Water bottle...with tube

[Mikerb]

Since converting to using a full face helmet I have been introduced to the ( 1st world!) problem of having to remove the helmet to take a drink from my water bottle. I have a backpack with aquapac but generally only use that on longer rides where the tools/spares also in the backpack would save a long walk back to the car in the event of a breakdown.
So I started to look at water bottle options and specifically if there were any with short aquapac type drinking tubes. I did find one on a site specialising in equipment for people bedridden or wheelchair bound but it was not the right diameter to be secure in a bottle cage and I also wanted both 500 ml and 750ml/1l sizes.
You can get the "soft" water carriers with the drinking tube but, it appears, no one has thought to do the same design with a solid bottle.
A short drinking tube 100/120 mm would fit through the chin guard of a full face helmet.
Am I missing something here? Any hacks or products I have missed?

 

[Mikerb]

I am a bout to try a solution ( I hope) to hydration whilst using a full face helmet.
Repack™ LR 4 Hydration Pack 4L with 1.5L/50oz Lumbar Reservoir - Shop from CamelBak UK

I ride a Levo Comp and an E 180 Whyte on a mix of rides from 16 mile xc type loops, to local forest trails, to longer adventure rides on camping weekends. Everything except the local forest trails requires me to carry a reasonable selection of tools/spares. They all require carrying some hydration. On most rides I now wear a full face helmet. The biggest bottle I can carry on the E180 is 500ml and it has broken the cage twice so far so I am dumping both!

On adventure rides I am happy to use a backpack with a hydration bladder but do not like wearing it for sessioning trails in the forest or shorter rides. So the CamelBak Repack looks to be a good compromise and something I can use for spares/tools/keys/phone/a snack bar....and some hydration............although I would probably never fill the reservoir with more than 750ml.

I would guess that with the increasing number of EMTB riders using full face helmets, a few others may have the same dislike of full back packs as me?

I will provide a review once I have had a chance to use it on a couple of rides.

 

[Mikerb]

Had a chance to try the CamelBak Repack today.
Capacity:
I managed to load everything I usually carry in a backpac into the Repack plus 1l of drink so 10/10 in terms of capacity as far as I am concerned. To give an idea of capacity this is what I loaded into it:-
Spare hanger
Spare chain plus quicklinks and quicklink pliers
Tubeless repair kit
small bottle of Stans
First aid......Savlon, injury dressing, large plasters, bandage tape
Gerber ( utility tool/knife/pliers/file/saw/screwdrivers/ allen key.
zip ties
tyre levers
multitool
tube repair kit
Co2
( I carry a spare tube on the frame)
I still have room for key/money/card/id card/snack bar

Fit/Comfort:
It is very comfortable to wear and as simple as a belt to put on. The aquapac moulds itself to the shape of the small of your back and the belt tensioning system ensures it stays in place without wobblying about! I am 36 inch waist and wore it over a few layers of clothing probably taking that to 38 inches and there was still loads of webbing adjustment left. At the other end of the scale it could also be adjusted down to much smaller waist sizes. On the bike whether seated or up on the pedals you hardly notice you are wearing it. It is really only noticeable when walking. For me at least it is far more comfortable than wearing a backpack and the absence of straps around my shoulders and my entire back being covered in a backpack was really appreciated. 10/10

Aquapac:
The usual high standard of aquapac from CamelBak. A large screw down opening makes it easy to fill and clean, and the attached "spoon" that goes across the back of the aquapac , coupled with the webbing waist straps means there is no noticeable movement of the water/juice. The drink tube is easy to attach and detach from the aquapac and when in use it can either go cross the front or the back of the Repack and the bite piece is secured in a magnetic holder. The bite piece has a lock/unlock function to prevents drips. It is plenty long enough to reach from your waist to your mouth and ( at least on my Smith Mainline helmet) easily fits through the front of the chinguard.
Getting the bite piece secured back into its magnetic catch needs a little practise to do when riding but easy if you have stopped. 9/10.

