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I realised one day recently that I've never used any of the gubbins in my Camelbak, ever. I run UST tyres on Flow rims and in three years, had one puncture which didn't seal, mainly because I was a bit lazy replenishing my sealant inside the tyres. So, I'm now carrying one spare tube, two tyre levers and a CO2 canister. Wrapped together using a velcro strap, they all fit in my shorts pockets or in back pockets if I'm wearing a top that has them. I also carry my phone and car key in a neoprene pouch.
The water's in a cage on the bike now and it feels fantastic. I've got better balance on tricky stuff and no more straps across my chest, or bag bumping the back of my head. As Cream once sang, I Feel Free!
always nice to ride without one.
Although someone will be along soon to say you need to be carrying a complete workshop tool kit/defibrillator/GPS/Backup GPS and an iPad.
I used to find it hilarious that people would do xc races with full camelbaks.. fair enough on a longer ride. normally just have a mini pump spare tube and a bit of cash in the rear pocket.
I've taken to using a small bumbag for short rides when I don't need water. It's great.
I love my camelback and wouldn't change it for the world. Feels odd without it.
My camelback was wrecked when I loaned it to The Yak and he filled it with soup.
Certainly in the cooler months I ride with just one 750ml water bottle and a bumbag for the basic spares...good for about a 2 to 2 1/2 fast-ish XC ride if I can't refill the water bottle. Just make sure I drink a fair bit of water before I leave
I've not used one in years and much prefer it. Spare bottle in jersey pocket and refill midway if necessary.
Didn't get on with one from the day they came out. I don't think they ever had anything new to offer, a solution to a problem that never existed.
I found that I put in stuff that I might need and then some. Then I started reducing it down to what I really would need, and that could fit in my pockets.
Plus my Camelbak leaked onto my thigh.
For racing I never use my Camelback but when I'm out on long epics I always take mine. Sod's law says when you don't take everything for every eventuality is the time that something will go wrong to leave you stranded. Another less talked about fact is that a Camelback offers you a degree of spinal protection in the case of a big off.
It's too much of a faff NOT to have a Camelback - I'd lose stuff.
Bottles on the bike get caked in mud and sheep poo - nasty.
So have I, it does feel great!
Since i bought a hydration pack I have really missed the grit and mud on the top of the bottle......
ampthil, I have capped bottles so no problem with that
Who are Cream?
Sometimes yes; sometimes no. If it's a pottering local loop then waterbottle and bareback (no tube). If further afield or more adventurous then a Camelbak with layer but minimal gubbins.
I feel like im riding without a seatbelt without my CamelBak.
Theres way too much stuff in it, but I feel weird without it now.
Not used one for about 3 years now, hated having to lug one around
I've done the same -
For shorter local rides (<2 hours) or for trail centres when you are never more than a few miles frrom the car/Cafe I use a Fox saddle bag with tools/tube/CO2 and a 750ml bottle in a cage.
Crud catcher on down tube takes care of mud splashing onto the bottle.
Small pump lives next to the bottle cage.
On longer rides, where I'll be away from civilisation/the car/Cafe etc I'll use my Camelbak Mule.
I have only recently left my Camelbak at home for short rides, tube and CO2 taped onto the frame, and a bottle of course. And now I've gone tubeless I might even throw caution to the wind and just take a bottle when I'm not too far away from the car.
When I started mtbing when God was a boy I used to always use a seatpack and a bottle in a cage. Doing longer rides and starting to compete, I moved to a camelback mainly so I could drink on the move easier than using a bottle and carry more food.
However recently I have started going back to bottle and bum bag or seatpost bag. I realise they contravene fashion legislation but they are far handier if your not out too long. For a full day epic I still use the camelback but they can be a fag for a short summer ride.
Sometimes I ride with it, sometimes without, tbh it makes bugger all difference to me except when I want something that's in the camelbak.
I am sure that a full Camelbak has saved my back in a couple of really nasty falls.
ive been doing a lot of 45 min to 1 hour loops recently due to other commitments, and just gone out riding, with nothing. it is liberating
i have recently ditched mine, feels great. BUT not looking forward to drinking water out of a muddy bottle in the winter.
Who are Cream?
Baker, Bruce and Clapton were dudes. One of the best bands of their era.