Runners - Camelback vs Hydration Belt???!

Fuel Belt *2. This is my current belt I wear for my phone and 2 water bottles in Dallas heat. Weekly mileage ~ 35 - 45.

I have always depended on the kindness of strangers. And I course my walks/runs where I know I can get to water fountains.

I use a hydration belt. This one to be specific:
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_15_407_465&language_id=1&products_id=5824

I went with this one over the camelback, because some of the runners in my clinic complained about it bouncing and hitting their backs when they ran if it wasn't super tight. I like this one because you can easily adjust it, it doesn't move around, it's got the little pouch for anything you might need (keys, chapstick, gels).

I'd definitely recommend it, but with the suggestion that you get one that carries 4 bottles rather than 2. On those long runs, I always wish I had a little bit more water with me!

Oh and one other thing that was recommended to me - when looking at the belts, get ones that have plastic to hold the water bottles, rather than elastic, as the elastic loses its shape and elasticity over time and makes it useless.

Definitely Camelback

I use a camelback. I got one for women that has a slightly slimmer cut and when it's adjusted right it doesn't really bounce or bug me. Every single belt I've tried drives me crazy, and I've tried a lot. For me any bouncing on my butt is much more annoying than on my back, but that's me. I can also jam additional water bottles into the camelback, so I like that for long hikes. Additionally, I can keep a fast pace using the camelback but sometimes have to stop to wiggle those little bottles out of the belt. When I'm in my groove I really hate stopping.

Only problem I've ever had with a camelback is sometimes the mouthpiece becomes leaky, and you end up with a big wet spot on your shirt. Not really the worst thing when you're running though.

**Edited to add that the camelback also works fantastic for people who have dogs. I trained my dog to drink out of it without licking the spout and it's sooo much easier. No more carrying around little plastic dishes and waiting around on the side of the road for her to take a drink! Now it's on my terms.

I use a Camelbak Octane LR with the lumbar reservoir for trail running. Doesn't bounce and just enough extra storage for a little gear, keys, cell phone, etc.

It depends on how long I need to go without resupplying my water supply.

If one bottle is enough, then a fuel belt.

If more than 30 ounces is necessary, then I go with my Camelback.

And anyone who is "afraid a Camelbak will bounce" probably hasn't run with one. They make them sport-specific.

This is my newest, and I LOVE it!!!



2012 Ultra LR Vest

i only have a fuel belt but i can't wait to get rid of it. it's uncomfortable and a total pain in the *kitten*.

I've had a Camelback for years but never used it.

In terms of hydration belts, it's really a matter of personal opinion. I had a Fuel Belt and it served me well for about a year and I ran my marathon with it, and then came the problems. It started bouncing (elastic wore out) and it caused severe hip pain to the point that I had to toss it in my car during a half marathon. I now swear by the iFitnes Ultimate II with 2 8 ozhydration add-ons. They are a great company, they back their product 100% and gave me a free replacement bottle at an expo the other day. No bounce, great spots for gels and a pocket for keys and ID and a cell phone if you so desire. Awesome product!

I bike with a Camelback. I love it and do not know it's there. I do not run far enough to make hydration an issue...but i do use the camelback for long walks/hiking. I suspect mine would not do well for running.

I'm bumping because maybe the Christmas fairies might ask what i want this year. If so, i the pictured one.

I use a fuel belt. I tried a camel back and had chafing around my under-arm area. NOT good.