Camelbak or Fuelbelt?

[emjacobs]

I have both a Camelbak similar to this:


I've used it trail riding (horses) and on long 4-Wheeler trips and I like it. 

I also have a 2 bottle fuel belt like this:



I haven't ran with either, all my outdoor runs have been short enough that I just carried a water bottle.  I don't want to hand-carry a water bottle for my half but need something more frequent than the 2 mile stops. 

The Camelbak has a place where I can stick my cellphone so I don't also have to have an armband for that and I don't have to deal with the bottles on the belt. 

Opinions? Thoughts? 

[lb2006]

I much prefer the fuel belt - but you really need to run with it to see which you like better. The first few times i ran with mine, it took some adjusting to get it to sit right

[Mushe]

I think running with a fuel belt would be easier. I just got one last month, and I'm acclimating. You should be able to get an add on for your phone. Not sure what brand it is, but I've seen then from Nathan for sure.

[patches31709]

I would use the belt. All of the larger races around here are starting to ban camelbaks during races.

[patches31709]

Apr 22, 2014 15:33:51 GMT -5 Mushe said:

I think running with a fuel belt would be easier. I just got one last month, and I'm acclimating. You should be able to get an add on for your phone. Not sure what brand it is, but I've seen then from Nathan for sure.

I've never even thought to look for something like this. Thank you so much! I ran my last half with a spibelt under my fuelbelt because my phone doesn't fit in the fuelbelt.

[runaways]

I ran with a camel bak for several years but I actually prefer a handheld. I think it's 20 oz. (maybe 16) and I stop every 8-10 miles to refill it on my long runs, either at home or at a corner store.

[labbie]

It's personal preference, but I love my Fuel Belt, it has a pouch for my keys/etc. and I added on a pouch big enough for my smartphone.
For shorter runs where I don't need hydration I love my SpiBelt.

I also have a friend who wears a Nathan hydration vest. Not sure the difference btw that and a CAmelbak but it's another option I guess.

[archaeominx]

I much prefer a fuelbelt for running, I've only ever used my Camelbak when I'm mountain biking or hiking. You can order larger pockets for the belt, I have a few I switch out depending on how much extra I want to carry

www.fuelbelt.com/s.nl/it.A/id.723/.f

[shorewife]

I'm Team Camelback! Hands-free, doesn't move around and you can get the air out of it before you start so it doesn't even slosh around. I do look like a total tool but I don't care because at least I am a hydrated tool.

[jordylee]

I personally prefer a handheld bottle, but between the two would choose a fuelbelt. If you're wanting something to use for a specific half, make sure you check to see if camelbacks are even allowed... a lot of bigger races have really tightened up security and backpack-type things (including camelbacks) aren't always allowed.

[Susie]

Apr 22, 2014 15:31:54 GMT -5 lb2006 said:

I much prefer the fuel belt - but you really need to run with it to see which you like better.  

Agreed.

[G22]

I'm a camelback fan for my long runs in the summer. I just cinch tight so it doesn't bounce.

[chitownbelle]

I have a four bottle FuelBelt that has a pouch big enough for my iPhone, key, and 2 gu's, so just look into the ad ons for your belt. Just take each on a long run and see which you prefer.

[Deleted]

Apr 22, 2014 15:41:19 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

I would use the belt. All of the larger races around here are starting to ban camelbaks during races.

What?? Why?

[Deleted]

I answered Camelbak because it seems like you take on a lot of water and it might be easier to carry it in a Camelbak. I don't drink at all, even on long runs, but I do hydrate on all-day skiing adventures and I use a Camelbak. I know, not the same as running.
I don't mind the look of either, I use a belt to hold my gels on long runs. If I look like a tool, I'm a high energy kick your ass and run faster kind of tool

[patches31709]

Apr 23, 2014 5:43:02 GMT -5 @cheshire said:

Apr 22, 2014 15:41:19 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

I would use the belt. All of the larger races around here are starting to ban camelbaks during races.

What?? Why?

Security after what happened last year in Boston. Or more likely trying to provide a sense of security, I guess? I don't know, seems silly to me. 

[tuggyruns]

Team Fuel Belt here. For me it took finding the right belt that stayed where I put it. I LOVE running races with my fuel belt (I have the nathan 4 for marathons and fuel belt 2 for anything shorter) because I like to fuel with nuun and water, and when I want it, not having to wait for aid stations. Control freak much?

[Deleted]

Apr 23, 2014 7:02:41 GMT -5 patches31709 said:

Apr 23, 2014 5:43:02 GMT -5 @cheshire said:

What?? Why?

Security after what happened last year in Boston. Or more likely trying to provide a sense of security, I guess? I don't know, seems silly to me. 

I want to say it sounds silly, but I'm firmly in the camp of doing what it takes to protect people. However, I truly think that people wishing to cause others harm will find a way no matter what so in that sense, I agree it is silly to ban Camelbaks.

[katyintx]

I'm team Camelback. If you can get all the air out of the bladder, and get it cinched tight enough, it doesn't bounce around. I like that it's roomy enough to hold my phone and fuel as well. However, I think one of the only reasons I am a Camelback user is just because I haven't found a fuel belt that I love. So if you can find a belt that works great for you, I might go that route. Especially if Camelbacks are starting to be banned!

[bluedaisyus]

I think I would prefer a belt, but so far I've hated every one I've tried. I haven't tried a CamelBak, but the thought of it on there in the middle of summer and making my back even sweatier than it already is makes me cringe.

[emuni04]

I have only used a Fuel Belt and like it. My H uses a Camelbak, but not for running. But he does like it...I still think I would prefer the belt.

[chitownbelle]

At the NYC marathon way back in 2011 I saw multiple people getting stopped by security who had camelbaks, because it wasn't the clear gear bag they gave out for gear check. So if that was then, I can't imagine security is any looser now. Would suck to train with something only to lose the option just before a race.

[blndsnbrdr]

I'm far too bitchy and emotionally drained to be a responsible poster and read all the comments. I really just want to share my opinion...so, I'm sorry?

I run with a pack/vest but it's the Ultimate Direction Jenny - so lower profile than most camelbaks. I love it. It gives me a place to keep food/water AND my gloves/light jacket/whatever I need in the spring/fall of sporadic weather.

I also have a fuel belt. Or had a fuel belt. I'm pretty sure I gave it to a friend. It was a two bottle Nathan belt that wouldn't fit right/comfortably with the bottles on my back so I wore it with both bottles on one hip -- it made my gait visibly different between each leg. Never felt it with the miles, but... And the little food pocket is useless!

I also have a friend who has the single 24oz bottle fuel belt and loves it to death.

So yea...my ultimate opinion, that I insisted upon sharing, is that it's different for everyone and depends on what you want.

Super helpful, I know. Sorry, it's been a bitchy evening!

[Deleted]

Apr 23, 2014 16:24:18 GMT -5 chitownbelle said:

At the NYC marathon way back in 2011 I saw multiple people getting stopped by security who had camelbaks, because it wasn't the clear gear bag they gave out for gear check. So if that was then, I can't imagine security is any looser now. Would suck to train with something only to lose the option just before a race.

Oh gosh yes - totally didn't think about this. I hope they don't ban Camelbaks. Like I said before, if someone really wanted to do something awful, they can do it any number of ways - shoe bombs for example. They can't ban shoes, right? The whole thing makes me sad that there are people who even want to hurt others.