Staying Hydrated On Long Rides | CamelBak Classic Review | Cruiseman's Reviews

[@omega2dog]

In advance of my first coast to coast ride from Maryland to California and back that I completed in July 2022, I purchased the CamelBak Classic, which has a 85 ounce capacity reservoir, based upon a friend's recommendation. Well, I have now joined that choir. I didn't use it much during the first half of my trip, but once I left Memphis, TN, and traveled across AR, OK, TX, NM, AZ and into LA, it was truly a life saver. The temperatures were especially hot, ranging from 94 degrees to 117 degrees, as we passed through the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, and down into Phoenix and Tucson. The reservoir has a large opening which enabled me to easily fill the bag up with ice from the hotel ice machine or from the ice dispenser at gas station soda machines. I first filled it with ice and then added water. The ice, which melted along the way, kept the water cold. I wore it under my riding vest which helped to keep me cool in the crazy hot temperatures. Instead of downing a whole bottle of water during a gas station fill up, I was able to take frequent sips of water along the way between gas fill ups. I did not tie down the hose which was fine because it rested comfortably over my shoulder without flopping around even though our riding speed was consistently between 78 and 82 mph. Whether I left the tube open or closed, it never leaked. I am now a true believer. One of the best purchases I ever made.

[@richardconnoly]

When my son I drove our ADV bikes around northern Mexico and the west coast for the month of August 2017, we will fill the bladder with ice, add 1/2 litre of Gatorade and top up the rest with cold water. As you mentioned, that was good for about 3 hours max. However, we could add new ice, Gatorade (or the Mexican equivalent) in even remote villages. I was surprised how much the ice cooled back even though the level II D30 back protector. Our CamelBak's did not come with an insulated drinking tube, which in 48c heat would have been nice. We just learned to push the warm water back in before pulling the cool water back out. I have the "Lobo" 100 oz model. I picked mine up on sale, and in blue (Gibraltar Navy) was cheaper than back. Purchasing a cleaning kit is a good idea. Giving the bladder a good soak with a couple of drops of bleach every month or so, followed by a good rise, is recommended by many to kill bacteria. I will also put a tablespoon of baking soda in a full bladder for a long soak if I start to discover any aftertaste.

[@ronaldallen6403]

I started using a CamelBak many, many years ago. They are great for longer trips. As others have mentioned, I too put ice inside the bladder along with the water to keep the water cooler longer. Plus, it feels cooler on my back when I wear the CamelBak under my coat. If you use the drinking tube like the one on your model, the first swig of water on a hot day is often hot water. CamelBak offers an insulated drinking tube as an accessory that is worth the money on a hot day of riding in the bright sunshine. I have also had a problem after several use of getting the inside of the bladder dry and few of bacteria. It can be cleaned up, or you can purchase a new bladder, but it is one thing to keep an eye on. The CamelBak will certainly give you a longer range before stopping on those hot summer days along with other heat mitigation techniques.

[@j.t.8759]

Great review Cruiseman. As many have mentioned, and I've cycled with CamelBaks for years, fill it with about 1/3 ice and 2/3 water. I also pre-cool the bladder, or the entire CamelBak, if you have room, in the refrigerator overnight, topped off and ready to go. Note; you may want to wait prior to adding your ice in this scenario. Put your CamelBak on at the last minute and hit the road. Now this sounds a little "nasty" but you're the only one drinking out of it. To avoid the warm water associated with that first swig, "back flush" what's in the tube prior to taking your first drink. Not saying it's FDA approved, but it works like a champ and I'm still alive and well after doing this for years. Ride safe my friend and hope to bump into you someday here in the Metroplex. PS This article is very timely in dealing with our endless triple digit days here in North Texas!

[@lpete531]

I been using CamelBak for two years now, I have the 1.5 liter that fits around your waist, I love it, it is practical with storage pockets.

[@ridingwithrusso7790]

Great video! CamelBak makes great products! Great for hiking. Also in the military, deployed in the hot Middle East they were a must. But I gotta say I don’t like a backpack while riding, definitely personal preference. The weight and sweat on my back were a problem. If it’s very hot, a sweaty back is certainly a better option than being dehydrated and having a heat injury. Another option is a tank bag with a smaller hydration pack, a few companies offer them. Itchy Boots is great!

[@georgenauss2670]

Yes I use a camel backpack. Works great in hot weather! Bin using it for a couple of years!

