Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

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Terry4X4

208 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Sep 7, 2007 11:57 AM

Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

As my long training runs increase, I'm thinking I need to start carrying some water/fluids for runs longer than 12+ miles. My girlfriend has a fuel belt with the water bottles, but I don't think I want to deal with all the bottles. I've looked at some of the Camelbak pouches. I don't think I want something as large as a backpack, I kind of like the idea of their fanny packs. But is it too bulky and will it bounce around?

What are your experiences with fuel belts and hydration packs? Which do you prefer and why? How much fluid capacity is ideal for a 15 - 20 mile run?

I think for the half marathon distance there are enough aid stations that I won't need to carry water during the race, but I think I will need to carry water during the training runs.

Shannon66

7 posts since
Sep 6, 2007

1. Sep 7, 2007 12:45 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I think it really comes down to personal preference. I used the Camelbaks before fuel belts came into play, so that is what I am comfortable with at this point. I have the fanny pack version and it does not bounce around as there are a couple of places where you can tighten down the bottom. I fill it full for anything over 15 miles. I also like it since it has plenty of storage for gels, sunglasses, ID and a small travel size roll of TP (never know when that stomach will get you)

sbr37

8 posts since
Jul 23, 2007

2. Sep 7, 2007 1:31 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

Hi, Terry:

I have tried a few of the different hydration carriers and have found that the fuelbelt is the best for me. I always had problems with bounce and also comfort (with the waist belt cutting into my skin). With the fuelbelt set up, the weight of the liquid is evenly dispersed around your body and bounce is less noticeable. I have added a gel flask carrier and zippered pouch for salt tabs and house key. The bottles aren't too difficult to deal with, especially with their newly designed version. The mouth of the bottles are larger in diameter and fill up is easier. The caps are easier to twist on, as well.

It really does, however, come down to preference. I have just found the Fuelbelt brand works best for me. Whatever you decide, I think you will be able to maximize your training with easily accessible hydration.

Happy Training.

teamarcia

55 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Sep 7, 2007 2:50 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I too use a Fuel Belt brand. It came with 6-oz bottles but I also bought 10-oz ones. Depending on heat I will go thru 30 oz and restock at my mail box thru a 20-miler. I found the bottles awkward to maneuver at first but it's gotten much easier. I also use the gel flask and zipper pouch (good for pepper spray and sport beans). I used an Amphipod in the past but never really got used to the bounce and had an even harder time sliding the bottle out.

Terry4X4

208 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Sep 7, 2007 4:08 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I appreciate your replies. I'm warming up to the idea of the bottles for a couple of reasons. I like the idea of the weight being dispersed around the waist rather than in one place (small of the back) and with the bottles you can carry both water and other replacement fluids at the same time.

RunKimmyRun

8 posts since
Sep 5, 2007

5. Sep 9, 2007 9:51 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I tried on the belts with the bottles but I opted for the Camelbak. I really hate carrying things so it was a big concern. I thought the bottles were going to interfere with my arms. My Camelbak is the backpack style and the weight is evenly distributed. They must have had about 30 different models at REI. I chose one on the lighter side. It holds about 30-50 ounces, I'm not sure. I have used it on runs up to 20 miles and it has been just about right. I did not use it in the marathon I ran because there were water stops every 2 miles and that worked fine.

MyUltraLife

20 posts since
Sep 7, 2007

6. Sep 11, 2007 7:17 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

Personally I use a belt that holds two full 20 oz. size bottles. I also have a fuel belt with 4 small bottles. I agree it is a hassle. I use the 2 full size bottle belt quite well and no issues of the bottles bouncing around. I usually blend my own mix of Carbo Pro and Tang to not only ensure hydration but also to fuel my body.

The other thing you can do is inspire your girl friend to ride along on a bike and carry your hydration!

Hope this helps.

www.myultralife.com

slow_n_steady

137 posts since
Aug 23, 2007

7. Sep 14, 2007 7:54 AM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I have a fuel belt that carries four 8oz bottle and I really like it. It also has a little pouch for carrying a couple of gels or my keys or whatever. I used to have a belt that carried one big bottle on an angle at my back, but I pretty much hated it. I like the fuel belt better for a couple of reasons. One, I like having the weight more evenly distributed. I like that the fuel belt has an elastic belt rather than a webbing one...feels more comfortable. Fuel belt doesn't bounce as much....with the torso pack I would have to have the belt cinched up so tight to stop it bouncing that it was very uncomfortable....women can't easily wear them on our hips like men, we have to have them around our waist. The other thing I like about multiple bottles is that I can customize depending on the run...all water, half of them water, half sports drink, only take some of the bottles if it is a shorter run, etc.

nickatnight

13 posts since
Sep 26, 2007

8. Sep 26, 2007 11:59 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I put down the bottle 2 years ago and never went back! The camel packs/fanny packs don't: fall to the ground while running, they don't leak, they don't leave you wondering "Is that all there is in there?", AND THEY DON"T NEED BI-MONTHLY MAINTENANCE. I'm sooooo glad I got a fanny pack-it has presented chaffing issues from time-to-time but I haven't had any problems with it "bouncing"-I just tighten the belt and apply a little Body Glide.:-) Oh-I gave my fuel belt with those wonderful leaky bottles to my brother who runs sub 3 marathons-it slows him down a little!!!! Maybe I could get him to wear them on his feet-then I'd really have a chance to catch him.

Steve Carton

36 posts since
Oct 11, 2007

9. Jun 10, 2008 1:15 PM

in response to: Terry4X4

Re: Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

I have 4 different systems and each has its strengths and weaknesses. I started out with a simple belt with a 20oz bottle (Nathan, I think). It was a good place to start and I still use it for runs of less than 12 miles when it's warm out. But 20oz isn't enough for a longer run unless I can refill along the way and that style bottle is hard to fill at a drinking fountain. Later I got a fuel-belt with 2 10oz bottles. It's more comfortable and also has room for gels. So I used that for longer runs when I could refill. When the distances got up to 20 miles and we were running in summer heat in DC, I bought the fuel-belt with 4 bottles. These were 8-oz bottles, so I replaced 2 of them with 10oz bottles for 36 oz total. And, during the worst of the DC heat, for a couple of 22 milers, I also added a hand-carried 20-oz bottle. Nearly a half-gallon. And it wasn't always enough.

This year, I picked up the Camelbak 2006 Flashflo 45oz. Running Hydration Pack from Amazon.com. It's a fanny-pack style, not a back-pack. So far, I like it -- it has enough straps and so on that I can adjust it not to bounce. And I like the idea of sipping water more often, which the bite-hose approach seems to encourage. I'm a little concerned about cleaning it, but haven't had to yet. I used it for a 13.5 mile run in DC heat a week ago and was able to refill at a water fountain with no problem. And it has enough cargo room for gels and salts and so on. We'll see if I still like it later in the summer.

Sep 7, 2007 11:57 AM

Hydration Packs / Fuel Belts

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