radshark

I primarily ride my road bike. I'd like to take a few litres of water (3) with me on rides. I looked at some hydration packs but I'm concerned about wearing a pack on my back (I can only imagine it gets hot and uncomfortable).

I was wondering if anyone has seen or rigged up a hydration pack (i.e. https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1188417317903) to fit on the frame itself.

Cheers,

R.

MAK

I'm heavy and I sweat. Quite frankly, after the first five minutes I forget that the pack is there. I use a 2
liter Camelbak Rogue and the only time I realize it's there is when I'm drinking from it. I put 2 liters of water with Camelbak Elixir (electrolyte tabs) in the pack and carry a bottle of water for cooling the neck, washing sweat from face, etc...

Three liters will be heavy and unless you're in the desert, two liters and a bottle will likely be fine.

The link you included is for a bladder that will have no rigidity or insulation.

Shaverda

They've never bothered me at all. They don't flop around. After filling them up and in the first few minutes/moments of your ride, you'll probably notice them, but after that, I forget they're there.

cyccommute 

Many of the newer (within the last 3 years) packs have much better backs on them. They generally have flow channels and raised pads that allow air to circulate around them. I personally prefer Camelbak brand ...I've owned several. My latest Blowfish is 2 years old and much better than my 5 year old one. Even in very hot weather (103 F), I prefer wearing it to drinking out of a baked water bottle. When I tour, I cram as much ice into the bladder as I can and the bag cools my back as well as providing cold water for most of the day. It's worth the extra weight.

At the end of a long day, the weight of the pack starts to bother me but by that time everything is bothering me

Pedal Wench

Zefal and Elite make 1L waterbottles that fit into standard bottle cages.

radshark

Thanks for the advice!

I'll take a look at some 2-3 litre packs ...

But I am intrigued by the "frame pack" that sounds like what I'm looking for.

Where can I find one? I've been looking for a bit now .. no luck so far.

R.

porq

frame pack: https://www.mec.ca/Products/product_d...=1188634208138

MAK

I have some Camelbaks and also a triangle frame bag on one of my bikes. You will not get either a 2 or 3 liter bladder in a frame pack. At best you might get a 1/2 liter bladder but I doubt it. Go to a store and check things out before you waste money on line.

SweetLou

On my longer rides, I use a Camelbak Rogue. Like said above, I don't even notice it after a couple of minutes. I went with the Rogue because of the 2 liter capacity and the lack of all the pockets. I drink a lot of water when I ride or do anything else athletically, so I wanted something that held a lot of water but I didn't need all the extra pockets like the Camelbak M.U.L.E. I don't like to stop once I start to ride, so a Camelbak was a much needed accessory for me.

The Rogue holds everything I need and the water stays cold for a long time, especially if you add some ice. The water in the drink tube might get warm, but as soon as the water from the bladder comes through, it is nice and cold.

Da Tinker

Try this: https://www.neverreach.com/page/page/276159.htm

Saddle mounted hydration system, no weight on your back & out of the way.

radshark

wow .. that's some gear!

i'll definitely check that out - and the hydration packs mentioned in previous posts.

thanks for the help and advice!

R.

stapfam

Camelbacks are designed to be comfortable and I do not have a sweat problem on the back. Use 2 Bladders- Both 1.5 litres. For up to 4 hours I use one bladder and if more- then the second bladder goes in .

telebianchi

I've used a camelback for seven or eight years...I'm on my second one now. I started out wearing it for mountain biking, but then found it so easy that I use it for the road bike also. I keep some cash, an ID, insurance card, etc. in it all the time. Because of the mountain biking side of life, I probably keep more tools and stuff in it than needed for the road but things have come in handy in the past (helped someone with a broken chain a couple weeks ago thanks to Park multi-tool). It also makes it easy to carry jackets/vests/gloves/etc. when the cool weather arrives.

Sure, it can feel hot and sweaty on steamy summer days but it's not like wearing I'm wearing a wool cap or winter-weight jersey. Also, I'm so used to it now that I feel strange when I ride without it on.

But, most importantly for me, I know that I drink more water with the camelback on. It's just easy to grab and take a few swallows. I'll put gator-aid in a bottle on hotter or longer days.

edzo

even though camelbaks on road is so anti OCP...they allow you to go bigger unsupported. you soon forget you are wearing one. plus you can hide 10lbs of steel in there and when everyone pulls over to chat about the road ride you just did you can plonk the iron down and say yeah it was a good ride...snicker

dmcrane

I just got the Rogue too. I've only used it once so far but I like it. Like others said, you only notice it in the beginning because you are not used to it and it continually gets lighter - you are drinking and sweating it out. It is a lot more convenient than water bottles. IMHO, if you need more than 1 bottle, get a hydration pack. I was lucky to have a coupon from Performance for a grand opening of a new store plus it was on sale. So, it actually only cost me $20.

bradchandler

I have the camelback rogue. It seems to be more narrow than a lot of the other backpack hydration systems, so it covers less of my back. I think that helps make it feel cooler. I only use it for longer rides though. For shorter rides, I'll just use one or two water bottles.