Advice on Camelbacks
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PATRICK MOORE
May 31, 2012, 3:10:26 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owners-bunch
I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water
bottle (my Joe has only one set of braze ons -- a big regret -- and I
forgot the nifty Minoura clamp-on cage mount thingie) and by the
halfway point (only 22 m rt) I was wishing I had twice as much water.
So, a few questions about Camelbacks or whatever they are called. I've
never used one.
My main concerns are, (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
on your back on a hot day?
2). Do they mold up? How do you clean them to prevent mold?
3) What brand and model do y'all recommend, if any?
Gnashbar has several on sale (tho' they're damn'd expensive compared
to water bottles). Is the cheapest, at $40, the "Camelback Fairfax"
fer God's sake, 50 oz, decent? Or the (gad) "Blowfish" 70 oz at $60? I
can't see carrying more than half a gallon on my back.
Or am I just better off putting a second bottle in my rear pocket?
--
"Push back against the age as hard as it pushes against you."
Flannery O'Connor
-------------------------
Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA
For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW
http://resumespecialties.com/index.html
-------------------------
bottle (my Joe has only one set of braze ons -- a big regret -- and I
forgot the nifty Minoura clamp-on cage mount thingie) and by the
halfway point (only 22 m rt) I was wishing I had twice as much water.
So, a few questions about Camelbacks or whatever they are called. I've
never used one.
My main concerns are, (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
on your back on a hot day?
2). Do they mold up? How do you clean them to prevent mold?
3) What brand and model do y'all recommend, if any?
Gnashbar has several on sale (tho' they're damn'd expensive compared
to water bottles). Is the cheapest, at $40, the "Camelback Fairfax"
fer God's sake, 50 oz, decent? Or the (gad) "Blowfish" 70 oz at $60? I
can't see carrying more than half a gallon on my back.
Or am I just better off putting a second bottle in my rear pocket?
--
"Push back against the age as hard as it pushes against you."
Flannery O'Connor
-------------------------
Patrick Moore, Albuquerque, NM, USA
For professional resumes, contact Patrick Moore, ACRW
http://resumespecialties.com/index.html
-------------------------
Kenneth Stagg
May 31, 2012, 3:15:26 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 2:10 PM, PATRICK MOORE <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> My main concerns are,
> (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term) on your back on a hot day?
YMMV but I hated it.
>
> My main concerns are,
> (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term) on your back on a hot day?
> 2). Do they mold up? How do you clean them to prevent mold?
tasted foul. Note that this was a Camelback and I've heard some of
the other bladders don't impart so much nasty taste.
>
> Or am I just better off putting a second bottle in my rear pocket?
side pockets of my saddlebag since I love my handlebar bag too much to
ditch it even for the convenience of handlebar mount waterbottles.
-Ken
Horace
May 31, 2012, 3:18:33 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 12:10 PM, PATRICK MOORE <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:
> (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
> on your back on a hot day?
Yes. Okay in cooler weather.
> (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
> on your back on a hot day?
> 2). Do they mold up? How do you clean them to prevent mold?
> 3) What brand and model do y'all recommend, if any?
or trunk rack as a better alternative.
Horace.
Scott Henry
May 31, 2012, 3:24:09 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Patrick,
I use a Camelback MULE on long rides and on day hikes. Just like everything else in life, it is going to have pluses and minuses.
The bladder and hose can mold, either store it full or put something inside to hold it open so air flows inside. A cleaning brush helps for the tube, it looks like a flexible bore brush for a rifle. Its going to take some getting used to, its alot of weight on your back and it will definitely add to whatever sweating that you do. I like them, but like I said, only on longer rides. Having 100 ounces of water is nice, I find that I end up drinking more. Also, because I don't enjoy cleaning it out, no sports drinks or anything other than water ever goes in mine.
Scott
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Joe Broach
May 31, 2012, 4:01:16 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 12:10 PM, PATRICK MOORE <bert...@gmail.com> wrote:
> I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water
> bottle
That's a lot of water, but everyone's needs are different. When I
> I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water
> bottle
lived in dry, hot (though likely not ABQ hot) Missoula, I'd drink half
a bottle, do a 17-mile evening loop, and then have the other half on
the porch when I got back. I carried the half bottle, but only in case
a mechanical or something delayed me. I never much felt like drinking
on a short, hard ride like that. I should mention that was a flat
course. Didn't mean that as admonishing you for drinking, just
thinking back to similar rides.
