(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best hydration packs

1) What is YOUR favorite gear to carry nutrition? Link us to it!

For runs out to 2 hours when the weather is kind I'll usually use one or two Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Flask. I prefer to carry two handhelds and alternate which side I drink from to keep things balanced. It also gives the option to carry water and something else, say Overstims Hydrixir.

2) Not into running bottle belts like me? What have you tried in the past and have stopped using?

I used to run with a NorthFace bottle belt but could never stop it bouncing. These days I use a Naked Running Band which is quite nice as it doesn't bounce and can fit quite a lot of gear. It also takes a bib which is handy for races that don't allow pins. It does have pole loops but even with the lightest poles you're going to have some bounce. I use the belt when I need my hands on technical terrain (it fits a couple of soft flasks), or need extra carrying capacity in addition to the handhelds.

I have a few pairs of shorts that incorporate storage into the band of the shorts. These Altras are my favourite.

3) I’m curious: If you’ve used a vest and a pack, which do you prefer?

I've had a few vests over the years but currently run with the Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra 3.0 or the Nathan VaporKrar 12L. The SJ Ultra is light and breathable with a heap of storage up front but is a bit small for races with lots of mandatory gear. The VaporKrar doesn't fit as much gear up front and runs a little hotter, but the back of the vest is brilliant and you could easily load it up with way more gear than you'll ever need. They're both pretty good options for lightweight vests, but if you need a bladder get the VaporKrar as it's considerably more comfortable with a bladder.

Here's a little general information about a 10 speed bike. Basically, it is the number of gears the bike has.

For your actual gear, I would check out what kind of seat the bike has. If there is not much padding, I would recommend going to a bike store to get bike shorts since bike shorts actually have padding in them (I would probably look into bike shorts more after you have decided to bike or not).

I would also so you NEED a helmet. If I am not mistaken, more expensive helmets do not add more protection for you, but rather, they have larger air-holes in the helmet that allows your head to breath better (thus, I would recommend a more expensive one if you can afford it).

Gloves are a plus to avoid blisters on your hand, not really necessary, but add a level of comfort (I would probably look into gloves more after you have decided to bike or not).

Clipless Pedals (these range in price significantly, I just mainly wanted to give an image of an example) are great for keeping your feet glued to the pedals, and for when you decided to continue biking for a long time these are awesome.

For long rides I would recommend a camalbak to hold a significant amount of water so you can go for 1-3 hour rides while maintaining hydration.

Finally, you will probably need to find a bike shop near your area to do basic bike repair and maintenance.

Also, weight lifting will both add muscle and burn calories, and help in general looks.

I very much appreciate the extra info. I love crowd-sourcing knowledge to better prepare for an experience.

I think I'll be good with my belongings - I work in NYC, so being aware of my possessions and playing "pocket pool" is just part of my nature/muscle memory at this point.

I'll probably wear my Teton Oasis backpack everywhere, especially on the long hikes. I'm sure it's capable of holding a DSLR, but incorporating a camera into my repertoire is something I'm unsure how I'll work out. Hopefully I'll find one worth picking up that I'll find myself using.

And thanks for the Map.me tip. I asked the host of our AirBnB in Amsterdam what to use, and he just said Google Maps would be fine, but I figured there had to be a better, local option.

I use an iPhone 5S as a backup phone, and I got it globally unlocked (to work with RingPlus originally) so I plan on getting a FreedomPop Global SIM in the weeks preceding our trip since they've had good deals in the past and it'll work in the countries I'll be in. A free trial for the two weeks should be just fine, and I'll cancel it afterwards. I shouldn't need it for more than maps and navigation.

The List:

• Tobacco - Even if they don't use them they are great for trading.
  
• Beef Jerky
  
• Hard Candy
  
• Wipes
  
• DVDs
  
• Foot Powder
  
• Black Cotton Socks - NOT DRESS ONES! (Or even better black tops with white bottoms)
  
• Cheap Sun Glasses (Depending on where they are)
  
• Magazines
  
• Newspapers from their hometown
  
• Portable DvD players
  
• Combs
  
• Razors
  
• Gatorade
  
• Coffee (Military Coffee is bleh)
  
• Board Games (Not 2 player ones please allow for 4 or more.)
  
• CamelBaks
  
• Anything else you may find entertaining or useful.

Not the best solution, but Gatorade or any drink with sugar and/or electrolytes will have a lower freezing temperature. Your best bet will be with whiskey :)

What are you carrying your water in? I use a handheld bottle, and it keeps water liquid from the warmth of my hand, even if I'm wearing gloves. A camelbak or belt type setup might be more likely to freeze.

