Better backpack or pouch for MTB? Usefulness of the water bag and how to clean the camelbak
Camelbak K.U.D.U. backpack Protector 20
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Camelbak REPACK belt bag
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Clux water bag 3 liters
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Drying support
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Brushes
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The water bag is of fundamental importance when you make new routes where you have absolutely no idea if you will find water on the route.
In all my epic all mountain tours, where I often go to infest myself on unknown and impossible tracks, I always go out with a bottle containing mineral salts and camelbak with 3 liters of water on my shoulders
For the rides with the emtb, I use a crux hydration bladder instead, a one and a half liter lumbar version
combining it with the REPACK pouch where I can also store, cell phone, car keys, energy bars, windproof jacket and multitool with repair tools
If you want to pedal efficiently for the duration of the ride, you must drink regularly even if you are not thirsty. Feeling thirsty is already a symptom of dehydration. Muscles tighten and you begin to lose lucidity with only 2% of your body mass dehydrated
Personally, I consider the hydration bladder a fundamental accessory for two reasons:
The first is the simplicity in bringing the water to your mouth:
The second is to be able to drink while breathing and for a prolonged time, keeping both hands on the handlebar
Imagine pedaling on a long steep and bumpy mule track, the ones that don't give you respite, those that force you to hang on to the handlebars for a long period of time. In these phases, removing a hand from the handlebar to go and find the bottle is not an easy thing, while with the water bag, the spout can be brought to the mouth in a fraction of a second, facilitating breathing, drinking it in small sips and allowing you to keep both hands on the handlebar
CamelBak's know-how on the production of water bags is truly state-of-the-art.
The latest generation Crux have a wide opening to be filled, and are equipped with a hermetically sealed screw cap.
The bag is stored in the backpack, in this case my new Camelbak K.U.D.U. Protector 20, and is connected to a tube, which in turn is inserted into the special guides of the backpack shoulder straps, and anchored with a special hook, so as to be easily accessible.
In case the water runs out, there is no need to remove the tube, but just unhook it at the base allowing you to remove the bag easily
At the end of the tube, there is a self-sealing natural silicone valve, which allows you to drink without using your hands. The valve opens simply by pressing the lips or teeth.
The amount of water that can be transported from the bag to the mouth in a single suck is a very important factor to consider.
Unfortunately I was able to use a water bladder that was supplied together with a backpack on a particularly intense ride. The complete package (bag and backpack) was offered at an unbeatable price by one of the famous discount stores.
Well. I struggled more to suck water from the bag than to climb 5km. The water really rose with difficulty, not allowing me to breathe well, because I had to inhale for a long time to ensure that the water reached my mouth.
The latest generation Cruxes carry 20% more water in a single sip than previous models
Many bags are also equipped with a closing lever useful for when transporting the backpack in the car.
Bacteria
CamelBak has developed a proprietary antibacterial technology called Hydroguard, which is incorporated into the walls and pipes of its tanks, which inhibits the growth of those bacteria that cause odors, discoloration and deterioration of the tank.
In any case, good maintenance of the bag and its cleaning are important after each outing.
#mtbt #mtb #camelbak