Distance running hydration systems

[Regiment]

I'm training for a marathon next year and I'm starting to push 10 miles so am looking for a hydration system, I've never used water during runs as never needed it but want something for when I start hitting half marathon distances. Does anyone have any recommendations, I was looking at a Camelbak but what are people's opinions of them and are there non-camelbak alternatives?

I don't want water bottles purely because I want my hands to be free.

The one I was looking at really was the Marathoner Vest but someone said its not great for taller guys, I'm 6'5.

[anonymous-user]

I use something similar to this though mine only has one bottle holder and a better looking strap system. They stay surprisingly steady on your back though and dont bounce around. The single bottle belts are designed to fit into the small tuck at the bottom of your back.

You can get some with loads of little (200ml) bottles on the belt which may be comfier or move around less but I just think they look daft and you cant use the bottles for anything else...

[Regiment]

http://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/Nathan-VA...

I was looking at something more like this, seems to be getting a lot of great reviews but is expensive, any opinions?

[anonymous-user]

A lot of it is going to be down to what you are comfortable carrying but thats 650g on your back before you start filling it with water and you have the potential to be carring over 3 litres of water which seems a lot for that sort of distance. For a half marathon I will get drink between 0.5 and 1 litre dependant upon conditions so it might be worth asking in the running thread about fluid consumption?

[Regiment]

The weight isn't a problem for me as I'm a big and strong enough guy that an extra kilo or 2 would mean nothing at all and looking to use it for half marathon+ as in training for a full one for next year.

[goforbroke]

I've got one of these http://www.achillesheel.co.uk/camelbak-delaney-rac... and I used it for all my Brighton Marathon training that was over an hour or so. It was excellent, and I never had a problem with it. The pouch bit was a bonus for holding gel shots and my phone in. The gel bottle holders also doubled well as glove holders during the winter training.

I also used it on the race day, but I wouldn't use it again for a well organised race with plenty of fluid available...It was however my first marathon, and you learn all the time.

I also have a backpack hydration system, that I might use instead when I'm training for the Portsmouth Coastal Marathon.

[Regiment]

Gone for this one so will post how I find it, should be a good beginners pack for the half marathons and the training.

http://uk.thenorthface.com/tnf-uk-en/equipment/sho...

[goldblum]

Camelbak are fine for shorter (13m) distances. Wear one of the vests on a 1hr 30 run and you'll look a tt.

The NF one is a good choice, as long as it sits comfortably.

Edited by goldblum on Wednesday 7th August 00:53

[Fozziebear]

Looks like a good belt system. I find that I only need a camelback for events with long stretches between checkpoints, otherwise I use a small belt with a 500ml bottle, I don't need much unless its hot. Just get it comfortable and not to tight, it'll make you want the toilet if to tight

[Regiment]

Fozziebear said:

Looks like a good belt system. I find that I only need a camelback for events with long stretches between checkpoints, otherwise I use a small belt with a 500ml bottle, I don't need much unless its hot. Just get it comfortable and not to tight, it'll make you want the toilet if to tight

I did find it kept creeping round my waist for some reason so I had to tighten it more as the run went on. The one thing I'm nervous about with long distance runs is stomach cramps which I did start to feel half way through the run but that seemed to pass after a while.

[Fozziebear]

Regiment said:

I did find it kept creeping round my waist for some reason so I had to tighten it more as the run went on. The one thing I'm nervous about with long distance runs is stomach cramps which I did start to feel half way through the run but that seemed to pass after a while.

Cramps or the need for a mid run poop? The further you run the more your belly gets jiggled, totally natural to then need a poop, take some travel wipes and enjoy nature The problem with the belts is they like to travel around your waist, I have mine sitting on my left hip, tends to stay still then. I've seen one that is sculpted to sit still in the small of your back, I don't believe it won't move, but haven't tried it. Mine is a £5 bumbag type thing that I have modifified for my needs, I've had the belt cut and stitched to my waist size, so no coming loose.