The first step in choosing a hydration pack is what type of riding will I be using it for? When I am training I like to be prepared, probably a little over prepared actually. So for my long training rides (3-5 hours) the Camelbak Havoc is my bag of choice. It features a 100oz bladder and a tons of storage.  I carry 2 tubes, 1 Big Air, a pump, a Crank Bros multi tool, a rain jacket, zip ties, camera, cell phone, iPod, 2 Gu flasks, and a few ProBars. Loaded it is about 14 lbs. Overkill? For sure, but I want to make sure I make it home without walking. Plus, all that weight give a nice training effect. DaKine and North Face also make some really nice big bags as well.

For racing I actually still use water bottles for most of my races since they are short or multi lap deals. For a race like La Ruta or the American Mountain Classic, I will run a pack as the stages are 5+ hour death marches with tons of climbing. In fact at the American Mountain Classic I will be running a Camelbak Lobo. It still has a 100oz bladder but the pack is slimmed down to just carry the basics. Tube, Co2, multitool and some Gu flasks. The idea here is I am still gonna need lots of water but need to be able to get up the climbs at a good pace as well. For a true bare bones race pack I would check out the Camelbak Hydrobak or Classic.

I am partial to the Camelbak brand. They fit me well and the offer a bag for pretty much every application under the sun. They created the entire hydration pack industry and continue to be the innovators today. You really can’t go wrong with them and I would recommend them to anyone.  My biggest gripe with a cycling pack is the have to stay put while descending.  If they move up it is distracting and potentially dangerous, my Camelbak’s never move. Ever.

- Get Fat: On really cold days (below 30) hit the road on your Mt. Bike. The fat tires ans extra weith will keep the speed down so wind chill is not as much of a factor.

- Bring it all: Load up a back pack or messenger bag with a complete change of clothes. One of my favorite winter rides is to head up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton Ski Resort. When I get to the top I put on a new dry set of clothes and bundle up for the descent. Plus te exta weight of the pack provides a great climbing workout.

- Go Big: You should have some winter shoes that are a t least to 1/2 to a full size larger than your summer shoes. The larger size will let you wear thicker socks without limiting your circulation.

- Cover those dogs: I am always amazed when I show up for a winter group ride to see people without shoe covers. If you are on a budget get a big pair of wool socks and cut a hole for you cleat, duh) to go over you shoes, add a little duct tape for that authentic DIY look. If you have the cash get fancy with some winter specific shoes.

Sidi and Northwave make some really sweet ones.

I also like MTB shoes for winter riding as theyare easier to walk in in slippery surfaces.

- Single Digits: Logging long base miles don’t give your hands much to do and cold hands will cut your ride short every time. Again you can go hamburger or prime rib. Neoprene water ski gloves can be picked up at the big box merchant of your choice for less than $20. If your G4 is grounded and you can’t make it to Mallorca for the weekend look to Assos for the best that money can buy.

Assos

Riding in bad conditions can be fun with the right gear and a sense of adventure. Just be extra carefull as a person on a bike in a snow storm is about the last thing most drivers are expecting to see. Ride smart.