Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - CamelBak Questions? Or, lots of water bottles that get warm...???

Ok, thinking about a 'CamelBak' for my Bike. Trying to weigh out the Pros and Cons...

I only have a mount for one water bottle. I can carry another bottle in my rack bag, but then do not have as much room for my other junk.

They make these zip-tie type brackets so you can add water bottle mounts to other places ~ but am wondering if that is really the best way to go? If you use plain water bottles, the water gets too warm, too fast. If you get the insulated ones, you don't carry as much water (I don't need *cold* water, just not body-temp water) Plus, 2-3 bottles is bout the max I could carry.

If I got a CamelBak - I would *NOT* want it on my back! There was a thread in the 'touring' forum about a way to mount a CamelBak to the bike?? Does anyone have thoughts about this?

I know a lot of folks have been talking about CamelBaks - so was hoping to start one thread about them - good, bad - stuff we might be missing?

If you mount one so it hangs from your top-tube, can you even drink from it while riding? How much sucking do you have to do to even get water uphill from the bag to your mouth?

And so on... Help?? :D

Put a sock on it. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=553672)

Seriously. Rowan passed this idea along to me, and it works fairly well. Get a sock, a cotton one, soak it well in water, and slide your bottle into it. You might need an elastic or something to hold it up.

The air blows against the wet sock while you ride and creates an air conditioning effect. And if the sock dries out, you can usually find a water source of some sort - small stream, puddle, tap - to get it wet again.

From another thread...
They used to sell nice water bottle socks, now you just have to make your own.

Been doing this since 1983....

could always go half way. i load my bottles up with ice before i take off. it stays cold in the beginning and in about in a hour you will have cool water. i figure in a couple to a few hours into the ride i could care less what im drinking even if it was pond water:lol:. but until then i like having cool to cold water.

I'm interested to hear the ideas, because I'm having similar water challenges, although more related to volume than temperature. In riding longer distances, I carry two water bottles with HEED in them, so I also like to carry plain water. I am using my Camelbak on my back for now, but it is uncomfortable and I'd like to get away from it. But, I don't know how to carry enough water without it.

Regarding temperature, being in Colorado, I don't have much of an issue with that. Even on 90 degree days, I find that if I start with two bottles that have been refrigerated overnight, they are cool enough to drink for 3-4 hours. After that, I don't know because I have to find a stop-n-rob for refills anyway. In four hours, I usually drink two bottles of HEED and about 30-40 ozs. of Camelbak water. If I ride longer, I have to refill somewhere along the route.

For the Camelbak, I think it would be easy to drink from a mounted position as long as you can mount it with the bottom of the bladder down. The tube connects at the bottom of the bladder, so as long as it is situated so the water is always at the bottom, it doesn't take much effort to drink. I've had mine laying on the floor of my truck before and was still able to take a drink (on the ride home). I have no issues with my Camelbak other than sweating on my back. Keep it clean, hang it to dry when not in use, and it works great. I also use mine to carry keys, Blackberry, wallet, etc. I'm not really comfortable carrying those in my jersey pockets, and my seat bag is full. My daughter has a small one, holds about 30 ozs. or so, and I think it could be mounted. A big one like mine I don't think could be mounted on a bike. It's pretty bulky and would be in the way.

I have a tiny Gregory sillicone water bladder pack and it holds a 2 litre bladder that I half fill with ice on hot rides. The pack is stupid light and carries the water bladder high on my back so I never notice it on my rides. The tube even came with a handy magnetic clip to hold it in place on the pack straps. I never fill the bladder with flavoured drink mixes -- just plain water. The bladder and hose are tough enough to clean and dry that I don't want to add any fungal foods to the task. The Gatorade (yecch) I carry in cheap water bottles and I half freeze them to keep them cold, then toss into my basket.

The pack hasn't made my back clammy and wet yet. I will wear my bike jersey with the Gregory pack and the back of the pack and the straps are made from mesh and very light, quick drying material.

I saw the camelbak on bike carrying method on the touring forum. I think AdamDZ (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?69234-Pictures-of-your-loaded-rigs/page70) uses this method on his bike (post #1742). You could ask him about it.

I hate carrying things on my back. Especially in warm weather. So I won't get a camelback that way.


