Nutrition – pedalnorth

Camelbak Hawg 20 Backpack with Recco Technology

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 18:13:51 +0000

Get set for Adventure

Camelbak HAWG 20 with RECCO

with Teo Sabine

Camelbak Hawg 20 with Recco Technology

Getting set for adventures

Tested and reviewed by Teo Sabina

With over 33 years of working in dynamic environments, being a Critical Incident Commander in policing, and a former climbing instructor, I have a rounded experience of unfortunate events in the mountains. Nobody plans for an issue to happen when you head for the hills. However, the nature of the unexpected is that you should always expect the unexpected – and plan for this. Safety is paramount and can easily become a faded concept, when nature and the elements are against you.

Camelbak and the new Hawg 20 backpack with Recco tech

That’s why we were really excited when our friends at Vitamina C in Turin asked us if we’d like to test out the new Camelbak mountain pack, which comes fitted with exciting new technologies. Yes. CamelBak’s New H.A.W.G. 20 offers outdoor adventure seekers, the World’s First MTB Pack with RECCO® Technology; the same tech used by mountain rescue teams to locate people who are either lost or injured – or both – in the mountains. From my experience, commanding serious mountain incidents, every second is vital; and so it was an obvious choice to ask our own mountain expert, Teo, if she would take on the challenge of testing the new Camelbak Hawg in the wild and remote Carpathian Mountains of Romania. WE wanted to see if this exciting new backpack for bikers and hikers, really could help to locate you in times of trouble… it’s over to Teo, then!

What is Recco tech

Recco Motto: RECCO® Technology makes you searchable by rescue professionals worldwide.

When you’re out there in the wild, enjoying the majestic beauty of the mountains, there’s always that little thought in the back of your mind about “what if?” What if an unexpected avalanche rolls through? Or while enjoying a fantastic hike in the mountains, a thick, swirling fog descends. One minute you can see the path clearly, the next, it’s like someone’s pulled a grey blanket over everything? Or what if you just get lost in a really tricky spot? That’s where RECCO technology steps in, like a quiet guardian angel.

Think of it this way: RECCO is like having a tiny, super-dependable friend stitched right into your jacket or gear. This little friend doesn’t need batteries or anything fancy; it just patiently waits. Then, if something goes wrong and rescuers are searching for you, they have this special device that sends out a signal. And guess what? Your little friend, that RECCO reflector, is designed to instantly bounce that signal right back to them. It’s like a silent “here I am!” shout, helping those amazing rescuers pinpoint exactly where you are, even when every second counts. It’s truly a brilliant bit of ingenuity that brings a lot of peace of mind to outdoor adventures.

What’s the new Hawg 20 like

The “new” CamelBak HAWG 20 (often specifically the HAWG Pro 20) is designed to be a workhorse for long days on the trails, especially for mountain biking, but it’s also very suitable for hiking and other outdoor activities where you need ample hydration and gear storage. It’s gotten some significant updates, focusing on comfort, organization, and durability.

One key feature that makes it stand out is the Air Support Pro Back Panel. It’s designed with “body mapping technology” to strategically ventilate the areas of your back that generate the most heat. It often features a curved, rigid plate with a mesh overlay that creates an air gap between your back and the pack, promoting airflow and reducing sweatiness, which makes it great especially during summer days! The shoulder straps are also made with a lightweight and breathable mesh, contributing to overall comfort and preventing hot spots.

The Camelbak HAWG 20 has comes with an ample storage and organization, with a 20L Capacity. There are also multiple compartments and pockets for organized storage.

Another great feature is its durable construction: Made with robust materials, often including recycled Cordura RE/COR fabric, for long-lasting performance in rugged conditions. It usually has a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating, though a separate rain cover might be recommended for heavy downpours.

There is also a variety of specific use features, such as Helmet Carry, Impact Protection Ready, E-Bike Battery Sleeve, RECCO® Technology. The new CamelBak HAWG 20 is a highly capable and well-thought-out hydration pack designed for adventurers who need substantial water capacity, organized gear storage, and high levels of comfort and breathability, especially for activities like mountain biking and day hiking. The addition of RECCO technology is a significant safety upgrade.

Testing time in the hills

Testing the CamelBak HAWG 20 in the Romanian hills gave me a fantastic real-world assessment of its capabilities.

Before getting to the hills, I filled it with what I’d actually carry on a typical day hike or mountain bike ride in the Romanian hills. Therefore, I made sure to full-fill the 3L Crux reservoir, take some snacks, extra layers (rain jacket, fleece), a first aid kit and navigation tools (fully charged phone).

Right at the start, I spent some time adjusting all the straps – shoulder straps, sternum strap, and especially the hip belt. The HAWG Pro 20 often has a very effective hip belt designed to take the majority of the weight. I ensured it sit comfortably over my iliac crests (hip bones). I also cinched the load lifters (straps connecting the top of the shoulder straps to the top of the pack) to bring the pack closer to my body, ideally forming a 45-degree angle.

As I started the climb, I paid close attention to the Air Support Pro Back Panel. It genuinely reduced sweat buildup on my back and I really felt the air circulating through the “body-mapped” channels. On steeper climbs, the pack stayed put and felt stable, with the weight distributed to my hips. Considering the hydration access, I could easily grab the bite valve, take a sip, and re-secure it with the magnetic tube trap without breaking my stride or looking down. On rocky, rootsy, or loose downhill sections common in the Romanian hills, the pack shift independently of my body. The hip belt and compression straps kept it securely in place, preventing it from throwing me off balance.

