Hydration has been a bit issue ever since Camelbak hit a scene a number of years ago. Hydration packs seem to be big business among some groups and totally ignored in others.
Most of the mountain bikers that I know use a hydration pack of at least 75 oz. and they're greatful for them.
Road bikers on the other hand NEVER have a camelback and very, very seldom have any hydration whatsoever. I see alot of road bikers living in Colorado and most of them don't even carry a simple water bottle. I understand that roadies are trying to keep their weight down but it seems odd that they would carry no hydration at all (except during a race where water is provided).
The other day I was in REI looking at a new camelbak when I ran into a friend who was shopping for a large backpack with his father (my friend is about 27 and hit father is probably in his 60's). Not knowing much about hiking I asked him if hydration bladders were standard in hiking packs. The father seemed honestly a bit offended at my comment. Perhaps he's just old fashioned or thinks that hydration bladders are just a fad or a marketing gimmick.
So, are camelbaks just a fad or a gimmick? Hydrate or Die certainly seems kind of sensational and gimmicky. Are there any more reasons why certain groups (roadies, hikers or others) carry no water or very little water?
Most of the mountain bikers that I know use a hydration pack of at least 75 oz. and they're greatful for them.
Road bikers on the other hand NEVER have a camelback and very, very seldom have any hydration whatsoever. I see alot of road bikers living in Colorado and most of them don't even carry a simple water bottle. I understand that roadies are trying to keep their weight down but it seems odd that they would carry no hydration at all (except during a race where water is provided).
The other day I was in REI looking at a new camelbak when I ran into a friend who was shopping for a large backpack with his father (my friend is about 27 and hit father is probably in his 60's). Not knowing much about hiking I asked him if hydration bladders were standard in hiking packs. The father seemed honestly a bit offended at my comment. Perhaps he's just old fashioned or thinks that hydration bladders are just a fad or a marketing gimmick.
So, are camelbaks just a fad or a gimmick? Hydrate or Die certainly seems kind of sensational and gimmicky. Are there any more reasons why certain groups (roadies, hikers or others) carry no water or very little water?