CamelBak Waist Pack or Full Backpack?

[snapdragen]

My pack is made by Ultimate Direction - called the Sip Stream. I love the tank, it opens at the top. To close it you roll it down and fasten with velcro. I've never had a leak. They don't make the Sip Stream any more, but they have a variety of styles.

Ultimate Direction

REI also has a few of their own Novara brand, they use Nalgene (sp?) tanks, and have a very nifty magnet to hold the tube when you're not drinking.

[newfsmith]

I converted a Flash flo to a handlebar bag by simply cutting off the ends of the waist belt and then threading velcro straps through the buckles that cinch the bag to the waist belt. Because it isn't a big resevoir the weight on the handlebars is not enough to interfer with handling. By adding a retractable ID card holder to the hose and my jersey it is just as convenient to use as one on your back, but no extra heat or strain on back. I'm working on making a holder for a resevoir that would attach to the bike seat. There is also the "neverReach" system used by triathletes, which isn't that much more expensive than most hydration backs.