not racing, and aerodynamics are not an issue, then there is really nothing wrong with using a hydration pack.

[jobob]

Also, are hydration packs something people will make fun of on bike club group rides?

Well, for what it's worth, former pro cyclist Bobby Julich often wore a camelbak when he competed in time trials - and often won, or came close. :cool:

[SadieKate]

I believe he wore it under his jersey.
http://www.operationgadget.com/2004/07/bobby_julich_ri.html

Camelbak now has a jersey/pak combo thingie.
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/03/camelbak-racepak-a-jersey-that-keeps-you-hydrated.html

[ZenSojourner]

Mine is a Hydrabak which I bought in 2006, it has the foldover velcro closure. Apparently the new version has a slide thingy that closes it up, don't know that that's any better. Mine has never leaked.

I have a small one, I think it's 56 oz? Not sure. And the biggest one, a 100 oz. I have a clip that keeps the feed tube where I want it. There's a little round thing marked "Hydratunes" that has a rubber circle, quartered so you can push something through there. I have NO idea what that thing is for.

I can carry all the stuff I need (that isn't already in my seat bag) in either pack. That's usually the bike lock, keys, id, money, cell phone, and all the little odds and ends. Actually I have some cold medicine and ibuprofen in one of the side pockets, so there's another 8 or 10 grams.

The wide mouth makes it simple to clean and easy to fill up with ice cubes.

I don't understand what the big deal is about having a camelbak style hydration system, I've never had anybody gripe about it in the 13 years since I got my first camelbak. Some people don't like them, some people do, I've never seen anybody get ummmm, overwrought? about it except here.

No one has ever so much as mentioned it on any ride. I never counted, but I've seen lots of people use them (and I ride exclusively road). Some people do, some people don't, what's the problem?

Frankly I'm not all that coordinated and fumbling around for the bottle, popping it open, getting a drink, then popping it closed and trying to get it back in that wire cage, all while I'm riding, is just more work than I want to do. Yup, I'm a klutz. It's way easier for me to turn my head slightly and get a swallow at will, without having to break stride at all. Works for me. Doesn't work for other people. That's ok.

As others have mentioned, I use the frame bottles for sports drink (I can only either get 2 small or 1 small 1 large on there since I mounted my frame pump under the top tube). So that's what I drink when I stop and nosh on the dried fruit or bananas or PB crackers. Then I've got the water on my back.

If you can, it's probably a good idea to try several different paks at an LBS. Some people have said the straps dig in or chafe etc. I've never had that problem with any of the 5 or 6 hydration paks I've ever used. But trying stuff out never hurts, its just I usually buy stuff mail order (I HATE shopping, HATE HATE HATE! - I've been told my extreme hatred of shopping, especially SHOE shopping, which I have solved by simply never wearing any, makes me an Unnatural Woman.)

I'm really happy with hydration systems.

Ummm ,let's see, I've NEVER had my bite valve drag in anything. I'm not sure how that would happen, I've got it clipped quite securely up at the top of the pak, and I don't put the pak down in the dirt.

Ummm, what else - no problem with feeling hot because I'm wearing it, but then heat doesn't get to me nearly as much as NORMAL people. I rode 12 miles in the Alabama summer heat on blacktop without my squeeze bottle (this was the incident that prompted getting the camelbak) because I left it at a SAG stop. With the camelback I'm not going to ride off and leave it because I basically don't take it off, except to scrounge munchies out of it and put it right back on.

I don't know, it's just a matter of personal preference really. If you like 'em, wear 'em, if you don't stick with water bottles, if it looks interesting to you go ahead and give it a try. I swear I've never heard or seen anybody make fun of or get upset over the idea of a camelbak ever, in 13 years, except on here.

[sundial]

Camelbak now has a jersey/pak combo thingie.
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/03/camelbak-racepak-a-jersey-that-keeps-you-hydrated.html

That appeals to the gadgety side of me. :) I wonder how comfortable that is.

[Irulan]

They're heavy and hot and make your center of gravity higher. The straps can chafe. I have three, I use them all the time for outdoor events and running, but I use one cycling ONLY when it's extremely hot or when I know I'm going to be riding more than two hours somewhere that I won't be able to refill my bottles.

No one will make fun of you. Lots of people use hydration packs, you're just in the minority is all.

Re: expense and waste, when people talk about water bottles we're talking about reusable bottles. Any bike shop or sporting goods store has polyethylene bottles that fit in bottle cages. Some people prefer other materials like stainless steel, aluminum or other plastics, but those can be harder to find, and also harder to hold and drink out of since they're not flexible.

As far as cleanliness goes though, I'm not sure a hydration pack is any more sanitary than a bottle unless you use a bite valve cover, and those can be pretty unwieldy on the bike. My experience is that the bite valve is always dragging in something, which is why I use a cover.

There sure are some interesting things in this thread.
I've been mountain biking with camel baks for 10+ years and the issue of center of gravity has never come up. The above comment is the first time I've ever heard that someone might even have an issue.