Overall, the Repack is a winner for me and I will be using it instead of a backpak probably for all rides. It resolves the issue of getting a drink without having to remove a full face helmet whist providing adequate storage to a void having to use a backpac for most rides. It is easy to put on, non restrictive and comfortable in use.

 

[MrSimmo]

This any use?

www.amazon.co.uk/NRS-Healthcare-Hydrant-Drinking-Eligible/dp/B006H4T93C

Different use case but may work

 

[Mikerb]

This any use?

www.amazon.co.uk/NRS-Healthcare-Hydrant-Drinking-Eligible/dp/B006H4T93C

Different use case but may work

Yes I have seen it...it is the only example I found of a solid bottle with a drink tube but it is too tall for either of my bike's cages and also too small a diameter to be secure. There is also no easy way to keep the tube secure and clean. The only other solution I looked at apart from the Repack was the CamelBak flexible flask which has the option of a tube being fixed to it. It would be no good in a cage though so needs to go in a pocket or waist bag. A decent waist bag plus the flask plus the tube comes to just a bout the same price as the Repack so I believe the Repack is the best solution.

 

[mark.ai]

I actually regularly use some Sigg "wide mouth bottles" (WMB) as they fit my bottle cage perfectly, and come in various different sizes from 500ml to 750ml.

There is a DYN version (just one of the different cap options on the top) which has a straw:

Sigg Trinkflasche DYN SPORTS NEW WHITE TOUCH 0,75 l bei Papiton bestellen.

It might work for what you were after originally ...

 

[Mikerb]

I actually regularly use some Sigg "wide mouth bottles" (WMB) as they fit my bottle cage perfectly, and come in various different sizes from 500ml to 750ml.

There is a DYN version (just one of the different cap options on the top) which has a straw:
View attachment 60201
Sigg Trinkflasche DYN SPORTS NEW WHITE TOUCH 0,75 l bei Papiton bestellen.

It might work for what you were after originally ...

think it might be discontinued......not even on their own website.

 

[MrSimmo]

Yes I have seen it...it is the only example I found of a solid bottle with a drink tube but it is too tall for either of my bike's cages and also too small a diameter to be secure. There is also no easy way to keep the tube secure and clean. The only other solution I looked at apart from the Repack was the CamelBak flexible flask which has the option of a tube being fixed to it. It would be no good in a cage though so needs to go in a pocket or waist bag. A decent waist bag plus the flask plus the tube comes to just a bout the same price as the Repack so I believe the Repack is the best solution.

Ah np ?

 

[R120]

You need a boxing bottle, these have a tube, e.g this one from Decthalon (it even has a nice little cap to keep the crap out). They are designed to be easy to use with gloves on.

Boxing Water Bottle With Straw 850 ml - Black

Boxing Water Bottle With Straw 850 ml - Black null Staying hydrated during combat sport training sessions; allows you to easily drink while wearing boxing gloves.

www.decathlon.co.uk

 

[Mikerb]

Had a chance to try the CamelBak Repack today.
Capacity:
I managed to load everything I usually carry in a backpac into the Repack plus 1l of drink so 10/10 in terms of capacity as far as I am concerned. To give an idea of capacity this is what I loaded into it:-
Spare hanger
Spare chain plus quicklinks and quicklink pliers
Tubeless repair kit
small bottle of Stans
First aid......Savlon, injury dressing, large plasters, bandage tape
Gerber ( utility tool/knife/pliers/file/saw/screwdrivers/ allen key.
zip ties
tyre levers
multitool
tube repair kit
Co2
( I carry a spare tube on the frame)
I still have room for key/money/card/id card/snack bar

Fit/Comfort:
It is very comfortable to wear and as simple as a belt to put on. The aquapac moulds itself to the shape of the small of your back and the belt tensioning system ensures it stays in place without wobblying about! I am 36 inch waist and wore it over a few layers of clothing probably taking that to 38 inches and there was still loads of webbing adjustment left. At the other end of the scale it could also be adjusted down to much smaller waist sizes. On the bike whether seated or up on the pedals you hardly notice you are wearing it. It is really only noticeable when walking. For me at least it is far more comfortable than wearing a backpack and the absence of straps around my shoulders and my entire back being covered in a backpack was really appreciated. 10/10

