Riding backpack

[NbyNW]

I don't understand all this poo-poohing of people's gear choices. You should do what works for you.

I've got a Camelback Blowfish from my mtb days and I took it on a road tour this last weekend. There were plenty of other people in my group that had Camelbacks of varying sizes. I had bottles, too, and I'm glad I had both on the hottest day this weekend. The Camelback keeps my water nice and cool, and I find that its convenience really helps me stay hydrated. I haven't developed that drink-from-a-bottle-while-riding skill that some people have.

I would have never known that using a Camelback while on a road bike was "uncool" if I didn't see people posting about it on this forum. No one has ever said anything to me about it. If they have a good reason why it's functionally a bad thing to do, that's one thing. If it's a matter of being cool and trendy, well -- I think I got over that a long time ago.