> My main concerns are, (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
> on your back on a hot day?
10 miles or so. I eventually added some closed cell foam for longer
rides so I wasn't heating up my water supply. I used a really light
combo: REI Flash 18 pack + 2L (I think, or is it 2.5L?) MSR
Cloudliner. It carried well enough that I forgot it after a while. The
nice thing is it gets lighter as you drink.
> 2). Do they mold up? How do you clean them to prevent mold?
and hung it up with the cap off. Always tasted better than bike bottle
water. Again, that was in a dry climate. I haven't used it much since
moving to Oregon.
> 3) What brand and model do y'all recommend, if any?
the "scratch and dent" table at REI. The combo is only a pound and the
pack is useful for unexpected roadside produce and such. Camelbacks
I've handled seemed way overbuilt for road biking to me.
> Gnashbar has several on sale (tho' they're damn'd expensive compared
> to water bottles). Is the cheapest, at $40, the "Camelback Fairfax"
> fer God's sake, 50 oz, decent? Or the (gad) "Blowfish" 70 oz at $60? I
> can't see carrying more than half a gallon on my back.
I'd pay full price to replace with the same when mine finally gives
out.
> Or am I just better off putting a second bottle in my rear pocket?
in handy on a couple of bike camping trips when I've wanted to load up
on water before a dry stretch to camp. I wouldn't have tried it except
for the good deal (think it was $30 total), but now I think they have
their place. Still not sure I'd want one for an evening fun road ride,
though.
Best,
joe broach
portland, or
Dave
May 31, 2012, 4:10:09 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
I've have three Camels and had a different brand prior to that.
"Camelbacks" (the term has become ubiquitous for all hydration packs)
all have several characteristics that are somewhat independent of one
another, yet all demand consideration.
How much water do you go through when you ride (and you must consider
how you react to heat), and is that really enough? I drink WAY more
water using a pack than I do with bottles. That's probably a good thing.
and...
Is dehydration something you tolerate better that the compromise of
putting up with more heat, weight and sweat on your back? Frankly, I
use the packs for hiking or mtn biking, but I use bottles on the road
bike. You don't feel as hot or sweaty in a more upright position,
probably due to either taking it off more frequently (hiking) or less
pressure and contact (mtn biking).
On a road ride on really hot days (100+) I will often forgo comfort for
safety by bucking-up and taking a 100 oz pack with ice cubes and water
in it. On a solid ride you will drain it in no time and be very happy
you don't start hallucinating from the heat. But maybe that's just me.
On cooler, shorter rides bottles are usually fine.
Just know what your body needs and will tolerate, then don't deny it.
On 5/31/2012 12:10 PM, PATRICK MOORE wrote:
> I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water.
"Camelbacks" (the term has become ubiquitous for all hydration packs)
all have several characteristics that are somewhat independent of one
another, yet all demand consideration.
How much water do you go through when you ride (and you must consider
how you react to heat), and is that really enough? I drink WAY more
water using a pack than I do with bottles. That's probably a good thing.
and...
Is dehydration something you tolerate better that the compromise of
putting up with more heat, weight and sweat on your back? Frankly, I
use the packs for hiking or mtn biking, but I use bottles on the road
bike. You don't feel as hot or sweaty in a more upright position,
probably due to either taking it off more frequently (hiking) or less
pressure and contact (mtn biking).
On a road ride on really hot days (100+) I will often forgo comfort for
safety by bucking-up and taking a 100 oz pack with ice cubes and water
in it. On a solid ride you will drain it in no time and be very happy
you don't start hallucinating from the heat. But maybe that's just me.
On cooler, shorter rides bottles are usually fine.
Just know what your body needs and will tolerate, then don't deny it.
On 5/31/2012 12:10 PM, PATRICK MOORE wrote:
> I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water.
