I’ve been a long time runner without hydration or nutrition, and bike training has shown me the error in those ways (and a bad bonk in my last marathon prep).
I’m looking for a hydration/carb mix solution as I start to work in longer runs prepping for an Olympic and half marathon this year. Not a fan of carrying a bottle in my hand, so I’m thinking waist pack or running vest. I do minimal trail running/real long runs so storage in a pack isn’t necessary or even desired.
I had a coupon for the feed, and go this: USWE Zulo 2 Plus
I did two long runs with it and its the first waist band I’ve had (and I had many) that’s actually comfortable (and carries a lot of liquid, gels, etc.). The color is a bit much, but that ranks very low on my list.
Interesting, I’ve used bladders on bikes and hiking, but always thought the hose would be annoying running. I’ll give it a go with one of my packs today.
I use a Amazon hydration pack, something nearly identical to this. Really light, doesn’t bounce once you get the straps right, and you can carry your phone, keys, and a small gel bottle. I put my phone in a water-resistant case before putting it into the shoulder strap but I’m not sure its necessary.
Works great, I use it on all my long runs throughout summer and whenever it’s hot out.
I just use water in the bladder, too annoying to clean out sugar solutions. I carry Pearl Miller “Aunt Jemima” syrup in a small plastic flask if I need calories, which I usually only need on 90+ minute runs, and they pack the same amount of calories as a typical sports gel for wayyyy cheaper. (It’s like $4 for a 35 serving bottle).
Was going to upgrade to an USWE pack just because they get rave reviews, but it’s hard to change away from something that’s working really well already. But the USWE packs seem to be great, AND can be used for cycling and running. (I’m not sure how my pack would work for cycling due to its length.)
I favor the backpacks because you can carry so much more water. On those hot long run days, it’s normal for me to drink the entire 2+ liter (probably closer to 3L) contents of the bladder in a 2-3 hr run.
I know you’ll think this is like running holding a bottle but it’s not. It feels like it’s part of your hand.
For marathons where I want to carry more nutrition and have a bib attached I use this.
You can fit a pretty large soft flask in it like this
For longer runs, like grand canyon rim to rim, I use this. You can fit lots of stuff and an extra bottle or two even in the back. Gels, bars phone, chaff cream, toilet paper you name it
Even longer that is more of a hike and I use this
I have a 3L bladder I can put it. It can’t hold as much as you imagine it should based on the size because it’s not a stretchy material like the Nathan.
The Nathan vest is great though. Definitely my go too if I need a lot of fuel, storage, and plan to run fast.