General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Camelbacks? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2007-08-23 10:11 PM

User image

Veteran
110
100
Oceanside
Subject: Camelbacks?
So I've seen all the posts for hydration belts during your long runs. My question is that I have never seen anybody mention the use of a full camelback or even a fani-pack style cambelback. Does anybody use these? The only downside I can see is that the extra weight is placed on your lower back joints instead of being evenly distributed around your waist. Any comments on this?


2007-08-23 10:25 PM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Master
1662
10005001002525
Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I've used the Flashflo and found it too heavy. So I got the Catalyst and was fine with more clothes on my body during the cooler spring. But during the summer, the belt just cut too much into my skin. So I got the Fuelbelt Helium and am a happy runner now. I might go back to the catalyst during the winter because I like having the valve right at my neck. I might even use the flashflo again once my runs get really long, hopefully towards next spring.

I'd say, try them all, even one with shoulder straps. See what you like best.
2007-08-23 11:12 PM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Champion
8540
50002000100050025
the colony texas
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?

I've used a smaller one apx 40oz that has shoulder straps like a backpack, but it was over kill i thought, I was going to use it along with my fuel belt for really long runs, but ended up finding a group to do my long runs with that would put out water stops anyway..

 

2007-08-24 12:29 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Elite
2421
2000100100100100
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?

I've never minded the strain and uneven distribution so much as the sloshing.  Camelbaks have always been my first choice for biking and hiking.  But for actual running the belts offer less aggravation.

bts

2007-08-24 1:15 AM
in reply to: #938613

User image

Regular
63
2525
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
Brett - 2007-08-24 2:29 PM

I've never minded the strain and uneven distribution so much as the sloshing. 

You can get rid of the slosh by turning the bladder upside down and squeezing it till water comes out.  That will get all of the air out of the bladder and it won't bounce nearly as much.  Works best with the smaller versions of camelbacks.

2007-08-24 6:23 AM
in reply to: #938576

Expert
626
50010025
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
Another way to use your Camelback - I saw a fellow fill his with ice. Great idea. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 99 degrees and as always humid. He said it helps in weather like this.


2007-08-24 6:51 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Champion
5575
5000500252525
Butler
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I think I have every hydration system know to man and use them all.  I have handheld bottle, fuel belts, fanny pak style camelbaks and full camelbaks.  I really depends on how long my run is as to which I use.  The fanny pak I have is 43oz so just under 3 lbs and I weigh 200lbs so it really is not that much extra weight and if you make sure there is no air in it you really don't notice the sloshing.  The only downside is the strap around the waist causes me to have the "I need to use the restroom feeling", but that is the same as the fuel belt.  I just got the full backpack style camelbak and it also works well.  It is designed to spread the weight out evenly over your back so you really don't notice it.  Granted it is over 6 lbs but if you only use it for training it make you feel lighter when you race.  One other disadvantage of the camelbak is you can' t see how much you have drank.  My first run with my full camelbak I thought I drank about 70oz and really only drank 30oz when I was finished.
2007-08-24 7:31 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Expert
939
50010010010010025
Newton, MA
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have a 40oz camelbak that I sometimes run with. My problem with it is the bouncing - it doesn't have a chest strap - so I end up keeping the shoulder straps so tight that after 1 1/2 + hours my shoulders actually start to be uncomfortable or worse. I just bought the new fuel belt helium and it's really comfy. Only holds 32oz tho so. I do like the camelbak on the bike alot tho - no bouncing.
2007-08-24 7:46 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Master
2468
20001001001001002525
Muskego, Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I like to train wearing the H.A.W.G. camelback. It's freakin huge! 100 oz and enough room for a change of clothes if I want to meet up with the family. Like kproudfoot said, I too like the added weight while training. It makes me feel fast when I don't wear it.
2007-08-24 7:46 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Runner
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?