Tim McNamara
May 31, 2012, 4:15:30 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
On May 31, 2012, at 2:10 PM, PATRICK MOORE wrote:
> I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water
> bottle (my Joe has only one set of braze ons -- a big regret -- and I
> forgot the nifty Minoura clamp-on cage mount thingie) and by the
> halfway point (only 22 m rt) I was wishing I had twice as much water.
> So, a few questions about Camelbacks or whatever they are called. I've
> never used one.
>
> My main concerns are, (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
> on your back on a hot day?
Yes. IMHO, YMMV.
> I made the mistake of setting out just now with just one 28 oz water
> bottle (my Joe has only one set of braze ons -- a big regret -- and I
> forgot the nifty Minoura clamp-on cage mount thingie) and by the
> halfway point (only 22 m rt) I was wishing I had twice as much water.
> So, a few questions about Camelbacks or whatever they are called. I've
> never used one.
>
> My main concerns are, (1) do they feel icky (that's a technical term)
> on your back on a hot day?
> 2). Do they mold up? How do you clean them to prevent mold?
> 3) What brand and model do y'all recommend, if any?
>
> Gnashbar has several on sale (tho' they're damn'd expensive compared
> to water bottles). Is the cheapest, at $40, the "Camelback Fairfax"
> fer God's sake, 50 oz, decent? Or the (gad) "Blowfish" 70 oz at $60? I
> can't see carrying more than half a gallon on my back.
>
> Or am I just better off putting a second bottle in my rear pocket?
cyclot...@gmail.com
May 31, 2012, 4:41:26 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
I don't have mold problems but only use mine once a month or less and dry it out thoroughly after that use (put a regular bike bottle in it to hold it open, then hang it). I find that I drink significantly more water when I'm wearing one.
I also like the Camelbak Mule. Great capacity, but not in the way if you don't need it.
An alternative is a Platypus bag you can fill and carry in a regular bike bag/pannier/trunksack/etc.. They have one and two liter models. Folds up to nothing when not in use.
I also like the Camelbak Mule. Great capacity, but not in the way if you don't need it.
An alternative is a Platypus bag you can fill and carry in a regular bike bag/pannier/trunksack/etc.. They have one and two liter models. Folds up to nothing when not in use.
dailyrandonneur
May 31, 2012, 5:51:04 PM5/31/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
I've been using various Camelbaks for my randonneur and century rides
for more than a decade, year-round.
I like not running out of water and not having to drink from bottles,
especially during rainy and very hot rides.
I add ice if the temperature is over 90 degrees and always use a tube
insulator. The cold water really helps in hot conditions and can last
for two hours or more. In winter, the water does not freeze if I tuck
the tube into my jacket.
My favorites have been the light-duty 70-oz. models. Currently I'm
using the Rogue. If it has a waist strap, it's probably too big.
I only use water and save sports drinks for my bottles. Draining the
bladder and wiping out with a small towel, and removing the
mouthpiece, keeps the mold away.
You'll know soon enough if you don't like the feel on your back. I
never notice it. The nicer Camelbaks have ventilated backs if you want
more airflow.
If in doubt, buy from REI and take advantage of their return policy.
Ed
for more than a decade, year-round.
I like not running out of water and not having to drink from bottles,
especially during rainy and very hot rides.
I add ice if the temperature is over 90 degrees and always use a tube
insulator. The cold water really helps in hot conditions and can last
for two hours or more. In winter, the water does not freeze if I tuck
the tube into my jacket.
My favorites have been the light-duty 70-oz. models. Currently I'm
using the Rogue. If it has a waist strap, it's probably too big.
I only use water and save sports drinks for my bottles. Draining the
bladder and wiping out with a small towel, and removing the
mouthpiece, keeps the mold away.
You'll know soon enough if you don't like the feel on your back. I
never notice it. The nicer Camelbaks have ventilated backs if you want
more airflow.
If in doubt, buy from REI and take advantage of their return policy.
Ed
Kelly
May 31, 2012, 5:54:44 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
I just don't like things on my back. I have a camelback I've used on the mountain bike. On the other bikes I just put an extra bottle in the seat bag. If it's really hot I can add two or three. I just stop and switch out bottles.
