Camelbaks - are they worth it?

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Originally Posted by SouthernBelle

I have a smaller CB that I too picked up at Bass Pro Shop. It doesn't make me hot, in fact the opposite when it is filled with cold stuff. Now if I could just figure out how to keep the water in the tube cold....

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When you are done taking a drink, blow into the tube. It will blow the water in the hose back into the insulated area. They also make a water bladder that has an insulated cover over the tube which also has a wire in it that allows you to bend the hose and it holds it's shape...very handy. I think I got mine at REI online.

I just ordered a 50oz model from campmor- some models are on sale there.I have been putting it off because of the weight on the back thing - but my frame is so small it only holds one bottle cage and in the midwest (as in most other parts of the country) in the summer - that is not enough.

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Originally Posted by Nanci

Kitsune-

Wow, you must have really landed hard to rupture the bladder! I have landed on mine, on my back, countless times with no problem. (It's nice cushioning!)

Nanci

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I don't think it was so much how hard I landed as the way I landed- I managed to position myself with a log just above my kidneys. (thankfully?) it was early in the ride, so the pack was full... but that probably lended itself to the rupture... I doubt it would have had the bladder been less full.

I haven't used it much, but I have a 50 oz camelbak that's women specific. I took it for a good spin and put ice/water in it on my 2 hr bike ride and it was great. I still had water left. If I didn't have it, I would've run out and I ride in the boonies too. mine is light blue and has a key, snack, etc pouch. not big though.

I have one of the smaller Camelbak waist packs that seem to always be on sale; I guess because not many people use a waist pack. I think it only holds 45 oz, but for most rides, that's plenty for me, and I can always take a water bottle for Gator-aid or whatever if I think I'll need more. I love my waist pack! It has a zip pocket for those all-important Payday bars (and my cell phone), but that's it for storage. It feels heavy when you first put it on, but once on the bike, I never even notice it. And it's a lot cooler than a backpack-type Camelbak (important here in the steamy southeast), with no strap irritation.

For hiking I have a REI WSD hydration day pack (regular shoulder strap model) and love it, but it would be too bulky (for me) on a bike. It has a 70 oz. bladder.

Emily

I remember reading somewhere that a fair number of people have had falls broken nicely with camelbaks (road and mountain). Hoping I never have to!

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Originally Posted by li10up

When you are done taking a drink, blow into the tube. It will blow the water in the hose back into the insulated area. They also make a water bladder that has an insulated cover over the tube which also has a wire in it that allows you to bend the hose and it holds it's shape...very handy. I think I got mine at REI online.

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Well, I just had one of those 'duh' moments. Thanks!