So, does anyone ride with a camelbak? I was out for a long ride and ran out of water which was pretty tough. If you do ride with one, which one? I’m thinking this one looks good (not too big, not too small)…
Camelbak mule. 3 liter capacity. I’ll use it mainly for moutain biking.
I ride with one for commutes - as in I use it as a small backpack. For riding, it just gets too hot on your back I find. (Although I have used it on loooong rides just to be able to carry food & water)
It does get hot and uncomfortable. I do, however, ride with one sometimes in the winter, since my body heat keeps the water from freezing (like it does in my water bottles.)
I have the 70oz (2L) camelbak classic. I use it only for longer rides. It’s very convenient but I agree, it gets annoying sometimes when you sweat or when it’s hot.
I know i’ll get flamed for it, but I also used it during the bike in my first 1/2 IM. That’s all I drank, I didn’t have to stop but I did finish it all.
I use a mule for mtb rides and don’t seem to notice it when riding. I used to have to use one for training on the orad when I had a croos bike as a trainer (no bottle bosses) and hated it. At those intensities it gets tyour back hot and sweaty. it is hard to ascertain just how much you are drinking as you ride. On a number of occasions I would cramp and find I had drunk next to nothing. Never have cramped on rides with bottles as you know exactly how much you have drunk at a glance (clear bottles).
yep, mine is 5 years old, I dont think they made that many models back then.
It has the geek factor, but in central florida in the afternoon when it is 95 degrees and 85 percent humidity, they help me on a long ride.
There are no places to get water on the paved trails that I ride on so I have to carry 120oz of water at a time.
The M.U.L.E. is a good choice. I ride with one all of the time. I have raced with it as well. It is very convenient to drink from a Camelback, so you do it more often. It also gives you a nice place to keep your wallet, keys, and cell phone. I say try it out and do what works for you.
I;ve used one for longer rides and tours. I like it in the spring and fall when I shed clothes and can stuff them in the pack. My friend fills hers up with ice and a little water and it keeps her cool. Good idea.
I use a 50oz and a 70oz camelback on my long weekend rides. It all depends on the heat
and humidity. The heat idex has been over a 100 this last week, so I’m glad to have them.
This is the ultimate for 100 miles rides, no comparision to the camelback packs–no need to ever stop to get water, it holds 3L, plus you can carry up to three pre-mixed bottles!
That would be a fair amount of weight to carry on your back though, near 5kg when all full up. Saying that it would make for some good training doing hilly centuries with lots of out of the sadle climbing 
Camelbak mule. 3 liter capacity. I’ll use it mainly for moutain biking.
I MTB race with a MULE, and I can’t even tell it’s there. Basically, any race longer than 15k and the Mule makes an appearance. No problems with it getting sweaty (it’s well ventilated in the back), and it get’s lighter as the race goes on. It’s so easy just to sip when you need it rather than fumble for a water bottle when going all out in a MTB race.
I use one for mountain biking. I’m not sure which one though as there are so many similar flavors though… I think I have a 3 liter one. IMO the best part about it is for protection when you crash. My camelback has saved me some serious pain absorbing the impact of a fall on more than one occasion…
I ride with one on long rides through Joshua Tree National Park where they have water at both entrances but nothing in the park. It is very old (I won it in a MTB race in ’92) and is very simple. It holds 100 oz. and has a very thin “pack” with no additional storage space. I only have one frame bottle, so I put my calories in there and then use the Camelback for clear water. When the temp climbs over 100 mid-ride then the Camelback is the only way to go.
Chad