[Closed] People who ride without backpacks, how??? solutions on longer days please

2 750ml bottles are plenty usually. Long days mean hills which mean streams . All cycle repair kit lives in a small bag under the saddle and spare clothes in jersey back pockets. Food in the right hand one, a tenner in the middle one or what ever is zipped, waterproof if taken there as well. left is for gloves, cap or what's spare.

Go hungry, go thirsty, walk home when things break 😉

Roadies manage to carry everything they need without a backpack. A small saddlebag (Scott make good ones that hang off a W clip) takes a spare tube rolled up tight, tyre levers, multi tool and a CO2 cylinder and valve and a spare chain link. Alternatively you can get drinks bottles or even modify a drink bottle to carry all this in a bottle cage. Other stuff goes in your pockets, although chest pockets can be annoying if stuff hangs down and bounces around so back pockets as in roadie jerseys and jackets are better.

Pump lives in normal place under bottle cage.
All what we did for decades until camelback came along really and what I thought was default. That'll teach me

Tools and tubes in a small saddle pack. Two 750ml bottles in cages on the frame, plus buy refills in shops. Food in pockets, or a small frame bag.

2 waterbottles,tools slung under the seat and everything else in pockets.
If I have to carry more I use a Wingnut (other bum bags are available).

Roadies do manage, but they are always near a road if things go wrong.
If your out in the mountains, consider how far you are from any help especially if you are out on your own. What you would do if something goes wrong, clothing etc.
Just balance go light with be prepared.
[img] [/img]

frames only capable of one water bottle other wise that would sort the fluid issue out

don't really fancy a tool thing under the seat, as ride fairly rocky stuff and ive found a few in my time where folks have fallen off

true about roadies, I guess its easier for them to refill if need be (garages/public toilets) don't really see many in the peak district wilderness

tools wise isn't an issue, I tend to keep the bike running smooth, so if something breaks, its usually due to smashing it on rocks, a multitool is plenty, just a pump and spare tube or even co2 I guess

i use a bottle and fill from a stream

i use a ocelot frame bag with my multitool , a tube , pump and a small box with tyre boot , puncture repair kit , tubeless repair kit and 2 x 9 speed quick link. Still has room for a waterproof shell.

For local rides and trail centers- I've got a saddle bag mounted next to the DT bottle cage that contains essentials; tube, tools, chainlink, tyre leavers, Co2 & emergency phone. I usually mount a mini pump onto the bottle cage. Food & money go into by jersey pockets. This set up lets me add 2 bottle cages too- so 1.5 liters of water if needed.
I really like this setup. The weight's down low and secure. I've never noticed the weight and I have more freedom to move around the bike.
[sorry about the bad picture, but you get the idea]
[IMG] [/IMG]

Longer trips I might add the Alpkit feedback for more food and a layer.

If you're riding in a group just rely on the others for pump, tubes, tools, etc.

I put some spares inside handlebars: quick links; small section of chain; zip ties; spare gear cable; patches and tyre boot. Spare gear hanger taped to underside of saddle as is a spare tube. Topeak Hexus in pocket.

I've managed to source shorts over the years that have zip pockets to put keys, phone etc.... Water bottle obviously, multi tool also goes in pockets usually...

...but, you're right about tubes, tyre levers, food etc....on a ride where a puncture will ruin the day and can't be sorted with a walk back to the car I'll use a backpack.

frames only capable of one water bottle other wise that would sort the fluid issue out

you can get extra mounts to attach on seatpost, stem, calmp on tubes which might be an option if you really can't find anywhere to refill.

don't really fancy a tool thing under the seat, as ride fairly rocky stuff and ive found a few in my time where folks have fallen off

this is solved by using decent ones that don't fall off 😉

you can get add on water bottle bosses. eg:
[url= http://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-accessories/bike-bottle-cages/elite-water-bottle-cage-strips?cm_mmc=Google+PLA-_-Bike+Accessories-_-Bike+Bottle+Cages-_-680223&_$ja=tsid:60494%7Ccgn:GoogleShopping%7Ckw:680223&istCompanyId=b8708c57-7a02-4cf6-b2c0-dc36b54a327e&istItemId=liiwix&istBid=tztm&_$ja=tsid:35522|cid:344520484|agid:24344824324|tid:pla-217749246724|crid:83794506724|nw:g|rnd:1952089286770293742|dvc:c|adp:1o2&gclid=CP-h6ceNi8sCFVYo0wodstkMzw ]halfords link[/url]

not ideal though. I hate wearing a backpack too. I have a 750ml bottle in the front clip and a tool bottle in the seatpost one. I used to have a saddle bag but cannot now as I have a dropper. I will fill up at a stream or buy from a garage/shop too.

