Camelbacks

[emily_in_nc]

I also have the Camelbak Flashflo waist pack. It carries about 48 oz of water, not nearly as big as most of the shoulder models, but perfect for most of the road and mtb rides I do (I can supplement with a bottle of Accelerade if needed). It seems heavy around my waist when I first put it on, but once on the bike, I never even notice it. Recommended!

Emily

[love2bike]

I now use a Camelbak for every ride - I prefer it because I don't have to grab for a bottle, so I take sips more often. I have a "Dream" (70 oz w/ compartments) for trail rides and a "Blue Wave" (small 50 oz. $15 at Bass Pro Shop) for road rides. It has a nice cool feel on your back when you fill it with ice, or for hot days, I freeze my water in the blatter and it stays nice and cool for hours.

[bikemad1]

I think you girls are reading my mind!! I want to get a Camelback because I want to use my bottles for the electrolyte stuff and also because I really do drink a lot of water. I 'm finding myself rationing the water in the bottles I have now, which really isn't good if I decide to ride a little longer, and it really, really isn't good in the 90*+ heat that we have here in Arizona. There's so many styles to choose from. I think I'll get one that has a little bit of room for the first aid kit that Trekhawk mentioned!

[gobles]

I have several Camelbaks and I love them all. They have a new one coming out April of 2007 that has speakers on the straps so you can plug in your Ipod and cell phone for hands free and head phone free riding. My friend was lucky enough to touch it at Interbike and said that they will retail for $250, a bit to much, but I will ask for it for my 16th wedding ann. in April.

[Thistle]

I bought my first camelbak yesterday, and after trying on heaps of styles and "assuming the riding position " decided on the "Rogue".

I wore it today for a long ride, and it was incredibly comfortable. Most of the time I wasnt even aware it was there. I didnt find it hot, even though it was hot enough to get sunburnt.

I think they are great.

[EBD]

I have the Alterra, which appears to be a smaller (28 oz) version of the Flashflo. (see Camelbak site - I bought mine at REI). I only use it for running, not biking, and 28 oz is enough for me to run for 90 minutes or so in the North Carolina summer heat. I compared it to bottle-packs and found the Camelbak was the least bouncy. It also has a soft lining, unlike some bottle belts, which is important because it invariably rides above the waistband of my shorts to rest against my bare belly. I cram my tiny mp3 player and a gel into its nooks and crannies, but there is minimal storage. The tube wraps around the waist and clips in place, but it also came with a clip to attach to your shirt if you prefer. I highly recommend it for running - probably not enough capacity for cycling though!

[wannaduacentury]

I have the WSD Charm, it blue w/ a small pocket for wallet etc and a bungee holder. 50 oz capacity. Fine for not so long rides and fairly lightweight. It works for me. Jennifer

[Grog]

I have a Charm which carries 1.5 L. That means 1,5 kg if totally full.

I had bought it for running and tried it for the first time today. I'm bringing it back; I really dislike having the whole thing on my back. I'll get the waist-only model.

I could totally imagine it for mountain biking, though. But for the road, I much prefer bottles on the frame, because otherwise my back tends to get really wet.