Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

Are they worth it and which one to go for?

Have to say that I am very bad at doing water with my exercise - quite happy to do 90 mins hard cycling before I stop and maybe think about having water - but trying to get better. Wanting to maybe do my first XC race (2 hours) in a few weeks so maybe I should look at getting one?

What are people's thoughts and reasonings?

Ta

Puff


(Reading Trout's thread on "shaving" sort of prompted me to post this )

Snazy

I use one, but not a genuine one.
Decathlon do their own version for a tenner, and it works just fine for me

Worth having, yes. Reasoning, good hydration keeps you on top of your game

Diesel

Water tastes foul through them - especially as I struggle & sweat underneath the pack and warm it up! It is handy on extended rides on hot days though - if not exactly tasty. D

Simon C

I've got a drakine. Not had a problem with it and slightly cheaper than a camelback.

DYK

They are pritty ok as long as you wash out and sterilize it after use speacialy if you fill it with a flavored energy drink or it will start to taste crappy and get full of bacteria.

Snazy

Totally agree lol.
Thats why i have 3 of the back packs and only one bladder for them now... Tenner a pop I just buy a new backpack lol

Diesel, I would rather foul tasting than nothing though

if you wanna try one out and have a Decathlon near by grab one

dpb

Got a Dueter race x-air , you can put a bladder in it i think and your spare tubs - also doesnt get you sweaty for the frame/mesh that keeps it off your back


Youd struggle to get a weeks shopping in tho lol

worley

I resisted them for years, but now I have a Camelpak (bomb proof) and would never go back to stopping, getting water out etc etc - 2 litres almosts doesn't seem enough, but I wouldn't want to carry more weight.

It freezes in the winter if I don't blow back the water - the insulated hoses are a load of cr4p and hide the algae.

When not in use, I keep mine in the freezer to prevent algae growing in the tube and only use water.


Nik

Jye

Puff, 'they' are after me, help, I beseech you my old friend ¬¬¬

andythejock01wrx

Well worthwhile. I used to do my 26 mile road cycle over undulating/hilly countryside (takes 1h 25m) and always feel pooped when I got back. Simply remembering to drink water has meant I come back feeling fine!

SJ_Skyline

I swear by them. I use a smaller 1.5l camelbak for running and shorter distance cycling and a larger 3l for longer distances or if we're taking the kids out on the bikes (Room for all the nappy change paraphernalia).

Try places like Wiggle for savings and spares.

Coffin Dodger

Merlin Cycles usually have good prices on them.

Use my M.U.L.E for decent mountain bike rides though don't get out on it as much as I used to. My full suspension bike only has one bottle cage mount anyway so its kind of essential.

Jamescsti

I have one provided for certain roles at work I undertake, works very well, the water is not fantastic, always has a slightly "stale" taste for me, no matter how much I was it out, but it does a good job for what it is.
The quality of the thing seems very good

No idea on the cost as it's provided free to me

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

I have the small one , I carry a tube , patches and multi tool as well as not to get caught out again !

andythejock01wrx

Ooh err missus! Sorry, wrong thread!

ChrisB

Nothing wrong with the taste from them if you look after the bladders properly. Once you've washed them out, fold up the bladder and bung it in the freezer - no chance for nasties to grow.

As mentioned, Decathlon do some good value own-brand kit (Rockrider). Alternatively, a Gelert can be had for £17 (+P&P). The Gelert my misses uses has lasted well.

I've got a Camelback Chaos for longer rides (3l bladder), an old Platypus (2l bladder) and a North Face Hammerhead (2l bladder) which I use on my road bike or for running.

Chris
Kit Junkie (aka all the gear and no idea)

Will

My mates used to use them to smuggle lager in to festivals!!

PaulC72

I knew a girl once with a camel hump is that the same?

andythejock01wrx

Funny thing is, I haven't cleaned mine in the six months I've had it, although I empty it out every time I use it. Anyway, it seems fine (although I avoid looking at it too closely!)

moff1888

I have quite a few Camelbaks and the water from them is fine. Used them in the UK, Iraq and in the Falklands for various activities. The one I use most now is my M.U.L.E which is great for keeping the water a decent temperature and holding my Ipod whilst on my bike.

I don't put anything other than water in it as I think juice etc ruins the tubes, suppose I could get more tubes.

I hate carrying water in my hands so I think its ideal having it on my back.

Diesel

I use Milton steriliser in mine; still tastes ****e! Top tip the freezer one though - you get a massive Tip Top as well as an effective epidural for the Welsh mountain climbs!!!

D

Avi

Mine allways taste's fine. It's a £10 from Decathlon. I stick it in the freezer every time i get home. Hardly ever wash it out ]#

Edit - it did taste a bit funny the first few times. I think my brother may have sterilised it with a milton tablet when i first got it. Now it just taste's the same as drinking from a bottle.

rbaz

iTrader: (1)

Excellent bit of kit I have a Classic and a MULE. Classic is good for a quick ride out but the Mule lets you store a light jacket, spare tube and a couple of tools for the longer rides
Mine don’t taste too bad not as good as bottle of water but I don’t mind it and it gives you a little back protection when you have a big get off

andythejock01wrx

Re the freezer - take your knackered camelbak, fill it with blackcurrent cordial, then freeze it and cut it open.

You have a giant ice lolly! (albeit a pricey one!).

phil_wrx

iTrader: (2)

i got a bike hut one from halfords, 2.5 ltr bladder and about 6 ltr of space for tools, warm clothes, innertubes etc cost £29.99