Camelbaks - are they worth it?

Hi - I'm new to the site and just decided to jump in - and just started riding this Spring. Bought a hybrid and ride about 50-60 miles a week on the Katy Trail. Love it! Now, I've commited to ride on my husband's company team for the Gateway MS150 in Columbia MO. in Sept.
We're making the jump to road bikes, my Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD will be ready tomorrow. I haven't been this excited since my last kid was born! I've started my training program, and will start riding longer rides as soon as the !@#$%^%$# rain will stop!
I usually carry about 70 oz. of water in a touring bag on my hybrid. I'm thinking about using a Camelbak for my road bike. I'm a little concerned about the additional weight on my back...

Are they uncomfortable?
Are they worth the money?
I'm looking at the "Magic", "Daystar" and "Moxie" models- does anyone use those here?
I would really appreciate your insight and advice!

I use a Camelbak on my road bike because my long rides take me way out in the boonies, ie, no houses with a water hose, no quick-stop stores, nada! I have a Camelbak Mule (70 oz.) and don't really notice the extra weight. Some ladies here don't like how the pack makes one's back sweaty, but I figure I am going to sweat anyway, so I don't mind. I typically keep water in the pack and put my energy-drink-of-the-day in my bottles. I also like being able to stash my snacks in the pack as well. All in all, a Camelbak works for me.

I love my CamelBaks. I've never been bothered by having stuff on my back, but I cart things around in a backpack all the time - guess I'm rather used to it.

I LOVE mine. I don't have a "real" Camelbak - it's an REI one that uses Nalgene products, bought it on clearance for $20. But it's great. Keeps me hydrated and delays bonking. I get dehydrated really easily for medical reasons (it's a long unpleasant story...), so on hot humid days it's a god-send. I put ice and water in it, and it even keeps my back cool!

It may not be "roadie" but I wouldn't go without it. Mine holds 70 oz (about 2L) and has a little pocket for keys, Luna bars, etc. REI is having a sale next month - I would definitely check it out!

I love my lobo. I just got it, and it was wonderful on a long ride on Sat. At the LBS, they suggested that I keep it in the fridge, and it really stayed cool!

I love my Camelbak. :p I, too, do my really long rides on country roads with no hope of rehydrating, so I need lots of extra fluids on my bike- and it's the easiest way to carry them. I don't remember which model it is, but it's wonderful. Got the really expensive big one at a sporting goods store, then was in Bass Pro Shop (why? don't ask) and found another Camelbak for $13, so I picked it up, too. The night before a long ride, I'll fill the bladder half-full then put it in the freezer. In the morning, I top it off with water, and it stays cold all day. I, too, put water on my back and gatorade in my bottle cages. I don't mind it on my back at all, and I can carry extra goodies back there (but I run with my Camelbak on long runs, so something on my back doesn't bother me at all).

I would try it- it would surely work for you. And if you're not sure, buy (or borrow) a cheapie one to see if you like it.

I dont really like the idea of wearing the camelbak, but the alternatives?
On my tandem I cannot reach the waterbottle cage because my husband's back is in the way.
Rather than make him get off the bike everytime I need a drink of water, i wear the camelbak.

on my single, if i am doing a short ride, i carry a water bottle and drink when i get there. If i am on a longer ride, i wear the camelbak because it is easier and safer to drink from it than it is to get the waterbottle out, etc..

Even though i am less than enthusiastic, i really recommend it for safety and ease.

I have the Rogue which is a little more streamlined than the Lobo, which is what I used to use for years. I like it, except it's a little warm on the back, but anything's better than running out of water.

Is it cold up there? You might want to try riding in the rain if the weather is warm, since you can ride on a trail. I really enjoy it down here in Florida- nice and cool!

