Review - Camelbak Alterra
Y'all, it's hot out here. Perhaps you've noticed. So after reading this board I went to REI and tried on different hydration waistpacks, and ended up with the Camelbak Alterra. All the bottle packs just seemed so bouncy when I put them on and jogged in place (though of course they were empty). Also, unlike the various bottle holders, the Camelbak had soft fleece cushioning on the inside of the waistband. It was about $35.
I took the Camelbak on its first long run yesterday and am very happy with it. I like that you can fill it just partially, and add ice, and it won't slosh. It holds 28 oz., which is way more than I need for an hour and a half run, even in N.C. in August. I managed to squeeze a gel and my mp3 player into its various crannies as well - although I'd say the biggest flaw is a lack of useful pockets. Although it took a little getting used to because I'm not used to carrying anything on my runs, it didn't bounce. No matter what I did, though, I couldn't get it to stay down on my hips - always rode up above my shorts. I'm very hourglass, so if you aren't you may have more success. Luckily, the fleece lining meant the waistband didn't chafe my belly.
So I give the Alterra two thumbs up. I'd rather not carry anything on a run, but this pack seemed a pretty un-intrusive solution.