I wouldn’t say I’m an ultra runner, but I do live in Texas and it’s pretty much mandatory to carry fluids with you on any run over 30 minutes in August when the dewpoint is 76 daily and the temperature is 80+ and it’s only 4 AM. I’ve long been a fuel belt user and abuser, but would really like to find a nice pack to carry instead of that around my waist. Ideally something that carries 3+ hours worth of fluid or at a minimum 2 hours and just figure out how to refill along the trails or roads. I can currently only carry 32 oz (electrolyte) on my waist and 22 oz (water) in a handheld and that can get me through roughly 2 hours with at least one refill spot for the handheld along the way. Anything over 2 hours and I have to plan to stop back at the house/car to refill bottles to continue my running.
I know there are several brands out there and several “models” with each one. I don’t carry much, just fluids, gels, salt, and maybe phone from time to time.
Check out Salomon’s line. The Advanced Skin 12 Set is a nice rig. The Speedflasks each carry what a standard bike bottle holds plus u can add on a bladder.
I’m a big fan of the HPL 020 by Nathan. You can carry up to 2 liters (~68 oz) of water (or as little as you want). Phone goes in front pocked, food in other front pocket, some room in the back for extra food or spare clothes. Shell jacket can be strapped to the back if running somewhere it might get cold (top of a mountain). Pretty light at 400 grams with the bladder.
Keeps your hands free, no bouncing bottles on your waist. Fits pretty stable between your shoulder blades. Uses a regular water bottle which is much easier to clean than a Camelback bladder.
Another +1 on the Ultimate Direction kit. I have the AK3.0 but that possibly carries too much gear for your needs. Sounds like the TO3.0 or SJ3.0 would suit.
The Nathan VaporKrar packs are supposed to be quite solid too. I’very used the waist pack, and like it but not the vests.
I’very bad experiences with the quality on Solomon S-Lab gear, and no experience of their lower end kit.
What are people’s thoughts on the fit & bounce comparison between those that are more like a vest connecting front to back vs. those that connect with straps?
I’m a smaller guy and the UD just bashed the crap out my ribs as the bottles ride so high…I went with a Nathan pack…My recommendation is use runningwarehouse.com as I did and just sent my UD pack back no questions asked for a full refund and free return shipping.
I have an older model but I think the VaporAir looks like that it’s the next rev. I also heard great things about the Krar and probably would get that one as my next to try and most likely own.
What are people’s thoughts on the fit & bounce comparison between those that are more like a vest connecting front to back vs. those that connect with straps?
Overall I’d say vests will be better, but with the caveat that you need the right size.
There are a bunch of good brands and a few not so great ones. Just make sure to pick a vest style that hugs your body. Your shoulder and back will thank you.
I’m a smaller guy and the UD just bashed the crap out my ribs as the bottles ride so high…I went with a Nathan pack…My recommendation is use runningwarehouse.com as I did and just sent my UD pack back no questions asked for a full refund and free return shipping.
I have an older model but I think the VaporAir looks like that it’s the next rev. I also heard great things about the Krar and probably would get that one as my next to try and most likely own.I also run with a Nathan VaporAir and love it. Got it for my long trail runs or long runs on the road. It comes with a 2l bladder that, for me, is good for 2-3h depending on the weather.
A few weeks ago I bought a 3l bladder to see if it would fit and interestingly, it did! It just sticks out an inch or so at the top but you can still hold it in place with the velcro tab just like the 2l bladder. That was quite a nice surprise. The 3l is good for runs in the 3-4h range. Neither of them bounce - the vest is surprisingly comfortable. I tend to run with lots of gels in my pockets for nutrition, as well as my GoPro for taking pics. My phone goes in one of the side pockets and there’s plenty of space for other gear like jackets etc. I’d definitely buy it again!
I have the Nathan Vaporkrar its awesome can be run without bladder or with. So you can add more stuff. Also the Mountain Hardware is nice too but you have to buy a bladder for it or bottles. still a good deal and great pockets. Vaprokrar is my choice to try via runningwarehouse.com
Shameless plug - I have a BNWT Nathan Vapor Air hydration pack for sale in the classifieds. I currently use the same one and love it. Wears high and tight with room for everything.
I have an older Camelbak that does not appear to be made anymore. If I were in the market for a new one it would be the VaporKrar. They run pretty small though from my experience. Or I am big for an ultra runner.
Different packs seem to fit different folks - I’ve got a Nathan I like, and feel comfortable with, but it’s nothing special. Others I could tell in the store that they wouldn’t work.
One thing I would say, I like the bladder system, over any sort of bottle/flask system - for a long trail run on a hot day I freeze the bladder the night before. Being kinda deep into a run and being able to drink cold water is an enormous help.