Pack smart. Don't take such a load of shit with you.

Maintain the bike properly and use kit that isn't fragile/untested/unreliable.

Get a decent saddle bag/frame bags. I've lost two in 35 years. Both bought at the last minute after I forgot my usual one. Unfortunately, lots of the new/modern/flashy ones seem to be rubbish. I wish I'd kept some of the older kit I had. The bags were heavy, but they lasted.

Decent kit too. Cheap gear tends to be bulky, or just not very good. Best you can afford will pack down smaller and work better when it's being worn.

Planning. Where you going, shops, villages. Bail out routes etc.

I've done big days off road across Europe without packs. And had no problems. Even when I've had issues.

Most important thing is to know when you actually DO need a pack. Which for some would appear to be every time they throw a leg over the saddle. 🙄

Most important thing is to know when you actually DO need a pack. Which for some would appear to be every time they throw a leg over the saddle. 🙄

Oh well get you 😉 nothing wrong with packs, means I know where all my stuff is and they are quite comfy. My point of view may be slightly distorted by doing a lot of my riding up in proper mountains. Where the conditions can change and knowing the good folks in Mountain Rescue who give up their time when things go wrong. Thankfully not had a situation I've not been able to get out of but having some decent spares, spare clothes, food and a bit of an emergency plan helps when it does go tits up. When you have popped your last tube and run out of CO2 and down to patching and pump to avoid a 20km walk in the pissing rain it might be worth it.

I think the key is being able to refill with water.

Stuff goes in pockets. Bottle on bike. If you can't refill your bottle though you're a bit scuppered. Carrying multiple bottles makes it less pleasant IMO.

Sometimes I just risk it if I'm riding alone (no one else to inconvenience) and know I'm not heading too far.

When it comes to attaching pumps water bottles and saddle bags to my bike and wearing the types of jersey's with back pockets, as much as I like riding pack free, I'd rather just carry a sensibly packed camelbak.

frames only capable of one water bottle other wise that would sort the fluid issue out

you can get add on water bottle bosses. eg:
halfords link

Pricier (almost £30!), but I've been looking at the Monkii system for adding extra bosses/cages to my Inbred, which only has one set of bosses http://www.cyclemiles.co.uk/product-category/cycle-products/monkii-system/

I think the key is being able to refill with water.

Shops if you're nearer civilisation, or streams if you're not. Apparently, most churches have an outside tap.

Depends where you ride 4-5 hours could mean anything from being up in the Cairngorms (where I'd take a pack), to interlinked forestry with nearby villages etc. in which case you probably can get by with just a saddle bag, bottle and some money.

Essentially I've just repeated this from above

Most important thing is to know when you actually DO need a pack.

whatever route you go down, don't forget to retain that sense of smug superiority over all the [i]numpties[/i], who do things differently 🙄

"don't really fancy a tool thing under the seat, as ride fairly rocky stuff and ive found a few in my time where folks have fallen off"
Never. MTBing since 1985.
Strap on seat packs are bombproof. Zips might break occasionally if they are used a lot but I don't open mine on a 2 monthly basis even.
Just enclose everything in a plastic bag first.

Doh posted twice 😳

Roadies manage to carry everything they need without a backpack.

That's because the rules say we have to do that 🙂

Saddle and frame bags will come back into fashion and Camelbaks and the like will go out of fashion. Enduro has already seen bottle cages and bottles fashionable again. When the manufacturers start seeing these trends develop we'll see all manner of innovative and interesting solutions to carrying stuff without needed a rucksack.

