hydration backpacks
 

So, after a lifetime of using waterbottles on my road bikes, I bought a camelback to use off road. I've never used one before - is the hose supposed to go under your arm or over your shoulder? And is the mouthpiece supposed to just sort of hang down under your chest, or is there a way to arrange it so you can drink without using your hand to put it in your mouth? There's about a hundred straps and loops and even a magnet on the thing.

It should go over your shoulder (right or left doesn't matter). Most of the packs have a sleeve that the tube runs through. Look here for some examples. If you want to have the tube near your mouth you need called a tube director. They are rigid covers for the tube that you can bend into any shape you like. I don't really like them...it's kinda like having a fly buzzing around your face all day...but they might be useful.

Don't know what the magnet is for.

If you store the blader in the freezer between rides to keep it mold and bacteria free and frosty when you go ride:D

Hey - I do that also. It's a great trick. :)


... Brad

Thank you for passing that one along to the OP. It's a great tip and one I started doing - - after having killed one bladder from neglect.

http://www.pedalpushersonline.com/?CID=952

This is a cool product idea.

A magnet? Damn, I need to get me one of those... Regardless, the hose can go over or under your shoulder, depending on the hose length and design of pack, not to mention how you like to wear it. My old "hydration system" had a hose that was just the right length to tuck under my arm and clip to the shoulder strap. Running the hose that way kept it away from branches [and my wife, who is too lazy to take her own water]. Now I use a Camelbak M.U.L.E., and the hose drapes nicely over the shoulder.

Thanks, everyone - great tip about storing in the freezer. It also didn't occur to me that you don't want a big loop of hose sticking out, or it will snag on tree branches. Lot of stuff you never think of when you ride mostly on the road.

I figured out what the magnet is for - there's one on the side of the mouthpiece, and another that clips to the opposite shoulder strap. The mouthpiece sticks there while you're not drinking and doesn't flap around. I think the pack I bought is designed for running or hiking or something, where that would be more useful.

I like those it's a nalgene or north face probably... much better than the camelbak brand

I got a cool little system from walmart...

$15 back pack, 5-6 20oz. water bottles =as much if not more than the biggest camelback reservoir, plus it carries all my gear.

I call it the poor man's water pack.

i just started doing that like a week ago after killing two or three bladders, after i emptied them. i got a bladder from pricepoint for 6 bucks:D

Thems fighten words!!!

Seriously, who makes the best backpacks is up for grabs. The king of the bladders and mouth valves is undisputed ... CAMELBACK!!!!!

I say this as I reach for my Camelbak bottle with the fold down big bite valve.

http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdIm...c/36579548.JPG

My $20 sette from price point has been excellent. 100oz bladder that hasnt given me any problems, lots of storage/pockets for gear, and the hose/bite vavle doesnt leak and just works.

It does everything the MULE does for a fraction of the cost.