I have a 48 oz wasitpack, and 2 of the 100 oz backpack style.  I use the waist one for all my longer runs.  I bought 2 of the Fuel Belt 8 oz bottles with carriers, and put those on the waist belt when I need something more than water for my runs.  So far, the set-up works well.  I've found that if you position the belt at or just above your hips, it sits nicely and your back isn't supporting the weight.

I've never really run with the backpack types, at least not like I run now, mostly because I have never needed that much water while running.  I have used them for hiking and such, though, and they worked quite well for that.  If I ever get up to the longer trail runs, I would probably be glad to have it then, especially since the one has a couple pockets and attachment points.

2007-08-24 7:49 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Master
2491
2000100100100100252525
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have a belt-style Camelback (28 oz.) that I fill with H20 and NUUN's and stick in the fridge overnight before long runs. It's great!


2007-08-24 8:20 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Elite
3221
20001000100100
the desert
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I wear the backpack on long (10+ mile runs). As for the weight, I don't fill it too capacity. I too like the weight training. Plus, there's room for other stuff (snacks, gels)
2007-08-24 8:53 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Expert
1330
100010010010025
Arizona
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have the 2 liter one, and wear it for long runs in the summer. I have even had to put 2 water bottles in it as well so I don't run out of water. But those are for runs of over 3 hours. (I'm slow)

Nice thing about race day is that I get to start out on a long run without it on! I feel liberated and about 10 pounds lighter.

-Jot
2007-08-24 8:59 AM
in reply to: #938576

Expert
1233
100010010025
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I use both the flashflo and the catalyst, both hip packs. Keep the hip pack low, but on the hips, and the pack right above the tail bone. I also use the Ulitmate Direction back pack. It has shoulder, chest, and hip straps and holds to you very well. I use the catalyst during 1/2 marathons, so I can time my gel and water intake, in case the water stops aren't there when needed.
2007-08-24 9:21 AM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Pro
4827
2000200050010010010025
McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have the 48 oz backpack style and love it on the the long runs and rides. I don't really notice the extra weight but it sure makes drinking more convenient and therefore I am more apt to drink.
2007-08-24 1:30 PM
in reply to: #938653

User image

Extreme Veteran
494
100100100100252525
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I prefer my fuel belt over my camelbak. They camelbak sloshes and starts hurting my shoulders after long runs 12 miles +. They nice thing is that you can carry alot more, but I just do laps close to home so I can stop in a refil no problem.


2007-08-24 3:19 PM
in reply to: #939378

User image

Champion
8540
50002000100050025
the colony texas
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
if your using the camelback, I read where someone would put their gatoraid in ice cube trays and then put those frozen gator-cube in the camelback.. 
2007-08-24 4:36 PM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Master
1662
10005001002525
Flagstaff and Phoenix, AZ
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
Just make sure you clean the camelbak reservoir well if you put something different than water in it. Otherwise it gets yucky pretty soon...
2007-08-24 4:47 PM
in reply to: #938576

Expert
882
500100100100252525
Fort Bragg
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have a catalyst. It works pretty well. No sloshing. Kind of small though.
2007-08-24 11:02 PM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Mountain View, CA
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have a pretty high sweat rate, so I wear my 50 oz. Camelbak on pretty much all runs longer than 45 minutes. I find that if I squeeze/suck all the air out and keep the shoulder & chest straps snug, there's minimal sloshing and bouncing. Plus it has a small pocket where I can keep gels, my phone, etc. It took a little getting used to, but I like it a lot. I don't think it places undue stress on my shoulders or back.
2007-08-25 5:06 PM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Veteran
110
100
Oceanside
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
Thanks for all the info people: looks like I will invest in a camelback!


2007-08-25 5:13 PM
in reply to: #938576

User image

Champion
6285
50001000100100252525
Beautiful Sonoma County
Subject: RE: Camelbacks?
I have both and use them regularly.  I have the 2-liter backpack type for rides, and a .75 liter fanny pack for running.  I can't imagine going out for long rides/runs without them. 
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Camelbacks? Rss Feed