Aquapac:
The usual high standard of aquapac from CamelBak. A large screw down opening makes it easy to fill and clean, and the attached "spoon" that goes across the back of the aquapac , coupled with the webbing waist straps means there is no noticeable movement of the water/juice. The drink tube is easy to attach and detach from the aquapac and when in use it can either go cross the front or the back of the Repack and the bite piece is secured in a magnetic holder. The bite piece has a lock/unlock function to prevents drips. It is plenty long enough to reach from your waist to your mouth and ( at least on my Smith Mainline helmet) easily fits through the front of the chinguard.
Getting the bite piece secured back into its magnetic catch needs a little practise to do when riding but easy if you have stopped. 9/10.

Overall, the Repack is a winner for me and I will be using it instead of a backpak probably for all rides. It resolves the issue of getting a drink without having to remove a full face helmet whist providing adequate storage to a void having to use a backpac for most rides. It is easy to put on, non restrictive and comfortable in use.

Several rides later and I can thoroughly recommend the Repack. I use it on every ride now. Refilling the aquapac is simple and mess free because the drinking tube unlatches leaving its connection sealed, and the big opening surrounded by the flattening spoon makes it easy to hold whilst filling. I mix a drink in either a 500l bottle or a 750l bottle depending on the type of ride I am going on and then just transfer the contents. ( as one way of measuring jut how much I am loading). It is so easy to just clip on and when riding you really forget you are wearing it. Perhaps the only limitation I have noted is that if I think there is the risk of rain and I need to take a rain jacket there is no room left ( my NukeProof rolls up pretty small but is not exactly a pacamac). I can however strap it to the Repack. I have found that I actually prefer using the drinking tube to using a bottle even if I am using an open face helmet. It stays cleaner.

 

[Zimmerframe]

How do you go about cleaning the tube/mouth piece/bag to stop bacterial build up. Can you take it all apart and dishwasher it or boiling water it ??

Have a similar Decathlon one but haven't tried it with the water sack in on a ride as it felt too heavy, but I've been test riding with that jamed full of other crap and you don't actually noticed it's there, so need to try again.

 

[GrahamPaul]

...Have a similar Decathlon one but haven't tried it with the water sack in on a ride ....

Biggest complaint I have with the Decathlon water bladders is the dreadful aftertaste. Seems to be worth paying that bit extra for a Camelbak or Deuter bladder.

 

[Zimmerframe]

Biggest complaint I have with the Decathlon water bladders is the dreadful aftertaste

I think that's just the Ricard ?

 

[GrahamPaul]

I think that's just the Ricard ?

I'd be quite happy with the Ricard - prefer it to Pernod...

Reminds me of when I ordered "une bière" in my best schoolboy French sometime in the middle of last century, and was served a Byrrh...

[Edit: now there's a thing! Thought I'd just go down memory lane and looked up Byrrh on wikipedia. Seems Byrrh, Ricard and Pernod are now all made by the same company.]

 

[Mikerb]

How do you go about cleaning the tube/mouth piece/bag to stop bacterial build up. Can you take it all apart and dishwasher it or boiling water it ??

Have a similar Decathlon one but haven't tried it with the water sack in on a ride as it felt too heavy, but I've been test riding with that jamed full of other crap and you don't actually noticed it's there, so need to try again.

camelbak have all of that sorted. The tube unclips from the sack, the mouthpiece is removeable/replaceable, the sack has a huge opening so easy to clean.
This by CamelBak but cheaper alternatives all over ebay
CRUX™ Cleaning Kit - Shop from CamelBak UK

 

[urastus]

Awesome. Now I have a similar problem with my abdominal cricket guard....

 

[Mikerb]

I found a water bottle the right size to fit in a bottle cage .....with a drinking straw. Its an ally bottle and 25cm tall so may not fit all bikes. Fits OK in my Levo.

