Staying Hydrated on Long Rides: My Camelback wins
Mounted behind my seat
Staying Hydrated on Long Rides: My Camelback wins
Staying hydrated during long rides is crucial for both your performance and overall well-being. Whether you’re cycling on two wheels or handcycling, proper hydration can make the difference between a strong finish and a struggle to the end, especially on those hot long touring rides in the summer. I ride between 40km (25mi) and 120km (75mi) on most rides so hydration is a critical part of my planning. In this post, I’ll share some essential hydration tips and tricks, with a special focus on one of my favorite hydration packs: the CamelBak Hi-Viz Mil-Spec Crux Lumbar Reservoir.
Why Hydration Matters
When you’re out on a long ride, your body loses water through sweat, and if you don’t replenish it, you can quickly become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to a drop in energy levels, muscle cramps, and even heatstroke in extreme cases. I get painful upper leg cramps and migraine like headaches so I do a lot of preparation to avoid this. This is why carrying enough water and sipping regularly is non-negotiable for any cyclist. I carry 2-3 liters (100oz) of ice water in my Camelback and 650ml (22oz) in my Iron Flask °F Water Bottle on my long or touring rides
Tips for Staying Hydrated
1. Start Hydrated: Begin your ride well-hydrated. Drink water in the hours leading up to your ride, so you’re not starting on empty. I like to do this in the hours before a ride and I always drink a glass of sparkling mineral water right before my ride.
2. Sip, Don’t Gulp: Take small sips of water every 15-20 minutes rather than waiting until you’re thirsty. Thirst is often a sign that you’re already becoming dehydrated. This is easy with my Camelback mounted behind me on my handcycle I place the drinking tube trough one of the straps on my helmet so the water is always right there by my mouth. I also keep the tube from flailing by using a small Carabina mounted at the top of my seatback.
3. Use Electrolytes: On longer rides, mix in an electrolyte drink to replenish lost salts and minerals, helping to prevent cramps and keep your energy up. I like to take my electrolytes in a sugarfree tablet form before riding and after if needed. I like these two products: Nutricost Electrolyte Complex and Hi Lyte. If tablets are not your thing then there are also a Liquid Hi Lyte and a Powdered Hi Lyte option.
4. Monitor Your Urine Color: Yes, it’s a bit personal, but it’s a good indicator of your hydration level. Clear or light-colored urine usually means you’re well-hydrated and a dark smelly urine might be an indication of dehydration. I always keep an eye on this.
Why I Love the CamelBak Hi-Viz Mil-Spec Crux Lumbar Reservoir
I’ve tried several hydration systems over the years, but the CamelBak Hi-Viz Mil-Spec Crux Lumbar Reservoir has become my go-to for long rides. Here’s why:
High Visibility for Safety
One of the standout features of this CamelBak model is its high-visibility design. As a cyclist, especially if you’re riding in low-light conditions or on busy roads, being seen by drivers is crucial. The bright color and reflective elements of this pack add an extra layer of safety. For handcyclists like me, mounting this pack behind the seat not only keeps me hydrated but also significantly boosts my visibility on the road, making it a dual-purpose lifesaver. I use it in addtion to a Flag and a rechargeable Flashing Rear Taillight
Easy to Add Ice and Stay Cool
Another fantastic feature of the CamelBak Crux Reservoir is how easy it is to add ice when filling it up. The wide opening makes it simple to drop in a few ice cubes, ensuring that your water stays cool throughout your ride. This is especially useful on hot days when a cold drink can be incredibly refreshing and help maintain your core temperature. I love this feature as large ice cubes can easily fit through the wide opening design. It also makes it really easy to fill.
Perfect Size for Long-Distance Rides
The Crux Reservoir’s size is ideal for long-distance rides, offering just the right amount of water to keep you going without needing constant refills. Whether you’re tackling a 40 km (about 25 miles) loop or pushing through a challenging 120 km (around 75 miles) ride, this reservoir has you covered. On my rides, which often range between these distances, the capacity has proven more than adequate, allowing me to focus on the road rather than worrying about running out of water. I have rarely run out with this size pack… maybe once or twice on 40°C (104°F) plus days. But thats what my back up is for.
Comfortable and Functional Design
This pack is designed with comfort in mind. It sits low on your back, distributing weight evenly and reducing strain on your shoulders and back—a big plus on those long rides using a regular bike. The Crux Lumbar Reservoir delivers 20% more water per sip, so you stay hydrated without having to stop and fumble with a bottle. For me, mounted on my handcycle this is less important but I have worn it on my back in my wheelchair and it is indeed comfortable.
Durable and Reliable
Made from tough materials that meet military specifications, this CamelBak can handle whatever the road throws at you. Whether you’re riding on rough terrain or in harsh weather, you can trust this pack to keep your water secure and accessible. I have had mine for many years now, and it may look a little rough on the outside but it really has stood the test of time. My previous packs have all been retired through wear and tear.
How I Use the CamelBak on my Handcycle
When I’m handcycling, I mount the pack behind my seat held in place with a Carabina and using a second Carabina to secure the drinking tube.. This setup keeps the water accessible without getting in the way of my hand movements. Plus, the high-visibility feature is particularly beneficial in this position, as it increases my visibility to vehicles approaching from behind.
Testing on a Recent Ride in Germany
I used the Camelback recently here in Germany during my test runs for next years Handcycle touring along the Danube River. I covered several scenic routes near my friend’s home in southern Germany that perfectly demonstrate the importance of staying hydrated on long rides because it has been unusally hot here this year. You can watch the full ride here: Germany Ride on YouTube.
Final Thoughts
Hydration is key to enjoying your ride and performing at your best. With the right strategy and tools, like the CamelBak Hi-Viz Mil-Spec Crux Lumbar Reservoir, you can ensure that you stay hydrated, safe, and comfortable on all your cycling adventures.
Remember, whether you’re out for a short spin or a multi-day tour, your body needs water. So, sip regularly, stay aware of your hydration levels, and gear up with the best tools to keep that water flowing.
What’s Next?
Next up, I’ll be diving into how I made my standard Handcycle into an E-Bike, showing all the the parts and mods I had to make in order to retrofit a standard system into my handcycle.
If you’ve got any questions about the Camelback or other equipment you see in my pictures or want to share your own experiences with cycling gear, drop a comment below or reach out to me on my YouTube channel. I love hearing from you and learning what gear works best for you!
Happy riding, and stay hydrated! 🚴♂️💧
Andreas
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