Hydration pack

[Righteousbabe]

For short training rides (~20miles), I only use two polar bottles with water (cooler temps) or electrolyte enhanced water (hotter temps). For my longer rides on the weekends (40-65 miles), I use a small to medium hydration pack. I live in Texas, and in the hotter months I cannot keep myself hydrated using just two polar bottles. When I use a hydration pack, I keep my sports drink in the polar bottles, and I sip on them over the course of the ride. I find that I drink more regularly if I use a hydration pack because it is easier to sip. I do not find that it makes a big difference as far as body heat goes...but that is probably because I am used to it. I was a mountain biker originally, and they are essential.

Oh...and as far as other riders making fun of it...who really cares. Keeping hydrated should be a priority, and if a hydration pack makes it easier to do that, then how could it be a bad thing? Anyway...those are the same people I see year after year on the 100k local rides during the summer, or at Hotter 'n Hell, who are having to end their ride/SAG in and/or seek medical attention because they are dehydrated. If you are not racing, and aerodynamics are not an issue, then there is really nothing wrong with using a hydration pack.