Is it worth bothering with a hydration vest?

[Pippa49]

I didn't need one for the Brighton marathon just used the water given out but had little bottles filled with SIS plus Jelly beans and mini cheddars in my bum bag . Also I don't want to waste money buying one then deciding that I am not doing another marathon. What do others do?

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

You may find that a vest is useful during long training runs. And if you get into unsupported trail races at some point, it will be a necessity!

But yes you are right - for most major road marathons water and sports drinks are (currently) provided in cups or bottles. And as you say, they are pretty expensive! Also, a hydration vest can be heavy, and can make you a lot more hot and sweaty, which is not fun.

That said, I am actually planning on running the Brighton Marathon next year with a vest. I would like to be able to drink when and what I want to, I don't want to wear a belt, and the vest will allow me to carry and use gels more easily. Also, due to environmental concerns there is a trend towards getting rid of bottled water from events - and cups could well follow. So eventually we may all be required at least to carry our own cups/bottles.

[limberlou Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

I’ve just bought myself one for £22.99, it has good reviews and seems very sturdy yet light. I’ve yet to use it but I don’t think that is overly dear and even if not running it would be useful on a summer bike ride to take a drink or two.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to limberlou]

Oh yes, I forgot - the Aonijie vests on Amazon are cheap and we've had a lot of good reports!

[limberlou Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

Yeah that’s right it’s one of those

[David_G Metric Marathon in reply to limberlou]

That’s the one I’m getting for my birthday next week🎂

I’ll report back on how I get on with it at a later date. I’m only intending to use it for my longer HM training runs as Roseabi’s suggested🙂👍

[Setters Half Marathon in reply to roseabi]

That’s the one I have bought and I can honestly say I forget I’m wearing it when running, it doesn’t move, and yes my back is a bit sweatier, but there again I used to get a damp waistband when wearing a belt. It really does seem to help to be able to keep taking small sips of water.

[Tasha99 Marathon in reply to limberlou]

The bladders have a very plasticky taste though so add flavoured not plain water.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

I was going to say you won't need it however as roseabi says, useful for long training runs unless you're planning to keep bottles at your cross point on your route... being out for several hours at a time you need a solution of sorts. 🤔

I need mine and use it all the time, even for shorter runs, I just shove one bottle in and use the other storage.

It is extra weight though when full, I've just got a new one for up to 3 litre, so 3kg.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I have SIS dissolvable tabs for my half marathons in the small bottles you can buy for holidays but not sure if they are going to be sufficient for a marathon which is why I was thinking about getting a hydration vest or backpack but wary of spending a lot of money on something I might not use if I decide not to do another marathon. I have a running backpack (Hilly Hydrafuel) bought for when I go away in May so I can just go and run somewhere else. I suppose the issue with backpacks is having to stop to take things out.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

It is a pain. The aonijie ones on Amazon are very reasonable. For your actual marathon you will have aid stations up to a point, if you are past the expected cut off they may be gone so it may well be worth having your own too. Worth considering I think.

[Pippa49 Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

So I should try my backpack out on my next long run? Wondering if I should wear my running belt as well or just use one or the other. The hilly hydrafuel backpack has room for a light weight rain jacket, change of socks if not using a bladder but I can get a bladder from Decathlon if needed so I can try and get used to using one.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Pippa49]

Give it a try, you can get a bladder from about 5 quid. I got one online for 5.99 from outdoor warehouse on ebay 1.5litre.

[Oldfloss Administrator]

I love mine and take it on longer runs all the time...I have bits and bobs in..with one water bottle with whatever amount I want in..shove my lightweight jacket in too..gives me a feeling of security

[Tasha99 Marathon]

I love mine. Fits all my things in. Don’t like belts as they swivel. I’m going to run with my on in the marathon I think as I can bring all my own things in it and can keep to my fuelling timed walk breaks and drink when I like and not be dictated to by the water stops. I like to sip away steadily rather than having more at water stops. I also use it for normal runs of about 10 miles and over.

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

I also have the Aonijie one but not tried it yet. Did a 10 mile run on my trails recently and still just used my belt as I am slightly concerned I'm going to be hot in it! I don't drink lots whilst running and my belt was ample to pop my small soft bottle of Tailwind in. Will definately give it a try over the winter however, on longer runs.

[Dexy5 10 Miles]

I bought an aonijie one on Amazon and didn’t fill the 1.5l bladder for my 14k run. It was much comfier than I expected and it carries phone,nutrition and I reckon my running jacket if needed . OH found it comfortable too so might need to buy another one.

[Setters Half Marathon in reply to Dexy5]

Agree I don’t fill my bladder completely for my “up to 14k” runs, which is were I am at presently, but just been able to sip occasionally does seem to help.

[misswobble Marathon]

if you take your 500 ml bottle (say) and there is water on the course you should be ok. I ask for top-ups as needs be as they seem to divvy water up from bigger containers hereabouts. or you stash your empty water bottle down your top if you don't want to bin it and take their bottled water (if that's what's on offer) I don't have a hydration vest but am wanting one for long training runs on the trail where there is nothing Ive been known to leave the trail in search of civilisation to get water. Not an option mid race though. LOL

One of the cheapest out there is from Decathlon, or one on Amazon which was talked about on here recently, both are under £30 and both take bottles or bladders Some of the prices of these things amazes me!

[Lordi Marathon]

Long training runs yes. Races no.