Here in South Carolina we have had 15 days over 100 this summer. This past Sunday I went for 70+ miles of gravel and realized how much I needed more room for water. After allot of research here I see that a good number of people are using a hydration bladder in a frame bag. What bag are you using? Where does it sit on your bike? What size bladder are you able to fit in it?
I got a cheap frame bag from ebay. Durability has been awesome compared to the price.
\nBought a large and medium as my frame was just in between sizes. The large fits a little wrinkled and the med. Has a some gaps. No biggy, they both work.
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\nI can use a 4L platypus bag with 3.8L of drink. Had to extend the hose with the next size up clear hose. One fits over the other, no clamps needed. Run it up to my bars and hold the tip down in a thick rubber band. Warning the tip gets dirty, dusty on long rides. You can cover it with a small zip lock bag, but that's more work to get a drink.
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\nJust a heads up, when full it will weigh you down. It's heavy getting up a hill, but great for long dry rides.
I'll vary the configuration based on needs, but generally speaking when 4 bottles are sufficient, I'll stash my 3rd and 4th bottle in my JPaks Gravel Pak, picture attached. This pack can hold spare tube, multi tool, a couple Clif bars and two 21 oz. bottles as is the case in the pic. When more water is needed or when the JPaks bag is stuffed with vest, arm warmers, leg warmers, etc., I'll use a Revelate Tangle bag. The medium tangle bag can easily fit a 2 Liter Platypus bladder.
Here in Fla it is a hot one this year, more so than years past. In the mid 90's but with a high heat index the feels like temps are in the 100's. I generally won't ride on days over 95 degrees with a high heat index or ride very early when it is cooler.
When I do ride on high heat days, I use a large revelate tangle with a 3 liter camel bak inside plus 2 full water bottles and a feed bag with one more bottle in it. I really don't like riding with a frame bag.
I have an Ortlieb seat pack that will fit a platypus bladder maybe two for mid range rides and 2 full bottles in holders and a feed bag with a bottle in it. I like this system the best.
The camel bak when frozen will last about 46 miles on a smooth paved trail when the temps are in the 90's. The bottled water is warm after 15 minutes unless you freeze them then they last a little longer. I am thinking about installing an insulated handlebar bag. I always bring a h2o filter on rides without known water sources.
I have used a car sunshade ( the reflective type ) and cut them up to wrap the bladder. It is amazing how much longer my bladder stays cold ( ice doesn't melt ) using this method.
I'm in SC too and ride in Sumter National Forest a lot. I've used the Revelate Tangle frame bag. I've got an 80oz bladder in there with plenty of room for a pump, snacks, etc. I needed to get a side-entry bottle cage for the seat tube, otherwise clearance getting a bottle out was an issue on a 56cm frame.
Like someone above mentioned, the weight is noticeable. Lately I've gone back to just using bottles and making sure my route has places for refills. Country churches are scattered all over the place and I've never had problems finding a spigot.
I have been able to fit a Platypus 2L bag in a Jandd triangle frame bag. there's still room under the bag for another water bottle on my frame. I attached to hose to my stem with a retractable ID badge yo-yo thing.
also look into Back Bottle- a water bottle shaped to fit in your jersey pocket.
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