Hydration packs

[slow-farah]

Hello, I'm getting to the stage in marathon training were I need to start taking on some water whilst doing my long runs. I would like some suggestions of small, reasonably priced hydration packs I could use on my runs.

I'm up to half marathon distance and just find it a bit harder to hydrate in winter. Leaving hidden water bottles isn't really an option for me, and I would like to try and avoid looping runs.

Any suggestions and any marathon wisdom in general would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Deals1 Metric Marathon]

Hi

I'm not sure where abouts in the world you are... but i got a decent one from Decathlon, running vest with plenty of pockets and a bladder in the back too

happy shopping

[Joster Half Marathon in reply to Deals1]

Me too, small Decathlon back pack with bladder rather than vest, but it does the job. Wasn't purpose bought for running, and as I'm only on m first HM I didn't want to shell out on something else until I knew if I'd be going longer distances or sticking with 10k or less (when I don't need hydration).

[slow-farah Metric Marathon in reply to Deals1]

I’m from the UK so decathlon is a great idea, I’m just about to embark on some post-long run retail therapy!

[acebiros Half Marathon in reply to Deals1]

Another vote for the Decathlon one from me! It's great

[Decker Ultramarathon]

I use this cheap and cheerful model from amazon: TETON Sports Trailrunner 2 Liter Hydration Backpack; Free 2-Liter Hydration Bladder; For Backpacking, Hiking, Running, Cycling, and Climbing; Black amazon.ca/dp/B006JYHFJA/ref...

It is decent for the cost and had some good reviews. Took me a few tries to get the valve idea but it works

[slow-farah Metric Marathon in reply to Decker]

That looks like a nice size too! Thanks

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to slow-farah]

Yes it is quite compact which was important to me. I often use it without the bladder just to store a spare dry shirt or snacks too.

[misswobble Marathon]

If you look at the Spring half marathon group thread we have running at the moment i think the topic is covered there, with a link. Feel sure it was discussed at length 😃

[slow-farah Metric Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Great 😊 I think I’m going to end up with a lot of options 😂

[SlowLoris]

I’ve recently spent a ridiculous amount of money on what is basically a child size spandex waistcoat.

Makes me look like an ultra runner, albeit a rather decrepit one.

Haven’t worn it outside the bedroom yet.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to SlowLoris]

🤣🤣🤣 which one did you get?

[SlowLoris in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Salomon Sense Ultra 5. They’re the most popular with the long distance runners in my club.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to SlowLoris]

I looked at that but it didn't carry enough water for me. 🤔 I went for adv skin 12... pretty comfy

[misswobble Marathon in reply to SlowLoris]

😁😁😁

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

My reasonably priced option was the Salomon Agile 2, around 40 quid now. You get 2 x 500ml flasks for the front, and you can pick up a slim 1.5l bladder from mountain warehouse for a fiver, which, if you don't fill past 1l, you can fold over and fit in the pouch in the back giving you 2l capacity. I did 2 marathon distance runs with mine.

Now I have a bigger pack giving me 3l capacity for big runs and use my agile for 10k to 15 miles ish.

[slow-farah Metric Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

That looks like a good option, just the right size and I’ve got an amazon voucher to use too!

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to slow-farah]

I've had great use from mine. Its sizeable for any size person. You'll end up with excess strap but if you roll it up tight from the end you can push it into the little space where it come out of (you'll see what I mean) so you don't have it flapping about

Alternatively, cut it off and melt the ends closed. 👍🏻

Mine's still rolled. None of them are technically washable but I've washed mine on gentle in a wash bag. Just be careful as depending which colour you pick, they will absorb colours.

[AnnaKarenina Metric Marathon]

Another vote for Salomon with the two lightweight flasks and loads of pockets. Mine is especially made for women runners apparently i.e. allowing for boobs and bras. I find it comfortable enough and love what I can carry. I still prefer running without, but on those long training runs that isn't an option anymore.