Nanci

I don't mind things on my back (I don't sweat much), so I love my CamelBak. I don't like groping for the water bottle - and this is especially important if you're riding with others (by yourself a little weaving around isn't as dangerous).
I maximized the dork factor by getting a hi-viz one from E-bay for $20. I *don't* like that there is zip, zilch, nada cargo space (supposedly there's a way to use D-rings to attach other things... beyond my mechanical abilities), but on 2 out of 3 bikes that isn't a factor.
I like to have the camelbak with water and the water bottle either with Gatorade, or with a "reserve tank" of water - so I can just guzzle at will from the bite valve, knowing I've got the bottle full of liquid of one sort or another.

On rides less than 2 hrs I think one bottle of Gatorade (or your drink of choice) and one bottle of water is enough. I freeze them the night before and they'll stay cool up to about an hour. But it is really hot here this time of year (upper 90's). In this heat I've found a Camelbak to be too hot...the sweat from my back can't evaporate. But when it is a little cooler or when I need to carry more water and there are no sources of water along the way then a Camelbak is a necessity.

I love my SMALL Camelbak (CB).

I have 2 CB's. One is around 1 liter and is perfect. I don't notice it on my back and when filled with ice and water, I have cold water for hours (even in 100F degree weather).

My other CB, I purchased for the MS150 so I would be able to carry more water and stuff in pockets. It's approximately 2 liters. UGH! After I got the pockets filled up and the bladder full of water, it was TOO HEAVY. I even had to empty most of the water out.

Now, the MS150 is heavily supported. You typically have rest stops every 10-15 miles. You can do it on water bottles.


Oh, and I see you live in Dallas. After you get your road bikes, might I suggest you look into the Greater Dallas Bicyclists? We have a great group and many ride options for all levels. And, it's nice to be able to ride on the roads and not be scared (when you have a group of 30 riders- cars contend with us, we don't don't contend with them).

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On rides less than 2 hrs I think one bottle of Gatorade (or your drink of choice) and one bottle of water is enough. I freeze them the night before and they'll stay cool up to about an hour.

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It's all about the POLAR WATER BOTTLES! I freeze mine and it works great. My frozen Gatoraid/water stayed frozen/cold from 8:00 AM to Noon this past Sunday (when it was 90+ degrees).

I like mine. I usually wear them to carry water, and then out Cytomax/Gatorade in a waterbottle. I find I drink more with it. the Models i have are the Dream and the slipstream.
putting it in thefridge overnight a will keep the water cool for 3-4 hours.

KSH -- Does the Greater Dallas group have any beginner rides? I didn't see any on their webpage. I'm looking for something to teach us how and that isn't too long. The easy ride that starts in Highland Park looks great, but it's a longer distance than we've ever ridden!

As for camelbaks, I want one -- but I just got in from riding for half an hour and am absolutely DRIPPING, and that's without anything on my back. I'm worried I would find something on my back unbearable. Literally!

ps the weight on your back is pretty negligible. I was worried about that too
but it doesn't bother my balance at all and I'm kind of puny.

I always use one on my mountain bike unless I'm just going out for a short jaunt and will take one bottle with me instead. I also wear one on my road bike although all the roadie purists will tell you that is just not done! But, I have small frame bikes (both mountain and road) and one bottle is all that will fit on the bikes comfortably and one bottle just is not enough. I use a small light weight camelback on the road most of the time and a larger heavier one off road (cause I live in the mountains, need to be self sufficient and be ready for monsoon afternoon thunderstorms, i.e. carry more)

Some people I talk to hate camelbacks cause they don't like to carry the weight on the shoulders, the will complain about neck pain, back pain, etc., but I find that if I don't overload too much, I'm fine. All of these things are personal preference, just like bike seats, etc. But you asked so I'm saying Yes to camelbacks.

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....

I use Camelbaks for both road and mountain biking. A smaller one for road.

Advantage - disadvantage... biggest advantage is the ability to carry larger quantities of water and it's easy to access. I find I drink more when I have the nozzle right there. When I ride with a water bottle, I find it difficult to reach down and get the bottle and put it back. In fact, have dropped it a few times and am alway worried about looking down missing something ont he road etc.

Also you can carry just about everything in the pack, even the smaller road pack.

