£84.99 from Zyro
This is the Camelbak for people who don’t do Camelbaks. It uses the same principles as a Camelbak pack, except that the reservoir sits in a pouch inside the vest instead of in a pack, and is designed to be worn underneath a regular cycling jersey.
My first mistake when trying the new Racebak was to treat it as I would a regular Camelbak and fill it up. The vest comes with a designated 2L bladder, and I filled it about ¾ full, as I would for a day trip with a regular Camelbak pack. As you can see in the pictures below, the bladder swallowed up the equivalent of a 750ml plus a 500ml bottle with room to spare. This was too much for the Racebak however, and as you can see, the heavy bladder creates a bulky hump that drags on the shoulders of the vest.
It should be noted however, that I am a small person at 159cm tall (5’1”) and it may be that a larger person with a bigger back could carry this amount of fluid in a vest more comfortably. It is also worth noting that this sample is a women’s size medium, and although it is a comfortable fit, a size small may have done a better job of holding the bladder firmly against my body. This aside, when considering the ideal application for the Racebak, filling it with no more than 500-750ml of fluids for a short race or as a backup to bottles is still the best way to use it.
Once in place and on the bike, the Racebak is comfortable, and the weight of the reservoir is barely noticeable, even with the extra fluids on board. There are no straps to adjust, and there is no shifting of the load, as can happen with a pack. Jersey pockets remain useable and easily accessed, which is a huge bonus in a race situation when you need to grab gels and bars without slowing down or stopping.
The Racebak is a bit sweaty however. The vest is supplied with a removable insulating insert (see Figure 3) that sits between the reservoir and your back. This can be removed, and if you were to chill your reservoir in the fridge overnight, then this would help to keep your back cool for a time (although eventually the fluid would warm to body temperature). I’ve not had the opportunity to test this theory here in the UK, but with the hot weather and long rides planned over in Kamloops, I will certainly be chilling all of my drinks. In any case, the reservoir inevitably creates a large sweat patch on your back, just as a pack does, but this is the only factor that serves to remind you that you are wearing it. Generally
speaking the Racebak is very comfortable and easy to use.
Once in place and on the bike, the Racebak is comfortable, and the weight of the reservoir is barely noticeable, even with the extra fluids on board. There are no straps to adjust, and there is no shifting of the load, as can happen with a pack. Jersey pockets remain useable and easily accessed, which is a huge bonus in a race situation when you need to grab gels and bars without slowing down or stopping.
The Racebak is a bit sweaty however. The vest is supplied with a removable insulating insert (see Figure 3) that sits between the reservoir and your back. This can be removed, and if you were to chill your reservoir in the fridge overnight, then this would help to keep your back cool for a time (although eventually the fluid would warm to body temperature). I’ve not had the opportunity to test this theory here in the UK, but with the hot weather and long rides planned over in Kamloops, I will certainly be chilling all of my drinks. In any case, the reservoir inevitably creates a large sweat patch on your back, just as a pack does, but this is the only factor that serves to remind you that you are wearing it. Generally
speaking the Racebak is very comfortable and easy to use.Summary: The Racebak is not an alternative to a regular Camelbak for mountain biking, and it is not intended as such. It is perfect for roadies and racers who want to carry extra fluids without throwing aerodynamics and power to weight ratios out the window. It is, effectively, a very comfortable and convenient alternative to carrying an extra bottle in your jersey pocket. However if you want to carry enough fluids for a full day out, along with tools and spares, then a regular Camelbak pack is still the best choice.
Note: The product in the pictures is a sample colour. Racebak Vests are available to buy in white only.
Tomorrow: The Catlike Vacuum helmet
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