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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: on July 09, 2003, 10:58:09 PM

Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: on July 09, 2003, 10:58:09 PM
Does anyone ride with a Camelbak or other hydration system?

I am looking at getting one (Camelbak Classic) for the longer rides I go on, and also thought it might be agood way to keep cool under the riding jacket?

Any feedback would be great!

Stay Safe!  :thumb:
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: pantablo on July 09, 2003, 11:26:53 PM
I don't use one but ride with people who do. They all swear by them. Great for summer months. When you wear one you end up drinking more since its so easy to sip when you stop, instead of having to take a break to drink.
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: on July 10, 2003, 12:01:45 AM
Yeah well I rode for about 2 hours today and I had to stop to get a drink even though I really wanted to keep going  :x

Do the guys you ride with say that they keep them cooler Pantablo?

Stay Safe!
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: Michael on July 10, 2003, 12:47:06 AM
I'm not sure- are they reasonably well-fitted as far as harness, etc goes?  I've always worked on the principle of not carrying anything on my person that I can make the bike carry for me.  I guess putting one in the tankbag mightn't be a bad idea.
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: chimivee on July 10, 2003, 01:43:04 AM
Well, I've used my camelbak for hiking and bicycling and it's GREAT.  I don't see why it wouldn't work well on a m/c, so long as you can get the spout into your helmet.

I find mine to be very well-fitted.  I have a larger day-pack sized one.  It's more comfortable than my NorthFace daypack and it has chest and waist buckles to keep it snug.  I've used it on the GS, but w/out the hydration system when I commute to work.  Even w/ a laptop in there, it's quite comfortable.  I would think the small ones would go practically unnoticed.

As far as keeping you cool - no they don't really, except for maybe the actual hydration factor.  On my pack, there's padding and a ventilation channel that separates your back from the bladder.  I think the idea is that it insulates the water from your back.  So, it doesn't necessarily cool your back, but it does keep the water cool.  Otherwise the water would heat up quickly and you'd lose any cooling effect fairly quickly while ending  up w/ hot water.
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: ginovega on July 10, 2003, 02:59:46 AM
Camel Backs are great. I got one and I use it for everything from motorclying, biking, hicking, etc. It so versatile and your source of water it right there. We (US Army ) are using it also.  I highly recommend it .

Gino
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: on July 10, 2003, 04:06:59 AM
Hey Ginovega,

I actually was going to buy one off a guy in the States who is a Sargent Major in the Army - he must get a good deal on them?

Just shipping to Australia is a killer... almost as much as the actual Camelbak!

Anyone have a good online store you can suggest?!

Stay Safe
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: chimivee on July 10, 2003, 11:08:53 AM
Quote from: keyzer
Anyone have a good online store you can suggest?!

http://www.rei.com
http://www.rei-outlet.com
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: JamesG on July 10, 2003, 11:14:45 AM
Camelbacks are so good (a concept) that the US military is issuing them to replace the 2 quart canteen.  :thumb:

I use one on long trips. It it flat enough that I can get it on under my leathers or jacket without getting too wierd a hump. Fill it full of ice cubes and water and it stays cool on your back until mid-afternoon.
:)
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: glenn9171 on July 10, 2003, 11:38:10 AM
Keyzer, don't they sell them in stores over there as opposed to having one imported?  Other companies make them besides the Camelbak corporation.  I have a 1-gallon model made by Hillary, the company that makes tents and other camping equipment.  I love it.  I don't usually ride the GS more than about an hour or so, so I haven't tried it on it yet, but I do use it on all-day ATV trips.  Works great.  Once I have it on, I forget it's there, it's that comfortable.
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: The Antibody on July 10, 2003, 02:37:16 PM
yes, extremely comfy. they are a good investment. Great to take anyplace where you'll be outdoors in heat.

 -Anti
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: on July 10, 2003, 03:11:37 PM
Quotedon't they sell them in stores over there as opposed to having one imported?

Glenn, like all things in Australia, and I have said this 3-4 times in other post already cause I like to Buddha Loves You about it, things are way cheaper in the U.S then in Australia. I ordered a Camelbak Classic for US$29.00 about $45 australian, and they are $99 to buy here in the shops!

A TZ-1 helmet is $700 AUS here, they are US $289, even with the exchange rate I still save well over $250 australian!

Thanks for your imput guys!

Stay Safe
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: chimivee on July 10, 2003, 04:11:54 PM
Quote from: keyzer
Quotedon't they sell them in stores over there as opposed to having one imported?

Glenn, like all things in Australia, and I have said this 3-4 times in other post already cause I like to Buddha Loves You about it, things are way cheaper in the U.S then in Australia. I ordered a Camelbak Classic for US$29.00 about $45 australian, and they are $99 to buy here in the shops!

A TZ-1 helmet is $700 AUS here, they are US $289, even with the exchange rate I still save well over $250 australian!

Thanks for your imput guys!

Stay Safe

I should get into the Australian export business.  US prices + GF that works for FedEx... This could be lucrative...
Title: Camelbak - good idea?
Post by: pantablo on July 10, 2003, 04:54:18 PM
Quote from: keyzerYeah well I rode for about 2 hours today and I had to stop to get a drink even though I really wanted to keep going  :x

Do the guys you ride with say that they keep them cooler Pantablo?

Stay Safe!

its not so much about staying cooler directly but about staying hydrated better when its hot out-that might help keep you cooler. Definitely keep you feeling better, fatigue less, etc just from drinking more water. When its as easy to take a sip you tend to drink more. Even on a mtn bike (bicycle) this is true-it can be difficult to stop and drink from a bottle but you just reach over and take a sip on the straw...much easier to sip every 15 minutes like you should when its hot. They also hold much more water than you could carry in bottles (at least on a bicycle). The racerback is slim and would be better than the packs, you don't need the storage space anyway.

sorry, I'm ramblling....need caffeine...