Camelbak Racebak review

I love Camelbaks. I own 3 (2 are the Dream in different colours so match outfits) and I have been lusting after this new version for a year.

I finally got one this week and took it out yesterday for it's maiden ride.

So basically it is a white compression undershirt with reinforcement on the top half and a nifty pocket sewen in the back. It also comes with a removeable pad to help keep the bladder cool and your back warm. The bladder itself is similar to the 2.1 Dream, being short with an internal blaffle sewen in, but the opening port is much smaller. The tube comes covered in a insulating cover as well. The bottom part of the garment is a lighter mesh fabric.

Fit wise. I was a bit nervious as I read a blog of a lady who had issues fitting the ladies XL size. She was a B cup appreantly and I am a D cup bust. The XL says it fits bust size 105-113cm. Measuring I should of been able to fit the large, but I decided to err on the side of caution and get the XL. It fits perfectly and the compression factor is fine. I am thinking about trying it without my sports bra to see if it might be firm enough to wear, so watch this space.

Putting it on- this is a bit of a downside. I think you do need to have someone to help you getting it set up. DH put the bladder in after I put the top on. I am not sure if I could put it on with the bladder in. However I do have a damaged shoulder which doesn't help things.

Riding with it- I often find with the packs I hunch my shoulders up to pull the bag up. Of course its not going to fall off with the chest strap but it's a natural reaction. With the Racerbak I didn't do this at all!
Yes it is cold even with the pad and the bladder heated up the drink quicker than usual. I am going to try ice cubes next time. However in a hot environment it is really nice way to keep cool. In winter you could put warm drink in it.
You do find the arm holes ride up into your armpits with the bladder in, but the fabric and binding is so soft that this is not uncomfortable, its just a bit of pressure in that area. The bladder sits higher than my Dream (in the middle of your shoulder blades) but this felt more comfortable to me.

Drinking was its usual ease and the whole thing was no more hot than a normal camelbak and becuse of the cooling effect, a bit nicer.

Overall I am really pleased so far. The other benefits of it not being a pack is that people can see the back of my jersey now, I will have less napping of my cycle shirts for the straps rubbing and my shoulders will be less painful as I will not be hunching them as much. The cons are mainly to do with getting it on and off (will need help) but hey- what's a DH for? You also look a bit strange with the bladder full off the bike, but on the bike, it looks fine.

Overall if you are looking for a time trialling camelbak or you love camelbaks and would like another way to wear one, this is for you. Just make sure your over jersey has a bit of slack in it so you can put it over the top. However the top is so well made you could wear it on its own if you don't mind it not having pockets.