Do you use a camelbac while riding?

[wibornz]

I just started using one when I go on longer rides.  I start out with water and ice and when that is gone, I stop at McDonolds and fill it with ice and tea.  The nice thing is when it is hot out and I pack it full of ice, it helps keep me cool.

[hovmaven]

I do. And intend to have it on my upcoming ride.  But i'm going to try a new hydration system, which will keep the weight off my back, and allow me to carry more h2o.

[Rincewind]

Yes I got mine for free for testing a Buell!  What a nice gift!

It doesn't take me long to empty it on a hot day, which is the only time I use it.  Sure is nice with ice.

[Gart]

I've thought about it.

But I wonder about comfort in regards to feeling tight around the shoulders and the weight wanting to make me want to slouch over the tank.

What other options are out there besides water bottles?

[Gary B.]

I've used mine on 90F+ days. saved my ass many times. It allows me to ride longer, definitely.

[2wTraveler]

I use on for longer rides when it is hot out, but i just put the bladder in a tank bag with the hose hanging out. I don't like having it on my back for a long time.

[DangerMoney]

I use on for longer rides when it is hot out, but i just put the bladder in a tank bag with the hose hanging out. I don't like having it on my back for a long time.

+1

[malbojah]

I built a cage to hold a half gallon jug off my passenger peg then ran a magnetic bite valve to my tank

[NoGear]

I did till I took it off at a gas station and forgot about it.....

[Playinthestreet]

No

[county]

I buy cold water at gas stops...and sometimes keep a bottle in my tank bag.

When it is really hot I pour water (From the bottle) in my helmet and under my jacket.  I also soak my bandana.  And loiter in air conditioned stores.

[zer0netgain]

For trips, yes.

For local rides, no.  A bottle in the top case is good enough.

Camelback saves storage space and lets me drink between gas stops.  Local rides I can just pull off and drink some water.

[Justin]

I just picked up one of these - has a sleeve for the hydration pack in the tank bag and a portal for the hose and clips to retain the bite.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/4/71/3414/ITEM/Rapid-Transit-Recon-19-Magnetic-Tank-Bag.aspx

[Testcase]

Yeah, I do for long trips. It's nice to have, though the valve is a bit of work to get under the helmet sometimes. I also have a Buell koozie that I keep a gatorade in for stop.

[cbsnbiker]

Yes.

I have an old one that fits in the front pocket of my 'Stich.
 

[James]

On longer rides/trips I mount a gallon jug on each passenger foot peg & have them filled w/ice water. I plumb a hose & bite valve through the top. On a long day I'll usually empty 1 & get a bit into the second. Ice lasts all day, refill the next morning.

[Andrew]

Hell YA , one for the scotch one for the water


Ok Gatorade and water, bout 50/50 and the chewable cubes, on real hot days when I want to cover lost of smiles just water and the chewable cubes, better to have less sugar on hot days

[flips21]

For rides on hot days or long days, yes.  For cool days that are local rides, no.  

I have found that the Camelbak adds 200 miles to my range on hot days.  Drinking a little all the time.  I recently downgraded to the Classic with the neon green color that holds 70 oz. of water but almost nothing else (It can hold ear plugs at stops).  I used to use the Mule which is 100 oz. and has lots of pouches.  The Mule was noticeable and sometime annoying while the simpler Classic isn't.  Staying hydrated is one of the keys to staying alert and focused, and it gives you an excuse to stop in some random place to water a tree or a bush.

Flip

[Major 662]

Yeah, I have a couple Camelbaks for riding.  I like 'em because I can stay hydrated on long rides, and they go with ya when you get off the bike to take a break (vs a tank bag)

Camelbak makes about a million variations, so it took awhile to find ones that I liked.  The one I use the most is the Rogue.  It holds 72 oz of water, and has a few zippered pockets that are about right for cameras, wallet, phone, etc.  Plus there's a stretch pocket where I can stuff the Zumo or a hat when I'm off the bike.

