Best hydration pack for running?

June 29, 2009 12:05 AM

What is the best hydration pack for running with?

I enjoy a good run. I also enjoy being hydrated.

My runs are usually at least 5 miles, but are typically around six. My plan of action up until now has been just to drink a couple of cups of water before my run (not too much that I get water-logged), run, and then drink water when I get home. This doesn't seem to work too well, though.

I would like a good hydration pack for running. I do not want to feel like I have a huge boob on my back (you know what I'm talking about). An added bonus is that it wouldn't look stupid, but this may be asking too much. I'd also prefer to keep it under $50. And it's got to be good for running--lots of up and down, and good for a nice 10 or 15 mile run.

I saw this Body Bottle online. It looks like it might work, but am unsure about that (opinions?). What are some good choices?

posted by rybreadmed to Health & Fitness (11 answers total)

I'm don't carry water when I jog (I do even shorter distances than you), but this kind of hydration belt is what springs to mind:
http://www.google.com/products?q=triathlon+hydration+belt&aq=f

I have a camelback for mountain biking, it's very comfortable for riding, I don't think I'd want to run wearing it at anything like full though.
posted by The Monkey at 12:50 AM on June 29, 2009

I don't like the Nathan belt or the Fuel Belt. Both have fixed pockets for the bottles which bother me - especially if my arm hits a bottle when I run.

I'm in love with the Amphipod belt. Wouldn't run without it.
posted by 26.2 at 1:08 AM on June 29, 2009

All the trail runners -- including me -- love the Ultimate Direction water bottle. You really get surprising used to carrying it. I've turned a number of my friends onto 'em over the last few years... everyone seems to love it.

For longer stuff, though, where you'll need more than 22 oz of water, I love my Camelback Mule. It's got waist 'n' chest straps plus a 100 oz reservoir annd great storage space for hats / nutrition / etc... You don't have to fill it up all the way every time, but it gives you a ton of different options, depending on what kind of adventure you have planned.
posted by ph00dz at 4:26 AM on June 29, 2009

Another possible strategy is to plan routes that pass public parks (with their freely available water fountains). A lot of these are even winterized for use year round.
posted by mmascolino at 6:44 AM on June 29, 2009

Best answer: Amphipod all the way! I'm happy with the "Full Tilt" model. Before that I had a similar product from a company called Nathan that kept the bottle vertical, it also worked well before I lost it.

These ride on your lower back and DO NOT shift/jump/move around.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:44 AM on June 29, 2009

They're intended for hikers mostly, but I've found Camelbacks to be suprisingly slim. I've even forgotten it's there on long runs. A lot of runners I know use the Fuel Belt, as mentioned above, but I find it a little uncomfortable.
posted by Dukat at 8:13 AM on June 29, 2009

Another possible strategy is to plan routes that pass public parks (with their freely available water fountains).

I don't know where the OP lives, but in my neighborhood, the parks don't have fountains. If I want to drink during my run -- and trust me, this time of year I do no matter how far I'm going -- I'm packing it myself no matter how well I plan my route.

I nth the recommendation for Amphipod products. I have two -- one with a belt, which I wore all through marathon training last year, and one that's handheld. I prefer the handheld one because I feel less weighed down, but on hour+ runs it tends to aggravate the tendinitis in my wrist.
posted by liet at 8:38 AM on June 29, 2009

I use a Fuel Belt, sometimes with only two bottles if I'm not going too far. For longer trail running adventures, I use a Camelbak. As you can see, they have a LOT in different shapes & sizes. Outdoor/hiking stores usually carry a lot of them; there's nothing for it but to try several on.

If you're going to stay at around 5-6 miles, I'd go with the Fuel belt or one of the handheld bottles others recommend. I'd only consider the Camelbak if you think you might train at longer distances.

(Sigh. I haven't run over 5 or 6 miles in a year.)
posted by kestrel251 at 9:02 AM on June 29, 2009

I don't know how anyone can deal with all those little bottles...they're a pain to fill and pretty easy to drop; I've been pretty happy with the Ultimate Direction bottle/belt I got a few years back. I can't tell if they still make the same model, but it's sort of between the Access and Volt on this page. (Having the bottle at a 45-degree angle is pretty practical since it's fairly easy to reach and is much less likely to bounce out of its holder...so long as you keep the belt tight around your waist, it really doesn't bounce at all.)
posted by kittyprecious at 10:03 AM on June 29, 2009

Best answer: I'm a fan of the Amphipod Ultra Low Profile packs, specifically the Full-Tilt Velocity. It doesn't bounce around. It's just the right amount of water for me for a 5-8 mile run in comfortable weather. If I'm going longer or it's hot out, I plan a route where I can stop at a park w/water fountain or a bathroom so I can refill.
posted by soleiluna at 12:48 PM on June 29, 2009

Response by poster: I just ordered a the Amphipod Full-Tilt Velocity from REI. I like the look of it, and it seems to have the most favorable input.

Thanks, all!
posted by rybreadmed at 10:45 PM on June 29, 2009