CamelBak opinions

Brendon said:

Hi all,

Thinking about getting one as I prepare for my marathon, as I have no other way of rehydrating
during training. Our parks etc over here do not have water fountains, and I 'hate' carrying
bottles with me, so wondering what peoples opinions on the model to purchase are, and if you are
currently using them at all, enough to pass comment on. I am considering the following models:
Hydrobak (1.5L), Classic (2.0L), Siren (1.5L), and Rogue (2.0L).

I haven't used any of these models, but things I would look for in this type model (not large gear
capacity, and you seem to have settled on the
1.5-2L fluid capacity range) include

2. sternum strap - I get most of my stability from the sternum strap and/or tightening
shoulder straps

3. easily adjustable shoulder straps - see above

4. breathable mesh back - newer models claim to have breathable mesh back, but have no experience
with them to know. Also, I think some pack backs may grab better (more friction against outer
layers) than others, reducing bounce potential.

5. separate pouch for hydration bladder from gear section (not an issue on yours since they don't
have a large gear section). On ones with large gear section, I would also be sure of good
compression straps with much gear.

6. front pockets - either on waist belt or on shoulder straps - built in or addable. Put food, drink
mix, camera, maps, etc. where it's readily reachable. Some with built-in pockets may be too small
for much but waist belts can't accommodate a separate pouch.

If you can, try it on with approximate weight in it and run in place in store to see how it rides.
People have different shapes, outer clothing has different levels of slipperiness, etc. - all of
which combine to make cb selection *interesting*, to say the least.

FWIW, I've used a Cloudwalker (older model) for almost 2 yr but use the Stoaway bladder (insulated)
in it. I use it to carry extra layers in winter (Alaska) as well as fluid so having a decent gear
capacity was essential for me. I use either a zippered or velcro closure pouch on the hip belt to
hold camera and/or munchies, although sometimes just use jacket pockets. The velcro closure pocket
was designed for shoulder strap but I like it better on belt. I'm still fiddling with pockets. I use
it for running, skiing, snowshoeing, and mt biking.

Other people here have used many other models, depending on their needs.

Dot

--
"Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope

Realbitchy does something called the "HumpYourBack". Is that the same thing? (it's a [censored] thing, I
don't know what it means, but he can explain...in de-tail.

I should think 1.5L would be plenty for up to 20 mile training runs unless its unusually hot or
humid. Add more capacity for longer runs (experiment, say 0.5L for each additional 5 miles) But for
training I stash the water at strategic spots and forget the camelbak. I only use the camelbak in
races when there is no water or it is not certain to be present.

"Brendon" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hi all,

Thinking about getting one as I prepare for my marathon, as I have no

other

Quoted message said:

way of rehydrating during training. Our parks etc over here do not have water fountains, and I
'hate' carrying bottles with me, so wondering what peoples opinions on the model to purchase are,
and if you are currently using them at all, enough to pass comment on. I am considering the

following

Quoted message said:

models: Hydrobak (1.5L), Classic (2.0L), Siren (1.5L), and Rogue (2.0L).

Thanks again, have a great festive season, and don't forget to go for a

run

Quoted message said:

or two!

Brendon in NZ

Thanks John, The stashing of drinks 'sounds' like a good idea, though this would require either
running a loop type circuit, or have a fair amount of preperation time to go and place the bottles
at points along the run would it not? And even then, there is no guarentee that you will not get
thirsty 'before' one of your water stations is there? Are my thoughts silly or what? I think the
1.5L will suffice though as you say, and the weight of the extra 1/5L will be welcomed. :-)
Brendon in NZ

"John Galt" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I should think 1.5L would be plenty for up to 20 mile training runs unless its unusually hot or
humid. Add more capacity for longer runs

(experiment,

Quoted message said:

say 0.5L for each additional 5 miles) But for training I stash the water

at

Quoted message said:

strategic spots and forget the camelbak. I only use the camelbak in races when there is no water
or it is not certain to be present.

Brendon said:

CamelBak opinions

If she has a good personality, then her camelback shouldn't matter. Look into "camel back corrective
surgery" for her.

Quoted message said:

I am considering the following
models: Hydrobak (1.5L), Classic (2.0L), Siren (1.5L), and Rogue (2.0L).

I use the Rogue for longer runs (8+ miles), longer mountain bike rides/races, and day hikes. I have
nothing but good things to say about it. At 2.0 L it might be a tad large for runs under 10 miles,
but no where does it say you have to fill it all the way (just make sure youdon't allow any extra
air in the bladder which would cause sloshing).

In hot weather, I love being able to put a bunch of ice in the bladder, then top it off with water.

The Rogue has rather limited storage options other than the bladder itself. Enough room for a few
energy bars or gels, ID, etc, but not the backpack capacity of some of the other CamelBak models.
Since I only use mine for running, mountain biking, and day hikes, it is perfect. If I ever feel the
need for more storage, I'll get a bigger model - but that wouldn't be practical for running.

Good luck!

Daryl Bernard Michigan

Thanks Daryl, I am looking quite seriously at this model, the Rogue. It will be used on runs over
8km I guess, and like I have mentioned before, contain just the liquid, and maybe a couple of
gel's and keys. Nothing else, just for running. I also liked your idea about keeping the air out,
something which has not been mentioned, and I guess some take for granted, will definately keep
it in mind.

Kind regards, Brendon in NZ

"MTBnRUN trails" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:20031228212804.04004.00001934@mb-
m07.aol.com...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I am considering the following models: Hydrobak (1.5L), Classic (2.0L), Siren (1.5L), and Rogue
(2.0L).

I use the Rogue for longer runs (8+ miles), longer mountain bike

rides/races,

Quoted message said:

and day hikes. I have nothing but good things to say about it. At 2.0 L it might be a tad large
for runs under 10 miles, but no where does it say you

have

Quoted message said:

to fill it all the way (just make sure youdon't allow any extra air in the bladder which would
cause sloshing).

In hot weather, I love being able to put a bunch of ice in the bladder,

then

Quoted message said:

top it off with water.

The Rogue has rather limited storage options other than the bladder

itself.

Quoted message said:

Enough room for a few energy bars or gels, ID, etc, but not the backpack capacity of some of the
other CamelBak models. Since I only use mine for running, mountain biking, and day hikes, it is
perfect. If I ever feel the

need

Quoted message said:

for more storage, I'll get a bigger model - but that wouldn't be practical

for

Quoted message said:

running.

Good luck!

Daryl Bernard Michigan

I got rid of all my camelbaks. The plastic makes my booze taste funny.

I bought the classic and replaced it with the flashflo. The Flashflow does not bounce or chafe.
Highly recommend it.

I agree with the Flashflo camelbak model .. I have one, run in Florida .. it holds enough water for
about a 10-12 mile run in warm, humid weather. The straps are very convenient and no bouncing or
chafing noticed. It also has pockets for gu, car key and a snack, so that's pretty nice. You get
used to the extra weight (4 pounds when full) pretty quickly. I tried using a regular [censored] pack
with water bottles that slipped into little pockets, but they bounced and were unbalanced, making
running very uncomfortable. Camelback highly recommended.

If you do buy something like that, beware, mold will grow in the drinking tube and inside the
moutpiece. Instead of buying their expensive cleaning kit, you can use a gun cleaning kit from wal
mart, costs about $6.