I love riding without a rucksack, but the reality is that it's much easier for me to sling a pre-packed 'sack on my back that it is to tuck all my tools, spares, food, clothing etc onto me or the bike, especially considering I have more than one MTB.

Stick an extra bottle in one of your riding mates backpacks, simples

Another point of view is to minimize the fussing before ride. I often ride sub-1hr rides with the same pack which I use for full days out. The pack contains only spare tube, small first aid kit, ziploc bag of spares and pump nicely packed in different pockets and weights very little without water.

Used to have permanently attached seat packs and frame mount pumps on all bikes but prefer current method much more.

Enduro has already seen bottle cages and bottles fashionable again. When the manufacturers start seeing these trends develop we'll see all manner of innovative and interesting solutions to carrying stuff without needed a rucksack.

We may get some innovative solutions but the humble backpack does work exceptionally well and is very practical for what it does.

Obviously this subject and Apple products are too much for mikewsmith and he simply can't help interjecting with totally useless crap.

Anyway, a couple of litre bottles would be enough for a reasonably long time out in the 'wilds'. SIS do one that fits in my 16" Scandal frame.

Just...

However you do it, don't load up your back pockets with stuff on the MTB. Landing on your back in a crash is something we've all prob done at some point, and hard objects in your pockets could turn a mishap into a catastrophe.
Pump on frame and some sort of small saddle bag is the order of the day. If this doesn't work for you for some reason, then just take a small camelback.

[quote="mikewsmith"]Oh well get you nothing wrong with packs, means I know where all my stuff is and they are quite comfy. My point of view may be slightly distorted by doing a lot of my riding up in proper mountains. Where the conditions can change and knowing the good folks in Mountain Rescue who give up their time when things go wrong. Thankfully not had a situation I've not been able to get out of but having some decent spares, spare clothes, food and a bit of an emergency plan helps when it does go tits up. When you have popped your last tube and run out of CO2 and down to patching and pump to avoid a 20km walk in the pissing rain it might be worth it.So basically you do exactly the same as me. But not as effectively.

And last I checked both the Alps and the Pyrenees counted as mountains. 😉

And FWIW i always use a saddle bag on my road bike, always have (except when you have team cars). Most of the teams give them out at the beginning of the season (Mostly cheap nasty ones with team logos on them, zips break after the first rain, straps break after the first unmade/cobbled road)

The rules can eff off.

as njee says, thinking about it, the jerseys/shorts I wear tend to have pockets/rear pockets, I reckon I could stash most stuff inside those to be honest (bar maybe a pump)

its the water issue that worries me completely

ive ran out of water before, on a summers ride in wales, and had the worst cramp that physically made me feel sick for the remaining tough 5 miles, never again! on that ride I cant see where id be able to refill it either, other than knocking on some random welsh persons house

I just prefer a bag, can't be bothered with roady tops on the mountain bike, prefer the loose fit, saddle bags and droppers don't mix that well and I've never really liked bottles.
Packing well is the key but some people I would say are under prepared for being out in serious conditions, on poper hills.

Just as there is no need to pack a full tool kit, there is need to pack the right things. Passing somebody a mountain morph pump to use over their little pack in the pocket version for instance or having some spare food for the muppet who thought you would be back by now or not sucking the camel back/bottle dry as it was hotter/harder work than you thought.

i always use a saddle bag on my road bike

I used to as well. It meant the necessary tools/spares were always there ready to ride. Then one day - when I needed to get into my saddle bag - it was seized shut and I had to cut it open. I've since reverted to jersey pockets. In the old days I used to use a saddle bag for mountain biking which was great for tools and spares, but soon found I was running out of space for food and spare clothes.

Bottles and bottle cages haven't evolved that much in the 25 years I've been mountain biking. The big problem I had in the old days was bottles bouncing out of cages and I've seen people still have that problem today. I loved the advent of the hydration pack to solve this problem.