If you get the insulated ones, you don't carry as much water (I don't need *cold* water, just not body-temp water) You're getting the wrong bottles, then. My insulated Camelback bottles carry just as much as any other water bottle. 750ml for the large ones, 500ml for the smaller ones.

http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/camelbak-chilljkt-gr-med.jpg

How come nobody freezes their water? When I play baseball doubleheaders on 90 degree days I freeze a gallon of water and let it melt. By the time you start needing water enough will have melted and of course prehydration is a must.

How come nobody freezes their water? When I play baseball doubleheaders on 90 degree days I freeze a gallon of water and let it melt. By the time you start needing water enough will have melted and of course prehydration is a must.

Have you ever ridden a bike in hot weather? If I froze bottles, I'd die of dehydration before I could drink them.

If you get that thirsty that fast you didn't drink enough before you started your ride. It melts pretty quickly. If anything on an average temp day in the 70s you may find it doesn't melt fast enough but then you don't have to freeze it solid.

I am more about water volume as well. As for the temp - cool is nice, just not warm.

Does anyone have anything *bad* to say about CamelBaks? How long is the tube that comes stock? If it was mounted on the bike, would it be long enough to drink from?

I like riding with my hydration pack, but I have only been riding a hybrid to this point. I like having the water right there when I need it and it stays ice cold. Plus, I use the bag instead of a pack. I don't even notice it when riding and the bag keeps me cool as well. I will let you know in a few days if I like riding with the hydration pack on my road bike.

Either way, it is really just personal preference and opinions.

I like riding with my hydration pack, but I have only been riding a hybrid to this point. I like having the water right there when I need it and it stays ice cold. Plus, I use the bag instead of a pack. I don't even notice it when riding and the bag keeps me cool as well. I will let you know in a few days if I like riding with the hydration pack on my road bike.

Either way, it is really just personal preference and opinions.

You say you use "the bag" - more details please? What bag?

I'm looking for a way to mount a second bottle holder on my bike currently, but I'm with some of the others.

I just take a 24oz Aquafina bottle, throw it in the freezer overnight and start out with that. Within about 20-30 minutes here in Fla it's already mostly melted and within an hour to an hour and a half it's pretty much fully melted cold water.

If I could find a way to mount a second bottle I'd be golden!

I freeze them too... just freeze one bottle and put ice in the second one.

Or fill them half way and freeze ... then top off before your ride.

Or, get used to drinking lukewarm water, it's not bad for you and it's easier. :)

Hydration packs, and any other backpack, will not allow for heat to escape off your back.

It doesn't matter if I put ice in the water or not... 45 minutes later, it ain't cool anymore and it sure ain't cold! Plus our ice tastes awful so I prefer warm water.

One good thing about throwing water in the rack trunk is you can fill the trunk (or a sack in the trunk) with ice :)

I've heard of the sock thing before, but the humidity has to be low enough for the water to evaporate. I was told it works best in "The West" because it tends to be less humid here.

Peter, if you end up sticking with bottles in cages, you can get TwoFish attachments that hold a cage onto the frame, and Soma makes a great bottle that is BPA-free, so the water doesn't taste like gnarly plastic (or raise your estrogen or whatever). I don't know if it is wise to freeze them full of water, though, since they aren't very flexible.

Nice Idea, thank you 'Wild Animals'. :)

For those of you looking for another way to mount bottles to your bikes don't forget about mounts like the Profile Designs RM1 (http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/products/hydration/all-hydration/rm1.html) or Aquarack (http://www.profile-design.com/profile-design/products/hydration/all-hydration/aquarack.html). There's also things like the Fuel Belt - which I love to use when I go on runs over 8 miles. Never used it on a bike, but I'm sure it would be more than comfortable.

Who wants to carry 5 or 10lbs of water on a ride? I carry two 24oz bottles and a few packets of CarboRocket (http://www.carborocket.com/) or Gatorade. With a little flavor added, even warm water is quite tasty and drinkable. On warm days, I stop at convenience stores, restaurants, or public water fountains to refill as often as necessary.

I use a camelback on mountain bike rides, mostly so I can stash my tools, keys, and stuff in it. (Water bottles and seat bags don't last long in the woods.) I don't like wearing them in the summer at all. The water in the hose heats up fast and you lose a lot of cooling area on your back.

For road rides I find two insulated bottles is plenty for 40 or 50 miles if I start out pretty hydrated. Then I find somewhere to refill them.