Also, I could easily access snacks from the hip belt pockets or a phone from a side pocket without having to stop and take the pack off. I took a moment to test the RECCO Reflector with a specialized detector, as it provides a background sense of security, especially if you’re in a more remote area of the Romanian hills where conditions can change rapidly, as Fagaras Mountains are. It went really well and quick, which is perfect for a search in the mountain hills.

Final thoughts

The CamelBak HAWG 20 sounds like a truly impressive backpack, especially for the active outdoor enthusiast in Romania. My final thoughts are overwhelmingly positive.

Overall, the CamelBak HAWG 20 appears to be a top-tier choice for serious mountain bikers and hikers. The focus on the Air Support Pro Back Panel and 3D Vent Mesh Harness suggests that CamelBak has prioritized long-haul comfort and breathability. This is incredibly important in the varied and often strenuous terrain of the Romanian hills, where ascents can lead to significant sweating. Good ventilation means less discomfort and a lower risk of chilling.

The thoughtful organization, including hip belt pockets, internal tool roll, and potentially an e-bike battery sleeve, shows it’s designed by people who understand the needs of outdoor users. The use of recycled Cordura RE/COR fabric signals a commitment to both robustness and sustainability, which is always a welcome combination..

The inclusion of RECCO technology on the CamelBak HAWG 20 is a significant and commendable step forward for outdoor safety, particularly for a mountain biking pack. The beauty of RECCO is its simplicity and reliability. It’s a passive reflector, meaning it requires no batteries, no charging, no activation, and no maintenance. You literally put on your backpack, and you’re immediately more “searchable” to professional rescue teams. This is a crucial advantage, especially if you’re injured, disoriented by fog (as discussed!), or in an emergency where traditional electronic devices might fail or be forgotten. Knowing that your backpack has this integrated technology provides an invaluable layer of peace of mind. While you hope to never need it, it’s a silent assurance that if the worst happens, professional rescuers have an enhanced tool to help locate you. This is especially pertinent for those venturing into more remote or challenging parts of the Romanian wilderness.

Therefore, the CamelBak HAWG 20 appears to be an exceptionally well-designed and feature-rich backpack for serious outdoor pursuits. Its core functionalities – comfort, hydration, and organization – are clearly well-executed. However, it’s the integration of the RECCO system that truly elevates this pack, offering a cutting-edge, passive safety measure that could genuinely make a difference in a critical situation. It’s a smart investment for anyone who values both performance and an enhanced safety margin in their outdoor adventures in Romania and beyond.

Camelbak Podium Water Bottle Range

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:26:48 +0000

CamelBak Podium Water Bottle Range

by Robert & Nadezhda

Camelbak Podium Bottle 620 ml & 710 ml

We’ve written before about the excellent technical bottles from Camelbak, and so it’s time to look now at their standard Podium bottle, that’s anything but standard. If you’re looking for a robust, strong, well made and reliable bottle, with an easy flow, then the Camelbak Podium could be just for you. We tested both the smaller 620 ml bottle and the larger 720 ml. Camelbak have a new design and improved cleaning ability for the Podium® bottle, helping to maintain its position at the top within the cycling industry. This is definitely a premium bike bottle, and it prioritises performance with its high flow and self sealing cap, and the easy squeeze design, to help the flow at those vital moments on the bike. As with other bottles using the self seal technology, there’s no spills, drips or leakage too.

The actual bottle shape and size of both bottles mean that it’s a comfortable fit in the hand, and is easy to grip on the move, plus it fits easily and securely into bottle cages. It’s made by Camelbak as a BPA, BPS and BPF free bottle, which is a positive direction, and the whole unit comes apart for ease of cleaning – voila. Finally and most importantly, due to the Camelbak Trutaste Polypropylene with Hydroguard , all that you taste is your chosen drink and nothing else.

Design and colour wise, it’s simply and stylishly finished, and comes with a variety of new colour options, meaning that it’ll also look great on your bike in either size – and that’s important . It’s priced very reasonably for the tech and performance, and the Camelbak Podium performs well on the bike, looks good and is super strong and long lasting. That’s probably an ideal resume for a bike bottle this summer.

Camelbak Podium Chill Bottle

What makes the Camelbak Podium Chill different from their Podium Ice – it’s an interesting question. Well, for a start, the Podium Chill is Pink which I like… but no, seriously, it comes with a double walled and insulated skin, designed to keep drinks cool for longer. Camelbak say that this double skin means that drinks stay cold for twice as long.

It comes with the same great design as the rest of the Podium range and is easy to hold and squeeze, delivering fluid in a smooth flow, without drips and leaks, due to the high flow, self-sealing cap – which maximizes flow rate while eliminating splatters and spills. Best of all, it really works. Add to this, the Camelbak positive lock-out, and you have a bottle that you can throw into your bag between rides, safely knowing that it won’t leak. It’s a string and well made bottle, but doesn’t feel hard and as I say, is easy to squeeze too. It’s strength and quality of production means that it’ll stand up to lots of tough trips and last a long time.

All of the parts come apart easily for cleaning, and simply click back together. The material used is BPA, BPS and BPF free, which is a good start in terms of eco friendly sports. And, when you’re ready to use it again, due to the Camelbak Trutaste Polypropylene with Hydroguard , all that you taste is yiur drunk and not that awful stake bottle taste. It’s a super quality, sift and yet strong bottle in use, and with a hydrating flow system that’s second to none. You can twist and lick it off, but it’s really unnecessary due to the awesome technical design. Best of all – it’s pink too

Camelbak Podium Ice Bottle

With spring already here and summer to look forward to, it really is time to look in detail at the best bottles for hot days in the saddle. Camelbak do hydration… more than anyone else, this world leading brand is synonymous with excellence in keeping athletes cool and refreshed. Time then to take a look at their latest Camelbak Podium Ice 620 ml bottle.