For those who use bottles and bottle cages, how do you get round this? Are you just super smooth riders or have you simply never had the disembarking bottle problem?

stilltortoise - given you ride similar stuff to me, I can categorically say my bottle which doesn't even sit flush in the cage has never once dropped out, nor attempted too, its as stable as they come and cant ever see it coming out

2x750 bottles
Seat pack - 2x tubes, tool, repair kit,
Pump under cage
Food,phone and gilet in pockets

For epics add lightweight camel back for fluid only, undo extension on the saddlepack and add energy powder and chamois cream, add top tube tri bag for more food and garmin battery.

Eat bulky items first

stilltortoise - given you ride similar stuff to me, I can categorically say my bottle which doesn't even sit flush in the cage has never once dropped out, nor attempted too, its as stable as they come and cant ever see it coming out

It could simply be that now we all have big tyres and full suspension, bottles simply don't fall out as much. In the days of fully rigid boneshaking MTBs it wasn't unusual at all. That said, I was out with someone of this parish a few weeks ago and their "tools in a bottle" fell out. Fortunately we found it when we retraced out steps.

rigid bone shaker here ...

only issues ive ever had with bottles coming out was a fleeting attempted i had with carbon cages on my race bikes.... a mistake not to be repeated.

blackburn mtn cage has never dropped a bottle for me yet.

but then i just mince around the woods near the house not daring venture near mountains and im totally un prepared for finding my gears are slightly out of index.

I find using an Osprey 'bum-bag' does me for most decent length rides.
2 x 500ml bottles and enough room for a tube, lightweight waterproof, bit of fruit and a few tools.
For longer days I add a frame bag and another bottle on the frame.

This:
[img] [/img]

+ this:
[img] [/img]

I had seen them, they look a bit odd, and I cant imagine they stay still do they? would it not just cause lower back pain as well?

I've always wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales. Is it in case they have to do the climb during the drivers lunch break?

Food and tools are small enough, and water goes on the frame. But I need space for clothing, especially this time of year I need a decent jacket and maybe a spare layer but won't be wearing it much of the time.

I've always wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales. Is it in case they have to do the climb during the drivers lunch break?

maybe it's not full? maybe it's a make-do back protector? maybe they get really thirsty? maybe they're carrying the kit, spare layers and tools for their mates?

For those who use bottles and bottle cages, how do you get round this?

How on earth do you guys manage 4-5 hour rides on only two bottles of water?! I got through a couple of litres just doing a loop of cannock at the weekend. Admittedly I tend to drink far more at the start of a ride than towards the end.

I've always wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales

As someone who has taken a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales, for me it's because even going downhill I get thirsty and I'd rather have plenty of drink on me than keep going back to the car/cafe. Also my pack has a built in back protector and if you've seen me ride you'll know I need all the protection I can get 😆

I could manage without, but the inconvenience of wearing a sack is outweighed by the convenience of having it.

I had seen them, they look a bit odd, and I cant imagine they stay still do they? would it not just cause lower back pain as well?

^ the weight is taken on your hips more than anything with packs like that, a lot more comfy than a backpack and they stay in place surprisingly well, still a wee bit sweaty at times, but nowhere near as bad as a full pack.

How on earth do you guys manage 4-5 hour rides on only two bottles of water?! I got through a couple of litres just doing a loop of cannock at the weekend. Admittedly I tend to drink far more at the start of a ride than towards the end.

Some people just drink less. I drink before, and drink lots after too, but not that much when actually riding unless really hot.

Anything <1hr I don't take water at all, 1-2hrs I'll take a bottle in spring/summer, winter I often don't bother, if I do I won't drink more than a mouthfull or two.

Longer rides or very hot in summer then yes you need more but two 750ml bottles is fine for 100 miles on the road, and most of a day offroad for me.

For summer, it's easy, just a summer roadie jersey under the usual baggy, with all the tools in. If it's a big day out, I can use a sqeezy spare bottle that packs down to nothing which I drink first, and just run a normal bottle on the bike.

I cannot stand a backpack, the sweaty midget trying to strangle me feelin isn't much fun.

I guess I'm fortunate in that I don't need to drink much when exercising.

Managed a 70km EWS loop with about a litre of water.

This time of year presents a bit more of a challenge, as I may need some form of jacket if the weather turns, if it's a big loop I just have to accept I need to take a pack, and them grumble about it all the way round.

