Camelbak Racebak 2L Wearable Hydration Pack

Full Review of the Camelbak Racebak 2L Wearable Hydration Pack

The CamelBak RaceBak 2.1 Litre is a pack geared towards serious bikers of all descriptions. Of course, hydration is vitally important and you have a few options; aerodynamic water bottles, different bottle mounts etc. but more and more riders are thinking about wearing their water. The CamelBaks RaceBak is a vest with a water bladder which you wear under your normal clothes. Famous road bike racer Dave Zabriskie endorses this product and the CamelBak RaceBak is a move beyond backpacks with on-board hydration.

The Camelback RaceBak also has some Tour de France history. In 2004, Bobby Julich made waves by wearing a CamelBak RaceBak under his time trial suit. The distinctive bump left pundits debating back and forth about its aerodynamic value, some even going so far as to suggest the CamelBak RaceBak makes a rider more aerodynamic.

Wear the Camelbak Racebak to get an edge in Time Trials

Of course the CamelBak RaceBak offers a lot more than potential aerodynamic improvement. Compared to a water bottle sitting in a cage, the CamelBak RaceBak offers three main advantages:

• Drinking from a tucked time trial position
• Capacity
• Temperature regulation

Whilst drinking from the tuck position, the reservoirs for the CamelBak RaceBak operate like the usual CamelBak bladder. Its shaped a little differently, but otherwise the tube runs over your shoulder and sits in front of your mouth. There is also an insulation sleeve over the tube which gives extra friction to stay in place, but it does take a bit of playing around to get it in the right place.

Temperature Regulation: the CamelBak RaceBak comes with an insulating layer that keeps your back from warming up the water; of course you do also have the option of removing this insulation pad. The idea of putting ice in the bladder for use on hot days is another little bonus with the CamelBak RaceBak. On a cold winters morn, you could also fill the bladder with warm water to fight off those frosty starts.

The capacity of the CamelBakRaceBak is 2.1 litres. Thats similar to carrying three water bottles on your bike. You may not need that much for a shortish time trial, but its good to have the extra fluid when youre on longer rides or out training.

Snug Fit with Ample Ventilation

The top part of the CamelBak RaceBak is a thicker elastic material which fits snuggly against your body to keep the reservoir in place. The lower part is a looser, lightweight fabric that does a good job of keeping you dry and ventilated.

The main question then: Is the CamelBakRaceBak 2.1 Litre Wearable Hydration Pack better than a standard water bottle? The answer is probably a predictable one; of course it is. Apart from being able to squirt water on your face to cool down, the CamelBak RaceBak does everything a water bottle does, plus many extra things that have more to do with aerodynamics.

The cost of the CamelBakRaceBak is reasonable in comparison to professional cycling jerseys, but it really depends on your commitment to the sport. The RaceBak can improve your performance by lowering your core temperature and maintaining your aerodynamic position which is the real positive with this hydration system.

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