Like the entire Podium® collection from Camelbak, it’s a technological bottle, being 100% free of BPA, BPS and BPF, which is always good to know in a more eco friendly world. More importantly for cyclists, it features an improved cage fit design, meaning that it easily fits into just about all bottle cages on the market, without rattling around or bouncing out on rough tracks. The design is also kind of cool… pardon the pun, but it is – simple and stylish and oozes the modern look of this forward thinking brand.

The fluid inside the Podium Ice is kept cool due to the Aerogel insulation developed by the brand, which Camelbak says “keeps water cold 5x longer than other bottles” – maybe we need a thermometer test here sometime, but it certainly does keep drinks cool all day long.

When you need to get the fluid out and quench your thirst, the Camelback Easy Squeeze system works a treat, and you get a steady but controlled flow, with thankfully no drips or leaks. Best of all, even when the nozzle is unlocked, it holds back fluid from dripping out, keeping bags and clothing dry when transporting you and your kit to rides. Yes, the high flow, self-sealing cap works superbly and maximizes flow rate while eliminating splatters and spills.

In terms of cleaning, like all of the Camelbak bottle range, all parts can be separated for thorough cleaning, and go back together by simple clicks. And, best of all, once cleaned and refilled with your favourite drink, the Trutaste Polypropylene with Hydroguard means that all you taste is your water and nothing else, time after time. In terms of design and colour, it’s a silvery finish, trimmed with either red of blue.

Cost wise, it’s not a cheap bottle, but it’s not cheaply made. This is a high end hydration system bottle for serious people, and it’ll last you many years on tarmac or trail and keep you cool. Think about it as an investment, as you use this excellent Podium Ice bottle across multiple active sports.

Summary

There’s a great range of bottles to choose from this year from Camelbak, and best of all, they come in a variety of colours too; which means that you can choose the perfect bottle in the perfect style . We really like the flow system on the Podium range. It works when you need it to, and it ensures that water only comes out when you want it to. In terms of prices, the Camelbak bottle range is an investment, as these high quality and tough water bottles will last for a long time and keep looking as stylish as you do

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Nadezhda Pavlova Favourite Cycling Routes

Pedalnorth Website — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:55:25 +0000

My Favourite Rides

Travels on 2-wheels - with Nadezhda

Nadezhda – travels on 2-wheels

A selection of my fav places to ride!

Cycling, hiking, skiing and other sports have always been central to my lifestyle! I also love travelling to explore new places – especially with my bike. Living in Barcelona and northern Spain, I get to ride some of the best cycling routes in Spain, close to home; with places such as Andorra and Girona also close by. This year I’ve really started to explore Italian cycling routes too, riding the Selle Ronde and cycling in the Dolomites. Writing about these amazing places to cycle, allows me to share my love of travelling and cycling with all of you; and you also get to see my favourite places to ride, as we explore some of the best cycling routes in the world.

I wanted to share my favourite rides with you, as I travel across Europe and elsewhere with my cycling friends. From the local cycling routes near to my current home in Barcelona, to the mountains of Andorra, to the beautiful Dolomites and the French Pyrenees, let’s explore Europe together and have new adventures on 2-wheels!

Each of the routes listed here have maps and a GPX file for you, and usually my own recommendation for the best hotels to use too. Travelling with your bike, you also need to take care on flights; which is why I recommend using a Bike Box Alan ‘Easy Fit’ box. Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll be cycling and smiling in no time, as you traverse the rolling meadows and mountains passes, with some of the most spectacular views in the world. Yes, let’s go cycling together; join me on my favourite places to ride in Europe!

Lifestyle is part of who we are, and travelling is part of me. Finding new places to explore is fun too, as I get to see some amazing places and stay in super-stylish hotels along the way. This year, I’ve ridden in some amazing events; from the Tourmalet to a women’s only cycling festival in Switzerland, riding with some inspirational people. The world is still a global village, and we owe it to ourselves to have fun and to travel – after all, that’s also part of who we are – amazing women, exploring the world on our bikes!

Nadezhda

CHOOSE A RIDE BELOW

Plan your adventure, inspired by Nadezhda

The best cycling routes online

Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes

Pedalnorth Website — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:17:51 +0000

Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes

by Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

Supplements for
Endurance Athletes

Informative article by
Nadezhda Pavlova

Best Supplements for Endurance Athletes

Being an athlete requires the right nutrition and supplements to maximize your performance. Sometimes, food and exercise are not enough to reach the athletic productivity you’re aiming for. Supplements become handy at times like these because of the performance boost that they provide.

First Up, Have You Nailed The Basics

If you’re planning to take supplements, there are several things you need to consider.

•Are you following the right diet according to the intensity of your athletic activities?
•Are you able to acquire the right hydration and nutrition from the foods you’re eating?
•Have you been doing enough exercises to effectively boost your performance?

These basic aspects of improving athletic performance are non-negotiable. Supplements will help, but your diet and training have the most impact. Taking supplements without fixing your diet and exercise is a band-aid solution.

What Are The 10 Best Supplements For Endurance Athletes?

In this section, we’ll look into the different types of supplements. Here are the 10 best supplements to improve your endurance.