24MX Track Water Bottle - Now 8% Savings - 24mx.co.uk

 

[GrahamPaul]

Several rides later and I can thoroughly recommend the Repack. I use it on every ride now. Refilling the aquapac is simple and mess free because the drinking tube unlatches leaving its connection sealed, and the big opening surrounded by the flattening spoon makes it easy to hold whilst filling. I mix a drink in either a 500l bottle or a 750l bottle depending on the type of ride I am going on and then just transfer the contents. ( as one way of measuring jut how much I am loading). It is so easy to just clip on and when riding you really forget you are wearing it. Perhaps the only limitation I have noted is that if I think there is the risk of rain and I need to take a rain jacket there is no room left ( my NukeProof rolls up pretty small but is not exactly a pacamac). I can however strap it to the Repack. I have found that I actually prefer using the drinking tube to using a bottle even if I am using an open face helmet. It stays cleaner.

You've had more luck with this than I did @Mikerb

I ordered the Repack following your appraisal above as it seemed like it solved the problems I had with my Rockshox belt which, although comfortable, just wasn't big enough for my tools and didn't have a bladder. Also, crazily, the Rockshox belt has no pockets on the actual belt, which means that there is no quick access to gels or my pocket camera.

What I liked about the Repack was it was big enough to take all my tools and a small pump as well as having a drink bladder. Plus there were pockets on the belt.

My main problems with the Repack are as follows:

1. I found the straps awkward to keep tight - I needed to get the right length of strap and then roll the excess back and clamp against the buckles else the straps slipped. I could have lived with this because the belt seemed nice and comfy and I don't normally fiddle too much with tightening and loosening belts while I'm underway.
   
   
2. The various pockets had zips or elastic, but the zips don't actually fully close. There is a "fashionable drop off" so that the compartments always stay a bit open (see the photos where I have circled them - as well as the cludge for how to "lock" the belt against the buckle, which doesn't make for quick adjustment). It's dusty here and those openings mean that the pockets are going to fill up. Also, one of the belt pockets had a sloppy elasticated cover. Okay for gels, so I could live with that. I also decided that I could put anything sensitive in plastic bags to keep the sand and dust at bay.
   
   
3. However, what I couldn't live with was that the bag filled up with water! I've got Camelbak and Deuter rucksacks with drink bladders. I know how to fill these things carefully and how to fit them into their pockets without making a mess. I thoroughly dry the outside of the bladder before installing it. The problem with the Repack is the routing of the pipe. It seems to stress the connection to the bladder just enough to open it up. I found the pipe routing itself easily kinked, so it seemed a bit of a cludge. I took everything apart a couple of times and couldn't reproduce the leak outside the bag. But with the bladder inside the bag the water was dripping out the bottom. That I can't live with.
   
   I sent it back for a refund which I have now received and will probably buy the EVOC hip belt - which I probably should have bought in the first place but was put off by the price.
   
   I guess your experience is different to mine as you seem to be entirely happy. It is also possible that I had a duff example - I've since looked online and see lots of comments about leaking bladders and tubes, and problems straps which slip, so there could be a quality control issue with Camelbak at the moment.

Photos showing the dreadful zips and the cludge for locking the belt agains the adjustment buckle:

 

[Zimmerframe]

Blimey, that looks pants. Are you sure it's not a Chinese Dromedary Pack Copy ?

 

[Doomanic]

I just grab the chin guard firmly in one hand and pull it down so I can jam the bottle in the opening in line with my mouth.

 

[Mikerb]

No issues with my Repack !!Love it!!

 

[GrahamPaul]

Blimey, that looks pants. Are you sure it's not a Chinese Dromedary Pack Copy ?

No, I'm not sure. It seemed to have all the right labels - without typos - and the bladder seemed to be genuine. However, fakes are "getting better" all the time.

 

[GrahamPaul]

No issues with my Repack !!Love it!!

Do the zippers on yours go right to the end of the opening? Or do they also have that strange downturn which stops them from closing completely? It was that "design feature" which really makes me wonder whether I got sent a fake (at full price!).

