Camelback for water - road riding

[mwktar]

Hey guys, I typically get through a fair bit of water on a ride, so on anything more than 20 ish miles I try to make sure I can stop at a shop etc to stock back up.

Doing a fairly hilly (just over 4000ft elev) 40 ish mile ride in the morning which takes me on a very busy and dangerous road for around 20 mins - so I'm leaving extra early to avoid as much traffic as possible.

Only just dawned on me that on a Sunday shops won't be open until 10! Any roadies out there used a camelback or similar set up to get enough water for a ride like this?

My main concern is the comfort of it I guess, especially on those long old sweaty climbs!! What're your experiences?

 

[13 rider]

Mate used to ride with a camel back but gave it up do to sweaty back syndrome am gone with 2 bottles like me

 

[potsy]

Would hate to do any kind of distance with a rucksack/hydration pack, sweaty back and uncomfortable.
What size bottles are you using and how many?

 

[numbnuts]

I've used one all the time on my road bike, "sweaty back" get over it it's not that bad.
In the summer put in a cool pack, winter put in a warm drink.

 

[mwktar]

I get through my 2 750mls in under 20 miles if it's hilly (which it always bloody is here lol)

Might chuck an extra 500 in Jersey. Just found a coop in one spot and a soar in another that'll be open so should be all good

If anyone is interested in the ride, hoping to do merthyr Tydfil to port talbot, taking in hirwaun, the rhigos mountain andBwlch mountain

 

[Racing roadkill]

I tend to fill a 750 ml bottle to take on the bike. I've not run out before I've found somewhere to refill it yet.

 

[Milkfloat]

1.5L is a lot of fluid to get through over 20 miles, even if it is hilly.

 

[User6179]

You can fit a litre bottle in the middle pocket of a cycling jersey , done this many a time, I have a camelback also but only use it on really hot days with big miles , if really warm I drink a litre of water before I leave .

 

[screenman]

I seldom take a drink for a 20 miler, never needed it. It shows how different we all are.

 

[Citius]

I get through my 2 750mls in under 20 miles if it's hilly

Kin'ell, that's a lot of fluid for less than 20 miles - you must be drinking all the time - do you ever manage to get both hands on the bars at the same time?

Unless there is actually something wrong with you, about 500ml should be enough, maybe 750ml on a really, really hot, humid day.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I seldom take a drink for a 20 miler, never needed it. It shows how different we all are.

I'm lucky if I finish one bottle doing 20 miles but always take one with me anyway.

 

[marzjennings]

I've used a 3L camelbak for years, on and off road. The sweaty back thing is nothing, you won't even notice after a few rides.

I use an Octane which about the lightest and easiest way to carry 3 litres of water and tools, pump and tyres. But having said that, 1.5litres for 20 miles is a lot of water. Are you not fully hydrated before getting on the bike? Currently the weather here is over 90f when I ride and I'll go through about a litre an hour (17-19mph average).

 

[mwktar]

Flippin eck you lot are giving me a complex here

I'll keep a note of how much I get through and let you know tomorrow lol.

Might be I don't consume quite that much, but I never leave (even for a 15 miler) without both full - would rather carry it and not need it than the alternative

 

[BSRU]

Anything less than 70km I just take 1 750ml bottle and I have a mug of tea just before I leave

 

[mwktar]

I did notice when doi g the velothon this year that I only drank 1 bottle in the first 40 odd miles, but that was flat as a pancake