The other one I use is the Rim Runner (file that under "names that sound sexual but aren't").  It holds 100 oz and 24L of stuff, and unlike some of the other big Camelbaks, it doesn't have a lot of straps and whatnot that flap around in the wind.  It's good if you wanna stuff in a rain jacket or pull over.  Shoulder straps work well around jacket armor, and I rode 14 hours with it stuffed full and it didn't bother me.

Kriega also makes some good backpacks in varying sizes, and I think they take a water bladder.  They're designed for motorcyclists, so they're weather proof and don't have loose straps.

[foobert]

Yes I do but, I don't wear it.  

I have a 3L one designed to be lashed onto a backpack (no shoulder straps).  It clips perfectly between my paniers and sits on the pillion seat.  

I'm always surprised how much I hit on trips -- even on cool days.

[coho]

I have a Platypus bladder that goes in the tankbag.  Mostly just for longish rides.

My Rapid Transit tank bag has a plastic lined sleeve with a rubberized opening for the tube.  It's clever, because the bladder is at the bottom so the stuff in the bag presses down on it, lightly pressurizing the water, but that bag only fits on the R1100R (magnet bags won't stick to the RT and it's bigger than the tank on the TW).

None of my other tankbags (there are many, I have more tankbags than bikes.  I know it's a problem, I'm trying to cut down   ) have any provision for that, so I just toss the bladder in and run the hose out the zipper.  Works a treat.

[photomd]

Yep...I put one in the right side chest pocket of my 'stich. Filled with ice, it's a little air conditioner when the heat gets above 95 and it keeps me hydrated. You can see the tube stickin' out here:



I only use it on longer trips, but is great to keep fatigue at bay and keeps me feeling better while riding. I think the pocket in the 'stich is one of the great features of the suit. That pockets keeps me from adding one more thing to my bike or body making it easier to get suited up and on the road.  

[cbsnbiker]

Yep...I put one in the right side chest pocket of my 'stich. Filled with ice, it's a little air conditioner when the heat gets above 95 and it keeps me hydrated. You can see the tube stickin' out here:



I only use it on longer trips, but is great to keep fatigue at bay and keeps me feeling better while riding. I think the pocket in the 'stich is one of the great features of the suit. That pockets keeps me from adding one more thing to my bike or body making it easier to get suited up and on the road.  

JOOC, which one are you using in your 'Stich?

I had two old ones that fit great in there. One broke, the other one is getting tired.

(Nice bike, BTW. I used to have one.)

[photomd]

The best one I had was from Walmart. It had a roll up seal at the top and was thin and long. It fit the 'stich pocket perfectly. Its outlet wasn't very good so I cut it off and put on a straigtht Camelback bit thingie. It worked very well. It wore out and died on a long hike several years ago.

My current one is a 2L Pladypus with the 90 degree locking outlet. It fits OK, but the hose is hard to adjust properly and the outlet is difficult to use. I may swing my Walmart before my next trip.

[stromgal]

Platypus wide-mouth (allows me to easily add ice) in the tank bag. A few pulls/swallows every 10 minutes or so. I was amazed some years back, when I first started using it on trips, by how much longer I could ride while still feeling alert.

[Squareman357]

Yup.  3 liter CamelBak.  If temps are high, I carry it on trips.  Don't use it locally, I can always stop for water somewhere when local.  Doesn't bother me having it on my back, and I like being able to take a pull whenever I feel like it.  Went to the Ozarks a week or so ago with 100 degree temps and 115 degree heat indexs.  Went through 2 full bags every day we were down there.  I needed ever drop.

[Cageless-in-Seattle]

I also have a CamelBak.  I always used it on my longer trips.  However, since buying a Shoei Multitec helmet, I've been taking the 'Bak along more often.  I can now get quick drink just by flipping up the front of the helmet.  No more snaking the drinking tube under the helmet or taking off the helmet for a drink.  

