Do you recommend Camelbak Hydration Backpacks?

[Apple_Robert]

I think you should also try to race a few shorter runs. (5k, 10k etc). I routinely run with a belt with keys, eye drops, and two 10 oz bottles of water. That's just for training, and runs anywhere from 3-10 miles. Races wind up being far different than training runs. Most of the time I don't really need to touch the water, but I want to be used to carrying the weight, and practiced at drinking from the bottles - I've choked a few times from the bottle, but also had trouble drinking from cups on runs. For that matter, there's nothing worse than just needing to rinse some dust out of your mouth, only to discover that you grabbed the sugary drink that's now dripping down your face and body.

My longest race to date was 15k, and I ran with only my phone in an arm band. I skipped all the water stations and two rest stops being completely focused on maintaining my goal pace, starting at 8 min/mi and finishing 9:07 average.

Plus, lets face it, runners are a bizarre lot, but much better than cyclists . You'll never hear the end of how much a noob you are running with a camelpak.

I have already run 2 5K races before I got injured and did very well for my age group. I am not really interested in 10K, as I know I can do the distance already. Half-marathon and more is where I find the challenge for myself.

I have been practicing using the hand-held bottle at times during training, so I can get a feel for it, even though it wasn't necessary.

You are right. Race day isn't like training day. There is usually some quirk or unforeseen circumstance that skews things a little.

Any person that judges me for wearing something during training or race day that I may feel needful in some way, that he or she finds silly (not dangerous mind you) etc. can go pound sand, as far as I am concerned. If I let such drivel bother me, I wouldn't have much self worth.

As I work my way forward to where I was prior in training, I don't see myself using a Camelbak (should I get one) all the time in training for this half-marathon. But, for those times where I have gotten a lot longer in my mileage and off by myself (or with a friend) on the trail, having more than a 21 oz bottle may certainly come in handy, for a variety of reasons, especially with training for full marathon, ultra and the like.

At this point, I am still in the intel gathering phase, and continually accessing my ongoing performance and potential needs, as it relates to ongoing trail running racing not just for this race, but the longer ones to come.

Granted, one can read some reviews on Amazon about Camelbak usage. However, I feel that asking a large audience (with varying levels of background, usage and needs) in a more personal setting such as this, can better assist me in my research. I just don't want to be down to the wire (as it were) having to consider an essential element in running, that should have merited earlier focus.

 

[millerj123]

I have already run 2 5K races before I got injured and did very well for my age group. I am not really interested in 10K, as I know I can do the distance already. Half-marathon and more is where I find the challenge for myself.

I have been practicing using the hand-held bottle at times during training, so I can get a feel for it, even though it wasn't necessary.

You are right. Race day isn't like training day. There is usually some quirk or unforeseen circumstance that skews things a little.

Any person that judges me for wearing something during training or race day that I may feel needful in some way, that he or she finds silly (not dangerous mind you) etc. can go pound sand, as far as I am concerned. If I let such drivel bother me, I wouldn't have much self worth.

As I work my way forward to where I was prior in training, I don't see myself using a Camelbak (should I get one) all the time in training for this half-marathon. But, for those times where I have gotten a lot longer in my mileage and off by myself (or with a friend) on the trail, having more than a 21 oz bottle may certainly come in handy, for a variety of reasons, especially with training for full marathon, ultra and the like.

At this point, I am still in the intel gathering phase, and continually accessing my ongoing performance and potential needs, as it relates to ongoing trail running racing not just for this race, but the longer ones to come.

Granted, one can read some reviews on Amazon about Camelbak usage. However, I feel that asking a large audience (with varying levels of background, usage and needs) in a more personal setting such as this, can better assist me in my research. I just don't want to be down to the wire (as it were) having to consider an essential element in running, that should have merited earlier focus.

Absolutely. At this point, the only thing I want to do but haven't is sprint out the gate faster than anyone yelling "I'm winning! I'm winning" for all of two or three seconds.

That one's not going to happen, but would be EPIC.

At this point, I can't imagine drinking one of my 10 oz bottles during a half. I guess that's why I used the big grin. YMMV.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Absolutely. At this point, the only thing I want to do but haven't is sprint out the gate faster than anyone yelling "I'm winning! I'm winning" for all of two or three seconds.

That one's not going to happen, but would be EPIC.

At this point, I can't imagine drinking one of my 10 oz bottles during a half. I guess that's why I used the big grin. YMMV.

I like doing negative split running. That way, I know that I am not going to burn out early in the race or my long training. Using a metronome is a good tool for finding your groove and helping you (general use) run faster over time, in my opinion.

 

[Technarchy]

Camelbak makes a good product.

Keep in mind though, they aren't the only game in town.

I personally prefer Osprey packs, and I think their packs are better and their bladder tech and valves are superior.

Or you can buy a pack that specifically fits your needs and the event, and then add a bladder after.

 

[daflake]

I am a cyclist, but was a runner before the Army destroyed my ankle. I also agree on going Osprey, their packs have gone beyond Camlebak in both the bladder and support systems. So if you are going to wear one, I would look at them both. As for running with one of those on your back for a half marathon (unless training), I simply don't see the need. Hydrate before and after and use the water stations along the route. There simply is no need to carry that extra weight and drink more than you need.