Kelly
Lynne Fitz
May 31, 2012, 7:10:35 PM5/31/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
I used to use one, but they did a very fine job of putting my
shoulders into spasms. I miss the easily available water, but I've
adapted.
Lynne F
shoulders into spasms. I miss the easily available water, but I've
adapted.
Lynne F
Bruce Herbitter
May 31, 2012, 8:37:46 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
After years of resisting the idea of a back pack, I bought a Kelty last year on sale at Academy Sport for $29.99 w/70 oz bladder. It has a screw on cap like a Camelbak. A local buddy gave me an extra US Army issue Camelbak bladder with insulated drink tube, and I bought a Hydra-sak bladder on sale at Blue Sky Cycling.
I found that the weight on my back is no big deal. In Summer, it shields from direct Sun. I wash it with the rest of my cycling clothes. The added space in the pack is nice for a rain jacket, cell phone, food, etc that I may not want to carry elsewhere, or have bag space for. The Hydra-sak is my favorite. It has a fold and slide closure, which is easy to operate when you are beat up from long hours on a hard ride. It disassembles easier and cleans up well. Plain water or no calorie Propel/Power Options are what I put in it, and I rinse it out after each use. You can buy cleaning solutions, but (shh. Don't tell) some diluted bleach works wonders. Rinse well after of course.
They look dorky though. No escaping that.
I found that the weight on my back is no big deal. In Summer, it shields from direct Sun. I wash it with the rest of my cycling clothes. The added space in the pack is nice for a rain jacket, cell phone, food, etc that I may not want to carry elsewhere, or have bag space for. The Hydra-sak is my favorite. It has a fold and slide closure, which is easy to operate when you are beat up from long hours on a hard ride. It disassembles easier and cleans up well. Plain water or no calorie Propel/Power Options are what I put in it, and I rinse it out after each use. You can buy cleaning solutions, but (shh. Don't tell) some diluted bleach works wonders. Rinse well after of course.
They look dorky though. No escaping that.
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Michael Hechmer
May 31, 2012, 9:19:54 PM5/31/12
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A couple of years ago I bought a camel back for my wife, because she was uncomfortable reaching for a wb. On our first ride with it we stopped for lunch at a small cafe, which had a large cooler of what turned out to be the foulest water imaginable. It took a lot of baking soda and airing to get the smell out. Even though we succeeded my wife has never been willing to use it again. However, I use it on the tandem because she gets nervous when I let go of the HBs.
I would suggest a second WB, even if it required drilling threads into the DT.
Bottoms up laddie,
Michael
Jim M.
May 31, 2012, 11:53:22 PM5/31/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
I use one for my mountain bike riding, which is an upright position, and it's the most convenient way to carry enough water for a long wilderness ride. For a road biking position, however, I don't find the pack comfortable; it becomes much more obvious when I'm bent over more. I'd say just carry another bottle, especially if you have a clamp on cage already.
jim m
wc ca
On Thursday, May 31, 2012 12:10:26 PM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:
jim m
wc ca
On Thursday, May 31, 2012 12:10:26 PM UTC-7, Patrick Moore wrote:
C.J. Filip
Jun 1, 2012, 9:20:09 AM6/1/12
to RBW Owners Bunch
"Lobo" model here. Actually don't use the bladder much, opting to put
in an extra water bottle and more food instead.
Right now the bladder is in the freezer and if I use it again it will
get a squirt of lemon juice to cover up the beach ball taste.
On centuries where I'm not likely to come across a convenience store,
I'll take along the large saddle-mounted Baggins and stick the bladder
in there. On breaks you can drink from the hose and refill your caged
water bottles from there.
in an extra water bottle and more food instead.
Right now the bladder is in the freezer and if I use it again it will
get a squirt of lemon juice to cover up the beach ball taste.
On centuries where I'm not likely to come across a convenience store,
I'll take along the large saddle-mounted Baggins and stick the bladder
in there. On breaks you can drink from the hose and refill your caged
water bottles from there.
