Quote Originally Posted by Velocivixen View Post
@Catrin, that's a good reminder regarding the wind and wicking materials and maybe not feeling that you're sweating. I have my eye on a Camelbak day hike pack either the Trinity or the Helena for overall hydration. They're not "bike specific", but women's specific design hiking packs.

@Grog, thanks for the suggestions too. I forgot to mention that I have Specialized Gel gloves (fingerless) that I just bought.

Yes, there is a lot of equipment one should have and since I've never really cycled as much as I do, I am gathering items slowly.
Personally I don't use water bottles, but I do have the cages on my bike and for long rides I do have bottles mixed with Accelerade to supplement my Cambelbak. I have't learned how to use the water bottles while riding, but I would never drink enough from them. The hydration pack is so much easier - and in the summer it is nice to have it full of ice water

You might also want to consider cycling specific Camelbacks, they have several versions for women that are designed to fit us better on both where the straps fit and how it fits our backs. I am short, so this is perhaps more of a concern for me - I don't want the top of the pack to hit my helmet. I have this one in the "smokey grape" color, it really is more of a lilac.

There is a ton of storage space - which is great for both mountain biking and long road rides. The 2011 bladders have a different design from previous years, and of course you don't have to keep 100 oz of water in it unless you need it. I ride a lot of places where there are no chances to get more, so I have to keep that in mind. I have a smaller 2010 Aurora, but I did run out of water last year a few times with only 50 ounces, and the strap hit me much lower on the chest than with the Luxe.