I guess I'm fortunate in that I don't need to drink much when exercising.

Saddle packs are a no for me, fuel tank packs are miles better.

Having filled up my bottle in a stream, only to find a dead sheep in said stream 100 yards up, I'm less keen on that approach!

For long rides I just use camelback, for 2hrs or so I find one bottle plenty.

Bumbags are very helpful, I take one on nearly all my off road rides. I know I could stick a lot of kit on the bike, but I like that when I get off the bike it's all on me. Especially things like a hipflask...

Camelbak or similar is very useful if you want to carry things like spare clothes, spare gloves, hat/buff, glasses etc. I was glad to have mine at Swinley as I could store my layer, it started off pretty chilly but I was so warm part way through I ended up riding with just a baselayer. Could have used a bumbag, but the extra emergency space is handy and I find the bumbag bounces quite a bit of bumpy sections

Bumbag and bottles is my usual set up for local riding

Apidura bar bag or frame bag for spare clothing, top tube pack for your tools etc, and perhaps one of their new food pouch thingy's for a bottle which i have just ordered, i have a similar Aplkit designed thingy but it wobbles about a fair bit as it doesn't have the lower stabilisation strap.

[url= https://www.apidura.com/shop/?jumpto=100 ]Apidura food pouch thingy[/url]

I've always used an osprey pack regardless of how long or short my mountain biking trips are as I like to carry the right kit more so if I'm out in the middle of nowhere.

But recently I've been having problems with my shoulders so bought a camelbak palos 4lr lumber pack 😉

and its actually quite comfortable with minimal movement and carries enough water for 2+ hour rides and still carry spare tubes and co2 and other bits and bobs

And its great having the freedom of movement again but not sure about using it for when I'm up in the mountains as I always carry a bothy bag and spare clothing if I get in the shit

My arkel seatpack is pretty bombproof. Long lasting as well. My current one I've had for 4 years and it has done a Kielder 100, a couple of three peaks, Glentress 7, Kielder Marathons, C2C, sandstone way and loads of other long of road rides.

Would still struggle to get two 29er tubes in it along with spares. Then there is the question of a pump. By the time you attach that lot to the frame and a water bottle or two, I'd simply carry a minimalist pack and not over fill it.

My roadie stuff is much smaller. Pump is smaller, tubes are smaller, jacket is smaller (as it doesn't need to withstand brambles and gorse) and things break less on a roadie so you don't need as many spares and tools).

I also think there is a certain irony on taking off a backpack only to fill your pockets full of stuff instead. Jerseys aren't great at carrying weight - rucksacks are better for all day rides.

You could look at a waist pack. I have a dakine hot laps which I bought for hitting the trails on my steed* when saddle bags weren't available.

*I don't own my own horse and when I go on holiday tack is variable. Some places you are fine but things do tend to fly out of saddle bags in canter unless they close well and the buckles are working - so I prefer a back up option.

Don't bother carrying any kit, food or water at all. I'm sure your friends will happily lend/carry whatever you need in their bags. Personally I never have a problem lending my tubes/tools/drink/pump/snacks to my riding mates as it means they can enjoy their ride so much more with a fresh back. I never get mad, angry or pissed off when they ask to shove their jacket in my bag, no siree, not one little bit (grins manically and picks up the big adjustable spanner).

On a serious note, I've not managed to find an alternative to a backpack that I prefer for long rides. Shorter rides I just chuck minimal kit (tube, pump, patches, levers and tool) in pockets and drink loads before I go out for a few hours.

I've always wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales. Is it in case they have to do the climb during the drivers lunch break?

I'm not pedaling it anywhere and it's reasonably small, so it doesn't bother me. It means I don't have to take a break if I want a drink, and I stand more chance of fixing anything that goes wrong on the hill and not wasting uplift time walking down.

For the rest of the time, I prefer not having a bag but most of the time it means I can just grab it and know everything is there. It actually does a very effective job of holding the basics for a ride, a couple of extra bits for long rides that are too much effort to unpack and having the space for something like a spare layer if I want it. In the winter it also means I can put a flask in my bottle cage and have tea/coffee available for the first hour or so.

