4L in a backpack?
 

I'm thinking about some h2o options.

Comfort over 10+ hours is important. So is not spending a gazillion dollars on hydration systems that I'd only need once or twice a year. I'd love to use stuff I already have. My 70oz bag and single bottle on the frame is a little small.

I have a 4L dromedary bag. I also have a BD bullet pack. It's more meant as a trade-off bag for multi pitch rock climbing, I can't say I'm in love with how it carries the big ol bladder. I'll take a short ride with the entire load and see. $0 extra

Are there other bags that can carry it in a more Camelback shape?

Tempted to get a 100oz bag on sale at STP and carry 2 bottles on the frame. Probably $80.

What are some of your water systems on long days? Mostly what I see looks super frustrating to ride all day with.

Two bottles on the frame and I can mount another two on the forks if needed. I prefer a decades old 70 oz Camelbak Classic over fork mounted bottles unless it is blistering hot out. The Camelbak doesn't bother me and I forget it is there.

I have a newer Camelbak and a Platypus 100 oz system but the old, first generation Camelbak continues to be the most comfortable for me.

Other than that I bring a Sawyer filter and make my own water. Nuun tabs take care of electolytes.

Platy 1L and 2L soft bottles were cheap enough to experiment with but without a way to carry them apart from a frame bag they become cumbersome. They are better suited to camp use IMO.

All of this is just my opinion and preference. YMMV.


-Tim-

From my experience 4L in a backpack would not be a comfortable set up for long distance riding.

Three issues:

1. 4L is nearly 9 lb's which will wear on you after a while. I sometimes use a small pack touring but it only has light day clothes and a down jacket.
2. Air movement and heat rash. On a hot day that pack will press against your back and you will get sweaty. The sweat will not evaporate as it usually does and you may get a rash or worse, the sweat will trickle down the back and into your butt, making you more prone to saddle sores.
3. That weight presses down on your spine and into the saddle, making you heavier and again more prone to saddle sores.

Bottle cages are good or, if you want to use a dromedary, look at a frame bag. That keeps the heavy water weight within the triangle where it is most stable.

2 on the frame, 2 on the fork, and one on the top tube should get you at least 120 oz