Camelbacks

[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.

[bikemad1]

I bought a CamelBak!!!! Since I don't have a LBS in my area, I have to do most of my bike shopping through the internet. I logged onto Nashbar.com and bought the M.U.L.E. Camelbak. They're offering a free cleaning kit to go along with it. I can't wait for it to get here!!

[roadie gal]

OMG I think I am the Camelbak Queen!

I have:
1. the Flashflow waistpack for running and XC ski skating (the shoulder straps are irritating on the backpack style with the arm motion)
2. the Hawg for long road and mountain bikes with a 100oz bladder
3. A minimalist one with a 70 oz bladder and a neoprene covered tube for downhill skiing
4. a big honking REI backpack with room for a 100 oz bladder for long hikes where I need to carry a bunch of stuff

I'm sold on them.

[Geonz]

I've got a blowfish that I love - it's very faded and has those salt-streaks all over the place. I can carry that Road Morph pump and that travel iron that I have to bring to the graduation party... I also have a hi-viz one from e-bay, but it has NO ZERO ZIP NADA cargo room. There's gotta be a way to integrate it with a backpack or something and have it outside... but it's beyond my linear, verbal brain.

[Dianyla]

I have had a variety of camelbaks over the years, and yes the sweaty back thing is a problem. Then I found the Deuter Race X Air on clearance at REI-outlet.com for $30 - it has an air web suspension thingy. The pack is held an inch away from your back by a mesh screen.

They are a little hard to find, but I'm a big fan of Deuter's bicycling specific packs.