PATRICK MOORE
Jun 1, 2012, 12:29:40 PM6/1/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
Thanks for all the feedback on Camelbacks; overall, I'd guess about
4/3 against. But the "pro" reasons, even for road biking, intrigue me
enough that I'd like to try one, but I will wait until I can get one
for pennies on the dollar, as at a swap or remainder table (must check
REI, Performance) or from my brother. I generally dislike things on my
back but the ice suggestion might even be a benefit in hot weather.
Meanwhile, I'll dig up the forgotten-at-home Minoura QR clamp (neat
thing that allows you to clamp a cage to a frame tube or to the bar --
the mount proper swivels). Either that, or I need to find a
larger-than-Banana bag for the rear.
I know my Fargo has six, yea six! cage mounts, but alas the two best
ones on dt and st are prevented by the triangular frame bag (thanks,
Dan) that replaces the kit Banana Bag (to provide a space for rear
blinkies) and the bar bag (that takes up space that I mean eventually
for interrupter levers). But that leaves four, two on the fork, one
fitting a small bottle at the apex of the frame diamond, and the
sub-dt one.
I don't regret not having fender mounts applied to the Joe, but I do
regret not having those extra, dt cage mounts added.
Patrick Moore in smokey ABQ, NM, where the winds have finally blown
the smoke from the 200K acre fire in the SW.
4/3 against. But the "pro" reasons, even for road biking, intrigue me
enough that I'd like to try one, but I will wait until I can get one
for pennies on the dollar, as at a swap or remainder table (must check
REI, Performance) or from my brother. I generally dislike things on my
back but the ice suggestion might even be a benefit in hot weather.
Meanwhile, I'll dig up the forgotten-at-home Minoura QR clamp (neat
thing that allows you to clamp a cage to a frame tube or to the bar --
the mount proper swivels). Either that, or I need to find a
larger-than-Banana bag for the rear.
I know my Fargo has six, yea six! cage mounts, but alas the two best
ones on dt and st are prevented by the triangular frame bag (thanks,
Dan) that replaces the kit Banana Bag (to provide a space for rear
blinkies) and the bar bag (that takes up space that I mean eventually
for interrupter levers). But that leaves four, two on the fork, one
fitting a small bottle at the apex of the frame diamond, and the
sub-dt one.
I don't regret not having fender mounts applied to the Joe, but I do
regret not having those extra, dt cage mounts added.
Patrick Moore in smokey ABQ, NM, where the winds have finally blown
the smoke from the 200K acre fire in the SW.
Anne Paulson
Jun 1, 2012, 2:32:51 PM6/1/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
I'm writing from a library in the desert, as I ride from Mexico to
Canada on the ACA Sierra Cascades route. You bet I use a Camelbak.
I'm not wild about weight on my back, but I became a convert when I
rode with a Camelbak in the heat of Denver summer last year. It was
hot, it was dry, and when I took a drink I got coooold water. I also
like being able to drink easily on long climbs, of which there are
plenty on the Sierra Cascades route. The Sierra and the Cascades are
mountain ranges, as you may know but apparently a couple of people
who signed up for this ride did not.
-- Anne Paulson
My hovercraft is full of eels
Canada on the ACA Sierra Cascades route. You bet I use a Camelbak.
I'm not wild about weight on my back, but I became a convert when I
rode with a Camelbak in the heat of Denver summer last year. It was
hot, it was dry, and when I took a drink I got coooold water. I also
like being able to drink easily on long climbs, of which there are
plenty on the Sierra Cascades route. The Sierra and the Cascades are
mountain ranges, as you may know but apparently a couple of people
who signed up for this ride did not.
> --
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-- Anne Paulson
My hovercraft is full of eels
William
Jun 1, 2012, 2:44:08 PM6/1/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
a couple of people
who signed up for this ride did not.
who signed up for this ride did not.
> To post to this group, send email to rbw-owners-bunch@googlegroups.com.
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Anne Paulson
Jun 1, 2012, 2:51:21 PM6/1/12
to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com
That's the bike and Camelbak I'm using.
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>>
>>
>> --
>> -- Anne Paulson
>>
>> My hovercraft is full of eels
>
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>> >
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> -- Anne Paulson
>>
>> My hovercraft is full of eels
>
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