I bet the sanitation thing is a "wash". Bladders can get pretty nasty if you never clean them; leave water in them long term, or keep other than water (sports drinks etc) in them.

Water bottles? John Tomac got giardia from mud on a water bottle. Plus, they fall off bikes, mountain biking. Typically mountain bikers only carry them if it's a "need every bit of water you can carry" kind of hot day, or, to take a sports drink along in addition to water. Also, on many full suspension mountain bikes, you can hardly fit a water bottle in the holder.

There are some pretty cool womens' packs now that have nicely placed straps for smaller and or busty women.

I know in some road riding circles, wearing hydration packs is very uncool. Whatever. ;)

[VeloVT]

I have several camelbaks and I use them often for long runs, hikes, etc., but I don't find them comfortable for riding (and I tried using a camelbak a few times before I was comfortable reaching for my bottles). I never adopted it because it was hot and, while I didn't feel like it threw my center of gravity off, for some reason on my road bike it caused me to tense up my shoulders/neck more than I ordinarily would, leading to discomfort. I fully own that this was my individual problem and may not apply to another soul in the world -- but I put it out there to defend the viewpoint that there are legitimate reasons NOT to use a camelbak for some people. Guess what -- through a summer of hot rides, I learned to use my bottles while riding at speed. What do they say... necessity is the mother of invention :D...

[ZenSojourner]

Camelbak now has a jersey/pak combo thingie.
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/03/camelbak-racepak-a-jersey-that-keeps-you-hydrated.html

Does anybody else see boobs on the CamelBak Men’s Racebak Hydration Jersey?

:eek:

[Brandy]

I have been using one when I'm mountain biking. The Nathan Sports Zone 2.0 (http://www.shopatron.com/product/part_number=5006NTS/670.0) just arrived tonight, for me to try out. It's women's specific and from what I can tell so far...very comfy!

http://www.shopatron.com/img/product_images/670/a6ac29592ef8c91ed256f1dd46f54def.jpg


Zone 2.0 Hydration Pack Description:
Whether hiking, biking, trail running, or adventure racing, when your adventure demands that you carry more than just fluids, the Zone is ideal. The women's specific shoulder straps and 3-way Propulsion Harness eliminate pressure points, while the Air Scoop backpanel and breathable honeycomb mesh dissipate heat - so it can be worn all day in all conditions.

* Women's specific shoulder straps and torso length
* 3-way Propulsion Harness
* 2 liter hydration bladder with filter-compatible screw-top closure and bite valve
* Vertically adjustable sternum strap with drink tube clip
* Air scoop with ventilation channels
* Rapid Access bladder compartment
* Large zippered pockets with Power Stretch Mesh stash pockets on each shoulder strap
* Power Stretch Mesh pocket with accessory shock cord
* External zippered organizer pocket with key clip
* 500 cubic inch capacity
* Weight: 13 oz

[OakLeaf]

Bladders can get pretty nasty if you never clean them; leave water in them long term, or keep other than water (sports drinks etc) in them.

That's why I really really like the large zip opening of the Platypus bladders. It's just not an issue with them (unless I accidentally forget to remove the bladder from the pack and leave it for weeks :eek:).

And it's my one ding on my Nathan running vest - I can see that the lightweight, very flexible bladder is part of the functionality, but it's REALLY hard to dry, especially with the small opening. A SMALL head silicone scraper will go into the opening to brace the sides apart, and I can thread a string or whatever through the holes at the top to hang it (it won't dry well in a horizontal position). That's the only way I've found to dry it in less than four days, and I still have to keep checking on it because the slightest breeze or nudge will cause the scraper to turn from the perpendicular. :rolleyes: Jamming a flour sack dish towel into it and shaking it around to get the excess water out, before I hang it to dry, helps a lot.

Drink tubes still need to be cleaned, which is a PITA, but much easier with the long flexible brush Camelbak sells, and I don't do it every time (maybe I should :rolleyes:).

[Cataboo]

The Deuter Race EXP Air Pack is on steepandcheap right now, I like it because it's held off your back and your back doesn't get as sweaty with it.- you can see a picture of the meshback on it.

[Cataboo]

ooops, it just switched to keens.

[ny biker]

I have several camelbaks and I use them often for long runs, hikes, etc., but I don't find them comfortable for riding (and I tried using a camelbak a few times before I was comfortable reaching for my bottles). I never adopted it because it was hot and, while I didn't feel like it threw my center of gravity off, for some reason on my road bike it caused me to tense up my shoulders/neck more than I ordinarily would, leading to discomfort. I fully own that this was my individual problem and may not apply to another soul in the world -- but I put it out there to defend the viewpoint that there are legitimate reasons NOT to use a camelbak for some people. Guess what -- through a summer of hot rides, I learned to use my bottles while riding at speed. What do they say... necessity is the mother of invention :D...

I also had neck/shoulder problems with the camelback when riding my road bike.

Never had a problem on the mountain bike, due to the more upright riding position.