Camelbak Question

[wackyjacky1]

I've thought about getting a Camelbak so I can carry plenty of fluids, but am not crazy about having a heavy pack of water on my back. I've seen ones that go around the waist, and I was wondering if that would work if I were to strap it onto my bike's rear rack. But I don't think the tube wouldn't be long enough. Can you get longer tubes? Has anyone tried this?

[rij73]

Having the weight of the water on your back rather than on your bike would keep you more balanced, I believe.

It would be cool if there were a system with a water reservoir on the rear rack and a hose for those who don't like backpacks, though... I don't *think* there is such a thing.

I guess if you don't mind carrying stuff on your rack, you could just carry some extra water bottles back there and switch them when you run out of water in the bottles on your frame.

[Flybye]

I've thought about getting a Camelbak so I can carry plenty of fluids, but am not crazy about having a heavy pack of water on my back. I've seen ones that go around the waist, and I was wondering if that would work if I were to strap it onto my bike's rear rack. But I don't think the tube wouldn't be long enough. Can you get longer tubes? Has anyone tried this?

That'd be dangerous if the tube got loose and wrapped up in your rear tire. I haven't head of a longer tube, either.

[sundial]

Wacky, take a look at the Platypus stuff. There are hands free packs as well as a waist pack. Course you could always add a trunk rack to your bike and carry extra water in that.

[wackyjacky1]

That'd be dangerous if the tube got loose and wrapped up in your rear tire. I haven't head of a longer tube, either.

Ew, I hadn't thought of that.

Yeah, I guess I can just carry an extra bottle or two on the rack when I feel like I'm going to want extra water.

[wolfak]

I do agree the Camelbak makes you a little warmer, but the weight doesn't bother me. I have one that is 3-4 years old, and I have seen a lot of the newer ones. It looks like they are making good progress in designing them for air flow across the back. I do enjoy being able to sip continuously - I actually prefer drinking from the tube as I go rather than having to reach down for bottles all the time.

[HillSlugger]

You can go with a Neverreach

[NbyNW]

My Camelbak Blowfish is about 10 years old and I don't really notice the extra weight when I'm riding with it, since it's pretty low profile and stays close to my body. I've even replaced the original reservoir that came with it with a larger one. My back gets a little moist on longer rides, but not uncomfortably so. And I like that the water in the reservoir stays kinda cool. And it's usually pretty light by the time I finish my ride.

I've seen tube extensions for both Camelbak and I think Platypus might make them, too. My question would be if you strapped the reservoir to your rear rack, where would you clip your bite valve? I like that my bite valve is attached to my shoulder strap -- it's RIGHT THERE when I want to take a sip.

If you know someone who has one, why not ask if you can borrow to try it out before spending the money? See how it feels to wear it with water, on your bike, etc.

[rij73]

You can go with a Neverreach

I KNEW there had to be something like that, but I searched the web like crazy and didn't come up with it!

[dachshund]

I just started using a Camelbak, and I was really surprised that it didn't bother me at all to have it on my back. This thing has really saved me, since I suffer when riding in hot weather. I don't know how I ever rode without it, really.

[HillSlugger]

For my longer rides I use a waist pack CamelBak and carry extra water bottles to refill it as needed. This lets me carry extra liquid, easily accessible while riding, and keeps the pack off my back. I think it's a good compromise.

[Smilie]

I have always wondered about these. How do you keep them clean, rinse out with bleach water? Do they taste like plastic? I have a big problem with plastic tasting water.

[HillSlugger]

I've never used bleach. After each use I rinse out the reservoir and tube with water; add some dish soap, swish it around the reservoir and empty it through the hose; rinse out the reservoir thoroughly and drain it out through the hose. I then dry out the reservoir with a paper towel and then hang it to dry with a fresh paper towel in there to keep it open. The hose needs to be emptied a few times to get out all of the drainage. Every so often I push a special hose brush through the hose to get it nice and clean.

If I remember correctly, when brand new you may notice some plastic taste but it goes away pretty fast.

[Smilie]

Great thanks. I don't like reaching down for my water bottle either. Can you put ice in there to keep your water cold?

[HillSlugger]

Absolutely. The opening is definitely large enough.