Disadvantages: Biggest complaint I hear, but it has never bothered me, is the weight on one's back and shoulders. Plus it's hot. The packs are really built well to distribute the weight and well, I think the pack actually keeps me cooler as I tend to sweat between the pack and my back. The sweat helps keep me cool.

Just my preference. I wouldn't ride without one.

I have the Daystar and my son has the classic.

I bought the Daystar because I'm busty and the Daystar has straps that are designed for women. The sternum strap is a little higher and the straps are curvier. When I have worn my son's classic (I think that's what it's called--70 oz, just regular stuff on it--it might be an old model), the sternum strap and shoulder straps kind of squeezed me inaccurately. ;) But the Daystar doesn't do that.

If you're built like a boy, it doesn't matter that much...but I'm a DD.

I bought it for our trip to Santa Fe, so I haven't used it much, but I've used his a few times. I think filling it with icy water would take care of the sweaty back problem.

(Advice on MTBing in Santa Fe welcome! I'll be there on Labor Day Weekend.)

Karen

Camelbaks are _way_ easier for MTBing. (I was out on my MTB a while ago for the first time in a million years, and some kid says "Why do you carry that bottle when it gets all muddy?" Good point...So when I switched to RB, I still wore the CB for a long time. (Plus, I was used to running trails with a 100oz bladder!!) I actually was so proud to break the CB habit and switch to just bottles. So my frame is small, too, and I can only fit one bottle, but since I'm doing randonneuring and have to have a rack and trunk and all that- once you get used to having it- it's hard to leave it behind. So there I am now with my one bottle, and one or two bottles of something else in the small trunk. BUT on my June and July 200ks I was so worried about heat and how far the stores were going to be apart (June was over 100F) I used my CB, too. Good thing- I would have ran out in June- it was so hot.

That's true- CBs do keep you cooler as long as what's inside is cool!

Nanci

I love this discussion group!!! Wow - I really appreciate your suggestions - so many of them and within hours of me posting the question!

I live 40 miles west of St. Louis, where there's a REI, I will make a visit when I pick up my bike. But, we do have a gift card to Bass Pro, it may go towards this, I wouldn't have thought of them.

I only have room for 1 bottle on the new bike, so I may start with a smaller CB, with some cargo space and then see what happens. I too am used to carrying alot of stuff with me on the hybrid - powerbars, bandaids, tampon, spare tube, tools, sunscreen, insect repellent, hand wipes - so it will be hard for me to part with my "stuff" on the road and at the MS150.

Tuckervill, I'm almost same size, and the straps placement will be an issue. That didn't occur to me either. I'm glad that ya'll suggested that I try some on before buying!

Many thanks ladies!

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Originally Posted by pooks

KSH -- Does the Greater Dallas group have any beginner rides? I didn't see any on their webpage. I'm looking for something to teach us how and that isn't too long. The easy ride that starts in Highland Park looks great, but it's a longer distance than we've ever ridden!

As for camelbaks, I want one -- but I just got in from riding for half an hour and am absolutely DRIPPING, and that's without anything on my back. I'm worried I would find something on my back unbearable. Literally!

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DUH!!!!

Sorry, you mentioned the Katy Trail- and I thought you were in Dallas, TX. OOOPSS!

As far as the heat factor with a CB- honestly, if you are that sweaty... well, you won't notice the difference. This just comes a point where the sweat is just there.

I have a CB MULE (100 oz) that I mostly use for hiking, but I've found it handy on long rides out to the boonies and also commuting to work. I do find that it gets a little warmer, but for me it doesn't outweigh the benefits. I like not having to reach for the bottle (I have to stop pedalling to reach and drink, I'm not that coordinated yet). I also like that I can bring things that won't all fit in my saddle pack. I'd like to get a light weight jacket, I know that will fit (my hiking jacket fits and its bigger/thicker than the cycling jacket I have my eye on). For commuting (20 mi each way) I don't even put water in it, I just use it for my wallet, hair brush, keys, etc. I'm not big on the idea of riding with a huge back pack with all of my clothes and lunch in it, so I take those with me the day before I ride and then just bring the little stuff in the CB. So handy!

