Beginner Questions

 re: race number/belt. Check the race regulations. Many races require the number for run only, some require it for the bike as well. Some people wear the belt on the swim and tuck it into their shorts. The majority (including what I did) just grab their race belt on the way out of T2 and click it on for the run only.

 re: swim goggles. I used the same goggles as in the pool. You can invest in anti-fog spray to treat your goggles beforehand or just use spit. There are open water goggles that some people use but they are also prone to fogging after you use them enough.

I can't help you regarding camelbak. I wouldn't wear one for a road race because I haven't needed that much water and wouldn't want anything on my back to interfere with cooling. For an offroad race they may be viable. 
 

Welcome to BT.

I would purchase a number belt. I put mine on before the run (T2), but that is what the rules allow. Check with your race and see. I use an anti fog spray. It works great. I've used about 3 different kinds and they all do just fine. Camelbak vs water bottle is a personal preference. I would think that a camelbak would rub too much on the run. I also don't like to put Gatorade in mine. That is why I go for the water bottle.

good luck

Thanks for the help.

I checked the rules and I only need the number on the run. I'll get (or make) a belt for the number.

Back to the Camelbak vs Waterbottle. I only plan to use the CB on the bike and will run with a hand-held water bottle. I just use water in the camelbak and fuel with hammer gel taped to my top tube (raspberrry ftw). The problem on the mountain bike is finding a place on the trail to grab the bottle, drink, and put it back without going over the bars. I probably just need more practice with the bottle since most pro mtb'ers use bottles.

Anyone else doing Xterra Lock 4 Blast in Nashville, TN? 

x3 on spitting in the goggles.  Spit, then rinse with the water right before putting them on.  If you take them off, youhave to do it again, since the spit (which is cheaper than a spray) only leaves a very thin layer of surfactant on the goggles to prevent fogging.

I tend to put on the race belt at T1 - that way I won't forget for T2.  On the bike, I just wear it with the number behind me, like a teeny tiny cape.

I've used camelbaks as well as bottles.  For sprints, which is all I do these days, bottles are plenty of water for me.  Remember, it's not just the weight on the bike - it's the total weight you are moving. So carrying even a 50 oz camelbak is going to mean moving twice the weight of a single large bottle. OTOH, I tend to use a camelbak for training rides and long runs, since I drink a lot.

I did my first without a water bottle (10k). I drained my camelbak while on the bike (found out later I had a leak) and was very thirsty on the run. Since the race will probably will be 95+ and humid by the finish I'll probably bring the bottle just in case. I've trained on the run with a bottle and feel pretty good carrying it.

This user's post has been ignored.