[maddjack]

I just started using one when I go on longer rides.  I start out with water and ice and when that is gone, I stop at McDonolds and fill it with ice and tea.  The nice thing is when it is hot out and I pack it full of ice, it helps keep me cool.

Not yet but I want one

[WBBG]

I tried it on a long run once and found it great when riding in hot weather. I kept it in my tail pack and it worked fine and was nice to have. I also found it to be a pain in the ass to maintain and it was condensing in my tail pack. I also don't have patience to deal with it in my day and now just carry a bottle of water and stop to drink.

My brother and I started using it as a water supply to wash our hands durring breaks.

[cbsnbiker]

Years ago, when crossing the Nevada desert on my way to California, I had five gallons of water in a collapsible container bungeed to the back of my bike. I wanted water JIC I broke down somewhere.

As it happens, I came upon a fellow rider who had run out of gas in between gas stations in western Utah. I shared water with him.

[Justin]

As it happens, I came upon a fellow rider who had run out of gas in between gas stations in western Utah. I shared water with him.

Sharing is caring  

Did you then split, and leave him there?

[cbsnbiker]

Sharing is caring  

Did you then split, and leave him there?

No. While we were trying to figure out how to get some gas out of my tank into his, a guy stopped by in his pickup truck. He had a jerry can in the back. He filled the other guy's gas tank. Not only would he not take any money for the gas, but he wouldn't even let the guy refill the jerry can for him. Nice guy.  

[chosemerveilleux]

I've thought about it.

But I wonder about comfort in regards to feeling tight around the shoulders and the weight wanting to make me want to slouch over the tank.

What other options are out there besides water bottles?

Having a camelback on never bothered me either mountain biking or snowboarding, so I can't imagine it causing discomfort (properly adjusted, of course) on a motorcycle, when I'm doing a hell of a lot less moving around.  I use them whenever the temps are over 80 degrees.  In fact, I fill my camelbak bladder about a third of the way and then put it in the freezer;  The ice block lasts for hours and there's the added bonus of the coolness on your back.

I have a bad back and the little bit of additional weight 100 or 70 ounces adds never caused me to slouch over the tank.  But I bet getting dehydrated could cause someone to slouch, or worse.

Its entirely too easy to get dehydrated when you're out all ATGATTed up and the temps are high.  Sometimes the ride gets good enough that one forgets to pull over and pull out a bottle until its too late.  With the Camelbak its right there, all the time.

[Justin]

No. While we were trying to figure out how to get some gas out of my tank into his, a guy stopped by in his pickup truck. He had a jerry can in the back. He filled the other guy's gas tank. Not only would he not take any money for the gas, but he wouldn't even let the guy refill the jerry can for him. Nice guy.  

Damn, where exactly was this? I'm gonna see if I can get some free gas too.

[bomber]

I had a 1 litre bag that fit my stich pocket perfectly -- on a recent 95+ day long ride, 1 litre wouldn't even last long enough to get from one gas stop to the next -- picked up a 3 litre backpack like device -- in this case, less is not more.

[ConPilot1]

A must for a long trip. Steady, small quantity hydration is key to beating road fatigue. I didn't pay a dime to refill mine and keep it topped off with ice on a 10 day trip.
I have an original 70oz 'Bak. It's comfy and once you're used to it being there you don't even know it's there. Hanging on my driving light on the Connie.
I had no problem with the 90° bite valve getting up under the Scorpion EXO700 and now I have a Multitech it's much easier.

I got to meet Punky + Lew with my Bak also. Little dog was thirsty and the water supply to the campground was shut down.
Lew approached me and noticed my Bak and asked for some water for the pup.  

[cbsnbiker]

Photo of pup?

[Major 662]

I had no problem with the 90° bite valve getting up under the Scorpion EXO700 and now I have a Multitech it's much easier.

