Originally Posted by
cyccommute
No, as in a classic Camelbak worn by mountain bicyclists and road bicyclists since their invention in 1989. People using them for hiking came later.
Frankly, I work harder and sweat more on a mountain bike than I ever have on a road bike. But I also have used one for 10,000 miles plus of touring. I don’t find them all that sweaty especially when packed with ice. And, since they keep water cold for about 10 times as long as a water bottle as well as providing more convenient access, I find that I drink more water. Drinking lukewarm water that has been sloshing around in a plastic bottle for 6 hours is far worse than a sweaty back in my opinion.
Yeah, I don't usually tour with one, but have used on on one tour where it was
very hot and not much chance for water resupply. I filled it with ice and it was great. Nice cool condensation on my back all day. Much cooler than without.
I also used a tiny UL backpack on the Southern Tier (different trip). I was riding a road bike with 14# of gear (camping and cooking) so carrying capacity was limited. My plan was to use it only for those few days where I needed added capacity to carry water because I had no resupply opportunity for 24 hours or so. Funny thing is I wound up liking it so much I wound up wearing it the rest of the trip, generally with 2# or less of stuff in it. It was great to have my phone, money, ID, and plastic with me at all times. It was a winter trip though so it wasn't too hot most of the time (mid Feb. - mid March).