 

[Mikerb]

yes..but the velcro flap covers the ends of the zips so nothing gets in. The compartments under the zipped flap are vertical in anycase. I use the mesh zipped pocket with a closure type plastic bag so everything there is protected regardless. Don't understand your issue with the belt. Its a pretty standard belt adjustment system. I set mine to start with and have not needed to adjust it since....and my bladder has been totally water/juice tight. Strange you had issues with yours.
I wear my Repack on every ride but now that I have found a bottle with a drinking tube I have the option to "go commando" for rides in my local woods where we are never more than 2/3 miles from the vans ( provided I use the Levo cos there is no bottle cage on the Whyte/it would fit the Whyte anyway.

 

[Mikerb]

I just grab the chin guard firmly in one hand and pull it down so I can jam the bottle in the opening in line with my mouth.

sounds like your lid is a bad fit!!

 

[Mikerb]

yes..but the velcro flap covers the ends of the zips so nothing gets in. The compartments under the zipped flap are vertical in anycase. I use the mesh zipped pocket with a closure type plastic bag so everything there is protected regardless. Don't understand your issue with the belt. Its a pretty standard belt adjustment system. I set mine to start with and have not needed to adjust it since....and my bladder has been totally water/juice tight. Strange you had issues with yours.
I wear my Repack on every ride but now that I have found a bottle with a drinking tube I have the option to "go commando" for rides in my local woods where we are never more than 2/3 miles from the vans ( provided I use the Levo cos there is no bottle cage on the Whyte/it would fit the Whyte anyway.

The zip on the belt fully closes...pic of mine ..same area as your pic

 

[Doomanic]

sounds like your lid is a bad fit!!

It's not. There is no side to side movement and it's secure on my head without the strap. If you couldn't move it up and down you wouldn't be able to put it on in the first place.

 

[Zimmerframe]

sounds like your lid is a bad fit!!

I think he just has an odd head !

I could distort my face to manage to stick the bottle in the face opening and drink - just discovered you can't do this with goggles on though.

 

[GrahamPaul]

The zip on the belt fully closes...pic of mine ..same area as your pic

So I see. Looks totally different to the arrangement on mine. The zip closes fully and the belt adjustment is totally different.

Also, on mine, the velco'd flap at the back didn't fully cover the other zips and so the open end of the zip was always exposed.

Seems to me that I may well have had either a knock-off, or that Camelbak is sourcing from different vendors who are producing variations. If you look at the online reviews on Amazon, you'll see that there are a lot of complaints similar to mine - but also a lot of very happy punters. It looks as though between us we have the full range of experience which is worth noting for anyone who is thinking of buying one of these.

I don't usually buy from Amazon but in this case I'm glad I did because of the instant refund policy. The EVOC arrives tomorrow. I will carefully examine it... ?

 

[Mikerb]

So I see. Looks totally different to the arrangement on mine. The zip closes fully and the belt adjustment is totally different.

Also, on mine, the velco'd flap at the back didn't fully cover the other zips and so the open end of the zip was always exposed.

Seems to me that I may well have had either a knock-off, or that Camelbak is sourcing from different vendors who are producing variations. If you look at the online reviews on Amazon, you'll see that there are a lot of complaints similar to mine - but also a lot of very happy punters. It looks as though between us we have the full range of experience which is worth noting for anyone who is thinking of buying one of these.

I don't usually buy from Amazon but in this case I'm glad I did because of the instant refund policy. The EVOC arrives tomorrow. I will carefully examine it... ?

wow that is bad luck because I really cannot fault mine. Hopefully the EVOC is just a good or better. Regardless I think a good bumbag with a bladder is a good solution if like me you like to carry a decent range of repair tools and need a drinking straw arrangement because I wear a full face helmet. Look forward to your review of the EPOC.............choice is always a good thing!
ps I bought mine from the CamelBak website because they were the only site with stock and a range of colours......and I dont trust many of the Amazon sellers unless they are a recognised bike shop.
Repack™ LR 4 Hydration Pack 4L with 1.5L/50oz Lumbar Reservoir - Shop from CamelBak UK