Pretty hard core problem to have though. What kind of temperatures are we talking about?

Cool! Im pretty excited. As far as the camelbaks go I think they want something like this

https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-2016-Classic-Hydration-Pack/dp/B00J08KDTQ


I ended up picking one up for about 20$ at my local sporting goods store. Mine just has the main compartment that holds the water bladder and a really small zipper compartment. Sounds like yours is a backpack with a camelback attachment. Ive heard that security is pretty strict at this event so I wouldnt risk it :/. It would suck to get there and be turned down because of your pack.

I use Nathan's Firecatcher on very long, very hot runs with little water. Like that damn dam trail race with TWO water stops for 13 miles in Ohio in July.

Sometimes I'll skip the bladder and fill the pack with other things, like my respiratory rescue equipment. When I do use the bladder, the little pocket in the front fits my pulse ox perfectly, or my Sandisk MP3 player if I'm running with music. The pockets carry my inhaler or a few Gu gels. Or both. It's more spacious than it looks.

The straps in the front are stretchy, so even if you tighten it, it won't constrict your breathing. Overall, it's not terribly different from the one you bought. I bought mine because it was on sale and I was nervous about running my first half marathon a few years ago. I had a lot of equipment to tote with me, and I went through a lot of water back then.

I bought my mom a generic one of these for $15 for Christmas. Her hands are bothering her, so she was looking for an alternative to her hand bottle. She would try to wedge water bottles in her fanny pack. She really, really likes it. It was an Amazon generic and has loops for Gu inside, a zippered pocket inside the zippered pouch, and a little divider. It fits everything she has to carry and keeps her hydrated without pissing off her carpal tunnel.

I have the Nathan version that goes on the back. Water bottles bouncing off my butt, Gu/inhaler pocket on the front. I prefer it because if water is in my reach, I'll guzzle it. If I have to reach behind me, I won't go through it as fast because I forget it's there.

When I did the humid dam trail run, I used the hydration vest with a full, half-frozen, half-water bladder AND the hydration belt with half-frozen, half-water bottles, AND I carried a bottle in my hand. I finished with half of a water bottle left and took two very full cups at each of the two water stops.

Are you having anyone checking in with you at various points on the course? They can have cold water ready to refill your pack for you. The hydration vest, if you're not used to it, can give you a heck of a back ache. Prepare now or find alternatives just in case you want to ditch it.

This is a good price, but I would recommend spending a few extra dollars for one like this. Black is only $25 and the rest are about $32.

http://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Soaker-70-Hydration/dp/B003R50ANW/ref=cts_ap_1_fbt

The storage space is perfect to carry keys, cell phone, snacks, supplies, etc. Anything you'll need inside.

I use a belt that has a little pouch and three water bottles. I can cram two gels and a car key in the pouch. It works alright though I have to cinch it really tight to keep it from flopping around / chafing me. That's kind of annoying.

I've also tried my camelbak, but it's more of a hiking model and is just too heavy / sweaty for my likes.

Best option by far is when I can get my girlfriend to bike along with and give me water/gels :)

I read that camelbaks are allowed but I just want to make sure this specific model is ok. It's the Camelbak M.U.L.E hydration pack 100 oz.

CamelBak 1115001000 M.U.L.E. Crux Reservoir Hydration Pack, Black, 3 L/100 oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8JECRI/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_.HD7CbMX2T6G0

Any chance you can verify? Thanks for all you do!

This looks really similar to the belt I recently got from amazon Canada with a little change to zipper placement. Doesn't seem to bounce much with the bottles and like you say, has a lot of room to hold a larger phone and case nicely with room for other stuff. I wear it on my back and the only real thing is that since my phone is so large (iPhone 6+) I can feel it pressing like a board into the small of my back. Was thinking of slipping a little bit of padding in that pocket just to see if that makes a difference. Also found I had to turn the bottles around in the sling so that they faced outwards otherwise I could feel them digging in a bit. All in all really happy with it for the price though.

I have had this backpack with the same bladder in it for 5 years. Never once had problem. Perfect storage space, and the 2L bladder is perfect. Not too heavy, and you should need to fill it up every 2 hours or so. Plus it's pretty inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-2016-Cloud-Walker-Hydration/dp/B00J08KHFQ

I've had my CamelBak Rim Runner 22 for just over 2 years now and it works great for me. I hike all year round at least once a month and can carry quite a load of gear at times; e.g. snowshoeing at 11,000' with blizzard potential. It came with a 100oz bladder and has several outside loops to attach things like snow shoes and such. I've used it for short overnight backpacking too. So far it's holding up great and not really showing any real signs of wear and tear.