I could get the bite valve in under my Arai Signet easily, but with my Shoei Qwest, it's a bit of a trick.  I installed the noise-reducer chin shroud that came with the helmet, and it doesn't leave much room.  On top of that, I'm a little worried that if I just jam the CamelBak bite-valve into the helmet, the chin shroud (or whatever it's called) will pop off and fly away.  Still definitely worth the hassle on a long ride, though.

[ConPilot1]

Photo of pup?

This is Punky, Lew, and I think the chick on the back is someone he picked up in South America on the ride. I'm pretty sure he married her.
I guess the dog traveled 50Kmiles with Lew on a KLR650 from Fla., to Prudhoe Bay, and all the way down to Tierra Del Fuego.

pretty impressive.

[cbsnbiker]

Awwwww....

(No helmet -- for the dog?   )

[stk0308]

I use an old Camelbak straightsleeve to insulate a Platy big mouth 2L bladder.  I superglued a clip to the front of my tankbag and put the whole thing in there, running the hose up to the front left of the tankbag.  Easy to reach while rolling down the road.  I'm already wearing a JoeRocket/Forcefield backprotector so the cooling won't reach me if I wore it as a backpack.  Besides it's one less thing to put on and take off  

[Joey Stalin]

Yes I use a camelbak on long distance rides.

[Drif10]

Worn out a couple of them, I'd guess I always have one if the ride is more than just going to work. I'd prefer to have it off my back, haven't found a solution yet that'll work better.

Keep watching here, I might just find it.

[hovmaven]

I used this on my x-country effort.  Coleman six pack, 160 ounces of water/ice.  Worked well.  

[FJRmgm]

I use the fanny pack version so the bladder sits on the seat behind me and I don't have the weight on my shoulders.

The key to long distance riding or driving is KEEP HYDRATED so you don't get fatigue from dehydration

[cbsnbiker]

Reply to an old message:

Damn, where exactly was this? I'm gonna see if I can get some free gas too.

I-80, in between Salt Lake City and Bonneville, UT.

Talk about desolate!

[DrD]

I used this on my x-country effort.  Coleman six pack, 160 ounces of water/ice.  Worked well.  

You might have finished the ride if the six pack went into the motor?  

A good try, in any case.  

[hovmaven]

DNA lent me his air compressor -- said by carrying it I'd probably not get a flat.

Should have lent me a battery. . ..  

[MCRyder]

If it gets above 80 on a long ride I strap on my Camelbak.  

[cbsnbiker]

DNA lent me his air compressor -- said by carrying it I'd probably not get a flat.

Should have lent me a battery. . ..  

Man, you must be thirsty if you need an air compressor to help pump in the fluids.    

[Poustman]

Camelbak crucial; my understanding is that proper hydration calls for very regular consistent sipping, rather than big drinks every few hours.  

Anyway, I also enjoy using it.

[X1Glider]

Camelbak crucial; my understanding is that proper hydration calls for very regular consistent sipping, rather than big drinks every few hours.

Absolutely!

When you're drinking because you're thirsty, you've already started dehydrating.  The only thing you accomplish by downing a 32 oz bottle of water between gas-ups is needing to urinate not that long after you get on the road again because your body processes the water slower than it's ability to excrete it as excess waste.

Got my 1st one in'93 when I saw it in a Peformance Bicycle catalog.  2 water bottle cages getting crusted with dirt wasn't cutting it on the MTB and Texas is so freakin hot in the summer.  Wasn't long before I stared using it on the motorcycles.  My current Blowfish will handle 2 - 100 oz bladders and I use them both when dirt biking.

[FJRmgm]

I've been using a Camelbak fanny pack setup for the last couple of years.  No weight on my back and plenty of capacity.

It and my cool vest are my two hot weather riding companions.  

As all the real long distance riders know - HYDRATE OR DIE.

