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As above really, strange looking device, but I'm thinking it might be handy taking more fluid on longer road rides. Are they comfy? how do they size up? easy to clean? how do you wash them? etc etc
Is that the hydrovest thing? THey're not designed to be worn with a pack, so you can't use them as extra water with a camelbak as far as I'm aware. TBH they seem to be more for riders who hate packs, or for other sports where a pack is a disadvantage, I know someone who uses one for fell running and rates it mind.
Yep it's the hydrovest thingy, I don't wear a back pack when out on my road bike, just take 2 bottles and fill me back pockets with food/ tubes etc, but for rides over about 4-5 hours I run out of fluid and am having to be a sweaty shopper!
"but for rides over about 4-5 hours I run out of fluid and am having to be a sweaty shopper! "
sure beats carrying loads and loads of fluids .....1l water - 1kg ....
Welll... Bill loves his but for cycling I'd just say get a small camelbak tbh, or similiar. For running, it avoids having a bag bouncing around but that's not really an issue with cycling. There's a reason hydration packs are so ubiquitous y'know... I used to use bottles myself but I wouldn't go back. A 2 litre camelbak classic works in the exact same way but with better hose management, and leaves you free to select your clothes as well, and costs half as much. Or a Rogue, to do the same thing but with a little storage space too.
I got a sample to try out a couple of weeks ago and have used it for racing (English marathon @ Crow Hill). It feels much like a regular Camelbak to wear, but much more stable, no tugging at straps. Having a race jersey over the top meant I could use my jersey pockets for gels, whereas using a regular pack means you have to stop to get anything out of it, which is no good for racing. It comes with a removable bladder, which you take out and clean in the usual manner, and the vest itself just goes in the washing machine. However a normal Camelbak would be more useful for trail riding, and as for the road - I just take two bottles and a couple of quid in my pocket, and pop into the village Co-op to buy extra water or drinks on the way. Trying to carry 5 litres of water with you will make you sweat so much it will defeat the purpose.