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are essential for athletes. Depending on where you get your carbohydrates, daily consumption may vary. Natural foods that have complex carbohydrates are the ideal source. These don’t cause a sudden increase in blood glucose levels. It also doesn’t build body fats. Complex carbohydrates can be found in whole grains, beans, peas, and vegetables.

2. BCAAs

BCAAs include valine comprise, isoleucine, and amino acids leucine. These can be found in fish and dairy. They are excellent energy sources for muscles.

BCAA is recommended for strength training and bodybuilding. It is not very impactful in terms of endurance, but it will help you recover from muscle damage faster.

3. Beetroot or Beet Juice

Beetroot juice is beneficial for intense sports like cycling, swimming, running, and triathlon. It improves the athlete’s endurance from the nitrates it contains.

4. Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is an amino acid found in poultry, fish, and meat. It helps increase the carnosine levels in muscles. In addition, it decreases the lactic acid in muscles that helps lessen muscle fatigue. Beta-alanine is more beneficial for sports with intermittent efforts like hockey.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant found among coffees, tea, and energy drinks. It helps increase the energy levels among athletes for several hours. Varying caffeine amounts will result in varying increases in energy levels.

It’s better to find the right amount for you. You may start with 2mg per kg and increase the dose until you find the right amount for you.

6. L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is good in increasing energy levels and muscle recovery. With this, athletes can increase the intensity of their exercises. Having low levels of L-glutamine results in muscle breakdown and inflammation, thus decreasing athletic performance.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 Fatty acids are found in seafood, fortified foods, nuts, seeds, plant oils, and krill oil. These acids are said to reduce muscle inflammation and accelerate the recovery process. It can help improve endurance because athletes recover faster, thus allowing them to train longer.

8. Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, has varying effects on different athletes. It helps lessen the acid build-up in the muscles, which helps reduce fatigue. The common dose for sodium bicarbonate is 300 mL per kilogram of bodyweight. It is essential to be mindful of the side effects, as it may result in nausea and water retention.

9. Turmeric

Turmeric is known for its many health benefits. It reduces muscle fatigue and soreness and speeds up recovery. Also, turmeric improves mobility and joint health.

It has similar effects as omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, a study was conducted that showed that turmeric provided the same effects as Ibuprofen, although showed fewer side effects on gastrointestinal health.

10. Whey Protein

Whey proteins are commonly used for muscle building and recovery. The recommended daily amount is 1.2-2 grams per kilogram of body weight. Endurance athletes are advised to have protein amounts at the lower range.

11. Mushroom complex

Some of the benefits you could expect from mushroom supplements include increased energy, improved muscle recovery, immune support, heart health, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and concentration or cognition. The medicinal mushroom is shown to help the body utilize oxygen more efficiently and increase blood flow. Studies show that this supplement can not only improve exercise and athletic performance but also speed up post-workout muscle recovery.

3 Tips For Safe And Effective Supplement Consumption

1. Understand the Difference Between Direct and Indirect Effect Supplements

When consuming supplements, you will find varying effects on your endurance. Others have a direct impact on increasing energy levels. Others will have indirect effects like fast muscle recovery, which in turn helps you train longer.

2. Mind Side Effect

It is crucial to take note of the side effects that you experience when consuming supplements. Despite the positive intention, it may result in health risks because each individual will have varying responses.

3. Make Sure You Aren’t Consuming Prohibited Substances

Do not consume prohibited substances along with supplements. This may decrease the health benefits of the supplements or may have unpleasant reactions that can harm your body. You can check the WADA prohibited substance list if you are a professional athlete.

Taking suppliments is a vitalpoint of any endurance training programme. The key is to get it right, based on your activity, level of training and your own body requirements. Why not read more from my training tips, by simply clicking the link below

Healthy Living with Nadezhda Pavlova

Pedalnorth Website — Sat, 07 Jan 2023 17:45:38 +0000

Life in our Hands

Positive Lifestyles - with Nadezhda

Want to live for over 100 years? Find your igikai

Nadezhda Pavlova, Editor in Chief

We all want to live as long as possible, but really is the secret. Many researchers from Blue Zones around the world (where people live the longest) are taking into account such contributers to longevity as diet, exercise, good habits, living in a comfortable climate – but not many are looking at what common personal traits those people have in common. Can a person’s worldview affect his or her longevity?

Many researches show that if you have a sweet temperament, find it easy to adapt to changes and face challenges, but at the same time, you are stubborn, controlling and domineering, with a great intellect and have successfully found the meaning and purpose of life, the chances of rollerblading and traveling across Africa in your nineties are much higher than those of the whiners around you.

I’m personally up for this,and I’d say that I have a few of these traits – if not all . The interesting fact is that the power and control that an individual has over their life, causes them to be happier and healthy – and they live longer.

What the long-lived Japanese add to this list is “ikigai”, a concept that is, at times, used synonymously with purpose, passion, meaning, mission, vocation and drive. If you brew all those notions together and distill its contents, you get ikigai.

A purpose-driven life is the answer to overcoming obstacles and sorrows. How do we get there though.

Therapy is one way to find your ikigai, which is the “existential fuel” that motivates us to live long and happy lives. Less expensive than therapy, is asking yourself the question: “what is the meaning of my life?” – and pursuing activities that support your answer.

