Camels Don't Live On Tundra
 

When it gets really cold there is always an issue of frozen hydration. My polar water bottles do an admirable job of not freezing but in -0 F windchills, they eventually freeze. So today, i decided to get out the dreaded Camelback. I have always hated this thing and i think i have only used it a couple times.

I put some water in it and put it under my outershell. Well 20 minutes into the ride, my back was starting to sweat. Plus the hose is UNDER my jacket so how am i to drink out of it? I pull it out once to take a drink and the hose is already basically frozen.

Miles later I decided to take it off and put it on the rear rack. Not being able to get it to fit on the rack, i then just threw it on over my outer shell. Miles later i was really getting pi55ed. It was compressing my outer shell and making me colder. Finally I said to hell with it. I found a bridge to stash it under, there was also a dead dear under there. I'm not sure which is less valuable, the camelback or the deer carcus? :rolleyes:

ANyway, i did go back and retrieve it later with the car. I just swore to never use it again. I have read a lot of various tips on how to keep the water bottle from not freezing, etc. None of them really work. HOw is everyone else coping with this dilema? (vodka in the waterbottle???)

Sounds like an excellent soloution to me!

Another awkwardness of winter.

There's only one source of warmth on a bicycle: you. So, you either keep the water close to you or it freezes. It's just a question of dealing with the one or the other.

On the coldest days, I don't stay out for more than seventy-five minutes or so. The primary reason is that by then my Polar bottle's been plugged a while with ice, and it's time to come back.

Those are my feelings as well. In those temps, after an hour and 1/2 it is time to head for the house.

I use a Monsoon, (performance brand "camel-back"), I wear it outside of what ever combination of clothing I am wearing. I picked up a camel-back winter kit, insulation and cap for the mouth piece.

The only freezing that I have experienced was the tube, and the insulation did the trick.

I've been using an Outdoor Research insulated water bottle cover. It's very thick and keeps the cold out but its not full proof. Your water will still freeze on sub-zero days -10F and below.

The draw backs are you need to stop to drink and unzip the top. Then unscrew the 32 OZ Nalgene water bottle. One other think you need to bend your holder way out so it will fit the cage.

If you use this set up keep the bottle 3/4 full this lets the water move and aids in not freezing solid.

A link http://www.rei.com/online/store/Prod...000&langId=-1&





Insulating holder for your 32-ounce water bottle helps keep hot liquids hot and cold liquids cold.
Low-conductivity urethane foam lining helps insulate
Holder zips closed with coil zipper
Outer fabric is waterproof Hydroseal
Easily attaches to a pack
Insulated holder fits over Nalgene bottles to keeps fluids liquid on cold days and cool on hot days. Fits 32 ounce bottle.

I've ridden with a camelbak down to -15. About that point things get difficult. Down to zero you're good with it outside your coat. Insulate the hose with some home weatherstrip foam then duct tape over it. Keep just the tip of the nozzle under your jacket. When you're done drinking be sure to blow air back into the bladder or it will freeze up the tube. Drink often with little amounts to keep the tube clear. If you insist on using a water bottle try tipping it upside down in the holder. The ice floats to the top. You won't freeze the valve that way.

You may want to try one of these:
A. A beer huggie that wraps around a can may keep/slow a warm bottle from freezing
B. How about starting with room temp or slightly heated water.
C. Chemical warmer with sock around water bottle?

Have tried A & B. I doubt C would work.

Today i rode 19 miles in -10F Windchill. My Polar Bottle didn't freeze up completely until over 1 hour. That is pretty good considering i could watch frost forming on my helmet straps and balaclava in my rear view mirror. :)

I use the Monsoon during the winter but i bypass the bladder for a water bottle.
I stuff it down the middle storage area.
It stays cold and doesn't freeze....i've not biked in extreme windchills...9 degrees the max,so far.

I ride for hours (5 or more) in the freezing cold (-20F wind-chill -5F temp), and keep the water from freezing.

I keep 2 nalgene bike water bottles in my north face jacket under the fleece layer (witch is under the windbreaker), right next to my thermal layer, one filled with accelerate and the other water. I also keep 2 more liters of water (and a stove, JetBoil, + coco) in my hip-pack attached to the rear rack.

This will keep me going all day and into the night here in Buffalo/Canada.

I have ordered a camelbak so i can carry more water so I can stay out longer. I plan to carry that under my jacket. I hope it works out well and my neck doesn't hurt from the weight or my back get over sweaty.

400 miles a week on ice is so much fun!

If its real cold I'll just bring hot water (and sometimes coffee) in a travel mug for my commute. [EDIT:] This size fits a standard bottle cage, a rubber band keeps it from going airborn if the roads all gnarly (frozen tire tracks etc).

For camelbacks and the like, have you tried blowing the water out of the tube back to the bladder. With the bladder hose side down in your pack, gravity will help draw water back for your next drink-and you don't have to suck all the air out first. Some reflectex insulation (like bubblewrap sandwiched between tinfoil) makes a nice insulating cozy inside the backpack around the bladder. Add the standard winter hose/mouthpiece insulation kit.