This non racing roadie likes the hydration systems I have always been a back pack user so I don't mind them I use a Camelbak Mule for my recreational rides which these days are usually not less than 40 miles and I have a performance back pack with a camel back bag in it for my commute I started using them when I had to give up one of my water bottle cages to a battery for my light system and the other one is reserved for my steel belted coffee cup ( I've said it before and I will say it again someone told me once that it is illegal not to drink espressos here in Seattle and I do not want to break the law) when I am doing short rides it is usually for running errand and then I have my pack on. A side benefit to the larger back pack is that it is easy to smuggle beer into the ball games so I don't have to pay $7.00 for warm red hook and since it is insulated it does keep the beer fairly cool.