|
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |
Buying Guide to Hydration Systems Kiss your water bottles goodbye. Hydration systems tucked inside backpacks are easier to carry and more convenient to drink from, no matter what your activity. Here's how to choose the right one for you. By Kelli Rosen
A recent study conducted by Douglas Casa, Ph.D., sports physiologist and athletic trainer at the University of Connecticut, and his colleagues found that mountain bikers were more likely to drink water from back-mounted hydration systems than from conventional water bottles (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 31(5), May 1999, p. S322). All the riders in the study had access to the same amount of water -- whether it was in their back-mounted systems or in their bottles -- yet those with the water on their backs ended up drinking more. Casa attributes these results to the convenience of the back-mounted hydration systems, and he points out that riders with these packs crossed the finish line on average six minutes faster than those relying on water bottles. "Although this number is not statistically significant in the study," Casa says, "it may be very important to elite-level riders." A back-mounted system consists of a water reservoir -- a polyurethane sack that holds the liquid -- plus a tube and a mouthpiece. Sacks are available in volumes ranging from 64 ounces (two quarts) to 128 ounces (an entire gallon). The convenience factor becomes obvious once you're en route. The tube that's connected to the water reservoir stays just inches from your mouth. Simply turn your neck, grab the mouthpiece with your lips, and commence guzzling. A Pack for Every Sport When you look into purchasing a hydration pack, you'll find bells and whistles to suit just about any need. First, since hydration packs are now sport-specific, determine what activity you're going to use the pack for -- trail running, road riding, or skiing, for example. Then try on different models until you come across one that fits your body as well as your needs. (CamelBak, Ultimate Direction, Gregory, and Blackburn are some of the more popular manufacturers.) Look for padded shoulder straps and a cushy back that's lined with a moisture-wicking material -- CoolMax is a favorite. Here's an overview of the types of hydration systems you'll find once you hit the stores. Entry-level packs. Virtually every manufacturer of hydration systems makes an entry-level pack. The basic design consists of a water reservoir in a pouch with straps that is worn like a backpack. Some come equipped with a small mesh pocket suitable for an energy bar or keys, but don't expect it to hold much more than that. Mountain-biking packs. In addition to holding a water reservoir, these hydration systems allow more room for gear and supplies. Extra pockets, compartments, and bungee cords offer enough capacity for the necessities -- a pump, a patch kit, tools, and a rain jacket. Most -- including CamelBak's Blowfish, Gregory's Arroyo, and Ultimate Direction's SipStream -- are insulated to keep your water cold. CamelBak sells an insulating tube cover that can be added to your existing pack; it keeps the exposed water just as refreshing as what's in the reservoir. Road-riding packs. Some companies make hydration systems especially for road cyclists. CamelBak's Razor is short so a rider can easily access her jersey pockets. Both the Razor and Blackburn's Roadie keep the weight of the water in an aerodynamic position low on the back. You'll appreciate the slick design when you're in the saddle, but don't plan on bringing many extras along. According to the folks at Blackburn, the only things besides water that'll fit in its hydration system are a couple energy bars and a credit card. Road cyclists might also want to check out CamelBak's Tube Director, an innovative accessory that holds the drinking tube in place once you position it -- especially helpful when you're working to maintain your aerodynamic position. Hiking packs. Similar to mountain-biking packs, hydration systems built with the hiker in mind offer lots of room for extras. Some -- CamelBak's Peak Bagger and Ultimate Direction's Titan, for example -- are large enough to carry clothing and gear for an overnight outing. The Titan even comes with a fleece-lined pocket perfect for a cellular phone or sunglasses. Snow sports. If you're planning on taking your hydration pack to the slopes or into the backcountry for a little snowshoeing, check out winter-specific systems. Gregory's Ice and Ultimate Direction's Escape are designed to tote your skis, board, or snowshoes. Both come equipped with twin ice-ax loops, and the Escape offers a hidden snow-shovel shock cord. In contrast, CamelBak's SnoBowl was created with a low profile in mind, fitting under a jacket so as not to interfere with a lift ride. CamelBak's insulated tube and mouthpiece are also sold as an accessory, in case you want to convert your existing pack into a winter-ready one. Waist packs for running. Similar in appearance to fanny packs, these hydration packs are preferred by runners. Most come with a reservoir equivalent in capacity to two water bottles. CamelBak's FlashFlo and Ultimate Direction's Silhouette even have small pockets for snacks and keys. In Casa's latest research on hydration systems, he analyzed whether waist-pack systems for trail runners affect rehydration when compared with traditional hip-mounted water-bottle systems. Although both groups stayed equally hydrated, the group outfitted with the hydration systems was more satisfied with their setup. They noted greater comfort, increased stability, greater convenience, and a more desirable water temperature (Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 32(5), May 2000, p. S195). Casa asserts that this enjoyment factor provides a psychological boost and enhances the likelihood that runners will wear a hydration system. Putting In More Than Water Until recently, reservoirs were so difficult to clean that water was the only liquid recommended for the systems. Filling one with an energy drink meant sooner or later a science experiment would sprout within the polyurethane body. Times have changed, and so have the reservoirs. Now some companies are designing reservoirs so they're easier to clean, meaning you can go ahead and add your supplement of choice. Blackburn's HydraSak reservoir is safe for energy drinks, because you can clean every inside corner, and the tube is removable. CamelBak's Omega reservoir, due to hit stores in 2001, will be a cinch to disinfect, because you'll be able to fit your entire hand inside. Not only will cleaning be easier, but the wider opening will make adding liquid and ice cubes easy. The Omega's opening will also be located on the outside of the pack, so there's no need to reach inside and pull out the entire reservoir when it's time to refill. Just unscrew the cap, grip the handle, and replenish. Special Features for Women Although none of the hydration packs are touted as women-specific, there are some features to look for if you're having difficulty finding one that fits. CamelBak recommends the HydroBak and the Siren for small women, since these packs are shorter by roughly 4 inches than the company's other hydration systems (the Siren will be available in 2001 and comes with the company's new Omega reservoir). Ultimate Direction originally designed its Traverse hydration system for women; however, its unique design quickly proved popular with both genders. Turns out the crisscross straps -- meant not to bind the chest, a boon to women -- allow greater arm movement for members of either sex. Ultimately, convenience is the key to hydration. Find a system you're comfortable with, and chances are you'll use it regularly. And soon, you won't be able to imagine life in the outdoors without it. Cheers! Kelli Rosen lives outside Boulder, Colorado, and is managing editor of The Herb Companion. Out on the trails, she's equally at home in her hiking boots and on her mountain bike.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
