I've been riding with a Camelbak lately to extend the range I can cover without stopping (partly due to Covid-19, partly just because). I've been unhappy with the hose management--either I can route the hose down the front, which leaves the end flopping around (which I would deal with by tucking the end between the shoulder strap and my side), or up the front, which requires that the hose make a weird bend in the back. There's a clip that sort of holds the hose in place, but if I have it routed down the front, it leaves a lot of hose flopping around, and bringing the hose up to drink from it can put a kink in it, pinching off the flow.

So I glued a magnet to the shoulder-strap buckle, which is low on the strap, and put a velcro wrap around the hose, with a tiny pocket for a magnet. I'll be taking this for its first ride tomorrow.


magnetic hose keeper for Camelbak

JB Weld would have been better for attaching the magnet to the buckle, but I didn't have any lying around, and a donut-shaped magnet would have been easier to sew onto the velcro wrap, but again, I was using what I had available.

Osprey hydration packs have used a magnet retention system like this for years.

Not surprised. It must be an obvious idea if I thought of it.

Never had any such issues with mine, which I use when touring.

It never bothered me to have the hose flopping around either,

Family forum please!

My hose doesn't flop around.

twss

Camelbak makes (or at least used to) clips which fit the shoulder straps and hold the hose quite securely. It's not an issue or shouldn't be.

This does have a clip. But the clip is pretty high up, leaving a fair amount of loose-hanging hose, and if I slide it to the bottom of its travel, then bringing the hose up pinches it against the clip. The clip is secure enough that getting the hose in and out would be a bit annoying while riding. I don't want to have to think about it.

With the magnet, I can just grab at the end to release it, and get it back in roughly the right spot for it to be retained.