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.