For many of us, it’s cycling that drives us, gives us passion, happiness, health and lots of smiles – cycling in any of its forms, including triathlon. Apparently, we will die very happy and very old – which sounds good to me! So, keep cycling, keep checking in here and reading my health and fitness blogs, and keep a healthy diet. It’s all in your power and quite simple really – and, it includes cycling

Photos by @mayyarey_foto
Makeup by @mila.makeup.torrevieja

Did you know that Nadezhda also coaches triathlon, with people training under her guidance around the world. You can find out more by clicking here.

Also, if you’d like Nadezhda to work with your brand, to promote sports, sportswear or a healthy lifestyle, then simply contact her by visiting her personal website – click here for www.nadezhda-pavlova.com

Camelbak Hawg Pro Backpack & Womens Luxe

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 19:17:57 +0000

CAMELBAK HAWG PRO & WOMEN’S LUXE PACK

by Robert Thorpe & Larisa Chinces

CAMELBAK HAWG PRO & LADIES LUXE

The ‘Go To’ Mountain Pack

Having used a Camelbak Mule as the pack of choice for many years, I was intrigued to see the new Hawg Pro pack. At the editors launch, the brand guys went over it in detail and it looked awesome, but only wearing it in anger on the hills can produce a true test. First of all then, why has it always been my pack of choice: it’s robust, truly robust. It’s been thrown all over the place, taken out in all weather, been overpacked to bursting and yet it still loves me and looks after me. It deserves a rest, so bring on the new Hawg from Camelbak! Larisa was introduced to the Camelbak mtb range by friends at Vitamina C PR from Italy, testing the Women’s Luxe, which is the ladies specific version of the leading Mule pack, and it’s quickly become her ‘go to’ pack too.

Air Support Back Panel & Ample Storage

The first thing that you notice is the Air Support Pro Back Panel. It’s a well constructed and strong 3D Vent mesh panel, that lifts the pack away from your back, allowing maximum airflow and reducing that horrible sweaty back syndrome. Using it extensively this summer, it’s been awesome at keeping me dry and comfortable. The body mapping means that it simply fits superbly, and the new chest straps adjust up,and down too, giving a perfect fit, that fastens with a magnetic clip – very useful with gloves.

Inside of the 20 litre sack, there’s an array of small pockets with zipped fastening, allowing you to keep important items close to hand, and ample room for spares, jacket and even spare clothes for a lightweight expedition. The two main compartments are extremely voluminous and a definite increase on my older Mule model. Materials are strong, well sewn, and we both love the additional zipped pocket on the top, which is a great place for regularly used items, like an energy bar or even your phone.

Designed For Real Adventurers

We really love the open compartment at the rear, and use it all the time on bike and hike, as a quick grab area for a jacket or an extra bottle on an all day epic where water points are limited.

The chest straps are wide and comfortable and at the waist, the new addition of the two decent sized zipped pouches are a godsend. Pop your phone, money for coffee and a few energy bars in here and you’re away. Of course, it’s a Camelbak, and the 100 litre water reservoir is superb. The new flow control valve is excellent and easy to turn on and off, and super easy to take apart and clean. All the parts come apart easily, and the plastic is produced using CamelBak’s expertise to ensure that you only taste your drink.

Camelbak Women’s Luxe

Not only is this an awesome pack, that follows on the trend from the original Camelbak Mule, but there’s also now a ladies specific version. It’s about time too, as it’s so obvious that we’re built differently and need a little bit of consideration . The Women’s Luxe fills the gap that has existed for too long, and shares all the necessary great attributes of the rest of the range. It’s just the right size for me, giving lots of room for a jacket and snacks and tools etc on a long day in the hills.

The Women’s Luxe has a slightly smaller strap design, and it’s modelled to sit more comfortably on the shoulders and across the chest area. It has all the same necessary compartments, and the same super cool mesh back, to help to keep me cool on the bike. Using body mapping, the CamelBak women’s backpack uses all of their knowledge and experience and technology, for a tailored women’s-specific fit and improved cooling. Best of all, it works and it’s my favourite pack too . Yes, it looks like both Robert and I are big fans of the new range from Camelbak, which carries forward the Mule reputation, into the future and onto the trails.

A Legendary Pack

The previous Camelbak Mule was a legendary pack, but we’ve quickly fallen in love with the latest iteration from this world leading brand. The new Camelbak Hawg is a well designed and well made pack, that has all you need and helps you to stay well equipped in the hills. Using it in the National Parks here in the U.K., and using the Luxe in the mountains of Transylvania and Romania, it’s been truly amazing to see how Camelbak have developed the earlier and legendary Mule pack. Add to this that both of us reviewing these packs, in mens and ladies versions, come from a climbing and mountain background, and you’ll understand that a pack has to perform for us – and it does. The Camelbak Hawg Pro and the Women’s Luxe Pack excel in every area, and they’re botha packs that’ll give you years of comfortable use on your mountain adventures.

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Elite Ice Fly and Nano Fly Water Bottles

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 12:59:20 +0000

Elite Ice Fly & Nano Fly Bottles

by Robert Thorpe

STAY COOL WITH ELITE

Elite Nano Fly & Ice Fly Water Bottles

It’s the height of summer and it’s getting hotter, so hydration on and off the bike is critical. If you do become dehydrated, then it’s at least 24 hours to recover, which is why drinking off the bike is also important. And, you really do need that fluid to be refreshing, which is why Italian brand, Elite, have taken their award winning Fly bottle to new levels of technology with their latest range of bottles.

