I’m gearing up for my first 50K. That means I am adapting all my marathon know-hows to the new ultra distance. It also means I get to shop. I’ve been reading A LOT about hydration and nutrition. I want the right stuff so I don’t go bonkers on the trail.
Usually I wear a hydration backpack in my training for the long runs. I’ve tried a couple waist packs but I haven’t found one that doesn’t bounce too much or annoy the hell out of me. As I read more about ultra running, I’m considering switching to a hand-held bottle. Seems there’s a lot of trail runners out there that wear a vest and use one or two handhelds.
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| New addition to my running stash. |
Research complete.
Benefits:
- Visual reminder to drink
- Easy to switch liquids (or to replenish)
- No chaffing from hydration pack or waist packs
- Add gels to water easily
- Ideal for short runs
Negatives:
- Running out of water
- Wasting energy to hold the bottle
- Arm and shoulder may seizes up or tighten
- Not ideal for long runs
After my long-run on Sunday, I picked up a handheld at the Running Room. I used it during my recovery run this morning. A bit awkward at first, holding a bottle soon came second nature. Drinking from the bottle seemed easier than gulping from my hydration pack. I’m pretty sure it would be damn annoying to carry an empty bottle on a long run. For now I will keep using it on shorter distances. Likely I will keep using my hydration pack for the long runs. I am contemplating picking up a Nathan vest in the future. Too much choice! Too many decisions to make.
What do you use for your short and long runs? Handheld, waist pack, hydration back pack?
As a runner I use hydration pack and I am wearing this. CamelBak is good and now I am using Nathan .
Thank for your informative review. Hydration pack is very valuable to every runner.
Happy Running!