I love my CamelBak. When my rides are going to be over 15 miles, I use the CamelBak. I fill it full of Ice and water and it stays cold and ends very cool for at least 2-3 hours. Because the portions that lays against your back is padded, it insulates some and I think it keeps that area of my back cool as it migrates a bit.

I also find that when I wear a CamelBak, I stay better hydrated because of constant access.

Also, the little pockets are great for stuff.

My $02

camelbak makes insulated bottles that was already said in this thread but they also make sleeves

http://camelbak.com/~/media/Products/Past/2009-Bottles/Podium-Chill/Large-moved-on-20100607/bottles-podium-chill-carbon-large300.ashx?bc=White&as=0&dmc=0&h=340&thn=0&w=270

http://camelbak.com/sports-recreation/bottles/podium-chill.aspx

http://camelbak.com/~/media/Images/products/Rec_S08/270x340/CamelbakBottleJacuzzi_black_270x340.ashx?bc=White&as=0&dmc=0&h=340&thn=0&w=270

http://camelbak.com/sports-recreation/accessories/insulated-bottle-sleeve.aspx

i've never personally used these products but they seem promising i'm probably going order some bottles as for the sleeves.. im still on the fence about it

I use one for unsupported rides since it allows more access for water. I also live the convenience of the hose on hills over trying to pull a bottle out. Sometimes on a hill I have a hard time not toppling over at my whopping 3.5mh pace.: ) I can also fit a bar, fruit and rain coat in it. I don't use a CB on supported rides, because I'll start to pack for a holocaust at the rest stops. I also use two standard water bottles in addition. Sweat is not an issue since I am soaked anyway.

One of my ridding partners put on a extra long hose and bungees hers to a rack on the back. She than has a holder for the nozzle mounted to the top tube. She also spends a lot of time in the drops.
There was a post in touring where they have a water bag that fit like a frame pack.

Who wants to carry 5 or 10lbs of water on a ride? I carry two 24oz bottles and a few packets of CarboRocket (http://www.carborocket.com/) or Gatorade. With a little flavor added, even warm water is quite tasty and drinkable. On warm days, I stop at convenience stores, restaurants, or public water fountains to refill as often as necessary.

For road riding I do the same thing, by planning my routes I can get away with 2 bottles. On mountain bike rides, the CamelBak goes with me for a couple of reasons. First, of course is that it lets me hold an extra 70 ounces of water in places where getting more water is not an option. The second is that the water bottles get dirt and mud get on them, from the trail, which does not taste good. I put my electrolyte drinks in my bottles and take off the lid to drink to keep from swallowing trail debris. I find that filling my CamelBak with ice and using the smaller units helps keep my back cooler too.

I was considering getting a camelbak unbottle and strapping that to the top tube. Insulated and up to 100oz size.

I hate carrying things on my back. Especially in warm weather. So I won't get a camelback that way.

You're getting the wrong bottles, then. My insulated Camelback bottles carry just as much as any other water bottle. 750ml for the large ones, 500ml for the smaller ones.

http://s.wiggle.co.uk/images/camelbak-chilljkt-gr-med.jpg

I have the non-insulated camelback bottles, and I plan on buying some insulated ones, soon. They are the BEST water bottles I have ever used, by far! I really like the way they made the valve, with a manual "lock" to it, but you can just leave it open on the bike. I prefer to squirt water into my mouth from a bike bottle anyway, I don't like having to suck water through a straw (basically).

I use a CamelBak during the summer and have no problems with extra heat on my back. They put channels in it to let air flow and cool you. Also when you have it on the sun is not beating on your back. They make a foam covered hose for their units to help keep the water cool in the hose.

For training I use a camelback 100 oz filling it with ice cubes then a strong mix of gatoraide. The camelback keeps the sun off my back and the ice has a 5 hr limit, in 90 degree, providing me cool drink. Starting out it weighs 21 lbs but where i live it is flat the extra weight keeps my back straighter and when getting tired my hands don't get as numb.
I am at the point where i am getting 10 mph over 40 miles. Hopefuly as my average gets higher I will not need as much water over time. Between bike and camelback and me it's 310 lbs. I;m still at the point where i can bonk at any point of a ride and to have the extra water is a safety net. you can always take out the bladder and put it on your head to cool down

What I do is I have two cages on my frame. I freeze 1 bottle 3/4 of the way up and tilt it a little on the side. (more surface area when I top up the bottle) and I freeze another to the top. THe I freese 2 more regular bottles And I keep those in my back pack. The rack mounts thaw out nicely during the ride, Then, but the couple of hours it takes to empty the rack bottles The ice is only half melted in the back pack bottles. Take one out and switck it with the rack bottle... then the other and by then the ride is over!

