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Keeping hydrated on the bike?

1510 Views 12 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  zx6ixxer
So every time I go out I usually stop once or twice and buy some water. I'm getting tired of counting on stores to always be on my route when they always aren't. I'm wondering on how everyone else keeps hydrated. Im in the market for a backpack with a water bladder (ogio mach3) or iv been also debating on a tank bag but don't know if I'd always want a tank bag on. Then there is the tailbag which I never put people on the back of my bike but don't know if I would even notice it back there with a few water bottles in it...would it slosh around at all?

Just curious on how others handle the hydro consumption or just ride and sweat till I black out :crazy
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If you don't want to ride with a back back look into a Camelbak. I've used them on longer runs before which makes a world of difference, have not tried on the bike though.

CamelBak | Hydration Packs, Bottles, Reservoirs, Drinks & Accessories
CamelBak all the way! I have multiple different backpacks that I just sewed a sleeve into so that I can take the one bladder thing and transfer it to different bags depending on how much stuff I need to carry in the bag along with the water...works pretty well for me :O
Water bladder in the water bladder pocket in my jacket for long rides, water bottles and frequent breaks for power ranger rides.

Ey3
Just wondering how far your riding between stopping for water if you can't find stores along your route?

In any case, as suggested, CamelBak. I always wear one when riding the dirt bikes. Bit harder to come bay a store out in the woods.

I've got a Lobo which is small but holds 3L of water. Has enough room for a phone, wallet, some energy bars and a few tools. Works fine if the ride doesn't take you too far from the truck.

For longer rides I've got a M.U.L.E that also has a 3L bladder but has a lot more cargo room. You could fit a light jacket, a lot of tools and spare tubes, tow ropes, lunch and more in it.

Neither is cumbersome at all. You really can forget you have them on. Particularly the Lobo. They stay put and don't shift around even riding the dirt bike. They are incredibly rugged as well. I've had them snag on trees and I've crashed numerous times with them and they hardly show any wear at all after years of use.

CamelBak has a bunch of other options too if a back pack style isn't what you want.
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I do a lot of riding far into back wood twisties, I try to stay as far away from active roads as possible.. I know one stretch I'm a good 45 min to the closest grab a drink spot...iv looked into camelback also and I might go that route.
yeah but if you are out riding- then you need to stop for gas every 2 hours anyways....gas stations always have something

Unless you are putting around to a destination- getting off spending time and doing that whole deal where it takes all day to burn through a tank of fuel.


I carry a tank bag with me every ride I go on, it always has 2 32oz powerades... 1 is always mostly frozen to start the day, and a 16.9oz water- frozen solid, and usually a pepsi, but I also drink water at breakfast, lunch and dinner stops- plus drink plenty of water the day before and the morning before departure and, any extended gas stops I may there too depending on temps and need. And my rides are typically close to 500 mile 10-12 hour days

Hydration really starts long before the ride begins though!

I hate backpacks
I have a couple of camelbaks that I never use, just don't really like them either (always used them in endurance races though)
Tailbag is an option


and no you will not feel, notice a couple water bottles "sloshing around" but you will want a shirt or towel or something in the bag to keep them from moving too much and to hel them remain cold, or atleast not get hot.... sunlight will warm them quite quickly (thus why I freeze mine)
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Thanks for the info...your advice is always appreciated rivers
I like to go for long 250-500 mi. day trips and longer trips of up to 2500-2900 mi 7-10/day trips. And I've found it to be of critical importance to stay hydrated. Like most here, I use a Camelback type system I bought from Pro Bike (push/mtn bike). I don't esp. like the taste of Gatorade, so I mix a bottle of Gatorade & juice. If I can, during HOT weather I will mix up the night prior and place bladder in freezer, thus, keeping my back cool. H²O alone is not the best for rehydrating oneself... most esp. if its just purified/distilled H²O because they don't contain vital electrolytes.

Signs of dehydration are poor judgement, slowed reaction times, distractibility, muscle cramping, and fatigue. Unfortunately once these signs display, it's already too late. It will take greater amounts of time to get back to form. But in the mean time you've become a danger to yourself and others on the same road.
Camelback FTW! Got mine from Dicks sporting good and it came with two mouth pieces one straight and one angled so it fits under my helmet easily!
I don't like carrying a back pack since you are carrying the weight through the ride and started using a tail bag. I dont even know the tail bag is there during the ride. I bought a cheap tank bag from Cycle gear and used some camco awning straps to hold the bag on the passenger seat and its been working great. I can stuff as much as I need and yet make no difference to the ride!!
I just rode 720 miles to the Tail of the Dragon...and back.

I did NOT bring a backpack...I did anything I could to avoid it. I hydrated every 150 miles or so when I stopped for gas (so appx every two hours), but I kept drinks in my tank/tail bag in case. I definitely advise getting yourself a tail bag if you don't ride with a passenger as its small, convenient, and does not get in your way. A tank bag is nice too but some people just don't like the aesthetics of it....plus I noticed the magnets put some fine scratches in the paint (unless I am doing something wrong)
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