Camelbak: Hydrate or Die
A classic mistake of new riders is not drinking enough water on the ride. If you wait till you’re thirsty, you’ve missed the window. Once dehydration sets in, your performance starts to suffer.
You should be drinking a sports bottle of water every hour, more in the heat. Go for 3 hours and that’s 3 – count them — 3 bottles of water.
Trouble is, most bikes come equipped with one bottle cage. Most riders add another one. But the third bottle gets tricky, unless you’ve got a team car or domestique servicing you out.
That’s where hydration packs come in. They’re like streamlined backpacks with water reservoirs inside. No more juggling bottles or skimping on hydration.
Camelbak is the leading provider, since they invented hands-free hydration. With their little water tube perched near your mouth, all you’ve gotta do is suck and ride.
Among cyclists, the M.U.L.E. is the most popular of Camelbak’s endless assortment of hydration packs. It’s part water system, part backpack, with 3 zipped compartments, mesh overflow pockets, a 6-point bungee system, a ventilated back panel and 4 colors to choose from.
More Reviews: Cycling the Americas