Touring - Which Camelbak?

As suggested by Mr. Brown, I've pulled this out of obscurity in another thread. For those who like hydration packs, which models do you prefer, and what's the reasoning behind your preference? I'm thinking about getting a Camelbak Lobo - good water volume, a small amount of storage for the essentials (located low on the back), and a bungee system to hold other stuff (a windbreaker etc) - so it's not too heavy or sweaty on the bike, and has some useful storage for off-the-bike excursions.

As suggested by Mr. Brown, I've pulled this out of obscurity in another thread. For those who like hydration packs, which models do you prefer, and what's the reasoning behind your preference? I'm thinking about getting a Camelbak Lobo - good water volume, a small amount of storage for the essentials (located low on the back), and a bungee system to hold other stuff (a windbreaker etc) - so it's not too heavy or sweaty on the bike, and has some useful storage for off-the-bike excursions.

Blowfish. Good water volume. Good storage space and expandable for those off-the-bike excursions or runs to the local market after the tent is set up. Mine is hardly ever expanded but it comes in handy when you want to ditch a coat or carry lunch or a camera or ...

As suggested by Mr. Brown, I've pulled this out of obscurity in another thread. For those who like hydration packs, which models do you prefer, and what's the reasoning behind your preference? I'm thinking about getting a Camelbak Lobo - good water volume, a small amount of storage for the essentials (located low on the back), and a bungee system to hold other stuff (a windbreaker etc) - so it's not too heavy or sweaty on the bike, and has some useful storage for off-the-bike excursions.

I am very interested in reading the replies to this post. I'd also like to know how long the Camelbak can keep the water "cool" while riding in very high temperatures, such as those I experienced last summer in Kansas and eastern Colorado. (The water in my bottles became tepid, and dozens of miles were between stores.) Thanks.

David in PA

I am very interested in reading the replies to this post. I'd also like to know how long the Camelbak can keep the water "cool" while riding in very high temperatures, such as those I experienced last summer in Kansas and eastern Colorado. (The water in my bottles became tepid, and dozens of miles were between stores.) Thanks.

David in PA

It depends on the type of "cube" and how much you pack in the bladder. My daughter and I found some ice sources in eastern Washington that were made from slabs that had be broken up. Very large chunks which lasted the longest, probably 6 to 8 hours (just little pieces at 8 hours). We would buy a 7 to 15 lb bag each morning and put as much as possible in the bladder and then top it off with water (if you are in eastern Colorado, use bottled water when ever you can :eek: From Lamar to Pueblo, the water is just plain bad!). The bag is a little uncomfortable to start because the ice is a bit lumpy but it will melt and smooth out eventually. We often found that we were out of water around noon (packed at around 7 a.m.) because not enough of the ice had melted but we would just add the contents of our tepid spare bottle and be good to go until around 3 p.m. You can always top up with more ice along the way if you want since it's pretty cheap.

Eastern Washington is as brutal as Kansas and Colorado, so I sure it would work out there as well.

I am very interested in reading the replies to this post. I'd also like to know how long the Camelbak can keep the water "cool" while riding in very high temperatures, such as those I experienced last summer in Kansas and eastern Colorado. (The water in my bottles became tepid, and dozens of miles were between stores.) Thanks.

David in PA

The nice thing about the wide-mouth CamelBak's (called Omega) is you can pull into a fast food restaurant and use their ice machine (I have also used motel ice machines) then water. It will keep your water very cool all day. Very nice.

Bottles just don't have the insulation properties. I have had frozen bottles get too warm to drink in 30 minutes (granted it was 115 degrees) but they just become warm too quickly.

I got the Ventoux on sale from Nashbar. It holds 3 litres (100 oz) plus food and clothes. Hoicked up off your back with an external frame thingie to allow the breeze through. :)

I should add that it is also the most comfortable backpack I have worn. Something about how the straps are anchored to the bag at the top makes them extremely comfortable.

<edited to add> It also has a high-visibility yellow rain cover. And reflective stripe. And you can store your helmet in the outside pocket after you get off the bike.

It would be equally at home hiking or going for walks.

When road biking, I use my Camelbak Mule: 100 ounce water supply and 540 cubic inches of storage space. I can carry my pump, tools, cell phone and any other essentials with room to spare.

what about those camelbak "fanny pack" style things? I thought abuot that, but it just doesn't hold enough water.

what about those camelbak "fanny pack" style things? I thought abuot that, but it just doesn't hold enough water.

Never liked "bum packs"* of any kind. Always felt like someone was standing on my stomach.


*I called it a bum pack in deference to our Austrailian readers. The other term is somewhat vulgar, if I have my facts straight. :)

Blowfish. Good water volume. Good storage space and expandable for those off-the-bike excursions or runs to the local market after the tent is set up. Mine is hardly ever expanded but it comes in handy when you want to ditch a coat or carry lunch or a camera or ...

+1 on the Camelbak Blowfish. I had lamented in another thread a whileback about my water getting lukewarm on my rides. Cyccommute piped in about the Blowfish, and I got one. I like the volume (water and otherwise) and I like that it is not as huge as the H.A.W.G. and the Mule. I also think it can be great on day hikes.

Regards,

+1 on the Camelbak Blowfish. I had lamented in another thread a whileback about my water getting lukewarm on my rides. Cyccommute piped in about the Blowfish, and I got one. I like the volume (water and otherwise) and I like that it is not as huge as the H.A.W.G. and the Mule. I also think it can be great on day hikes.

Regards,

The trouble with a roomy bag is that you tend to fill it. The Mule or Lobo are a good size for a day trip and you can strap a jacket or jersey to the outside if required. If you are touring loaded, you don't need the capacity. Something that holds your camera and wallet is all you require. The havoc/mayhem packs also have a slightly higher capacity with many compression/load straps but all the loops and stuff are tucked away so they don't snag and the design seems quite aero.

I own three Camelbacks (or generics)...50 oz...70 oz w/ extra pack....100 oz with extra pack. Depends what I'm doing and where I'm going. Would not be without mine in the Texas heat. For anything over an hour I carry a hydration pack.