[@tango165]

You can get a insulation shield for the hose so the sun doesn’t bake the water in the hose! I’ve been riding with one of these for years, great way to stay hydrated.

[@sensei1NTBFW]

I’ve used them for years. I started in 04/05 when i became a MFS instructor i used them on hot days on the ranges. So I didn’t want to put a cup holder on my handle bars and i wanted more to drink then would fit i a bottle that fit a cup holder. I do add ice to mine and it keeps it colder longer and increases the amount i have to drink over a longer time as ice melts. They are a great product and fairly easy to drink from while riding. If you have time you might want to talk about cleaning them.

[@motomuto3313]

I own 2 hydration packs. They are great for just about anything. I like to use regular tap water or if I'm away from civilized water sources I fill with my water filter. I have found that most hydration packs will fit in a larger backpack.

[@russsaunders321]

Been using a Camelbak for many years! Great product! I like to add electrolytes. Many different flavors to choose from. Easy to clean too. Nice review Cruiseman.

[@williameash5060]

Yeah, hydration packs are great. I use one from Ogio. The Dakar 3L pack. Camelbacks are a great choice as well.

[@DavidBucciVoice]

I have a large one for teaching motorcycle classes and a smaller one for riding. I add ice to the inside of the bladders to keep the water cold. It melts and becomes water. At gas stations, buy bottled water and get ice from the pop machine, and you are good to go!

[@tim_g3478]

Chris, I just returned from a 9 day 3000 mile motorcycle trip with two other people. All three of us used 2 liter Camelbacks every day in 90+ degree heat. Easy to add ice as well as water. Critical for summer riding in warmer temperatures for extended hours.

[@tsav6952]

I have to get one of these for bicycle riding and motorcycling both! Nice review.

[@davidsizemore2745]

I have a cup holder made by Ciro3D that I have on my handle bars of my Ultra Limited. I also wear a modular full face helmet. If I need to take a drink I just grab my thermal cup off my handle bar. Not a fan of having something like a backpack on me while riding. Check out the Ciro3D cup holders they make two different sizes.

[@wingandhog]

I have Ciro’s “Big Ass” cup holder. It holds my 30oz Yeti rambler perfectly.

[@robertborsari6056]

that tip is called a bite valve znd the rear pocket is for snacks and such .. most cyclest have a tool kit attached to there seat or saddle. but good idea

[@freerider7064]

Thanks Cruiseman. Always enjoyable and informative.

[@rlward55]

I have used one for years. I don't get the hot weather like you do here in the Maritimes Canada so have not used it lately. I might try carrying it in the tank bag rather than wearing it. I carry a bottle of water in my tankbag so I can get a drink of water while sitting on the GS. R12GSGuy.

[@66pheonixpatrick76]

Chris I have been using the same camelback when I have been crossing the Australian continent ( from Perth- WESTERN AUSTRALIA to Nowra NEW SOUTH WALES ) distance 4870 km’s . I found that particular size perfect especially when ambient temperature is 115-125 Fahrenheit, because by the time I consumed the water I was about 20- 30 minutes away from refueling and recharging my camel. 1 very important health point is always clean your camel out after a trip, I personally use a baby bottle sanitizer solution, I found it works really well and does not leave any taste when you reuse the camel the next time you go for a ride. For me the 70 oz is perfect and does not put much load on your back/ did not effect any functional movement while I am riding, I do agree with you a different mouth piece which is more suited for helmets would be great but hey I like you, did not find it too much of an issue. If I was going to rate this critical piece of kit for touring or off road riding I would definitely give it a 5 star ⭐️ rating . Thanks so much again for another impartial critique on a piece of kit Chris. I always enjoy your blogs my friend. Stay safe and Stay upright.🇦🇺👍

[@victoryvisiontour]

I store mine in the refrigerator. Keeps it from getting yucky inside and the water is cool for the ride. In the winter I wear mine under my jacket and put the hose and bite tip under my jacket too to keep it from freezing.

[@glenns6923]

Ordered! Thank you for your review.

[@SewGurl58]

I always take mine when I'm heading west. It's hotter and dryer than here in the midwest. I often fill mine about 1/2 way with ice from the soda fountain dispenser when I stop for gas. Then purchase bottled water to fill, usually a 1.5 liter bottle will top it off. I rarely run out of water before my next gas stop, usually around 175-200 miles. I'm about to replace mine, it's pretty worn, before I head out on a long trip in 2 weeks.

