Camelback? Fuel Belt?

[kr]

I am getting ready for my first 50k and am wondering if anyone has an opinion on the best way to carry water. Also, do you take advantage of the pockets and pouches to carry gloves, windbreakers, Gu, etc.? I realize that the weather will (hopefully) not match the 3-6 inches of snow we are likely to have for our run tomorrow (March 20) a.m. so the clothing questions may be irrelevant.

[kr]

I carried a Camelback today on my run...it felt good and I think I like this option. Unfortunately, it FROZE after only 2 miles. I don't think that will be a problem at Big Basin. HOPE not.

[trailrunner]

Finding just the right system for long runs can be tough.... lots of trial and error. I am very petite, so getting something that I could comfortably carry with hours' worth of liquid was a challenge. I tried camelbacks, Fuel Belt, an REI belt, and several others before discovering Amphipod. Now Amphipod is the only thing I use. It's contoured to really fit your body; you can carry the bottles horizontally or vertically or a combination of both; they have all different sizes of bottles, and you can combine various ones by sliding their locking device on and off the belts; the tops absolutely do not leak; the bottles snap on and off the locking devices easily with one hand (you can keep moving, no fumbling with pouches, elastic, etc.); the bottles don't leach any taste into the drinks. I could go on and on - they should sponsor me!!! :-) During the really hot months (I live in NM) I make the bottles up with half the liquid and freeze them, then fill the rest of the way in the morning before I head out. I can say that not having to stop at aid stations b/c of the ease of using my own system has allowed me to pass on trails that are otherwise pretty tough to get by on, allowing me to push into better overall times and place standings.

[chrisoconnor]

I agree with trailrunner -- lots of trial and error.

I've used waist packs, back packs, bottle carriers and handhelds in various combinations. In a supported run where I can expect aid every hour to ninety minutes, I prefer two hand held bottles now. I find with them I am more likely to drink steadily and consistently and I can also keep better track of how much I am drinking. I also have the option of carrying water in one, something else in the other. I have found that whatever system I use, it takes some getting used to.

My handhelds have zipper pockets. There's enough room in them for a gel each, but that's about it.

[andyb]

I use a couple things: a hydration waist pack for runs up to about two hours; and a hydration backpack for runs over 2 hours. I have tried on quite a few, and continue to try on just about any I come across in my quest to find the "perfect" one (which probably doesn't exist, but it's fun to keep looking). I would recommend, like the others, hitting a few stores and trying some on. Put something in them to approximate the weight you would be carrying and walk around the store for a bit to get the feel. It takes time to get used to them, but they are necessary if you do a lot of out and back, long training runs where resupplying along the way is not an option.

Good luck!

[kairunkai]

Thanks, I did carry a Camelbak M.U.L.E. on a 4 hour run last weekend. It seems bigger than I need but I had it so tried it. It didn't bother me at all...no bouncing, the weight wasn't a problem. I didn't get to enjoy the water though, since it froze. I read on another site about the Ultimate Direction hydration packs. They seem to be made specifically for trail running. Is this worth ordering? Should i just use the MULE or will it be too big?

[andyb]

The MULE will probably work for you for long runs, since you have already tried it and found it comfy. It's probably a little big for shorter runs, but again, if it's comfy it shouldn't present a problem.

My wife has an Ultimate Direction pack, and loves it. I have a Nathan HPL 020 as well, but it's not as comfy to me as my backpacks so I don't use it as much.

I would recommend going with the MULE for now, and try on some others when you have a chance to see how they feel. And try handheld water bottles as well, for shorter runs or races that are well supported (like the PCTR ones!!!). ;D

[kr]

Thanks...I am planning to run the Big Basin, my first 50 k! I don't really like hand held bottles...so am leaning twd the MULE. It is big but I keep the option of dumping it after each loop if it is too heavy. It saves me $75 for a new one.
PS I am so tired of snow...can't even imagine worrying about sun screen.

[dennislauritzen]

Nathan HPL 020 has worked really well for me. Very light, made for running, and the 3 easily accessible pockets on the front leave room for gels and other goodies like my camera. The pack has been very comfortable too.

[kr]

Well, I had made my decision to stick with the already owned MULE...when a friend reminded me that I have been wearing it over layers of winter clothes...still snowing here...and that with a tank or a T it could rub...I also remembered that while it has many pockets, I can't access them without taking the pack off...so, I ordered an Ultimate Direction Wink...wish I could have tried it on before buying, but I am excited about getting this.