Dont know how much you are willing to spend but i just picked up this gem and I have already fallen deeply in love with it. had a different camelbak before and loved that one all the same.

I bought the Camelbak Day Star 18 for last year's Coachella, and I love it! Easy on the back, has enough room to store a thin jacket or sweater for the evening, and any other necessities you may need. I locked up the zippers with luggage locks, and the waist and chest straps were actually very handy in keeping the bag against your body when you're dancing!

10/10 recommend: CamelBak Women's 2016 Day Star 18 Hydration Pack, Reflecting Pond/Andean Toucan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBVNVFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PjgDybASM397M

Also, you need to practice on-the-go nutrition and hydration. It's best to eat at least 1-2 hours before your long run, and make sure you're not dehydrated when you start. I'd recommend taking a gel every 45 minutes on your long runs. It's very important to drink plenty of water when you use gels, because your gut can't absorb sugars when the concentration is too high. Unless your route has water every 5K, you should carry water with you on your long runs. Either a hydration belt or a handheld bottle or a hydration vest. Practice drinking 600 ml / 24 oz. every hour (or more if it's hot).

Nathan Speeddraw. Honestly, I'm not a huge fan because I feel like it forces my hand into a weird claw to hold it. Aside from that, it's pretty solid.

go to a outdoor store and pick one up, its a plastic water backpack thing that lets you suck out the water from the end hands free. Its made for hikers, but is perfect for festivals and raves. http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Classic-70-Hydration-Pack/dp/B004385WOO

I got lucky and didn't have to pay for it myself lol my brother got it for me on Christmas.... i've never had one before so hopefully i don't have any problems with it haha ... This is the one I have...
http://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-62176-Classic-Hydration-Pack/dp/B00J08KDTQ/ref=pd_sim_468_4?ie=UTF8&dpID=41TJZA0iYmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR81%2C160_&refRID=0W4Y7R5DR7FEHE31555K

I have this one: CamelBak Women's 2016 Day Star 18 Hydration Pack, Reflecting Pond/Andean Toucan https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OBVNVFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZEZHzb3GA8XAG

I love it - I typically carry 4 L (2 in the reservoir and two 1 liter bottles on the side). The pack itself is big enough for a light jacket, snacks, maps, etc and I find it to be very comfortable when I'm wearing it.

Holy god, this. My husband used to work in the outside garden center of Lowes in New Mexico, and I was beyond afraid that he would passout from heat stroke because he could never have water nearby, or have enough breaks to get a sip from the fountain.

So I bought him a CamelBak and made sure the water bladder was filled, and he wore it under his Lowes smock.

My husband was not going to die in the desert heat for some fucking corporate shill. Not on my watch. (He later quit and got a better job!)

This is the best I could come up with.



Item

Thanks for the contest!

31 days for Augustus

I have the High Sierra Soaker 70 Hydration Pack and it has always done me well.

This will be my first year on the farm, but I assume I'll still love my High Sierra.

If you're going that size I would recommend going ahead and getting a small camelpak. Something like this guy: https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-Rogue-Reservoir-Hydration-Graphite/dp/B01L8JF060/ref=sr_1_8?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1522680070&sr=1-8&keywords=camelbak

If you go that road I would also recommend getting a small luggage lock for one of the compartments that will have all the stuff you don't want to lose and don't need quick access to.

I have one of these that I bought pre-pregnancy, because I tend to get a pretty dry mouth when running. Total disclaimer, I haven't done any of running since getting pregnant, mostly brisk walking so I am not sure how the belt works with a belly. But it's pretty cheap if you find yourself wanting one of these kind of things!

Yeah That ones is great. I'm between that one and this one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8JF060/ref=psdc_3400551_t1_B00EPGTKCO

A back mounted water bottle holder seems like a more inconvenient version of a hydration bladder that is more awkward to access on the move. You can look into a chest mounted bottle system like the nathan firecatcher. I'm a fan of this one because it is small, light weight, has easy access to the bottles, and you have the option to add a bladder or simply use the back pocket for extra storage.

So I alternate between this [handheld](http://www.Nathan.com/ SpeedDraw Plus Flask, Methyl Blue, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BTXK24K?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf) and this belt. They both work great for my S7, and have enough room for my keys and a gel or two.

