Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Clydes And camelbaks

Any of you king size clydes use a camelbak ? If so how large are the waist belts ? And do you like them ?I have heard water taste like plastic kept in them !

I ride a LOT like all of us in hot summer and am really considering one what are your thoughts and the best place to get one .I see Ebags has them ! Thanks in advance .

Wow, I wonder too. I am 240 and barely fit the straps around myself. Since the straps on mine are pretty much similar to camping/hiking equipment, I wonder if strap/belt extensions are sold at surplus type stores?

I use a Camelbak during the hot summer months and have had no problems with it. There is no waist belt (as far as I know) but there is a chest strap that keep the shoulder straps from slidding off. I also don't find any problems with taste. Only thing I am concerned with is you can't see what your water level is so I carry a cycling bottle and use it as a 'backup' if I run the camelbak dry.

I'm 320 and haven't had any problems getting a Camelback to fit.

They only taste like plastic if you leave the bag laying around in the sun. When you're not using it, either rinse the bladder out and use a hanging dryer thingie to get it completely dry, or fill it with water and put it in the fridge until you need it again. I do the latter.

I use an off brand camel back, and I am happy with it. I don't use it in the winter, but for summertime riding, it seem to be much easier to use that bottles.

Any of you king size clydes use a camelbak ? If so how large are the waist belts ? And do you like them ?I have heard water taste like plastic kept in them !

I ride a LOT like all of us in hot summer and am really considering one what are your thoughts and the best place to get one .I see Ebags has them ! Thanks in advance .

Just get rid of the waist belt. I've really never found a need for one even in rugged mountain biking. The pack is pretty narrow and rest well on your back. Use the sternum strap, however.

The waist belt fits me, but I don't use it, just the sternum strap to keep my shoulders from getting sore. The water doesn't taste like plastic unless you leave it in the bladder for weeks or leave it in the sun. Wash and dry when not in use. I bought mine so long ago I can't remember where I got it.

I own a couple camelbak's and I love them. One never had a waist strap and the other I took that strap off as I found it unnessicary.

If you are looking to buy one I suggest getting one with a larger storage compartment (or compartments) than you think you'll want. One of mine has only enough space for my wallet, keys, and cellphone so I rarely use it in favor of my M.U.L.E. which can carry a spare tube, inflator, a couple power gels, and still has space for my wallet/keys/etc.

I have do sometimes run out of water since you can't see the water level as you ride but I figure if I've already had 2L+ of water I'm not going to dehydrate on the way back to my car.

If you use the bladder a few days a week and only run water through them they shouldn't need much cleaning but I have a trick for longer term storage that keeps the bladders clean:

• Empty the bladder.
• Add about a shot worth of plain vodka and swish it around in the bladder.
• put the bladder (vodka and all) into the freezer. (you can roll it up to save space)
• For the next use, just rinse out the vodka with some tap water before filling it for your ride and you'll be ready to go.

• Empty the bladder.
• Add about a shot worth of plain vodka and swish it around in the bladder.
• put the bladder (vodka and all) into the freezer. (you can roll it up to save space)
• For the next use, just rinse out the vodka with some tap water before filling it for your ride and you'll be ready to go.


Or, add two shots of Vodka, 7UP and a twist of lime.

I love my Camelbak. I have the LOBO. Lots of pockets for storage. I am 250 with a 42-44 waist (ever changing). and it fits no problem. And as mentioned, you can not worry about the waist strap if needed.

I often ride with no planned route, and just end back when my body tells me to. I have found that I usually ride much longer when I have the Camelbak, because I stay hydrated, where with a bottle and cage I get complacent and don't drink.

I use a no-name one and it works well. I can tell somewhat how much water is left by how heavy it is. I just rock your torso from side to side and I can get an idea.

I'm not affiliated, but www.jensonusa.com has some on clearance. Not sure how the prices compare to others since I haven't been looking for them. Link is below.
http://http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/118-Hydration++Water+Bottles.aspx (http://http//www.jensonusa.com/store/sub/118-Hydration++Water+Bottles.aspx)

I don't use one on the bike (I find it uncomfortably sweaty during the summer) but I have a 2L resi that I use in one of my hiking packs. As everyone stated above, if you keep it washed out between uses, there's no funky plastic taste to the water.

A big important issue when cleaning it is to pay attention that you let the hose drain completely! You can develop quite a contaminant buildup in that hose if you're not careful to clean and drain it well after each use.

I use them in the summer as a reservoir now, found I was over hydrating with them, but I never used the belt and I had no issues. On another note, I bought a Hydrapak last year and found I really liked the reservoir bags much better. So much easier to clean and deal with that the Camelbaks.

Pipes, for me I have found a Camelbak handy during longer rides (over 1.5 hours) in warm weather. I have a 40 oz small unit that fits my 230 lb frame nicely with only shoulder straps. I load it with ice and water that stays cool the entire ride as opposed to bottles that heat-up quickly. I don't care what some roadies say; it may not be fashionably correct but I'm staying hydrated with cool water. It may take a bit more work to keep the unit clean but well worth the effort on longer runs.

