Fanny packs, water bottles, etc.

[klh-or]

As I start going longer distances in training for the 1/2, I'm going to need to start carrying water on my walks. I have seen many different styles/brands of fanny packs with water bottles, etc. Anybody have one you just can't live without? When it comes time for the actual 1/2, it won't be necessary for me to carry my own water, right? Are the hydration stations pretty close together and what do they offer? I need to figure out if I'm going to need any "nutrition" during the 1/2 too, and if so, what. I figure it's going to take me about 3:29:59 to complete the event, so I'll be out there a while! I'm a large person and have a very healthy ventilation system (aka sweat!), so I want to be well prepared to stay hydrated.

Suggestions??

 

[Lexxiefern]

I haven't found a waist pack that holds a water bottle that I like yet. I have a small pack made by Nathan that is great and does not move around when I walk/run. I ended up carrying a water bottle with me during the DL half last month. I am really glad I did, it was hot. I still took water at the water stops, but it was nice to have water whenever I wanted it.

As far as nutrition, I used sport beans for the minnie 15k and used GU for the half. I like the Gu better. There are a lot of gels out there you can try. It wasn't as gross as I thought it was gonna be. Hope this helps!

Becky

 

[Steffwalks]

I have an Ultimate Direction pack that I really like. There is no sloshing, although, I did replace the bottle it came with for a Camelbak bottle. There's room for your essentials as well. For LSD's in hot temperatures, I use a Camelbak pack. It holds 72 oz and has a place for a jacket or other larger items and cell phone, MP3 player with outlet, etc.

For nutrition, I prefer the E-Gel or E-Fuel(drink) because they are lower in sugar than most of the other options.

 

[KelNottAt]

Don't laugh, but I wear these shorts:

The big pocket in the middle of the back holds an 8 oz water bottle. That's where I keep my "spare" bottle. I carry one 8 oz bottle in my hand, and plant more (if I need them) at strategic locations along my route. (I dispose of empties in trash cans along the way.)

The shorts are also good for Gu, cell phone, small digital camera, etc. (Nope, they don't slip down my hips when full.)

That a model (not me) in the photo. The shorts are by Race Ready and available at most serious running stores, or on the Raceready.com website.

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

I've tried a bunch of different things, and I like different waist packs depending on how long I'll be out there. For my long distances I actually love my Camelbak Flashflo. Holds 45 oz of fluid, lots of room for sport beans, keys, phone, etc, but it doesn't feel too heavy or awkward like sometimes the bottles can feel. Plus I really like the convenience of drinking from the tube instead of drinking out of a bottle. They have a few others that are smaller (28 oz), but I wanted the bigger capacity personally.

I also have a fuel belt which is OK, but I find my fluids tend to warm up pretty quickly in those little bottles, and not nearly enough room for carrying gear or nutrition around.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I use a single bottle(20oz) Ultimate fanny pack with a couple of pouches I add. I can't drink the commerical beverages(I drink Cytomax) so I have it in my bottle. I like to drink when I need it and not when a race tells me. I use Clif bars(or gels) and sometimes Clif Shot Bloks for energy. I carry my camera in one of the pouches.

Being back of the pack, don't expect food on the course. I have been there and some food stops run out.

My motto is never trust a race for certain items that I must have. The marathon had lots of issues with water, Powerade, and food. If I didn't pack my own, I would have never finished.

 

[littlegreydonkey]

I'm with Robert - take something to drink at least, there's nothing worse that deciding you're thirsty and not seeing a drink stop.

I use a fuel belt which has gaps for four small bottles. On training runs I use 2-4 of of them, race day I just have one which I refill if it's getting low. I then have my camera attached to the other gap and my inhaler in the back pocket. I like it because the weight is evenly distributed.

 

[wfloyd]

I currently use a Fuel Belt that holds 2 bottles and has a small pocket in the middle. Then I added a pouch on the side that holds a cell phone and more Gu's. I usually take at least one bottle during the race in case I need a drink between stops. I also use it to carry all the Gu's I will need. For shorter races though, I leave it at home.

Bill

 

[Duanerice]

I use an Amphipod with 4 small bottles and a pouch (I have the large pouch). I only use all 4 when I am running in the middle of nowhere. During the weekly runs or when I know I can get to water, I only take 2 of the bottles. I don't have any issue with sloshing or bouncing. Couldn't live without it. OK, maybe I could, but running wouldn't be as easy. Ok it's not easy but .......

enjoy,
Duane

 

[scuba diver]

I've tried a bunch of different things, and I like different waist packs depending on how long I'll be out there. For my long distances I actually love my Camelbak Flashflo. Holds 45 oz of fluid, lots of room for sport beans, keys, phone, etc, but it doesn't feel too heavy or awkward like sometimes the bottles can feel. Plus I really like the convenience of drinking from the tube instead of drinking out of a bottle. They have a few others that are smaller (28 oz), but I wanted the bigger capacity personally.

I also have a fuel belt which is OK, but I find my fluids tend to warm up pretty quickly in those little bottles, and not nearly enough room for carrying gear or nutrition around.

I agree! I love mine too. I love the way the double straps eliminate the slooshing and it doesn't bounce.

 

[klh-or]

Being a larger person, I'm wondering how big of a waist these FlashFlo accommodate. We don't have an REI nearby so I'd be ordering it online. Any clues??

 

[escape]

Being a larger person, I'm wondering how big of a waist these FlashFlo accommodate. We don't have an REI nearby so I'd be ordering it online. Any clues??

I'm a larger person and it works for me. However, I have never used it for a long run - only for bike rides so far.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I use the Amphipod with 4 bottles and take less for shorter runs. Didn't take any for the last event and I learned a valuable lesson. Always to take at least one. I also take a small pack where I have camera, cell, keys, gels/sport beans/or whatever du jour. Never leave home without it during training. May travel lighter for events, but usually always carry.

I am intrigued by the 45 oz camel back pack. I may have to look at that one. I seem to like the smaller bottles b/c I can take less and I don't mind if it is warm water I've got.

 

[cewait]

Being a larger person, I'm wondering how big of a waist these FlashFlo accommodate. We don't have an REI nearby so I'd be ordering it online. Any clues??

I have an odler style and I am not really sure how large I used to be, but it worked on at least a 44" waist with plenty of cinch room.

The really cool thing about the Flash Flow is that it has a set of baddler straps that you tighten after you drink. it almost kills all the sloshing.