I lost one of the bottles for the adalid but if I do anything over 15 miles i just take the Nathan with me, too. Never had an issue, and I recommend them both especially for the price they're at.

I have this and I really like it - stays more secure than you'd think and you can stash some small items - money, lip balm, and a pouch of gummies or something - in the pouch with the water

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010C65V2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3d.Azb8VB64M6

Edit: this is what /u/tdgonex is talking about ... I though they meant their running buddy makes their own ... ::facepalm::

I bought the BRINGIT hydration belt, and love it: https://www.amazon.com/Hydration-Running-Bottles-Marathon-Adjustable/dp/B017E8NW2S

Sprints - too short to carry hydration

Super - same, too short to carry hydration, although I do cramp in every single Super, so I keep a small pickle juice container with me

Beast - my first beast will be the Mountain Series Big Bear next month. I don't plan to carry a hydration pack, but rather a running belt to carry water, pickle juice, & gels. I want to finish with one of the fastest Open times, so I see no reason to carry 30+ oz of water when I expect to finish within 4 hours or so. In anticipation of this, I plan to do a couple 3+ hour trail runs weeks before the race to nail down my fueling strategy.

I bought this one. Havent used it yet but i heard good things

I bought this one on Amazon (Canada) - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B017QIVCIC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_B8j4AbEE2FZTB

Have used it on a few runs now and really like it!

I personally have used this one [Camelbak Products M.U.L.E. Hydration Backpack]
(https://smile.amazon.com/CamelBak-M-U-L-E-Rucksack-system-Pirate/dp/B008Z6AVNW/ref=sr_1_9?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495040570&sr=1-9&keywords=camelbak+m.u.l.e+hydration+pack)
the last two years and have never had a problem with it. I'm pretty much the literal camel and carry everything for my rave fam and have to fill it 2-3 times a night.

I found one on Amazon, but I see it has a lot of pockets. So I'm kind of put off and curious if it'll be allowed in with all those pockets.

​

Edit: It's this one... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8JECRI/ref=twister_B01N1UY2YM

I'm in a similar situation. I've only been running a couple of months, but as my runs get longer, and as we approach summer, I know I'm going to need something to stay hydrated. I think I've settled on the CamelBak Octane Dart 50. It seems to have been made specifically for our purpose. However, I'm still not sure if I want something on my back like that, and it is expensive, so I've also been considering the Buddy Pouch H20.

I have a [camelbak] (https://www.amazon.com/CamelBak-2016-Cloud-Walker-Hydration/dp/B00J08KHFQ) that has loops on the zippers and straps with clips that run along the sides. I put the straps through the zippers and clipped the straps down. It's not ultra secure, but it takes me about 20 seconds to undo, so that's more than enough time to feel someone messing with it. Also swing your backpack in front if you're in Sahara for extra security.

I use a camelbak MULE. Seen Here. Would highly recommend. Holds 3L of water (the largest bladder I could find) and has room for my poncho, deoderant, and phone brick.

I never think mine gets to heavy. When I went for the first time in 2010 I had a cheaper brand and the straps would start the chafe and got annoying. Last year I bought this and had no issues at all. It also had a mesh strap that came out the bottom and was really useful caring around extra stuff.

Will this camelbak get past security?

Seconding that this looks more like the "not allowed" ones. Hopefully I'm wrong.

ETA: My buddy actually owns the Teton pack in the middle that you're referring to. It wouldn't be able to hold half of the items you listed. If your bag does, then it's definitely bigger that that. You might want to have a back up plan.

For reference:
https://www.amazon.com/Sports-Hydration-Backpack-Climbing-Included/dp/B00P7MZ8VW

The rexius trail around amazon parkway had a functional water fountain at the south end, no promises that it's still there. I believe a lap is roughly 5k.

Back when I used to run I just used one of these. I couldn't tolerate a backpack when running, and these mostly kept out of the way.

I use this for my runs up to 15 miles. It clips on with magnets and is (to me) the least bothersome option for carrying water.

Get a camelback http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Classic-70-Hydration-Pack/dp/B004385WOO

Nathan Speeddraw

I use this Nathan bottle. I like it, it doesn't get very heavy even when full. Downside is it can dribble a bit but meh, I'm already sweaty so who cares.

I use one of those handheld water bottles with a pouch on it to carry my phone while running. Not actually being in physical contact with it makes it hard to sweat on.

Gotta stay hydrated Weekend 2 with one of these bad boys...[Camelbak]
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L8JECRI/?coliid=I200M429T18294&colid=1N9IH21POD7I1&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it)🤤