CamelBak on the run?

plus it looks pretty silly. Also, if it's full, it will shift your centre of mass backwards and may hurt your back. But mostly the looking silly thing for me.
During training is different if you don't want to be carrying water bottles and such.

I've run with one on longer runs / humid days.   Mine is 60oz, so it's not too bad completely filled.  However, most times, I fill it only about half full.  (or, it's half empty for you pessimists...)

I will use mine for training.  I think it carries 70 oz...never have had a problem with it feeling heavy.  Also, I like the fact that it has a compartment that I can carry a powerbar or maybe a pbj.  I've never used it for a race though...figure I'll take what they have on the course

Edited by rayd 2009-10-18 7:29 AM

I ran with mine yesterday for 8.8 miles.  I had been having hydration/nutrition problems on my longer runs (causing headaches)

One shoulder strap kept slipping down and bothered me for about a mile.  After that, it didn't bother me.

And, it's funny you posted this, because I meant to give some advice on running with Camelbaks...

COVER YOUR BITEVALVE WHEN BLOWING SNOTROCKETS.

'nuf sed.

I've trained with a Camelback before, and had a lot more problems with rubbing and chafing compared to a fuel belt, which is what I use now.  It just wasn't that comfortable when I was running. 

I still wear the Camelback on long rides sometimes.

There are running-specific hydration packs, which are much better than regular packs. A few months ago I just got a Nathan pack, which has a suspension system in the straps. The shoulder straps are also made of a different material (webbing) that is much more comfortable. I use it trail running because it gets crazy hot in Tucson, and there's no water available out on the trails. I used to run with either a fuel belt (2 side bottles) or a waist pack that holds a bottle in the back. The problem I have with those is that they have to be tightened to not slip, and it starts to restrict my breathing. The running pack doesn't have a waist strap so it is much more comfortable. I put 40 oz of water in the pack and it doesn't feel like it at all, and that's twice as much as I can carry with the bottles. Because the pack is higher you have to get used to the sloshing noise the water makes, but that helps to let me know how much I have left.

In AZ races are much warmer, so I see people on the run with them. If you want to wear it, go for it. Not a bad thing to have when aid stations run out of water (which I've had happen in multiple races).

I know everyone has their own preference, but I'm very experienced with running and I have tried nearly every hydration system out there, and have trained pure running for 70-100 miles per week at peak.

The hydration paks worked flawlessly for me. Never chafed, never bounced too much, and held more than ample water, etc. I recommend them to all marathon running folks who are doing uber-long runs. 

I have run with them even doing on-road 100m sprints , and even at all-out sprint paces the pak doesn't cause any problems. I can't imagine anyone every getting an injury because of it, and if it's chafing, its because you haven't chosen the right sized one. I've extensively used 3 (North Face, & 2 by Camelbak) and all have been perfectly excellent.

The weight is not an issue until you're carrying 1L or more. When you fully load a 100oz bladder, the Camelbak will weigh 8 lbs - you will definitely notice that. 

Some folks swear by the fuel belt, but it didn't carry enough water for me, and I constantly got bottle rotational issues when running fast (<7min/mile). I used both FuelBelt and the highly regarded Amphipod belt, which for me were fine at slower paces, but sufficiently problematic at faster paces that I completely abandoned them despite their convenience of size.

Still, I choose not to race with the Camelbak, mainly because of the weight issue when fully loaded. Note that ultramarathoners who need ample water between stops which can be 15 miles apart almost always use these paks.