Camelbak's... Do You Use One?

This user's post has been ignored.

Only for long TRAINING rides. Never in a race. Only use slightly diluted Gatorade (or Gatorade Endurance) in it as well.

Only for MTN Biking...  I haven't used one in an XTERRA yet, but I would consider it.

Yes, for both cycling and run.  But only on long rides or runs.  They don't get annoying or bounce up and down.  Yes, I would recommend it.

I used my Camelbak on the MTB portion of an Xterra and it was great.  Did not use it for running - used the course hydration.

"Only for long TRAINING rides. Never in a race. Only use water in it as well"

2X on using it for long bike rides in hot weather. Also only use water in it. carry sports drink in my water bottles.

Tried to use one for running and didn't like it very well, too much bouncing arounde On long runs I just plan out routes that loop back to my house or car to get a drink (water/gatoraid) every hour or so unless it is real hot then I do shorter loops to replenish fluids more frequently. It simulates using aid stations at a race.

I have one for training and one for racing, although the racing one isn't a "camelback" but a different brand hydration pack, but then again I don't race on the road.  :D

Just started using one for road & mountain bike rides.  Love it.  For me ~ So much easier than a water bottle! 

Remember to spit out the first few mouthfuls.  Yuk.

great for long training rides..  too much weight for a race.

Only rides or runs that are unsupported to the point that I need to carry that much with me. I can't imagine doing a race (other then a MTB race) that would qualify.

One trick to help the bouncing: After you fill it up, turn it upside down (so the hose connection is at the top), and suck all the air out of the bladder. Without an air bubble in the bladder, the water doesn't slosh around.

Only when I'm mountain biking.

For runs I just picked up a Nathan bottle pack at REI, its more comfortable then the camelback and carries a full water bottle.  Extra pocket for gu or bloks, cell phone etc.  Ugly, but effective.

Edited by StMaas 2009-06-22 8:20 PM

I used one a few years back during my long marathon training runs. I wasn't able to carry enough water with me in a bottle so I purchased the a camelback. I made the mistake of taking it out for the first time on an 15 mile run and it gave me a sore chest and shoulders. I eventually got used to it and loved the convenience so much that I wore it during the marathon. I have not done another marathon or wore it since though.

same as everyone else   for long training rides....  I just got a new 100 oz one this weekend,

I have seen people in 70.3's with them... but in a race someone is giving you water on a regular basis so it's not needed. IMHO

Also remember to change your water before drinking it.  I had month old water in my camelbak one time and took a swig.  Then I started getting hot about a mile into the ride and started drinking more.  I came home and layed down in my driveway sick as a dog and kept drinking out of it until it hit me.  By then it was way too late.

I normally don't use a camelback on my road ride and when I was doing constant mountain biking I quit using it there too.  But if you feel a camelbak will help in your ride go for it (providing it's not against the rules).  I know some will go on about aerodynamics but oh well.