Ice Fly Bottle

Let’s take a look at the Ice Fly first, as we all want ice cool drinks in the sun. Elite understand that hydrating yourself is essential to ensure a high performance while pedalling, and that this means being able to maintain the temperature of the fluids when the temperatures rise towards and above 30°. You need a reserve of fresh and cool water to keep your body performing, and to keep you healthy and safe. With the Ice Fly insulated water bottle from Elite, you can have a constant maintenance of the temperature of cold liquids while cycling for up to 2.5 hours compared with traditional water bottles. And, on our tests here at Pedalnorth, it does actually work, keeping drinks cool all afternoon.

I tend to use cooled ice water from the fridge to fill my bottles, giving things a head start. Adding this to the excellent thermal performance of the Ice Fly, means that I’m maximising my chances of staying cool. How does it work then – it’s due to the innovative double isothermal wall, which eliminates heat exchanges ensuring a maximum degree of thermal insulation. Basically, using their technical knowledge, Elite have used minimal plastics in various thicknesses – 30% less plastic than other bottles – with a double skin to keep the sun and temperature changes at bay for as long as possible.

Technology That Works

Like all Fly bottles from Elite, the Ice Fly is a very squeezable insulated water bottle, super soft and flexible, designed to allow very easy extraction from and insertion into the bottle cage thanks to its practical ergonomic handle. It’s easy to grab and comfortable in the hand. Like all Elite water bottles, this new thermal model too has a standard diameter,compatible with every type of bottle holder on the market. It also comes with a protective cap, keeping Road and trail dirt at bay. And, after you’ve done riding, it all comes apart for cleaning.

In terms of taste, the very clever people at Elite have developed a plastic, certified without BPA (Bisphenol A) and therefore fully compliant with the European CE and American FDA standards that regulate the contact with food and beverages. The bottle rubber valve also boasts innovative anti-odour technology, designed to efficiently retain flavours and odours and to maintain the taste of the liquid contained in it unaltered. What this means is that in prolonged use, all that you taste is the drink that you wanted. Yes, I know, all brands say these things, but over prolonged use this spring and summer, the Elite I’ve Fly has be some a ‘go to’ hot weather bottle for me.

Nano Fly Bottle

Let’s take a look at the Elite Nano Fly then – another bottle from Italy, designed to help you stay cool. This cool bottle literally takes things to an even higher level of cooling. It’s a direct evolution of world tour teams’ favourite Fly bottle. Like all Fly bottles, the Nanofly 0-100 is a squeezy insulated sports bottle, but it allows allows for thermal insulation of your hot and cold liquids for up to 4 hours. Yes, hot liquids too, making it all year round option. And, as an all-season insulated bottle ideal for your bike rides, it comes in at a weight of just 145 g, along with the same hygienic protective cap as other bottles in the Fly range, ensuring that you drink water and not dirt when you’re out and about lost in your bike adventures.

The Nanofly 0-100 is able to keep your liquids hot or cold for 4 hours, due to an insulating coating made in Nanogel®, which is the world’s lightest insulating material, because it’s made out of 5% solid material and 95% air, capturing and holding temperature in. Its nanopores matrix provides a drastic reduction in temperature transmission and ensures high insulation levels: up to 4 hours – double what the traditional commercially available thermal bottles can do. And yet, like it’s Fly cousins in the full range, it’s still super soft and super squeezable, and uses 30% less plastic, being thinner in the middle.

The nozzle flow is the same as others and once again, it all comes apart for cleaning. I’ll tend to take both a Nano Fly and an Ice Fly on a ride in the heat, drinking the Ice Fly fluids first – and this combination works well for me. I’d definitely recommend that you also mix things up and give yourself both options. The Ice Fly is lighter, but the Nano bottle will just add that extra timeframe on longer rides. In any case, what we can say is that the Elite Fly range of bottles are truly superb, and in the heat, the Nano Fly and Ice Fly bottles are definitely our number one choices.

Visit the Elite Website

Click Here

Elite Cycling Fly Bottles – Ride Routine

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 10:52:49 +0000

Elite Cycing Fly Bottles – Ride Routine

by Robert Thorpe

Time to Fly
Get Hydrated with Elite

Ride Routine

Before every ride I do the same things. Albeit that I’m 56 years of age, I seem to be no different from what I was racing track and field years ago, lining up my shoes, with the socks placed across them and a lucky jacket nearby. These days I go to the wardrobe where my range of jersey hang, carefully select the one that fits my mood, get the matching bibs and socks – it’s important that they match, and the sunglasses – then lay them down neatly on the bed.

Once kitted out, I’ll head down to the kitchen and choose 2 water bottles. Unless it’s mega hot out or I have to take images of a particular bottle, I’ll always choose two 750ml Elite Fly clear bottles. Then I’ll remove the lids and line both bottles neatly, before filling them with Voom hydration powder and take each bottle one at a time and fill them, placing the bottle down and only fastening the lids once both bottles are full.

Time to Fly

These bottles will look after me on the ride and it’s important that I choose carefully. Elite have made the opening 20% bigger to improve the flow to the rider, and it’s the lightest water bottle on the market – another important issue. Plus, it uses 30% less plastic than other bottles the same size and that’s also very good, especially for the planet. They’ve made the bottle with variable thickness of plastic, so that the middle section is ultra thin and super easy to squeeze and soft, meaning that it’s easy to grip.

I also like that the bottles come completely apart easily to clean… but that’s another post-ride ritual. If it’s really hot, I’ll take one of the Elite Ice Fly bottles, as I know that the fluid will remain ice cool until it’s needed. Even these bottles weigh in at only 124 grammes.

