Which do you feel distributes more weight on your body, thus feeling like it weighs less during a distance run?
Go with the Fuel belt. A Camelbak is more for a bike ride rather than running
I prefer a camel back. Less sloshing around (at least to me). I bought one of those shirts where it’s integrated (zips up the front). It holds 2 liters of water and if you get all the air out of it you hardly notice. I do almost all my long runs in it.
The iFitness hydration belt is the most comfortable one I’ve worn so far: http://www.ifitnessinc.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=15
It comes with two 6 or 8 oz. bottles, but you can also add additional bottles/flasks: http://www.ifitnessinc.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=16
I have used both…I prefer the Fuel Belt, 3 bottles of water one of race drink
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Racing or training? If a race, don’t use either. Use what is on course.
If I have a long training run planned, I try to do loops and have a bottle ready at the start of each loop.
Fuelbelts distribute the weight pretty well. And, you have the added advantage of filling each of the bottles with different stuff (water, gel, gatorade, gin, etc). But, I gave mine up because I got tired of all the little bottles. Looking like I was wearing a bandolier didn’t bother me since looks don’t mean crap when you’re running a lonely 20 miler. But, I switched to a belt that just uses one bike type bottle. Much easier to fill during water stops.
Camelbaks are okay if you can find one that doesn’t bounce. Also, no matter how light they are, a backpack can leave your shoulders tired. Look for something with a waist belt that actually fits you at the waist to help the bouncing and the shoulder pain. They have an advantage of being able to carry extra food and clothing. But, people have a tendency to overload them.
Also consider a handheld. Honestly, its not as bad as you might think. Mine fits my small cell phone, keys, and/or gel. And, if you’re in the trails, it has the added benefit of saving your palms if you fall.
Having used both, the newer camelbaks aimed at trail runners and their multisport line are much nicer than using a fuel belt for running. it feels like less weight since it is distributed over more of your frame, you can carry way more stuff and fluids, and frankly I get annoyed by the whole hoola hoop effect my fuelbelt always evoked as it migrated around. I never knew which bottle was going to be where.
Tom D. did a nice review of the camelbaks for a trisports U piece earlier this year, its worth taking a look at.
I have a salomon hydration pack I used for a trail run, I wouldn’t wear it unless I had to but I prefer it to a fuel belt. It also doubles for light hiking as you can fit a hard shell in it and other small items. Trail runners use them all the time.
Which do you feel distributes more weight on your body, thus feeling like it weighs less during a distance run?
In the race I use hydration stations. No sense in carrying my water.
Long training runs (longer than about 70-80 minutes) I run on the course with drinking fountains along the way.
Nathan’s has some really good cross-country belts too.
C - Amphipod belt.
I like that it’s modular, and I can have from 1-4 8oz bottles, and 1-2 smaller ones (which I use for gel), plus a pouch.
Have never used more than 2 bottles, 1 gel bottle, and pouch - and have run up to 22m in training like that.
I have now tested quite a few different hydration products including some that have not been written up yet. It depends on how comfortable you are with carrying weight on your hips. I can do it but have found I prefer to have it up on my shoulders. The new Camelbak Marathon does a good job with this. There are some other good packs as well from Ultimate Direction, Nathan, Salomon, and Mountain Hardwear. I have owned a Fuel Belt int he past and just did not like the Velcro closure system. As an FYI, in the Spring, Camelbak will also be releasing a hydration belt system. It looked pretty good with a small handheld and version of the Podium Bottle top.
For me the best fitting pack has been the Salomon, I have done runs up to 40 miles with no discomfort. Here is a link to see all my reviews, like I said, more are coming:
http://ymmvreviews.com/tag/hydration/
Let me know if you have any questions.
Only use my Nathan belt on cool or cold runs.
For long runs I use a fanny pack Camelbak. Holds 40 OS’s, its insulated and when packed with ice stays nice and cold. I’ve added two but normally only use one Amphipod 10 oz with Infinite. When adjusted properly it works just fine with little bounce and nothing on the shoulders. Can carry gels bars along too if so desired.
Go Nathan 
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Fuel belt here, but that Amphipod looks even better (put the SnapFlasks anywhere, easier to remove/replace than the stretchy loops of the Fuel belt). I believe I will purchase one for a test drive.
personal choice
I’ve tried a few different solutions over the years. I find the belts tend to ride up off my hips and bounce around my abdomen. I had great success with a camelbak but then a friend of mine had the reverse where the shoulder straps chaffed his underarm area.
It’s not economical but you just have to buy one and see if it works, if not, resign yourself to the loss and buy a different solution.
Fuel Belt seems to distribute weight evenly. I only use it for long training runs…I use the aid stations during races, I don’t want to carry the extra weight. I’d suggest the revenge series.