hydration "systems"--what to get?
 

thinking about getting a camelbak type hydration thingy. any advice on what to get or what NOT to get? the summers are pretty brutal here. I have been using two water bottles but very often I drain them before I get home.

They're all pretty much the same. What to get boils down to personal taste and what extras you want to carry on/in it. I myself am partial to the Classic as all I want on my back is water and maybe a spare pocket for keys or spare lenses for my Cycling glasses.

I have a Camelbak and I like it for my long rides, but I wouldn't want to carry it everyday while commuting. Have you thought about getting more water bottle cages? They have some that go on the saddle, handlebars. If you have room you can put one on the underside of the downtube.

I have a small, barebones one, as I don't like things on my back when I'm mountainbiking (the only time I use it). That being said, +1 to a small zippered pocket somewhere on it.

They come from small to huge, so it depends on what else you might want to carry in it. And keep in mind water is heavy. Stupid sounding, I know, but the bigger the bladder, the heavier the pack when it's full.

$20 Hydration pack from the Army Surplus store. Comparable in size to the M.U.L.E, and not even half the price. It came already with the bite valve cover, and insulated tube sleeve. Another 4 buck and I got a smoke grenede pouch, in matching camo, that i use on the shoulder strap for housing my cell phone.

Beats putting a regular bottle in the outside pocket of my Timbuk2 when riding my 07 Schwinn Madison.

I'm glad somebody started this thread. I'm going to REI this weekend, specifically to check out some Camelbaks. My hubby and I might be doing an organized metric century event on June 1st. It would be a first, for both of us. I'm predicting it will be an almost all-day endeavor for us...having never done this kind of distance before. I thought it might be a good idea to wear one of the Camelbak packs that had some storage capacity (I'm thinking along the lines of the women's L.U.X.E. model). It has a 100oz bladder and 500 cubic inches of storage capacity. It would be nice to have the extra room for tools, snacks, storing a light jacket, etc. Am I going to be uncomfortable hauling this thing on my back all day long? Should I be looking at a different model for my specific needs?

For an organized metric century, you would be fine with just bottle, saddle bag, and the pockets on your jersey. Given that it is an organized ride, hopefully they will have rest stops along the way.

I use my bag mainly for commuting, mountain biking, and solo long distance rides. Where there are no rest stops... unless corner stores count but are not alway available either.

Hmm...well the only "bag" either of us have on our road bikes is a small seat bag. It's just large enough to hold a spare tube, multi-tool, tire lever, and maybe keys. That's why I was leaning towards a pack that had a bit more storage capacity...in case one of us wants to shed a layer, depending on the weather. And yes, there will be designated rest stops with beverages/snacks available during this event. There will also be a sag wagon patrolling the route to help those with unrepairable breakdowns or illness.

It certainly wouldn't be my choice. Since it is supported, you will be able to get snacks/water/drinks at the rest stops. As for light jackets etc, a large seat bag would work - or jersey pockets.

Except for my commute & occasionally for MTB riding, I hate having things on my back when I ride. However some people use them & love them. I guess the ease of drinking without having to get a bottle in & out is appealing.

I would also check the hiking hydration systems. Many of them have the skeletal system (forget what its actually called) that keeps the pack away from your back, which is nice to help prevent an especially sweaty back.

Camelbaks are great if you need to carry a significant amount of liquids. They do prevent cooling to your back which can be a big drawback in the heat, and need to be rinsed after every use. If you are only running out of water now and then I wouldn't bother.
You could try larger bottles or extra mounts.

It depends on what you're using it for. Light & fast road rides or commuting.
If it's for commuting, look for a larger backpack with a suspension system that lifts the load off your back so a) it transfers it onto your hips and b) keeps your back cool.

If it's for faster rides, get a minimalist pack. They usually have enough room to store wallet, keys, phone, and some tools with a pump, so you don't need a big heavy saddle bag.

dont buy a hydrapak... unless you want water dripping constantly on your leg

Deuter makes nice hydration packs too

I love my Camelback. I got it from Nashbar last year. It was a closeout from a previous year. Less than $20... Its relativly small and does not interfere with riding.

Now if I could just get my kids to quit CHEWING on the bite valve! Having water dribaling all over my shoulder kinda sucks!

:D
Billy