Eric...

sounds like some of you are not drinking nearly enough water prior to going on your rides. I only recently started carrying one bottle for rides up to 30 miles or so and I don't even drink the whole thing! I'm definately a bit dehydrated when I finish but far from a dangerous level.

fortunately with all of my riding being in the area of NYC there are plenty of places to stop and get water.

I started using a small camelback on the tt bike as reaching for a bottle can be awkward. I like it, but not so much that I'm gonna use it on the road bike. I think it does make it easier to stay hydrated as it's so easy to get a sip.

I use a camelback for mountain biking over 1 hr. Under 1 hr. I wear a road jersey and put two medium size bottles in the pockets. I don't like the camelback, too sweaty on the back, but it is the best option over 1 hr on the mtn bike. On really hot days, I blow in the tube to empty it after drinking, that way the water in the tube doesn't get really hot. Takes a little longer to get a sip, but if you don't like to sip hot water it works.

For the road bike and hot days, I fill one bottle 3/4 full, the other 1/2 full, and put them in the freezer without the lids. They flex enough, and I can see the levels are a little higher in the morning due to the expansion when freezing. That is good for about 2 hours for me.

I use the Camelbak Podium Chill featured a few times above. it is **great** for keeping drinks cold. that said, freezing half a bottle may have the same effect...

I tried using a camelbak last summer, but had issues with my back getting too hot (as mentioned by others). My road bike ('89 Raleigh Technium) only has 1 bottle braze on and I don't like the clamp/zip tie cages for the frame. I plan on purchasing a seat post based cage from performance (~$30).

I have a camel back and very seldomly use it. Mainly because I hate the stupid thing. It's a pain to clean and the water gets very hot in the tube (mine is non-insulated so perhaps that is part of the problem). I do use it on long solo rides because I hate stopping for water, it's also a handy place to stash your keys and extra do-dads. Of course, YMMV. Watch for one to go on sale and give it a shot, see and do what works best for you :thumb:

You shouldn't put anything but water/ice in a camelback unless you like to do your own science experiments. ;) Camelbaks are perfect if you are going to do long rides where your on-bike carrying capacity is not enough or you are riding in extreme heat. You can fill a camelbak with ice and water and it will stay cold significantly longer than an insulated water bottle. You can use the water from the camelbak to sprinkle cold water on your legs to help cool you off. If you have a well designed camelbak your back won't get uncomfortably warm even in desert heat. You will drink more often with a camelbak because of the convenience. On the down side they can be uncomfortable and on really long events they can contribute to Schermer's neck which is a fatigue of the neck muscles. Unless you are doing ultra-distance races that shouldn't be a problem for you. ;)

Camelbaks are a tool, like everything else. Weigh the pro's and con's, if the pro's out weigh the con's it's your tool! :)

I don't know if my camel back will be any cooler than my water bottles it may be warmer from my body heat and being directy in the sun, in a dark blue cover. But I really don't care for real cold liquids during a long ride in the heat, I feel that it shocks my system.

... the water gets very hot in the tube ...

After you drink, if you blow into the tub it will push the water back into the bladder where it will stay cool or you can open the valve with your finger and let the warm water drip on you thighs before you drink. ;) As the water evaporates it will cool your legs. It actually feels pretty good!

I don't know if my camel back will be any cooler than my water bottles it may be warmer from my body heat and being directy in the sun, in a dark blue cover. But I really don't care for real cold liquids during a long ride in the heat, I feel that it shocks my system.

From my experience doing ultra races in the desert it stays cooler for significantly longer. As far as cold liquids on hot days, I would chalk that up to personal preferences. Any liquid is better than none! I would guess that a more people would have a hard time drinking too hot water from a bottle on a hot day than too cold.

Who wants to carry 5 or 10lbs of water on a ride?
Me! I drink a lot. My water bottles (uninsulated) are warm by the time I get to the trailhead, let alone after riding. The Camelbak I have for my mtb (Hawg NV) has loads of storage. Tools, tubes, pump, lunch, MP3 player. I liked it so much I bought a smaller one for when I ride the MUPs with my wife. (Yes, I bought her one, too.) I really don't notice the weight at all when I'm riding. (The big one holds 100oz of water and is probably close to 10# with tools and everything else.)

