D.J.M.

I'm going on longer trips, and need more hydration than what my two bottlecages can hold.

As a result I've been on the lookout for Camelbaks and the likes - but what are your recommendations etc.?

I need something that holds at least 50 fl.oz./2 litres - and e.g. the Camelbak Hydra Pak, Classic or Slip Stream are models that appear interesting - have any of you tried them?

What other brands are there? Whatever I've taken a look at has been either more expensive (e.g. Deuter), or of a lesser quality. Comfort and ventilation is important - and overall "cargo" space is not important - it has to retain maybe only a wind stopper and a cellphone..

Looking forward to any replies! :-)

chinarider

There have been a lot of threads on this question; if you search you'll find them. To summarize:Camalbak advantages-- more capacity, keeps fluid colder, easier to drink from; disadvantages-sweaty back, harder to clean. I use a 100 oz camelbak classic.

dr. nate

I use a 100oz from time to time, if things get to nasty you can get replacement parts.

-Nate

ChrisAN82

You might want to check the MTB forum for this as pretty much all MTB riders regularly use camelbacks, or something similar, and will probably have more info on this than roadies.

Psydotek

I use a Camelbak Slipstream or a HAWG depending on the length of the ride and where i happen to be going (bike trails i use the slipstream, commuting or a long ride on the streets i use the HAWG).

2Tired2Shift

So add 2 more bottle cages:

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...p?p=PSAQR&tn=0

Az B

I've got a CamelBak Cadence which holds 72oz and is very small. It has enough room for a jacket and cellphone in the two small pockets. I've found that I hydrate much better on long rides because it's so easy to take many small sips.

I only put water in mine and have had no cleaning issues at all. I just run hot tap water through it for a minute or two before each use. If I need to carry a sports drink, I'll put some in a bottle and use it occasionally.

The other advantage to a Camelbak is that cold water and ice stay cold much longer. In the heat down here, a frozen water bottle is warm in 30 minutes. The water in the 'Bak stays cold for at least 3 hours.

Az

chinarider

I typically use a dilute mixture of gatorade in mine. when I get back I rince it well with hot water (no soap). Then I hang the bladder on one of those hangers that keep it open so air can get in. I have no issues with things getting "nasty."

Proximo

I use a Camelbak Mule for long rides in the middle of nowhere and like it a lot. The back is designed to allow some airflow keeping it from getting too sweaty. The storage space also comes in handy for carrying extra gear, snacks and/or a small pump. And as AzB mentions, it keeps fluids colder much longer than bottles do.

Bike Lover

I have a Hydra Pak that I use for MTB racing. It's great. It has lots of nice little touches to make it comfortable or easy to use. The best thing about it, for me, is it allows for two bladders to be used. I have a tube on the left and right each with a different drink, HEED in one and water in the other. It has pads to keep air flow going, a "Hydra Tunes" port for electrical wires (either MP3 player or battery pack if you helmet mount a light). The bladders are really nice too. I just run hot (as hot as I can get) water through it, even the tubes, and then disconnect the tubes, invert the bladder and hang dry. Simple.

Anyway, I wonder if you've looked into a system meant for joggers. They strap around your waist like a fanny pack and hold water. I had one similar from Camel Back called the Side Sling, IIRC, that went over the opposite shoulder and had a chest strap to keep the position. I think that was about 50 oz. I still like to use it when it's really hot. It keeps my back open and airy.

zpl

I have a Camelbak Slip Stream and I like it a lot. It's small enough that it doesn't block your jersey pockets and has just enough cargo space to fit what I need.

I just recently found out that my saddle bag is rubbing against my legs when I ride, so I have to ride without it. I had originally bought the Slip Stream for longer rides, but now I'm using all the time it as a replacement for the saddle bag and I don't mind much at all - especially because my water stays cold for so long in it.

I only put water in it and throw it in the freezer after rinsing it out after a ride.

Scott