Hydration recs - running

[Susie]

I'm training for my first half marathon since 2014, and have found I need to carry water for anything longer than about 3-4 miles in the current heat and humidity.  I've never loved hand held bottles, so I previously used a belt.  The belt is... eh... I don't love it.  It's a little awkward, doesn't carry a lot.  I'm confident there is new gear out since the last time I really did this.  

What do you love for carrying hydration in the heat?  Anybody like wearing a hydration pack/vest?

[wawa]

for long runs when I did those I was a huge fan of my hydration pack. I have a nathan vapor airess, which I think is overkill to buy for just running, but I wanted to be able to flex it to use as a daypack hiking or biking. I do use it for just running through because i love it. It definitely made my back sweaty in hot weather, but putting ice in it is an option, and it was worth it for a trade off of something that didn't bounce or jiggle or twist or rub or otherwise in any way get on my nerves. (my old belt drove me nuts) In contrast, my BRF tried it on and haaaaaaaated it because it hit her all wrong on her boobs/pits. So I definitely think it's a trial and error undertaking based on your personal shape, but hydration packs have gotten really light and really great and you just need to go to a store that has some in stock and try them on (or order a bunch and return).

For something else good for up to 6 miles (for me) - I have never been a handheld girl, but last year I got a soft handheld and that I kinda love. It doesn't slosh, it conforms to my hand, and it's super light and it gets smaller as I drink it so when it's empty or near empty I can shove it in a pocket no problem. I think I have this one: www.rei.com/product/173699/amphipod-hydraform-soft-tech-handheld-water-bottle-16-fl-oz

[laterz]

I used an Osprey Dyna for the half I did in June. I really like it. I don’t feel like it’s too hot or heavy and I just prefer to have my own water rather than worry about fountains, etc. and I could bring my phone, keys, and chews and chapstick w no problem.

[moreace01]

I also recently purchased a Nathan Vapor Airess and love it - should have bought it years ago. I used to carry water in my hand, but gripping something for 2+ hours is just really not good (also I injured my hand - unrelated - and it's painful to do now). I had to buy a hydration vest for an upcoming trail run I'm doing. I always thought they'd be too heavy or awkward or whatever and now that I have it, I'd even bring it on shorter runs even though that feels like overkill. It's so convenient and just feels so much more natural. Huge, huge fan. I've only worn it up to mid-70's outside though (currently injured, again, sigh...). And I don't have a lot going on up top, lol, so getting it to fit isn't an issue.

[Susie]

Thanks for the suggestions! I am guessing Fleet Feet probably has some of these to check out IRL, maybe this weekend I can stop by. I am glad to hear you guys like the hydration pack approach, because I was thinking it might work well for me. I am used to carrying a Camelbak for hiking, but the one I have is too bouncy to run with.

In related news, I cannot wait for fall running weather.

[sadlebred]

This thing doesn't bounce at all according to my friends. I just got it and plan to test it this weekend for longer gravel rides:

www.tradeinn.com/bikeinn/en/uswe-outlander-2l-backpack/137264631/p?queryID=32c9482413f6651fe2f7a514b942051c&buscador_search

It does ship from Europe but no import duties or shipping cost. Shipping was about 8 days--faster than Amazon sometimes!

[brooke77]

I have the Salomon Adv Skin. It’s great and don’t think I would be able to get through summer running without it. The bladder doesn’t come with the pack, but it was about the same price as buying one that came with it. I freeze the bladder before long runs. I much prefer it to a handheld and belt.

[Wines Not Whines]

I have an Ultimate Direction hydration vest/pack that I really like. I’ve also heard good things about Salomon.

If you’re prone to chafing, make sure you apply anti-chafe product under your hydration vest. Some people seem to not have any issues, but I’m not one of those people. Although I like my vest and I use it a lot, I’ve been using my handheld more this summer because it’s lighter and I can just wear a sports bra and not worry about chafing. If I wear my pack, I need to make sure I wear a shirt that covers my skin where the pack touches me, and I need to use anti-chafe balm.

[Susie]

Since I always like hearing follow ups...

I borrowed a Camelbak Circuit from a friend to try it out, to see if I wanted to make the investment.  It was not a women's specific one, and there were some things about the fit that were not quite right, but I really liked the concept.  So much better for me than a belt or hand held.  

I really struggled with what to buy.  I thought the women's Circuit would solve some but not all of the fit issues (based in part on prior experience with Camelbak hiking products) so I didn't think that was the right route.  I tend to find Camelbaks hang too low on my back, which leaves me with a somewhat weird straw length to manage on the front.  

I seriously considered Nathan, but I am right between their sizes, and without being able to try on, that was tough.  XS-M vs. L-2XL is a tough call when I'm like a M/L.

I ended up in major analysis paralysis until I found a Salomon Adv Skin 5 for half price in my favorite color (green).  Sold.  I've worn it a couple times now and really like it!  Very comfortable.  I really like the front closure system.  It came with soft flasks, and I can also use one of my hiking Camelbak bladders in the back if I want.

[brooke77]

Susie - I have the same one and love it!