I have a TNF Flight Series belt with two 500ml bottles and a pouch for keys etc. It's comfortable and doesn't bounce but the water can slosh around a bit. The benefit of two bottles is I can choose to take squash and plain water, to give myself some variety.

I more often now use a Camelbak, with space for spare base layer, wind/ rain shell and first aid kit. Largely that's for trails. The benefits are the load capacity, and it's pretty comfortable. I'm thinking about investing in an Inov-8 race vest though, mainly to get some more flexible load space that reduces the need to slow down/ walk to get access.

I have an Amphipod that works pretty well for me. Velcro-closure so I have to be careful to make sure it is "even" or else it might tear at my shirt. However it holds two 12oz bottles that "clip" to the belt and a pouch that has 2 compartments that I can carry gels and a car key. I wear the bottles right in front on my hip pointers. I find they bounce the least there. I don't like having them at the back (although the belt allows you to position the bottles anywhere you like).

I used to carry a bottle with me using one of those hand-straps but I never really liked doing that. My arm would get tired, and my hand would get uncomfortably sweaty.

I couldn't imagine carrying around a hydration vest for a long run. I would sweat to death underneath it.

Of the various long-run hydration solutions the belt seems to be the least offensive to me.

MFW?
My favorite wife?

I have nothing to contribute but I'm following so I don't have to use a camelback for shorter hikes. I hate draining the thing

i can't handle running with anything on my hips so i have a Scott Jurek UD Vest. i like the bottles instead of a bladder and having them on my chest is a lot more comfortable than having the weight on my back. the quality is outstanding.

http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-629-sj-ultra-vest-20.aspx

I use a Nathan Intensity vest with 2 liter bladder. I find it so much easier than the belts I have. I only use water in the bladder so it is easy to clean.

I have a two-bottle Nathan hydration belt--an older version of this: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Nathan_Trail_Mix_Belt/descpage-NTMB13.html
I purchased it because my iPhone in its Lifeproof (waterproof) case fits in the pocket. It doesn't bounce or chafe; it's quite comfortable. However, I have found that I don't appreciate having to yank out the bottle deal with it, and put it back. Personal preference.

I much prefer to run with a hydration pack, though. I have a Camelbak Marathoner and am very happy with it. I like that I can carry extra sunblock, too!

The nice thing about a multi-bottle belt or a pack with pockets for extra bottles is the ability to carry both water and a sports drink (simulate race options).

veganbettie wrote: »

veganbettie wrote: »

djscavone wrote: »

I use fitletic hydration belt. Two small bottles with capability to add more, small compartment for storage (keys, phone).

I just got one, it's freaking nice!!! I haven't ran with it yet...I have the hand held bottle as well, which honestly isn't as bad as I thought it would be. It really isn't.

Ran with my fitletic belt this weekend and it was awesome. The bottle that I put my nuun tablet in squirted a bunch but i blame the tablet. The pocket for my giant phone kind of sucks, but that's my phones fault, not the belt.

So running with a hydration pack isn't cumbersome? I'd like to get a camebak eventually as well.

I don't find it troublesome at ALL. They're designed not to bounce and to distribute weight as evenly as possible. I'm not going to say I "don't notice it", but I pretty much tune it out. I do put a little BodyGlide under the shoulder straps. I'm about as small a person as the Marathoner is designed to fit (30" chest...in a sports bra, I have a 30" chest) and it stays in place very nicely both empty and full. Do be sure to get one designed for running, not biking or hiking. 2L is a good size for the actual hydration bladder, although depending on how far you run you might do fine with a 1L or 1.5L. And the other thing to be aware of is whether the pack you buy comes with a bladder or whether you have to buy that separately.

The Ultimate Direction Vesta is *extremely* popular among women, especially women with larger chests. Actually, most of the women I saw with hydration packs at the trail run I did this weekend had the Vesta:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Ultimate_Direction_Jenny_Ultra_Vesta/descpage-UDJNUV.html

This is mine:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/CamelBak_Marathoner_Vest/descpage-CAMMV15.html

Watch for the 20% off sales at Backcountry or REI.

Orange Mud has some interesting options if you want a vest with bottles vice a bladder.

I have an Orange Mud single bottle for those 1-2 hour runs and a Camelbak Rogue (70 oz) for those longer runs on very warm and humid days.

I am SOOOOO happy you went with the Fitletic! You are going to ADORE it. I just got one- I had been running with a Nathan waist pack that held two bottles and trained for a marathon/ran a marathon in it. It was OK. Then I found the Fitletic. OMG. I got it the day before my last half and ran in it once before the race and then felt ok enough with it to run the race in and I do not lie...it did not bounce one time in 13.1 miles and it did not ride up or need to be readjusted once in 13.1 miles. It's amazing.