Same here. For long rides in the heat they're hard to beat. Without one I was not only running out of water, but the water in my bottles was hot within 10 minutes. The camelback stuffed with ice and filled with water does a much better job staying cool.

I cannot argue with the points made for these types of devices (Camelback et. al.). They make sense for a lot of reasons. But, there is one good reason I don't own one and don't see myself owning one anytime soon. They look seriously uncool. Sure, that may be vain, but it's honesty. Unlike a lot of folks, I don't have trouble staying hydrated and I don't find lukewarm water particularly unpleasant. I'm never in such a hurry that I mind stopping to refill a bottle or two. I've no interest in sweat rash on my back, either.

I still actually prefer bottles and never had any interest in trying a camelback. What changed my mind was running out of water on long brevets. Doing a 200k or more ride when it's ~95 degrees or better outside with long stretches between controls was all the convincing I needed. I remember one ride where I had two 1 liter bottles, a 2 liter camelback, and I stuffed another liter bottle of water in my bag. Not that I actually drank that much, but when it's really hot it helps to have water to pour over yourself, too.

I only drink "certified organic" water... LOL

Camelback is a great little company and I love them for many different purposes. They make some of the best small daypacks you can buy and are usually cheaper than non-hydration daypacks even with the added bonus of the hydration bladder.

I use one while hiking/backpacking/camping or even when traveling abroad. I spent a month with the new wife wandering around Peru and each of us had everything stuffed into a large daypack bag and a medium duffel bag.

Some of their models are better than others as far as sweaty-back syndrome is concerned. We met a guy with a really high-end camelback that had a sprung mesh net bit that held the rest of the pack about an inch and a half off of your back so air could circulate. There still were the straps over the shoulders and the belly belt but the small of the back was free to breathe. One of those would be much better for sweat. In the Amazon we sweated all over until we were soaked anyhow so it wasn't that big of a deal. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was either too hot or too cold but we were too busy trying to make it over the next pass and getting enough oxygen to care about sweaty backs.

I don't like to wear a pack when riding. It can never be cinched tight enough for me as it tends to want to shift upwards at inopportune moments. I don't like it on a motorcycle either for the same reasons when riding off-pavement and on long sport-touring rides it bothers me with the weight. That's what saddlebags were made for. I do sometimes put the bladder inside my pillion bag but I have to remember to drop the tube before I dismount.

that describes the Camelbak Mule, built for mtn biking. that is the model i use.
"sweat rash" -- i don't know anything about that.

you're right Amesja, they are great for hiking. i have a larger one for dayhikes.

I use one for long rides. The backpack is big enough to pack a days worth of riding supplies, as all but one of my road bikes are not sporting a rack. My pack is designed to help keep my back from sweating(too much), but I still sweat regardless. I've been using a camelback type of device for over 20 years for multiple sports, and there hasn't been anything made that works any better for hydration since(IMO).

On hot days, I usually fill the bladder the night before and freeze it. I pull it out of the freezer a couple hours before the ride.

I've used various sized Camelbacks for work and play for years... But then, I work in the desert too, so take that with a grain of salt. My CB Mule is frequently filled with ice and water in the mornings. I use it when wheeling my Jeep, I just strap it to the seatback. I use the Mule when hiking too. I also carry first aid stuff in the Mule's pockets. And sunscreen and pre-moistened wipes. I use a smaller one if spending a lot of time in a bucket truck bucket.

I have a MULE. It's really big but I love it.

I started to shy away from wearing it during road rides last year, not sure if I'm going to continue that trend this year.

For mountain biking, it's the way to go, and it provides some nice spinal protection if you fall that way.

I currently use handlebar bottle holders on my bikes without braise-ons and also on the ones that only support one bottle. It doesn't look great, but it's functional. A camelback would be great for going farther but I don't think I could stand wearing the gizmo while riding.

Can you extend the hose so that it could be mounted to a rear rack?

...hmmm a front rack might be the answer for this as well. uh oh, now you guys are going to cost me money.

Unless, of course, you are also wearing a bunch of tools or other supplies in the pack. In which case it becomes a pivot-point for causing your spine to get levered/wrenched really hard. This is one reason why I don't wear a fanny-pack when racing dirt bikes in hare scrambles or enduros. Things that are more likely to put you in a chair for the rest of your life = bad. Things like a back brace that make you less likely = good.

Sure, I could always just quit racing, but what is the fun of that?

Two things:

1) I use these on my Dawes as it did not come with braze-ons http://www.twofish.biz/pdf/StainlessCages.pdf They work well enough, but they do move around a little (and abrades the paint). I reckon a small section of inner tube to put between the mount and the frame to hold in in place would fix that. For that matter, if I were to build that bike today, I'd look in to seeing if I could get some bosses brazed on prior to powder coating.

2) When it comes to fuel and hydration, I'd say do whatever works for you. A couple of years ago I near baked myself while training for a marathon (too much heat + ran out of water). In short, if you're not sure if your route will provide ample opportunity to refill your water bottles, go ahead and rock your Camelback brand backpack-style water carrying device. It may not look C&V, but neither does heatstroke.

Well it sounds like I'll be spending my birthday gift certificate @ Dick's Sporting Goods on a Camelback! I feel like I'm always running out of water so a 2L in conjunction w/ 2 large bottles should be good for a few hours. I'm not concerned about how it looks, I was looking for input on the Camelback itself and the reviews seem positive. Thanks!