CamelBak Waist Pack or Full Backpack?

[madisongrrl]

This discussion is on a randonneuring list I'm on. The first guy is talking about some race in France and why fenders are a good idea. Apparently there had been a lot of rain, and a lot of cow traffic on the road.

I sometimes use this type of bottle to reduce the nasty factor...

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...HP_CYCLING_TOC

[withm]

I too have the Camelback rogue - never bothered me that it was on my back but 30 yrs of scuba diving makes a camelback feel like a feather....

I did learn a good trick though - I half fill the reservoir, seal it up, and blow air into it via the tube to make it balloon out. Then put it in the freezer overnight (or just keep it there till I need it).

Then when I'm ready to ride, I take it out, and fill the remainder with water (filtered). You will probably have to run some hot water over the opening to get it open, and also where the hose enters the bottom of the reservoir to make sure the path is not blocked. Result - I always have cold water, but not too cold. Even on a 40 mile ride in very hot weather I still had cold water at the end. Having the "ice" probably helps to keep the unit a little cooler, so it's not hot on my back, but there is enough insulation/padding in the camelback itself I think to prevent it. And the ice seems to last several hours. If I'm on a really long ride, and it's really hot, I have been known to stop and buy a bottle of water, and top off the Camelback just in case.

My only real complaint? The first sip or two of water on a hot day is HOT! UGH! I have been known to just spit it out so I can get to the cold water. I've seen neoprene sleeves for the hoses but wondered if they were enough to prevent the excessive cooking of the water residual in the hose?

[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!

[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.

[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