Camel pack - yes or no/recommendations

[HuwC]

Not having done long(ish) distances before, and having carried my water bottle for 20k on Sunday, I was thinking of investing in a camel pack for these warmer days.

Is it a good idea? If so, which one would you recommend?

[C3PO Marathon]

I have an Osprey pack, which I carry in an Osprey backpack, which I think is fairly similar, and it probably saved me from heat exhaustion at a HM a few years ago. I only use it these days for fairly long runs, but it was handy when I did a hill race at the weekend. I'll be using it for this weekend's trail race as well. As long as it comes with a good pack that doesn't make you sweat, it's definitely a good idea.

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Do you mean just a bladder, or the whole bladder-backpack ensemble?

I find a lightweight pack/vest very useful for longer distances, particularly on trail runs. Look for one with lots of pockets, you can't have too many pockets 😊

I had a cheap one from Amazon, which was OK, and I used it for both of my ultramarathons last year (with a 2 litre bladder), but I had to pad it with a thin towel to stop it bouncing. I've recently got this Salomon one which is a much better fit:

amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07...

I haven't got a bladder for it yet, but the soft bottles it comes with are fine for 20k I'd say. I prefer a bladder because it's easier to drink from on the run, and it frees up the pockets!

Useful to note: I have found that my bladder and the soft bottles all have a nasty plastic taste. I got rid of it by filling up with a lemon drink - sports drink or good old lemon squash does the trick! Obviously you need to give them a good wash in warm soapy water afterwards to get rid of the sugary residue. Another good tip is to store your bladder in the freezer as this inhibits microbial growth (bacteria, yeast, and moulds), helping to keep things clean and fresh 😊😊😊

[Flyingred 10 Miles in reply to roseabi]

Great tip re: storage. Thank you!

[Lordi Marathon in reply to roseabi]

The Osprey ones use food grade plastics so don't impart taste to plain water. I made the mistake of buying a cheapo bladder a few years ago for hiking. Useless. Buy a recognised brand bladder always.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Lordi]

The Salomon bottles are definitely marked as food grade and compliant with all UK, EU, and US regulations.

Camelbak actually have some information on their website about getting rid of the taste! So I guess it's just a thing 😊 It could be that some people are more sensitive to the taste.

camelbak.com/en/customer-se...

[SaskAlliecat Half Marathon]

Another vote for the Salomon Adv Skin 5l. I've only used the soft water bottles so far but have the bladder and will be trying it this summer on my longer trail runs. I am amazed at how comfortable it is.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I went for the Salomon Agile 2 vest, no bladder but 2 x 500ml flasks and I could put another in the back pocket for emergencies, or stop for refill somewhere. Depending on time of year that will do me for up to 15 miles easy with the 3rd flask maybe 20.

I should mention that you drink directly from the flasks in place, you don't need to remove them to drink. Takes minimal practice. Feels a bit odd at first.

[Lordi Marathon]

I love my Osprey Rev 6l. 1.5 litre bladder and 6l backpack. Quite small but not the smallest. Great for taking a rainjacket on long runs in hypothermia zone weather. Great for phone carrying. Great for taking a drink whenever.

m.youtube.com/watch?feature...

[Flyingred 10 Miles]

I bought a backpack with bladder from Decathlon in preparation for a HM. I didn't want to run carrying bottles and I figured the tube would be easier to drink from but I haven't tried it yet.

[Macmac Marathon]

I use the Camelbak hydrobak which came with a 1.5l bladder. Was about 28£ but fits well, does not bounce etc. I use 1/4 sterilising tablet (milton) to keep it clean. Works well and has 1 very small pocket but limited. Suits me, but if you need more pockets there are larger model but I wanted minimal bulk.

[donnaj0326]

I personally do wear anything when I run - except clothes ..... I like to be comfortable - I rely on the race for hydration and I make sure that I hydrate well during the days leading up to a half or full marathon - I do put fuel in my calf compressions - I just see a camel back as extra weight to carry and something else to fidget with - a bra is bad enough! Ha. Ha! I did try running with a hand held bottle once - just didn't like it.

[misswobble Marathon]

I ran with a soft flask yesterday as I had a 15 k to do and it was warm out I kept getting a face full as i fiddled with the bite valve 😁😂. I should have practiced first 🙈

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to misswobble]

🤣🤣🤣 been there... done that! 😂

[misswobble Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

☺️😁

[donnaj0326 in reply to misswobble]

Good for a warm day then - it'll keep ya cool!

[misswobble Marathon in reply to donnaj0326]

😁

[HuwC Half Marathon]

Thanks all great advice. I definitely needed something today on a lunchtime 10k... hot hot hot

[Tasha99 Marathon]

I’ve got this. Don’t notice it’s on.

sportsshoes.com/product/cam...

I keep the bladder in the freezer so I don’t have to bother cleaning it thoroughly 🤣

[Macmac Marathon in reply to Tasha99]

That is very similar to mine but with the extra front pockets.

[Agelesslass Metric Marathon]

Don’t use one personally as don’t want too much to carry, I jest have a soft water bottle