 

[Technarchy]

I am a cyclist, but was a runner before the Army destroyed my ankle. I also agree on going Osprey, their packs have gone beyond Camlebak in both the bladder and support systems. So if you are going to wear one, I would look at them both. As for running with one of those on your back for a half marathon (unless training), I simply don't see the need. Hydrate before and after and use the water stations along the route. There simply is no need to carry that extra weight and drink more than you need.

Agreed, on a half marathon, I'd probably not bother. I did 5K runs in the army without mid-run sips without issue.

Last time I did a 5K I kept it ultra minimal. Cut the weight, and you'll probably improve your run experience and time.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Camelbak makes a good product.

Keep in mind though, they aren't the only game in town.

I personally prefer Osprey packs, and I think their packs are better and their bladder tech and valves are superior.

Or you can buy a pack that specifically fits your needs and the event, and then add a bladder after.

Thanks for the mention about Osprey. I looked at the Rev 6 and I like the features.

 

[Technarchy]

Thanks for the mention about Osprey. I looked at the Rev 6 and I like the features.

I'd head to the local REI type shop and try it out. It's a 6 liter pack which will probably be overkill for a road run 5k. I can 3 season daypack on 6 liters of capacity easily. It's not huge, but you can go more minimal.

The REV 1.5 will probably a little closer to matching the intended goal, but if you want to add trail runs, hikes and some scrambling, the REV 6 will be more flexible and match more seasons.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I'd head to the local REI type shop and try it out. It's a 6 liter pack which will probably be overkill for a road run 5k. I can 3 season daypack on 6 liters of capacity easily. It's not huge, but you can go more minimal.

The REV 1.5 will probably a little closer to matching the intended goal, but if you want to add trail runs, hikes and some scrambling, the REV 6 will be more flexible and match more seasons.

Thanks for the follow up. I have a REI near me that I can make use of. Good idea.

I have also been looking at the Rev 1.5. If I do get a hydration backpack, I do want to get something that will be as minimal as possible, and still meet some basic needs, even for trail running. And from what I can see, the Rev. 1.5 may be just that.

I appreciate the replies thus far. They have been a help.

I was in need of a pair of good trail shoes (my first) and purchased a pair of New Balance Leadville v3 earlier this evening. Good trail shoes were higher on the priority list than the hydration pack, which I still have time to research, gather more feedback and the like, before making a decision yea or nay.

 

[Older bird]

I run 1/2's at least once a month I have a belt with the 2 10oz bottles that I drink around 10k mark. No need for a ton of water/weight. IMO pre race hydration is the key to success in any distance race. If you start out well hydrated water intake needed is minimal for anything under 21K. They have some really nice belts on Amazon in the 30 buck range. No need to spend 50+ for a Nathan or the likes.

 

[Apple_Robert]

After trying on a full 3L pack, I decided that it would be too much, and decided to go with the Osprey Rev 1.5 (Bolt Blue), as I got a real good deal on it.

For those with Osprey packs, have you been able to find a bite valve cover?

 

[daflake]

Not sure if they even make one for them, but I never use them anyway as there is no need. Why do you want a cover?

 

[Apple_Robert]

Not sure if they even make one for them, but I never use them anyway as there is no need. Why do you want a cover?

I think it would be a good idea to have one that is loop attached to the tube. That way, it keeps dirt and other unwanted germs from getting on your bite valve during travel etc.

I looked at the Osprey website and didn't see any covers, although I did see bite sheaths. I was just wondering if someone knew of a third party maker.

 

[daflake]

I sort of saw something on e-bay, but my concern would be mold as the cap would prevent the sheath from drying. I have never had a problem with dirt and grime and I mountain bike with mine. If dirt gets on it (when I wipe out), I just rinse it. I also clean mine every few uses to ensure nothing is growing in the bag. Just take care of it and you should be fine.

 

[txa1265]

Great bunch of replies

I love my Camelbak, but really only ever use it beyond 20 miles for my runs. If it is really hot and sunny and I'm doing my hilly 18.5 route I might also use it ... but really not for anything shorter.

Between 10 - 15 miles I have a Camelbak insulated bottle I use that is 25oz and works great.

But one of the key things I have learned - and is reflected here - is that it is key to understand your body and how it responds to intake, exertion and the effects of temperature, humidity, and so on.

I remember running my first half marathon, I was still losing weight and didn't properly fuel and even cut back on my in-race fueling and really crashed hard at the end. TL;DR - your body needs fuel.

Good luck with the half!

 

[Apple_Robert]

I sort of saw something on e-bay, but my concern would be mold as the cap would prevent the sheath from drying. I have never had a problem with dirt and grime and I mountain bike with mine. If dirt gets on it (when I wipe out), I just rinse it. I also clean mine every few uses to ensure nothing is growing in the bag. Just take care of it and you should be fine.

I sent an email to Osprey yesterday, and the following is the reply I got, for those interested. Good news for me, seeing as I just bought the blue (second generation) model.

"Thank you for contacting Osprey Packs. At this time, we have replacement bite valve sheaths, but not bite valve covers. However, we are redesigning our reservoirs this year, and beginning in our fall season, we will also have bite valve covers. The dimension and shape of the bite valves is remaining the same, so the new covers should fit the previous generation bite valves. Please note, they will not fit the first generation reservoir bite valves (grey color = first generation and blue = second generation). Please let us know if you need anything else.
Best,
Caitlin"