[@dholder405]

Fill with ice and it will stay cold for HOURS. The mouth is big enough to easily add ice. My Camel Back seems to have more insulation than the model you showed. I used to strap mine to the passenger seat and could reach back for the tube. Not sure how it would feel against the backrest if I were to wear it. After use, open it up so it can dry inside, and clean with the Camel Back cleaner from time-to-time.

[@byever1]

Add sea salt or electrolyte powder to your packs.

[@unclepancho9787]

I have used one for many years,I bungee it to my back rest. The one I have has A full opening top and I fill it with ice and then top off with water. Refilling at fuel or food stops

[@bubblehead7680]

I did the camekbak about 12 years ago for a SS1K. I put water in it then put it in the freezer making a giant piece of ice. It worked ok, I'm just not a fan of it on my back all day. Currently I am looking at the Motojug as a solution.

[@billwilliams9527]

Dang, I guess most of us motorcyclist watch the Itchy Boots channel. That girl is something else. I do like that CamelBack, should work really well in Florida. Thanks for the vidio and preview

[@rayyillik968]

I used a camelback for a couple of years but finally gave up on it because it was too hard to clean. The water started tasting funky and no matter what I tried I couldn’t get it right again.

[@RussPearlman]

Chris, for my long ride I actually used a canvas Yeti chest in my back seat and was able to reach for bottles of water without getting off. I tried using the camelback but I found the water held in the tube got hot itself. One other nice thing about the chest is that I put a cooling towel in it which I can then lay across my neck to keep me cool and just put it back in the chest once all the water completely evaporates.

[@tomwestendorf6031]

I have a question on the camelback, how do you clean it and how often can you use it before you clean it? tates 37 Goldwing dTrike and CanAm rider.

[@RussPearlman]

@@tomwestendorf6031 I have one too. To clean it you can rinse with soap and water and hang upside down to dry. You don't have to clean every time you finish it, but you should clean it every few days.

[@victoryvisiontour]

@@tomwestendorf6031 I used to clean mine after every ride. The bladder gets slimy feeling quickly. I found storing it in the fridge will increase the cleaning interval to a month or more.

[@scubarider1]

One thing you don’t want to do is drink too much water because you’ll flush the electrolytes out of your body. It’s good to drink some water and also follow it up with something like Gatorade to replace electrolytes that you will surely sweat out.

[@cruisemansgarage]

I have some electrolyte powder packs that I add to the water too.

[@craigcook1571]

I have used them in the past, but I like cold water, and it’s hard to keep it cold or even cool in the ones I’ve tried. This one seems to have more room in the pack, for ice packs, so may try it again. Enjoy your videos

[@cruisemansgarage]

Mine stayed cool for 3.5 hours and I had plenty of space for the ice pack.

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

Put the empty camel back bladder in your freezer when not in use and it will avoid mildew build up

[@itroy3039]

I actually use a bmw Hydration pack I find it very useful 👌

[@rickhilliard2545]

Doesn't fluid drinking cause more " bathroom" stops?.. I may have missed it,but is it made in the USA?

[@bubblehead7680]

Not really. Riding naturally dehydrates you. This adds hydration.

[@richardhalbur4347]

I have a brand called Raw Mountain, on their hose they got a little insulation on it to help keep it cool. Plus when I am done talking a drink. I blow the some of the water back into the bladder. That way you are not drinking very hot water at first everytime.

[@mrstetson1205]

I used one years ago and can’t remember what brand was it,but what I didn’t like about it was that the water tasted like rubber. How does the water taste out of this one and do you do a pre cleaning before filling it with water to minimize the rubbery taste.

[@cruisemansgarage]

You do get a little rubber taste, especially when that first rush of warm water comes through. Once the water is cold, not so bad.

[@RealSuperRando]

This is complete overkill for a motorcyclist. Bicyclists? Yes. They are pedaling the bike, are limited to carrying weight and may have long times between water availability. Motorcycle, plenty of places to stop for refreshment and mount a cup holder on the handlebars with an insulated thermos tumbler in between stops if you’re really that desperate.

[@DavidSmith-fw6uj]

I am going to get #1 I will use it on the tractor 🚜 the Motorcycles 🏍 cutting firewood 🪵 I am going to take it hunting 🦌 🎼 I am going to give #1 to my alcoholic cousin for BEER 🍺 Thank you for the information ℹ️ Love from DeKalb Mississippi USA 🇺🇸