Tank bag hydration?

[anotherbiker]

Anyone know of a decent non-magnetic tank bag that has a pocket for a hydration bladder? I know theoretically you could throw a hydration bladder inside any tank bag and run the tube out the top... But the potential for leaking is a worry there as tank bags also tend to contain documents and electronics! If there's no good solution on the market I'll just buy any tank bag I like and double bag the hydration bladder inside another small waterproof bag.

[mollydog]

I've tried that method with previous bikes, not good. A Camel Back type drinking system is far better, IMHO. I no longer carry a tank bag on my DR650 because: 1. in the way off road 2. shifts around on the big plastic IMS tank. 3. Interferes when standing up and makes the bike feel even BIGGER. So not good for me.

If you can run a tank bag on your bike, why would you WASTE valuable space with a water bladder? As you say, space is better used for documents, camera, other small items.

BUT ... You can get a really nice Camel Back 2 or 3 liter pack and in 10 minutes you'll never know its on your back.

I love mine as it not only holds water, also has various compartments, pockets for stashing a variety of things big and small. REALLY HANDY! Just don't leave your Camel Back in a Cafe like I did!

A Camel Back can even prevent injury if 1/2 full or more. I've landed HARD, flat on my back ... and the Camel Back provided a nice cushion! Amazing ... and NO, it did not POP! If you've never tried one ... DO. One of my most favorite travel items and one I never leave home without ... especially in HOT weather.

[anotherbiker]

I've got a Kriega hydration pack, which all the reviewers say feels lighter on your back than any of the Camelbacks...

... and I hate the damned thing! I don't know what it is, but I feel more restricted when I'm wearing something on my back. I just don't feel as comfortable as I do without anything on my back.

If there really is no other solution I'll keep wearing it on trips, as it's obviously better than getting dehydrated, but I'm really thinking tank bags may be the answer.

I've got an email into Enduristan at the moment asking whether the front pocket on their Sandstorm 4A Tankbag would fit a 1litre Platypus bladder. Looks like a long shot from the picture, but I guess you never know...

[Threewheelbonnie]

Never tried it, or seem anything special to do it, but the reverse colostomy thing that usually lives in the special pocket Horrible Gherkin made in my jacket would fit in the side pocket of my Oxford tank bag.

I like the HG solution as the bag is in the "bum flap" of the jacket, so lower than a back pack and no extra straps.

Andy

[reggie3cl]

My tank bag is heavy enough with camera gear, electronics, documents etc without adding water. I use a Kriega hydration pack (3 litres and it stays cold even in proper heat) which I barely feel when wearing and can sip as I go along. It's brilliant.

[anotherbiker]

I must be weird, because every review I read for the Kriega system says how comfortable it is, but I just can't get comfortable with it. It sits heavy across my chest, and I find myself having to take a hand off the bars and pull the chest strap back down every now and then as it rides up.

It's probably because I'm a big fat dude, and all the people who say they like it are built smaller than I am.

I know there are jackets that can be bought with pockets for hydration packs, but I like my jacket and don't want to replace it.

Maybe I'll give up on hydration packs and just put a few leakproof water bottles in my tank bag and pull over when I want a drink...

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie

I like the HG solution as the bag is in the "bum flap" of the jacket, so lower than a back pack and no extra straps.

Andy

Most good ADV 3/4 length have "Bum packs" set low in your lower back/bum area. I know my First Gear jacket does and most other I've had in last 10 years. It's big enough for a hydration pack ... but not sure how well it'd work. Perhaps more
"Sucking" required? Dunno, never used one.

Originally Posted by anotherbiker

I must be weird, because every review I read for the Kriega system says how comfortable it is, but I just can't get comfortable with it. It sits heavy across my chest, and I find myself having to take a hand off the bars and pull the chest strap back down every now and then as it rides up.

It's probably because I'm a big fat dude, and all the people who say they like it are built smaller than I am.
I know there are jackets that can be bought with pockets for hydration packs, but I like my jacket and don't want to replace it.

Maybe I'll give up on hydration packs and just put a few leakproof water bottles in my tank bag and pull over when I want a drink...

It is unusual, most Camel Back systems cause me no problem comfort wise.
They seem to be comfy for most users: Bicyclists, Hikers, Motorcyclists alike. Even the US military use them.

Camel Back packs have adjustable shoulder straps and have a center strap across front to keep the pack in position.

Try lengthening your shoulder straps, let the pack rest on the seat behind you if need be. Takes some weight off your shoulders. Adjust the front cross strap so it's not tight. Packs can be a bit of bother getting on over your jacket, but with practice, gets easier.

Apart from that you may need a jacket with a Bum pack or a pocket for water pack built in. I could use a pack in my First Gear but not sure how well it would flow as the pack would be laying horizontal vs. vertical like a typical back pack system.
Working through comfort/fit issues can be tough to work out.

All the best ...

[anotherbiker]

This is the jacket I use for long trips:

Rukka AiRider Jacket - RevZilla

Then I add additional layers if it gets cold and/or wet. No large pockets, but it cost me a fair few coins so I don't really want to replace it. Though I now notice the more expensive airflow jacket Rukka do does have a big pocket... that'll teach me for being cheap (by Rukka standards!)

Maybe I'll have another play around with the Kriega pack and see if I can make it any better. In fact, you know what I'll do... I'll just make sure that I can strap the Kriega hydration pack to somewhere else on my bike, then only use it on days when it is really super hot and I need it. I'm sure with a couple of rokstraps I can find somewhere to tie it when I'm not using it.

[mollydog]

Nice Jacket!
That is inexpensive for Rukka, which is normally too expensive for me. But great products, some of the best in the world.

I have an earlier generation of this jacket:
Firstgear TPG Rainier Jacket - RevZilla

Mine has jacket liner and Bum storage pocket, and MORE venting than current one above. Best news? Mine costs $179 on sale a few years back.

[anotherbiker]

Nice looking jacket... this bit in the description would put me, and my rather oversized gut off though:

"Athletic fit: Thin, athletic, low body fat"

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by anotherbiker

Nice looking jacket... this bit in the description would put me, and my rather oversized gut off though:

"Athletic fit: Thin, athletic, low body fat"

That's Funny!
But I don't believe it ... see the VID ... First Gear is typically sized OVER listed size. I too am well endowed and find there gear perfect for those large of
belly and broad shoulders. Usually plenty room to spare.

[Nuttynick]

For my Camelbak kit, I have an old army webbing pouch cable tied to my crash bar. A 2 litre bag fits fine, and then the tube runs out to the bars.
I'm not a fan of rucksacks or bumbags when riding, and like others have said, keep the tankbag for other stuff.
Plus, the bag on the side keeps the weight a bit lower.

[anotherbiker]

Any pictures Nick? That sounds like a good idea, though I guess if you then drop the bike your hydration bladder could be toast?

[mossproof]

I bought a cheap Camelbak type "hydration pouch" from Halfords, removed all the strapping and cabletied (ziptied) it to my front mudguard (where lots of trail riders like to fit innertubes/tool pouches etc). Holds 2 litres and keeps the front end down nicely on hillclimbs! (Otherwise I've noticed little effect on handling) If you wet it, the airflow chills the contents too! Run the tube up to the handlebars...


Simon

[anotherbiker]

That's another cool idea! The bike I'm getting has a low mudguard, so don't think it would work for me... but it's nice to know I'm not the only person out there trying to think up creative ways to avoid wearing a hydration pack on my back