I wonder if anyone here has any experience with this sort of thing:
I actually don’t know if this is a genre of product and there’s loads of other examples, or if this is pretty unique.
I’ve used camelbaks on casual MTB rides years ago, but I’m curious how well one of these under a jersey or skinsuit gels with long (6hr+) road rides, where performance is the key consideration.
In theory a lot of people suggest there’s an aero gains. And on a ride where fluid is the limiting factor it could be the difference between two stops and one stop.
But are both of these things outweighed by the warming effect an hour or two in? I totally understand there could be a beneficial COOLING effect early on, especially if you’re able to fill with ice. But even with ice, it’s going to be body-temperature water sooner than you’d like. Or, if you’ve drunk it all by then, it’s at least an extra layer of fabric and a sweaty plastic layer on your back
How long did you feel it benefited, rather than hindered you? I have a 10hr event coming up - six aid stations, hope to only use one or two. No idea yet if the weather will be 32C/90F and sunny all day, or 17C/63F and raining. Could easily be either!
No. Mine leaked and weren’t as handy as I thought they would be. Maybe it’s just me. I’m actually using the hydrovest under my skin suit, which seems to work fine other than swapping it out for another full one takes a little more effort (skill? assistance? luck?) than just throwing on another hydration pack.
Yes, the faff of refilling the hydrovest is something I’ve considered, for sure. As for the BB not lasting - I certainly wasn’t expecting to get 10hours of cooling out of it, but pondered filling with ice, drinking when cooling effect passed, then refilling (with ice, if possible) at aid stations. More of a way to carry extra water than as a means of cooling.
Not a vest but quicker to swap bladders I’d think.
Jersey with bladder pocket but since it’s direct to consumer Chinese brand really quite affordable. I did just get a new aero jersey and for 50 quid it’s pretty good quality.