I've always wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales. Is it in case they have to do the climb during the drivers lunch break?

I picked up a small camelback for that reason that does water, keys, tool, pump and tube but not much else so if I want a jacket or extra pads I just take the big one.

i've wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales. Is it in case they have to do the climb during the drivers lunch break?

It's a squid 'identifier'.

Good for highlighting which trails to avoid being held up on, pick the one they don't go down 😉

I had seen them, they look a bit odd, and I cant imagine they stay still do they? would it not just cause lower back pain as well?

They stay still fine, they rest more on the hips anyway. People tend to do them up too tight and cinch them tight across their belly, needs to be a little lower to be comfortable. Also, the side straps/pockets are pretty wide, giving more support.

I've used mine on all day, 50+ mile offroad rides with no problems.

How on earth do you guys manage 4-5 hour rides on only two bottles of water?

Nothing against backpacks, if they're under 2.5-3kg total inc water. Much nicer to ride without one though, especially off-road when you're moving about a lot more.

I use an older version of this:

http://www.camelbak.com/en/International/Sports-Recreation/Packs/Palos-4-LR.aspx

It has a bladder in and room for pretty much all the basics plus a light weight jacket or top. Sits on the hips well and doesnt move around.

Specialized SWAT or Raceface stash bib shorts. I have some SWAT bibs...fit a 2nd bottle, multi-tool, co2, small box of tricks(chain link/tyre boot/patches/tubeless repair/cable ties/small tape roll) and phone in body pockets, and bar, gel, emergency blanket in leg pockets. Spare pockets in jersey for extra layer, banana, etc if needed.

This will probably rumble on like the Baggies V Lycra debate, so I'm not getting involved.

The ONLY thing I will say is............. Please be careful filling up water bottles in streams at any time of year especially after the farmer has dipped his flock of sheep, 💡

Self induced projectile vomiting and stomach cramp and Mountain Biking do not mix, and mountain rescue DO NOT extract bikes off the hill.

Just sayin

How on earth do you guys manage 4-5 hour rides on only two bottles of water?

And although like most people I look after my bike I like to carry enough bits to get me back from anywhere and even if I don't use them, knowing I *could* get back gives me peace of mind and encourages me to ride further

It seems like for a lot of people part of "being fine without a bag" involves turning to people who have bags. Oh can I borrow a pump/tube/tool/can I put my jacket in your bag? In racing it's pretty common even from random strangers and it's never their fault, "oh mate have you got any spare water? I never usually need it but the organisers have ****ed up the feed stops" I'm a nice guy generally so I just moan about it on the internet but it's getting more and more common and I'm saying no more often... Especially in races where they're getting the advantage of not carrying stuff.

Not everyone of course, plenty of people are fine with it but it seems like a lot of people doing it are fashion victims or intentional spongers.

daveatextremistsdotcouk - Member

I've always wondered why folks take a 3 litre hydration pack to Bike Park Wales. Is it in case they have to do the climb during the drivers lunch break?

Mine is a 2 litre but it makes no difference really. I usually wear a bag on uplifts, it's no hardship and it means I'm never that dude that misses the bus because he went back to the car park for a drink (which applies more at BPW where the uplift doesn't start anywhere near the cafe...). No, I'm the dude on the bus eating a cake. I've been glad of it for fixing flats and minor mechanicals rather than wasting runs, and so have plenty of other people.

But again, depends how you uplift, I think most folks are more happy to waste time than I am, I'm quick runs and straight off the hill into the bus/gondola/whatever, whenever possible, time is money!

FWIW the last season i did any racing (ha, bimbling around at the back of the field!) i stopped to bail out some poor bugger walking back to the finish about 3km after the last feed (and 6-7 k to the finish)

He'd got no pump or spare tube in his camelback.

I had CO2 and two tubes. In my saddle bag.....

https://sawyer.com/products/sawyer-mini-filter/

Useful for long MTB rides, touring, saving money and plastic waste at trade shows or in airports, etc. ~£25.

No, I'm the dude on the bus eating a cake.

