mieos
GUTS Member
Posts: 12
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Post by mieos on Jul 16, 2006 13:19:09 GMT -5
So I've been considering switching to a camel pack system for my long runs in order to carry more water. I currently have a belt that will hold 4 bottles for a total of 40 ozs. To add more bottles I will have to either order the plastic clips, or buy an additional belt and hope to be able to combine the clips. While I like the belt that seems like a lot of work. Anyway, I have some questions about the packs.
How much do they trap heat against the body? It seems that they would be very effective at this, good for in the winter, terrible for summer.
How much do they bounce/slosh/jump/dance/and in general move?
Related, if you have hundreds of straps to prevent this, how much does it prevent you from moving, breathing, running?
How hard are they to refill? Bottles are easy, turn the top halfway and pour.
How hard is it to clean? Overall bottles are easy to clean, but the nozzle, can be very difficult.
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Post by janice on Jul 16, 2006 20:00:31 GMT -5
i think packs are great for when you have no other option to carry that amount of fluid
here's my experience
yes, they do trap the heat, although i wear a small one so it's not too bad for me
mine does not slosh or bounce but it is only 90 ounces
with the chest strap mine does not bounce much
very ez to fill these days - look for a model that has the large, round opening in the middle of the bladder (most even have "leashes" so you don't drop the lid)
can be hard to clean - buy the kit with the brush - i hang mine to dry with a bent wire clothes hanger - the worst thing is when it gets mildew in the tube - yuck!! be sure and rinse soon after using if you put any kind of drink mix in it, water should not be an issue
my favorite models are made by nathan and a camelback (women's model)
good luck with it,
janice
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mattk
Stunned Runner
Suck it up
Posts: 58
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Post by mattk on Jul 17, 2006 19:16:03 GMT -5
Mieos - I have a 70 oz. camelback. It runs fine, and if there is any sort of water source along the route, 70 oz. keeps me going, supplemented by at least 1 if not 2 handheld 20 oz. bottles. Pretty comfy, no restrictions on breathing, the bounce is minimal and you soon forget about it. Not a single chafe as long as I have a shirt on, and I like the pocket for snacks on loonng runs. The only time I use it is when Im gonna be out 4 plus hours and its hot or water sources are few and far between. Otherwise I just use the handhelds and fill up at my car on loop runs or at quicky-marts.
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mattk
Stunned Runner
Suck it up
Posts: 58
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Post by mattk on Jul 17, 2006 19:17:00 GMT -5
Oh yea - I never clean it! I just use H2o, so I rationalize its not too gross, but I think its actually not so smart on my part.
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Post by Chris Hunt on Sept 29, 2006 13:01:29 GMT -5
Gregory adventure race packs (Reactor and Stimulus models), closely followed by Solomon AR packs are the best I've owned for running. The Gregory packs all have mesh side pockets for food and gels which I find really handy.
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paul
GUTS Member
Posts: 53
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Post by paul on Oct 2, 2006 15:49:15 GMT -5
My favorite so far is the Ultimate Direction Wasp. Very light, doesn't rub the shoulders or trap heat too much. I've only used it up to about 5.5 hours.
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Post by lngrun on Oct 3, 2006 12:51:46 GMT -5
hi, although not a truly seasoned veteran, i found that as i extended my runs in the summer heat beyond 2 hours, 2x 20 oz bottles in a "butt pack" weren't sufficient. i went out and purchased the Nathan HPL#020 which is advertised to hold up to 2 liters (approx. 67 ozs) figuring the extra 20+ ozs would help me push a little further before having to refuel. in practical terms, it probably holds a little less. it fits like a vest, and the material does not chafe. the bite valve and hose work perfectly and the cool liquid on your back actually has a cooling effect. the only problem i had with it was a small leak in the top of the bladder but i suspect that's going to be an issue with any top of hydration pack. the good news is that when i went back to where i purchased it, they gave me a totally new one as opposed to just exchanging the bladder. the bladder is removable so you can wash the vest when it starts to get too ripe. also has small zipper pocket for keys, energy bars, gels, etc. one thing i didn't think about......60oz of fluid on your back weighs more than you might think. however, the load lightens as the run goes on. check out www.NathanSports.com |
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