SpiderMike

Funny thing I ordered this bag for summer commuting, and just got it. Pending on my day, I'll make my ride home into a 10 miler. Two water bottles were just not cutting it. Then I found this on the camelbak website....

https://www.camelbak.com/mil/cb_prod....product_id=238

Last night, I started sewing reflective ribbon I got at a fabric store. Took the lumbar support off, and tried it out today. All I can say is Awesome. Still going to use my Timbuk2 for rainy days.

ellenDSD

Please don't take this wrong way... as someone who is still searching for the perfect bike bag, I'm thrilled that you have found something that works well for you. But that is one ugly bag!

SpiderMike

No offense taken. That is exactly why I ordered it. After I'm done with the reflective treatment, it will be more menacing. I figure that it holds water, and my stuff, and ugly enough to be noticed.

chroot

Two water bottles (40 oz+) of water in only 10 miles? How hot is Texas? I usually only consume about 1 oz of water per mile here in California.

- Warren

SpiderMike

Average temps go from 95 to 105 with high humidity. This summer has been hotter than heck, and it is still hotter than normal. We have a projected high of 90 on Sunday! The humidity acts like a blanket on me, sweat just doesn't evaporate like it should.

I guess I drink lots of water, compared to your consumtion rate. But having three liters of water, and ability to carry a second bladder ensure I have water for when I do hit the trails. Houston water is bad, but not as bad as Tab, or diet sodas.

oboeguy

That's a wicked looking bag, intimidation-wise. Is it waterproof?

SpiderMike

I was going to pick up some Campdry tonight, just to make sure. It has drain hole on the bottom for the main section, and a drain hole for one of the outer sections. Still going to put may clothes, phone, and such in a plastic bag, then in the pack.

oboeguy

What's Campdry? Is it like ScotchGuard?

SpiderMike

Yeah, Camp Dry is like ScotchGuard. Camp Dry is made by Kiwi (shoe shine stuff). Everywhere local to me has Camp Dry cheaper than the ScotchGuard.

GrodyGeek

Is it the bag you object to or the color? You can change the color (on the website for a look see).

I'm a simple cyclist, and a back pack is a back pack and its no uglier than anything else when in ubitquitious black.

Or is it?

For those scoring at home, I use achient Carradice front panniers in any color you desire as long as its black. They are from before the era of plastic connectors and closures. They use leather straps and buckles. Go ahead, rat on me to PETA, Pam Anderson, and anyone else. While you're at it, mention my leather saddle.

oboeguy

Watch out for fligning of tofu pie from those PETA folks!

On topic: I'll keep an eye out for CampDry. My bag is waterproof, but I have some other stuff which could benefit from it. I haven't though about Scothguard in probably close to 20 years, almost forgot it exists. What kind of stores sell CampDry?

SpiderMike

Most sporting good stores carry it. Down her in Texas we have Academy. Don't flame me, but Xmart carries it as well. Camp Dry is usually found in the camping/sports section. If you have a hunting store/outfitter, might try there as well. I know the stuff works, used in when I was in the Boy Scouts.

WonkerJaw

I like it. And I know how hot it gets in Houston... I lived there for 3 years. But i still think think the old style TransAlp was the best ever. I don't know why they change it. It had a pocket for everything.