MARATHONERS: Which pack should I buy?

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  • jenn26point2
    jenn26point2 Posts: 429 Member
    I'm not doing a half... I'm doing a full...

    Nevermind... I should have known not to ask this here...

    Fine, you're doing a full, but you asked marathoners for advice and marathoners are giving you advice AND it even answers your question. You want to know what pack to buy, and they are telling you that you don't need a big pack to run a marathon.

    And then you got mad because dammit, you want a big pack.

    So fine. Go buy one. The company that sells them will appreciate your money.

    No I got irritated b/c they were telling me I was fueling wrong... the fact of the matter is that THIS fueling method is working JUST FINE for me, and there was no reason to argue it. I simply wanted to know if anyone knew of a pack that would hold that much stuff - regardless of whether my method of fueling was "textbook" or "other people's experiences" tested/proven/approved or not. I simply wanted input on a pack. Nothing else.
  • jenn26point2
    jenn26point2 Posts: 429 Member
    I don't run with a pack, but I've seen a number of marathon and running events not allowing packs or Camelbaks in their races. You may want to verify your event(s) before investing in a pack for training that you may not be able to actually use on race day.

    I will check. Thank you.
  • jenn26point2
    jenn26point2 Posts: 429 Member
    I'm going to be a contrarian and say that depending on pace, Larabars can be fine fuel for a marathon. If you are running 8-minute miles then you probably want to stick with easily-digestible gels or maybe shot blocks if you don't like gels. But if your pace is closer to 12-minute miles, you are going to be out there for 5+ hours. That means you are really approaching the event more like an ultramarathon. Ultrarunners eat lots of solid food during races and it works out just fine for them.

    Unfortunately i don't have any advice on race vests that aren't also hydration packs. You might consider getting a very lightweight hydration pack that has lots of front pockets. If you don't feel like you need the bladder for the race, just remove it and use the space for storage (or leave it empty).

    I will be one of those 5 hour peeps. My 18 miler took 3:43:and some change.
  • armychemguy
    armychemguy Posts: 1 Member
    While I agree with the above posters, if you are set on getting a pack and want one that doesn't bounce/slosh around as you run, check out the Salomon S-Lab Advanced Hydro 5. We have one of the previous models of this pack and it rocks on trail runs.
  • jenn26point2
    jenn26point2 Posts: 429 Member
    While I agree with the above posters, if you are set on getting a pack and want one that doesn't bounce/slosh around as you run, check out the Salomon S-Lab Advanced Hydro 5. We have one of the previous models of this pack and it rocks on trail runs.

    Thanks. I'll check it out.
  • runnergrlfl
    runnergrlfl Posts: 82 Member
    The horse and buggy worked just fine too.

    Until someone had a better idea.
  • jturnerx
    jturnerx Posts: 325 Member
    If you are looking for a super light weight race vest (no hydration bladder) look at the Nathan HPL #028 (http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/bottles_and_packs/hydration_packs/product4665.html). It might fit your needs. I have used this before for trail ultras where I opted to used a handheld instead of a bladder for hydration.
  • jenn26point2
    jenn26point2 Posts: 429 Member
    If you are looking for a super light weight race vest (no hydration bladder) look at the Nathan HPL #028 (http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/bottles_and_packs/hydration_packs/product4665.html). It might fit your needs. I have used this before for trail ultras where I opted to used a handheld instead of a bladder for hydration.

    That looks handy! Thanks!

    And it's on sale! Even better.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    I've never run a marathon (longest race was 10 miles, without any fuel except water stations). Won't you get sick eating so much??? I can see 1 bar??
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    The de facto fueling recommendation for a marathon RACE is 100 calories every 45 minutes. That's one gel pack every 45 minutes. It's quickly soluble so that it absorbs into your system. Any more calories than that and the body has a hard time metabolizing them while running.

    For training, I don't believe that anything is necessary. It's called deprivation training. I do all my training runs, up to 22 miles, without fuel on a regular basis. The only exception is I will do a couple test runs with the gel that I intend to use during the race. The purpose of the long run is to train the body to use a higher percentage of fat stores for fuel during the effort. When you introduce an more easily accessible fuel source, like a gel, you are defeating one of the main purposes of the workout.

    I suggest you get Fitzgerald's book and read up on this before you design your own program. Most of the research has already been done for you.

    ^this

    I'm pretty sure this guy and I have disagreed and argued about other topics a few times before on the boards here, but not this time, because I completely agree with everything he just said. OP, I strongly recommend that you read every line he posted and give it some serious consideration. Good luck.

    Another thing we CAN agree on is that you are actually Walter White. :laugh:

    I really should buy this shirt:
    IamNotH.jpeg
  • donrdon
    donrdon Posts: 216 Member
    Just to respond to the question you asked, I'd suggest checking out the flip belt. Amazing little catch all. Doesn't hold any hydration bottles but holds just about everything else. As far as all the other suggestions you've received, treat them as...........food for thought.
  • HappyRunner34
    HappyRunner34 Posts: 394 Member
    When I trained for my first and only Marathon 10 years ago (have one coming up this June though), my fueling strategy was to stick 10 bucks in my sock and buy Gatorade and chocolate bars from street vendors. Things certainly have changed....now it costs $20 and I stick it in a calf sleeve.
  • CathOh
    CathOh Posts: 72 Member
    Runners, I am training for my first marathon and am looking at packs for carrying all my junk. I need a pack that is large enough to carry 6 Larabars (If you don't know what that is, think the size of a protein bar), and possibly my phone. My water belt will hold my phone (barely, but it works).

    What Nathan (or other brand) pack do you wear that holds all your junk but isn't bulky/heavy?



    I have a Deuter Race Expo Air that I use for cycling or running on my commutes to work. It has a mesh back so that air can enter between your back and the pack. It also has padded shoulder straps, and a buckle across the chest and around your waist so it doesn't move and result in chafing. Something like that may suit your needs.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    http://www.rei.com/product/864886/deuter-act-lite-70-10-sl-pack-womens

    I have the men's version of this. Carries everything I need.
  • johe28
    johe28 Posts: 108 Member
    6 lara bars....that seems like quite a lot!
    Take a packet of mustard for cramping!
    They always have drinks and food along the route, look at your race it should tell you what they are having.
    otherwise, chomps, gu and jellybeans work just as good!
    Good luck!!!
    As for a pack....I use a super small one, so I am no help in that area!

    I have never heard of using mustard. I like that idea!

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