CamelBak Waist Pack or Full Backpack?

[Robbin_G]

Hi all,

Inspired by Nanci's jacket review:

I thought I would update that I bought a Camelbak Dream. Since it's not been hot, I've liked it. We'll see how I do when it gets really hot. I thought about putting some of those Rubbermaid Blue Ice sheets in there, but then I don't like really cold water either. I'm such a whiner.

Other than that, if you're in the market for one, I'd say get this one! The bungie on the outside has held my rain jacket the last two rides and the little interior pocket holds more stuff than you'd think! (one sipper on each side, but the pocket goes all the way through.) There are little mesh pockets inside the pocket so things arent floating around. Also a key fob. There is also a zipper pocket on the flap the covers the resevoir cap. I put my cards and money in there.

I hope I still like it when it gets hot.

[caligurl]

another rogue user.... fortunately i was able to give hubby's a test ride or two before i bought my own... i thought sure i'd hate it... i was pleasantly surprised that it's VERY comfortable and didn't make me any hotter!

oh... and another cyclist gave me a great tip! he saw me sucking out some water (what was in the tubing) and spitting it out (cuz it was hot)... he told me to blow back in after i drink (so there is no water in the tubing) then you don't waste water by spitting it!

[Robbin_G]

The Dream is 2" shorter than the Rogue and I'm short waisted so i thought I would try it first.

[withm]

oh... and another cyclist gave me a great tip! he saw me sucking out some water (what was in the tubing) and spitting it out (cuz it was hot)... he told me to blow back in after i drink (so there is no water in the tubing) then you don't waste water by spitting it![/QUOTE]


Good idea - I hope I can remember that trick when I next use the thing - Generally use water bottles until it gets a LOT warmer than it is now. When will we ever have a nice sunny day with wind under 15kt?

[madisongrrl]

I too have the Rogue....it's not bad for trail riding. It can hold tools, a tube, co2, gels etc. Racing with it sucks though....Last year, I didn't have anyone who could do my hand-ups so I had no choice but to use it. My gatoraid tasted like warm pee after 30 minutes of racing and my back was pure sweat. But it's better than running out of something to drink and getting heat exhaustion.

I might try to buy a smaller/lighter pack for races that I don't have hand-ups at. Any suggestions?

[caligurl]

i fill my camelback (and water bottles) with ice.. then water... even in the hot desert temps i usually have some ice left in the camelback or it at least stays nice and cool! the bottles don't last too long in the heat of the summer (i use polar insulated bottles).... i HATE warm water! i'm less inclined to drink it once it gets warm and i'm ONLY drink it when i absolutely need to..

[Nanci]

I think the insulated tubing helps a little. Keeps as much bacteria/algae whatever it is from growing in there, too, since there's no light.

Nanci

[ladyjai]

I live in a desert, it gets to 115+ and i've ridden in it. I have a hydrapak and a camelbak, and both keep water cool for a couple hours. You should drink it faster than it heats to be too warm.