Hydration pack advice

Valqis
Valqis Posts: 1,016 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I am getting started training for 5k's (am on week 3 of C25K) which will hopefully then lead to 10k's and then half marathons. I have been wanting to get a back pack that is a water storage pack to help me stay hydrated during training, but have no clue which one is the best one to get. Can anyone assist with which pack they have had the best experience with?

Thanks in advance!!!

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I don't use a pack for running but have a camelbak that I use for long bike rides (I think they call the model the "classic" now.

    For running I prefer not to have anything bouncing around on my back and use a fuel belt for my longer runs. The model I have has 2 x 10 or 12 oz water bottle which I find sufficient for half-marathon distances (they also make 4 bottle versions).
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    Camelback makes a hydration vest that is pretty nifty, but the sizes run small, so make sure you get a size bigger than you normally take.
    http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-VeloBak-Wearable-Hydration-Graphite/dp/B002NZSRDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342538332&sr=8-1&keywords=camelbak+hydration+shirt

    For 5ks, I don't carry fluid. I mean it's only 3 miles. You should be done in under 45 mins (and that's not even pushing it). You could chug coconut water with some nuun tablets afterwards.

    I carry a camelback 70 oz pack on half marathons, and load it with water and Nuun tablets. Fruit punch & tropical are my favorite flavors so far.
  • theresmynapkin
    theresmynapkin Posts: 183 Member
    I cant stand the fuel belts, so I use a hand held waterbottle. it's one of those ones that has this strap that goes around your hand and you tighten it so you' don't really have to hold it. i find it so much more convenient than the fuel belt. the fuel belt made my lower back sore
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
    I don't carry anything for up to an hour, but like Brian I've tried a Camelback and didn't get on with it due to sweaty back syndrome. After trying various configurations and hand bottles, I settled on one with a single decent-sized bottle that sits mid-back.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    I have a Nathans minimalist pack. It has straps on it.
    I sweat anyways, so the back part is less annoying than a belt or carrying a bottle.

    Honestly, your at week 3. I didn't by my pack till I started getting hard cramps for holding a bottle for over an hour.

    I'd suggest looking into an aquapod or something cheap for now.
  • tam120
    tam120 Posts: 444 Member
    I think a hydration back pack would be overkill at this point but I recommend a handheld water bottle with a strap so you don't have to hold it. I have a Nathan 10 oz and a Camelback 16 oz. I take the 10 oz on 5 miles or less if it's in the morning. If it's afternoon when it's really hot I'd take the Camelback. I also bring a couple bucks with me on longer distances and stop at a convenience/gas station for a sports drink or water to refill the bottle. One place I pass has an outdoor spigot - good enough for me and free.
  • HoneyIShrunktheMom
    HoneyIShrunktheMom Posts: 76
    I agree with the post above, that a pack would probably be overkill. If you are drinking that much water for that short distance you are probably drinking too much. I have this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VUREDK/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
  • MikeInAZ
    MikeInAZ Posts: 483 Member
    Get a camelback. They're more expensive but their valve is second to none. I had a BodyGlove which was $15 cheaper and the damned thing always leaked. I finally ditched it for a Camelback. Get a 2liter version, any smaller and its not enough, larger and it will weigh too much. If You hike long distances then get the 3 liter.

    But for running I would look into the belt kind that you can put bottels in. They won't slosh around as much. If you do race a 5k, there will be aide stations every 1 mile or so, you won't need to bring your own water.

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