Camelbaks - are they worth it?

[love2bike]

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!

[Tater]

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.

[DirtDiva]

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.

[Fuji Girl]

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!

[gringa loca]

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!

[Tri Girl]

I love my Camelbak. 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.

[mimitabby]

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.

[Nanci]

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

[li10up]

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.

[wannaduacentury]

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.