You shouldn't have any problems with a camelbak fitting. Just try them on. With the waist belt doesn't fit not certain it's necessary. My Rogue did not come with a belt and I don't miss it at all. I also have a Mule and a Hawg (OK for that, the belt is nice). I can't speak for other hydration systems. I always buy Camelbak.

OK this probably is not recommended, but I have been using camelbaks for years. I don't do anything special. I never use anything but tap water in it. There is a reason for this. Nothing ever with sugar as that can caused bacteria to grow. I use tap water because of all the added chlorine and Fluorine (sp?) . Almost impossible for bacteria to grow in that water. When I am done, I filled the camelbak up with tap water. That's it. I have never had a problem and the camelbak bladder stays supple. Next ride, dump out old, put in new and i am off.

Well it seems everyone likes there camelbak. So iguess Iam gona get a small one and a mule as mostly everyday all summer I ride all day 4 to 6 hrs atleast .And need cold water . Tanks for all the input guys :thumb:

Well it seems everyone likes there camelbak. So iguess Iam gona get a small one and a mule as mostly everyday all summer I ride all day 4 to 6 hrs atleast .And need cold water . Tanks for all the input guys :thumb:

Just get a Blowfish. Same water capacity as the M.U.L.E. and a similar carrying capacity but the Blowfish can be made into a smaller package when you don't need the space. You can also put a 70 oz bladder into it (as you can will all the large capacity Camelbaks) if you don't want to carry a lot of water.

Just get a Blowfish. Same water capacity as the M.U.L.E. and a similar carrying capacity but the Blowfish can be made into a smaller package when you don't need the space. You can also put a 70 oz bladder into it (as you can will all the large capacity Camelbaks) if you don't want to carry a lot of water.

Who makes the Blowfish ? And best place to get one ?

Loks like Iam going to get the M .U.L.E N.V. a new version of the old mule . I have been reading and reserching and it seems like it a fit my needs .Added is the new back cooling and all the bladers seem to be made anti bacterial material now . Theres LOTS a extra dodads and gadgets one can buy for a camelbak any of them of MUST HAVE or just nice to have ??

I have a M.U.L.E. and a Rogue (or a Lobo, I can't remember). I love them both but my thoughts are opposite of some of the posters. The more space you have, the more stuff you'll carry. The more stuff you carry, the heavier it is. My tubes, tools and tire repair stuff is in my seat bag. I'd rather have the bike carry weight instead of my back. I used my Rogue/Lobo for BRAG (the Bike Ride Across Georgia) and it was great to have.

Dunno about the extra doodads. I didn't buy any like the hose insulator or anything although that could be useful in sub freezing temps when riding or snowshoeing or skiing, etc. I have used my Camelbak for non-bike stuff like skiing, traveling, hiking, picnics, etc. simply because it carries lots of water, snacks, camera, etc.

The first time I used it, I ended up sharing my water w/ a friend who ran out during the 5 boro bike tour. Other uses have been to rinse out wounds, clean my bike and pour on my head to cool off or clean up.

I have a military issue Camelbak that was issued to my father in the 80's. it has jogging straps on it that go across your chest and they are adjustable, it's very nice, I have never had a problem with it. Yes the water does taste like plastic a little, but if you buy the newer ones from Cableas, Sheels, or any other big name outfitter you can get a little higher end ones that have a coating on the inside of the pack that is supposed to eliminate the plastic taste. :)

I got a brand new Camelback, I rinsed it and filled it up just to check it out... YUCK!!!:wtf: How do you get that nasty taste out of it? Someone said somthing about denture ceansing tablets. Should I pick some up?

I got a brand new Camelback, I rinsed it and filled it up just to check it out... YUCK!!!:wtf: How do you get that nasty taste out of it? Someone said somthing about denture ceansing tablets. Should I pick some up?

I would read up and see if you can get a second opinion on that (try and find someone that has done it and get their advice would be ideal), because something tells me that do that could leave a residue in your Camelbak that might be harder to get out than the taste.

I was Sams Club last weekend and they had a camel pak type thig that held a 2 liter of fluids and fit me @ 340#. If I remember correctly it was like Swiss army or somthing?

Ok an update I spoke directily to the head of cust service in Ca for Camelbak all the Camelbaks will fit up to a size 66 waist that takes care of my size 50 :O) also all there bladers are anti imicrobial now and the hoses are all taste free . Just thought some of you might like to know this info .

thanks

i have never tried the vodka trick with the bladder, but a couple of teaspoons of lemon juice and water will clean out the pack pretty well without a bad after taste. i have tried other methods that left the first fill tasting like pool water.

Well between my wife and I we have 6 versions, Love them. I only use the belt on the big one(transalp) and only when hiking..... never on a bike. I have been using Camelbacks now for 15 years (wow... just realized that) No complaint here! Use them for biking, hiking, snowboarding, school, weekend trips, etc... Enjoy!