Non camlbak users come to regret their decision I find on long or multi day MTB events. I see their only hydration at the bottom of rocky descents and its 35 degrees plus. Your out for 80 - 100km anywhere and lose your water bottle .... See it a lot. Bags under seats also strewn across the trail or tools etc from pockets. Also they get covered in crap under the seat. Certainly not had to buy water bottles for a very long time 😀 Also I carry first aid (for me but its been used in ager twice on others) as well and waterproof jacket for the obvious but also for when I or someone else comes off or faffing to keep warm, if you ever have a hard crash and its cold you will know how quickly you cool down.

How much water depends on conditions. I did 8 hours on Saturday - 75 miles of CX across moors around Blanchland. Carried 1L of water, came back with some. It was cold so I wasn't drinking much.

Last summer in the Dolomites I was climbing mountains in 40+C. I was getting through about 8 750ml bottles in 100miles and still dehydrating.

In the UK in summer I can manage 5 or 6 hours riding on 1.5L. You get used to it after a while. Reduces the number of toilet stops and lowers your climbing weight.

For the 3pks I carried my water in a pack for fear of losing it (and it makes it easier to get your arm through the frame. In mtb marathons I tend to have one bottle on the bike with energy and then a bladder with 1L in a small backpack. Hedge my bets in case I lose one.

@Pawsey - where are you based? From *35C+* it certainly doesn't sound like the UK 8)

I'm in UK, that was Trans Rockies and Cape Town where it hit 47 degrees. In Stellenbosh MTB we started early at 0530 when it was a cool 22, by 11:30 it was plus 35 by which time I was heading for the cool of the cafe! Back to Joberg in April Msy for Joberg to coast nine day MTB race. Rockies got to 38 one day.

If your only drinking 1.5 Lts in 5 to 6 hours your not drinking enough and limiting your power. Yes as you get fitter you need less but I'd suggest a tad more and you will go faster and recover quicker. Don't forget to take on 'fuel' as well every hour.

I also find it a damn site easier to hydrate sipping through my camlbak tube than trying to reach down and then drink taking my eyes off the trail. Not to mention one hand. Takes a second to flip it into mouth and hand back on the bars eyes ahead and sip away.

Like so many subjects to me this seems to be people resorting to hyperbole as justification.

"how do you bottle people manage on 800 mile rides in 95 degree heat?"

Most people don't do 50+ miles for an average ride. Most people do 15-20 (at most!), and take a few hours over it. It's rarely hot in the UK. It's rarely far from a source of clean water in the UK. Pockets hold stuff.

For these reasons I am happy using a single bottle for my riding in the UK. I have done the South Downs Way, was out for 9.5 hours, one bottle was fine. I knew there were places to refill it. I ride the Surrey Hills, I know I can do 50 miles around there (not that I often do) with a single bottle because there are places to refill it. I'm confident that a single tube, a tyre boot, a small Topeak pump and a multi tool will get me out of trouble. If that's insufficient (touch wood it never has been) then I can get home on the road/call someone to come and get me.

I have never asked anyone else for help. I've never asked anyone to carry anything for me, nor would I expect them to. I don't bother with a jacket or other spare clothing, I look at the forecast and make a decision based on that. I may be a bit warm sometimes, very very occasionally a bit cold, but meh. Arm warmers can unobtrusively be tucked up a short leg, or under a jersey if you're really warm and pockets are full.

This would not be my attitude were I heading out into the mountains, where that could be irresponsible. I know a lot of people on here do live in more remote places, but a lot of people ride trail centres or areas like the Surrey Hills or Cannock where it's really not so much of an issue. They just want a massive bag with everything in. That's fine. You're better prepared than me for extreme eventualities, but there's no reason to be disparaging to others who don't think it necessary to take such measures. If you're really using 3 spare mech hangers a year then I'd look at fixing the root cause, not dealing with the symptoms!

What do you mean by hyperbole?

800 miles in 95 degree heat.............

mean while over in bottle corner i delight in filling my bottles and being away before they have untangled them selves from their camelback and tried to get the bladder out to fill it.

plus one for what njee says as well.