I've used a hydration system -- not Camelbak and liked it. I added ice in it and it kept my back cooler in the high heat and humidity. I didn't notice the weight one way or the other.

I've done an MS150 and did not use it for that ride -- there are plenty of places to refill your bottles along the way -- I just take two water bottles and put water in one and Accelerade in the other.

Oh, and I just bought a 72oz light blue Camelback -- it's purty. I'm looking forward to giving it a try. :D

I have the CB Magic. There is a noticeable difference in the straps on the WSD, well worth the extra money. In my opinion, the cooling benefit of staying hydrated (and I do drink more when I have the CB) far outweighs the extra heat on my back...and it's nice to have the extra cargo space on the longer rides. Overall, I'm happy with it.

I went to Mizzou...I loved Columbia when I lived there!

The one thing I would warn about with Camelbak is the opening mechanism for the bladder. I purchased one about 1.5 years ago and I seriously had so many problems opening it. It killed my hands. It was a new design, not sure if they have changed it, but it was awful. I actually had to have DH open it a few times, and he had a really hard time with it also. My SIL also had a camelback that was very tough to open. I recently purchased a Hydrapak and LOVE the design of opening/closing the bladder. Very easy to use. So, my recommendation, before you purchase a camelbak, try opening and closing it a few times. There wasn't a break in period, if it's tough to open in the store, it will forever be hard to open,

I agree, Salsa, when they went to the new wide-mouth bladders, the screw cap seems to tighten up WAY tighter than I know I tightened it. Sometimes I've wondered if I was ever going to get it open...The Rogue lets you just flip up a flap on the back and not remove the bladder- so if you're at a convenience store, a buddy can just top you off without you having to remove it, if you want.

Southernbelle, I don't know if you can get this as an add-on or not, but some of the CBs, like the military versions, have black insulation over the hose that keeps it cooler.

I just bought a pink "Charm" camelbak to use with my road bike and LOVE IT! It has extra padding on the back so I don't notice the weight nor the sweat. I love being able to get a drink while riding without any problems (I could never get my water bottle in and out without "weaving"). I put ice and water in it and carry a water bottle of gatorade in the bottle cage (for when we stop). This camelbak has the little pocket which is the PERFECT size for two bars and my keys. Also has an elastic "thingy" to hold a jacket or whatever. I also thought the water tasted fine (sometimes it seems like things like this can, well, make water taste HORRIBLE).

My husband has one as well - no, not pink :eek: his is red - and he loves his for his road bike as well. We both have hybrids (our LBS calls them "bike SUVs") and don't use the camelbaks when we ride them.

Lorie

What a coincidence this topic be up when I signed in this evening!

I'm a CB freak. I love the things- for some reason, when I was young and they first came out, the concept of a soft container for fluids blew my mind.

I have two, one waist-pack 45 ouncer, and a Hydrapak Ammo. The original Hydrapak bag died on me (water started seeping out the silver fabric back for some reason) so I just retrofitted it with a 70 oz Omega reservoir, and while I had it all apart, I installed one of those caps to keep the nozzle clean and cleaned out the 'hydrolock'.

I won't ride without mine... It's just too handy for holding things, carrying all the water you'll need (gatorade or cytomax in a bottle, set aside), and whatever else.

I've already crashed along the trail hard enough to rupture a bladder- and the fact that I ruptured it makes me wonder what kind of damage would have been done to *me* had I not had it.

That all said, I mtb, so I'm not sure about roadies...;)

Thanks again for all the advice - It looks like they haven't changed the screw top, thanks for making me aware of the problem.
We found our gift card to Bass Pro Shop and bought 3 - My husband bought the MULE, and I bought 2 small (50 ltr) CB's for our 8 year old and I. They were $15! Unfortunately, they had no WSD packs, so I'm going to see how I like the small one, and then wait for a sale at REI to come up.

My son and I had our CBs loaded and in the freezer for a ride today, but the clouds and lightening are coming our way.....so we're postponing until tomorrow. :(

Lorie - your LBS is right; hybrids are the new bike version of SUVs!

Patty

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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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!