Finally, I’ll go the utility room and take two Voom bars from a plastic box in there and I’ll lay them down beside the bottles. Then I’ll gather my phone and wallet and place them beside these – now, it’s time to load up. The bike is taken from the garage and I’ll first attach the bottles, then attach the phone to the Quad Lock on the stem, and finally tuck the wallet away, just in case I stop for coffee – and I’m ready.

Smiles on the Miles

It’s my ride ritual, I always follow the same pattern – it’s makes me feel comfortable and having the Elite Fly bottles also makes me comfortable, because I know that they’re probably the best bottles in the world and that I can easily grab them from the bike, take on fluid and easily swap bottles over mid-ride.

I know that when I squeeze the bottle, it’s easy and the fluid flows fast and hydrated me, and I know also that the bottle will slip back easily into the cage without me having to remove my eyes from the road. I like things that work well and I like that Elite have produced such an awesome bottle. When I get home, the cap comes easily apart and everything once rinsed goes into the dishwasher at 40 degrees, meaning that I’m ready to carry out the same routine next time. Yes, now and then in life I’ll stray from the path, do something unplanned.

I often haven’t got any idea where I’ll ride. I simply follow the front wheel and instinct. However, the Elite Fly is simply awesome and maybe it should also be part of your ride routine too.

8 Habits of Successful Triathletes

Pedalnorth Website — Thu, 26 May 2022 12:38:33 +0000

8 Habits of Successful Triathletes

by Nadezhda Pavlova, Executive Editor

Nadezhda Pavlova
Executive Editor (Lifestyle)

8 Habits of Successful Triathletes

A triathlon training plan can do several things, including a most importantly, giving you defined direction and structure to your training. However, when developing your own triathlon training plan, you also need to analyse and look at how successful triathletes operate. By doing this, you can increase your own gains. Let’s take a closer look together then.

Triathlon is an all-around endurance sport, which means that you need to be well-rounded to be successful. You need to be strong, have good endurance, and be able to swim, cycle and run well! In this article, we will be exploring 8 habits that successful triathletes have in common. These habits are the cornerstone of their success.

1. They undergo intense and sufficient Training

If you are looking to make it as a triathlete, there is no denying that you need to train. Adequate training is important as a triathlete because it helps improve your performance and reduces the risk of injuries. It also helps them to better understand the sport and how to compete effectively. Inadequate training can lead to sub-optimal performance and an increased risk of injuries. This is why it is so important for triathletes to make sure that they get the right kind of training.

There are several different ways to train for a triathlon, and the best way to do it will depend on the individual. However, there are some general principles that all triathletes should follow when training.

• Focus on building up your endurance. This means doing long-distance training sessions that gradually increase in length over time.
• Be willing to do strength training. This will help you develop the muscles you need to swim, bike, and run effectively. An overall strength training approach is doing more repetitions with less weight to develop the best muscular approach. With the right strength training, your body will gain the ability to sustain longer intervals of work.
• Make sure to get plenty of rest and recovery. This is important because it helps your body to repair and recover from the stresses of training.
• Finally, mental preparation is also crucial for triathletes. They need to be mentally tough to cope with the challenges of a triathlon.

These are just some of the things that triathletes need to keep in mind when it comes to training. Adequate training is essential for anyone who wants to compete in a triathlon, and it is something that should not be overlooked.

2. Set Manageable Goals

Athletes who set goals are more likely to achieve their desired results than triathletes who do not set goals. To become a successful triathlete, you need to create your training plan or follow a plan from a coach.

By setting manageable goals, you will have something to strive for and are more likely to stay motivated throughout your training. Additionally, goal setting can help you track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.

When you wake up without a triathlon training plan, you are more likely to skip sessions because you don’t know where you should be or what you should be doing. Setting goals gives you a sense of purpose and direction, allowing you to focus your training and stay on track. You can schedule your sessions ahead of time and prepare the right gear and diet. In the long run, this can help alleviate stress, making it easier for you to feel motivated.

3. Remain Focused on Your Goals

After setting manageable goals, you now need to ensure that you remain focused on achieving them through consistent training. The benefit of consistent training is that it can help you reach your ultimate potential and goals much more quickly than when you are not consistent with your training sessions.

It also allows you to gradually increase your training volume and intensity, which can lead to improved performance. Besides, it can help you maintain your fitness levels and prevent from over training, which can lead to injuries. Training consistently also allows you to monitor the progress and make adjustments to your training programs as needed. This makes it possible to stay on track and reach your goals.

4. Watch Your Nutrition

The other habit of any successful triathlete is that they enjoy healthy foods. This can include a diet that is high in carbohydrates and minimum saturated fat and fast food.This diet will help to keep your energy levels up, making it possible to sustain long periods of exercise. Avoiding saturated fat diet is also beneficial because it helps to prevent injuries by reducing the amount of inflammation in the body.

5. Exhibit Excellent Time Management

It helps to know how to manage your time as this can greatly impact your performance. Managing time effectively can help you make the most of your training time. Similarly, with good time management, you are less likely to miss important competitions or training sessions. Finally, time management can help lower your chances of getting an injury by ensuring that you get adequate rest and recovery time.

6. Become Self-Aware

Accomplished triathletes are self-aware and know what their bodies need. Self-awareness among triathletes refers to the ability to be aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations while training and racing.

This includes being aware of your strengths and weaknesses, as well as being able to monitor your progress over time. By being self-aware, you will be able to make adjustments to your training and racing strategies based on your observations. This can lead to improved performance in the long run.

