cmktech

Ok so I have the bike now, and I am getting ready for my first ride on clementine loop on sunday.

I know I need a camelback, but which is a really nice one to get that holds a lot of water that will lastme? I am not too familiar with them.

Also, what basic toold should I purchase and bring with me?

I have a motocross helmet, or pro-tec bicycle helmet I use to use for bmx. I also have new gloves (troy lee designs(2x), fox), and I have Lizard skinds shin guards.

Tag1

Try doing a search for "camelbak" in this forum. You'll find all the info you need.

ed 

I went with the Camelbak Classic which is 70oz and has one pocket. In hindsight, I should have gotten the Lobo. It has a bit bigger pocket plus a pouch for a pump.

I would use the pump pouch for my CO2 inflator, and the pouch for my car key, cell phone, and multi tool. If there's room, I'd put my tube in there too.

Right now, I have a seat bag with my tube and tool. I cram my cell phone, key, and inflator in the pocket on my Classic. It's a tight fit.

I am also getting ready to go on 2 trips this summer. 1-Colorado and 2-Arkansas. I want to do a couple of "All Day" rides but I can't fit any food in my pack. I'm thinking about getting a Camelbak Mule or Mayhem for the longer trips. They do make cell phone pouches that strap on to them.

I wouldn't normally worry 'bout it, but I'm on call @ the hospital and I need to have my pager and cell phone with me all the time.

a2psyklnut

Don't limit yourself to just Camelback. Deuter is well known in the hiking industry and makes a very nice pack.

One of my best hydropacks was one I bought almost 10 years ago now that was from SUPERGO. They made some with their logo and I guess weren't selling and they had them on closeout for $20.00. Best $20 I'd ever spent.

I bought an actual "Camelback" a few years later and can say it wasn't any better or worse than the generic one.

I'd find one with at least a 100 oz bladder.

My most recent one is a Fox Racing that I bought at my LBS. The bite valve is a bit "iffy", but works well so far. A larger full length pocket and then a smaller half length pocket with a mesh pocket above.

My advice is to not put anything but water into the bladder. I used to put some sports recovery drink in one and sometimes an electrolyte drink (think Gatoraide) and after awhile it ended up giving the bladder the SUPERFUNK!

If you do want to drink those fancy drinks, plan an buying a new bladder every 6 months.

What I do now is water only. Then when I get back home, I rinse it out, then fill it 1/3 to 1/2 way with fresh water and freeze it. Then when I go riding, I top it off with more water. The ice keeps the water cooler for the duration of my ride.

iamthetas

dang A2. you got 6 months? I got about 6 days the last time I used gatorade in mine. it was so stained even straight bleach didnt work.
I have a Deuter M3 and the ventilation beats the crap out of any other brand. it also holds 3 liters and a ton of bike stuff.
you will need to get a bike multi tool, patch kit, some duct tape, small pump or co2 dispenser and cartridges,small first aid kit, tire lever(s) at the very minimum. I carry a lot more than that in my m3 with no problems at all

bhc

which one?

All depends
How long of rides, how remote, how much do you want to bring with you

I have the blowfish, I like to take a lot of stuff with me, as I end up in some very remote desert areas. So it is more of a survival issue with me, and the water supply is nice also
But if you want to take more than 100 oz, get a bigger pack that will either hold a spare bladder, or extra water bottles. Just some things to consider.

FreeRidin'

go to the camelbak website, if I remember correctly the have like a chart that tells you what would be best for you.

MillCreek

I use the Mule and the HAWG most frequently, in that order. Lovely pieces of equipment.

DylanTremblay

I have the CamelBak Rouge which is pretty nice but I wish I would have gone with Lobo cause it's small but has quite a bit of storage and hold quite a bit of water.

valbowski1980

I just got a Blowfish and it's been good. Plenty of space for gear and 100 ml capacity.

BoSoxYacht

Get one w/a holster that will fit a .45 , if you do much road-riding, and have a problem with rednecks .

iamlucky13

FYI, Pricepoint has the Camelback Mule (2004 model, so older colors) on closeout for $50. It's a mid sized hydration pack, so it has room for a decent amount of gear. I've got one on order right now.

They also carry a brand called Sette (I think it's an in-house brand), which is for the budget-minded. I guess if A2 says generic hydration packs work fine, that's a strong endorsement.

Haven't seen you around much lately, A2. Hope that means you've been getting plenty of riding in.