Someone complained about the water in the tube getting warm. Simple solution: after you drink, empty out the hose by blowing air into it. Next drink will be nice and cold.

I fill mine up 1/3-1/2 way with water and freeze it overnight. It stays cold for HOURS.

sounds like some of you are not drinking nearly enough water prior to going on your rides

Right, because you can tell how much people you've never met sweat.

I can't imagine how we got along without you!

Peter:
here is a list of various things available to attach additional bottle cages to your bike.
http://www.nordicgroup.us/cageboss/
Steve is violenty anti-hose clamp, but hose clamps will also hold most cages to a bike, assuming you've got round tubes.

You can also stuff an extra bottle into your middle jersey pocket depending on how large your pockets are. Typically a medium sized bottle would happily ride there.

My wife and I have been using the Polar Insulated Bottles for several years since we did a ride in 90-100 degree weather. We tried the Camel Back and my back sweat so much and having that extra weight, just didn't like it. We can do 50+ mile rides and they stay nice and cold. When we run low we just stop where ever we can and refill and be on our way. Love the insulated bottles period.

While researching a bike to buy I came across mtnbikeriders.com which featured a blurb about a PCYCH bag. This looks like the exact type of thing you are looking for. I'm very interested in it as well though that possible $100 price tag may deter me.
Bag: http://www.pcych.com/crosscountry.html
Vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SKVzdhZWU&feature=player_embedded#! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SKVzdhZWU&feature=player_embedded#%21)
Article: http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2010/06/08/product-development-in-action/

While researching a bike to buy I came across mtnbikeriders.com which featured a blurb about a PCYCH bag. This looks like the exact type of thing you are looking for. I'm very interested in it as well though that possible $100 price tag may deter me.
Bag: http://www.pcych.com/crosscountry.html
Vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SKVzdhZWU&feature=player_embedded#! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66SKVzdhZWU&feature=player_embedded#%21)
Article: http://www.mtnbikeriders.com/2010/06/08/product-development-in-action/

This is PERFECT!!!! Now, where to buy it???

My wife and I have hydration packs that we carry on our backs, but they also hold all our necessary tools, Clif Bars, etc. At first I had my reservations about it, but now I'm used to it. I forget the backpack is even there.

As for the "sweat on the back" issue, that's going to happen regardless whether I carry the pack or not. My wife's Camelbak has spaces between the pads which allow airflow to the back. It's pretty nice. Dunno if it works, but it's a nice feature.

We do a lot of MTBing and everyone have hydration packs. I don't see it so often with road cyclists.

Most bikes will successfully accommodate two bottle mounts. That's enough for me. I know where I can re-fill them on most any ride.. If not , aren't 7-11's most everywhere when you are forced to drink AquaFina.. As to myself. I hate that hot spot on my back on a hot day.. Only thing, I'd mount on my back when riding, a set of wings if they were to make it possible to fly..
I do own a Camelbak. If I knew I was going out on a desert ride with no facilities, guess I"d be forced to wear it. But, I"d try to only do such on a day when it was not too hot.

CamelBak comments (I use a 100oz/3L Unbottle):

- the hose is about 3' long
- bite valves with a 90 degree turn work well coming over the shoulder; take the 90 degree shutoff valve off and mount bite valve direct to tube for "coming at ya" uses
- the Unbottle has no shoulder straps, just clips to engage 1" webbing
- if hung from the top tube, it may swing, though rigging tight straps to down tube should help
- I ride a recumbent, and the Unbottle is strapped to the rear of my seat.
- get a cleaning kit: narrow brush is used to clean the inside of the tube, and will need it since backwash turns to slime after a summer of use without cleaning :eek:
- if you have the tube coming at you from the handlebar stem, get creative with plastic tubes to point it back towards yourself
- pack the bladder full of ice, then top off full of water, and you'll have cool water for 4-5 hours, and warm water after that
- not difficult to draw water up from bag, though it's best not to do it when out of breath from climbing hills
- I pinch the valve open after a sip to allow the tube to drain back, otherwise the next sip will be warm water from the tube instead of ice water from the bladder
- pack a replacement bite valve (or two) on long tours; I've worn through two where it attaches to the tube in 5 years' experience

CamelBak comments (I use a 100oz/3L Unbottle):



Thank you for all your info :) It helps~!