7. Have a Positive Attitude

Just like doing anything else, you need to have the right attitude if you want to succeed as a triathlete. A positive attitude can help you maintain your focus and energy levels throughout the race.

It can also help you remain motivated, making it easy to push yourself even when the going gets tough. Besides, it is important to have a positive attitude to avoid any negative self-talk which can lead to discouragement and a drop in performance.

8. Ensure Enough Recovery Times

While you want to ensure that you train hard, there is still a need to get adequate recovery. Taking recovery periods between your training sessions can greatly help your body to repair itself, allowing you to do better in your next session. Otherwise doing all the hard training without taking recovery periods can hinder you from achieving your full potential.

Conclusion

If you want to become a successful triathlete, then you need to cultivate the right habits. Being committed to the above habits can go a long way in ensuring that you develop your skills and hone your craft in triathlon. These habits should become a natural part of your triathlon training plan, and if they do, you will start to see the performance benefits.

You can also visit me at the link below and maybe discuss your own triathlon training plan. If you’d like to develop further and want some coaching – simply click here.

Nadezhda

TRAIN FOR TRI WITH ME

Click Here

Blood Testing to Increase Performance

Pedalnorth Website — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 10:31:44 +0000

Blood test for athletes for improving performance

by Nadezhda Pavlova, Executive Editor

BLOOD TESTING FOR PERFORMANCE
Nadezhda Pavlova, Triathlon Coach

Traditionally, blood testing only serves diagnostic purposes in hospitals, clinics, and other medical laboratories. However, it’s now becoming more popular for professional use, including sports. In fact, many athletes are wondering if they could use blood tests to help them improve their performance.

The good news is that, with its many usages in the medical field, it’s been determined that blood tests can help athletes specify relative biomarkers that can help them improve their performance and have an edge against their competitors.

An Athlete Who Used a Blood Test for the Olympics

Sarah Hammer, a US Olympics track cyclist, has been training for hours just to build her endurance in preparation for the Olympics. However, to bring her performance to the next level, she realized that she needed to look beyond what she could train daily – inside her body. That’s why she chose to have a blood test. Upon receiving her blood test, she discovered that she had a Vitamin D deficiency.

Unfortunately, this deficiency is widespread not only among athletes but also among others across the world.

For athletes, Vitamin D plays a vital role in their body as it helps increase their muscle mass, as well as their body strength. Aside from that, Vitamin D is known to improve bone health as calcium does. It also increases the number and size of muscle fibers intended for short surges of power and speed.

Through the analysis brought by undergoing a blood test, Sarah and her coach were given insights into her body status and improved her nutrition and training to amend it. As a result, Sarah Hammer was able to bring home two Silver medals at the Olympics for her remarkable performance at track cycling.

Aside from a lack of vitamin D, a blood test can also help in knowing if one has an imbalance in iron, electrolytes, and can even provide insight if a person is anemic, has an infection, and have other diseases, thus proving to be essential not only for athletes but for everyone as well. A blood test is ideal for routine check ups, so this is highly suggested for all.

Blood Biomarker Profiling and Monitoring for High-Performance Physiology and Nutrition: Current Perspectives, Limitations, and Recommendations

A lot of information can be taken through a blood test, which includes and isn’t limited to vitamin and energy deficiency, status of the production of red blood cells, the specification of oxidative inflammation and stress, and the discerning of iron. Due to this fact, a series of blood tests can help athletes by monitoring their health and making the necessary adjustments to improve the efficiency of their training and others.

Using a monitoring and profiling strategy, a blood biomarker measurement along with circumstantial data can help the athletes avoid illnesses and sustaining injuries via making adjustments to their training loads, nutritional diet as well as recovery strategies.
With that said, blood biomarker science has become well-known for professional and elite sports. In fact, it’s reported to be evolving at a faster pace. It can provide factual data that can help support an athlete’s performance, health, and nutrition.

Some biomarkers determine if the person is ready to train by analyzing their inflammation, hormones, and protein turnover.

Reasons for Athletes to Undergo Blood Test

Just a tiny drop of blood holds a lot of information. Though a blood test might be slightly intrusive for athletes, it’s still painless and can be conducted quickly. Because of this, it’s regarded as the better choice to help the coach determine a better training routine, rehabilitation procedures, and nutritional diet habits for their athletes.

Aside from this, the following are the reasons athletes must comply with undergoing blood tests before a game:

• Analysis of blood helps them build specific connections.

After analyzing their blood, they may be asked with very personal follow-ups like talking about their bloodline to determine their heredity and their medical history.
Conducting blood tests can help build stronger connections, especially since athletes have to learn to trust and cooperate with their coach and other medical personnel.

• It can also build motivation.

Blood analysis can provide them a clearer understanding of what’s going on with their body using bite-size information that is easy to understand. When they see their results, they may start to think and link it to the cause. This leads to motivation to avoid certain habits that bring about this adverse health concern. If the athlete is determined and compliant, seeing the positive results will push them harder to achieve their most remarkable performance.

• Blood testing can boost an athlete’s compliance.

Participating in elite sports is not a simple matter; it’s actually considered a serious business. In this case, athletes must undergo quarterly testing, which can reveal the truth about their habits when they’re not training.

In fact, coaches and medical personnel can determine if an athlete is compliant through objective testing, which also reveals their commitment to the sport.

The Bottom Line

Having your blood tested and getting the results can help you determine what training routine you must focus on and what nutritional diet you must comply with to help you achieve the optimum results your body can get.

Nutrition – pedalnorth

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