[Bravo12]

I always use a CamelBak in the summer months. Better to sip as you sweat and keep the balance than to chug a half gallon of water or Gator-Ade when you stop and then have to pee it out in half an hour (and still get dehydrated over the next hour or two).

[ConPilot1]

Camelbak probably saved my life on my first big trip down South. It is amazing how much water I'd consume just sipping.

There were stretches of the trip when it was very hot. Sweating in my gear, and wearing airmesh. I could imagine that you'd be looking
at serious dehydration with a matter of a couple hours. And the route we took, hell, there isn't squat on the BRP for supplies/water whatever.

I would have been well and truly f*cked on that trip without the 70 oz 'Bak.

[X1Glider]

Besides using a Camelback for riding, I typically don't fill it with just water.   On any ride that lasts all day in the Texas heat, I use Cytomax and especially on weekend or 2 week trips, it's Cytomax with a crushed potassium tablet.  I find this keeps me more hydrated than just water, more energetic and alert and the potassium keeps muscle cramps away, which is important when being in the same position all day and night over successive days.  I tend to recover better at the end of a 14 hour day and get a decent night's sleep to boot.

[jsanford]

I have an original mule and it has a chest strap, so doesn't pull on the shoulders riding.  Took it to Japan with me.  Only use it on 150+ mile days.

[black hills]

startred using one years ago on dirtbike rides, but just started using it on teh street last year. Apparently I don't catch on too fast? works great and makes a huge difference in fatigue. I typically just use water, but a friend of mine mixes 50/50 water and pedialyte(sp?), he swears by it but I can't stand the taste.

[sagerat]

I have a Mule which I use on all my multi-day trips, long day rides, and any dual sporting rides.

I can attest it's exciting to accidently bite off the valve while drinking on US 89A while riding southbound into Flagstaff, AZ.  Had my own personal rainstorm until I figured what had happened; luckily the valve was in my left glove so I pulled over to the shoulder and shoved the valve back into the tube.  

I've since learned to pay a bit more attention when shoving the bite tube into and out of my helmet.  Easy to get the Camelbak into/out of my Arai XD, but it's a real  challenge to worm it into and out of my Schuberth C-3.  

[Major 662]

I typically just use water, but a friend of mine mixes 50/50 water and pedialyte(sp?), he swears by it but I can't stand the taste.

There are better options than Pedialyte or even Gatorade (too much sugar).  I use packets of Power Pak (made by Trace Minerals Research) to restore electrolytes. You can buy a couple boxes on Amazon, and it just gives the water a bit of a citrus flavor.  Coconut water (yeah, coconut water) is even better, but there really isn't a Camelbak friendly option there.  You could however just stick a few bottles in your side bag and drink one at a rest stop.  For that, I buy in bulk at Costco.

[ConPilot1]

I need a new bladder for mine. I'm getting the widemouth bladder, easier to shovel ice in the sucker.

I fill the thing up to the top with ice, then fill in with cold water. Feels great on my back on a hot day, yes the original Camelbak Classic 70 ozzer has a chest strap too, so it's comfy.
It's really not an issue over a long day, it gets progressively lighter as you empty it. Most mini-marts have free ice and water out of the soda fountains. Most any place with a soda fountain will
have a sink next to it for cleaning maintenance, I'd chock it full of ice and top off with water, nobody's said a word to me, usually because I'm buying gas/trailmix/smokes anyway.

One key thing i failed to mention is on a hot day, after you take your sip, blow back the water that remains in the hose into the bladder.

Prevents your next sip from being piss-warm and funky tasting.  

Camelback saves storage space and lets me drink between gas stops.

That's why I carry it on my back as designed. I need my tankbag space when on a trip. Lots of stuff I normally carry in a topcase go in the tankbag on a longer run.

[tornup213]

You bet! a Camelback may look a little dorky but for a long ride it is a good friend to have. Although if you use one be aware you will have less water stops but more whiz stops.