Camelbaks - are they worth it?

[HappyAnika]

I have a CB MULE (100 oz) that I mostly use for hiking, but I've found it handy on long rides out to the boonies and also commuting to work. I do find that it gets a little warmer, but for me it doesn't outweigh the benefits. I like not having to reach for the bottle (I have to stop pedalling to reach and drink, I'm not that coordinated yet). I also like that I can bring things that won't all fit in my saddle pack. I'd like to get a light weight jacket, I know that will fit (my hiking jacket fits and its bigger/thicker than the cycling jacket I have my eye on). For commuting (20 mi each way) I don't even put water in it, I just use it for my wallet, hair brush, keys, etc. I'm not big on the idea of riding with a huge back pack with all of my clothes and lunch in it, so I take those with me the day before I ride and then just bring the little stuff in the CB. So handy!

[hibiscus09]

I've used a hydration system -- not Camelbak and liked it. I added ice in it and it kept my back cooler in the high heat and humidity. I didn't notice the weight one way or the other.

I've done an MS150 and did not use it for that ride -- there are plenty of places to refill your bottles along the way -- I just take two water bottles and put water in one and Accelerade in the other.

Oh, and I just bought a 72oz light blue Camelback -- it's purty. I'm looking forward to giving it a try.

[AllezGirl]

I have the CB Magic. There is a noticeable difference in the straps on the WSD, well worth the extra money. In my opinion, the cooling benefit of staying hydrated (and I do drink more when I have the CB) far outweighs the extra heat on my back...and it's nice to have the extra cargo space on the longer rides. Overall, I'm happy with it.

I went to Mizzou...I loved Columbia when I lived there!

[SalsaMTB]

The one thing I would warn about with Camelbak is the opening mechanism for the bladder. I purchased one about 1.5 years ago and I seriously had so many problems opening it. It killed my hands. It was a new design, not sure if they have changed it, but it was awful. I actually had to have DH open it a few times, and he had a really hard time with it also. My SIL also had a camelback that was very tough to open. I recently purchased a Hydrapak and LOVE the design of opening/closing the bladder. Very easy to use. So, my recommendation, before you purchase a camelbak, try opening and closing it a few times. There wasn't a break in period, if it's tough to open in the store, it will forever be hard to open,

[Nanci]

I agree, Salsa, when they went to the new wide-mouth bladders, the screw cap seems to tighten up WAY tighter than I know I tightened it. Sometimes I've wondered if I was ever going to get it open...The Rogue lets you just flip up a flap on the back and not remove the bladder- so if you're at a convenience store, a buddy can just top you off without you having to remove it, if you want.

Southernbelle, I don't know if you can get this as an add-on or not, but some of the CBs, like the military versions, have black insulation over the hose that keeps it cooler.