I use my camelbacks only on long organized rides. When I am in a pace line, I don't like reaching down for my waterbottle so the camelback keeps me hydrated. I will caution not to put anything but water in it though. DH put some endurance drink in it once an has never been able to get the taste out.

They also make a drying hanger thing you can buy that you slip into the bladder of the camelback after you use it to allow it to dry out. Mine is several years old and doesn't have any funky plastic taste to it at all.