Hydration study

[OakLeaf]

I thought this was interesting. http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx...8677&PageNum=1

The conclusion is basically what I experienced myself... that "rotating weight" in the hands uses a lot more energy than the centralized mass of a hydration pack. Interesting, too, that they used a Nathan pack as their test. I find that mine rides MUCH lighter than a waist belt, which they didn't test.

[yellow]

I've given handhelds many chances, and always come to the same conclusion: I hate them. For shorter runs I can tolerate the one-bottle waist pack but for everything long it's one of the Nathan packs. I tried one of the Inov8 packs a couple of years ago and it didn't hold a candle to the Nathan. And the one time I tried running with a Camelback brand pack I about tossed the thing in the river. I guess Columbia is now making running packs, but I haven't seen one yet.

[colby]

Wow, really interesting. I remember being surprised that when I was snowboarding the camelbak I was wearing didn't throw me off, but it seems like the same "center of mass" idea as running... keep it close to where your body is used to holding extra weight and it doesn't make as big of a difference.

The worst part about wearing the camelbak (or other backpack) is that it makes my heart monitor chafe against my sports bra, easily solved with bodyglide. I do enjoy racing without it, though.

[artifactos]

I usually don't carry water when I run (I usually run under 8 miles at a time and make sure to almost over-hydrate before I head out and I'm sure to have plenty of water waiting when I'm done), but I have never tried just a hydration pack before. I have a Camelbak day pack (3 L) that I've used for hiking and long days out in the sun at horse shows, but it's far too big for running.

I might have to look into another, smaller pack for running. I can't carry a water bottle (or a shirt I remove, for that matter) while running without throwing myself way off.

[OakLeaf]

I have to again highly recommend the Nathan pack. I have other packs from Platypus and Camelbak I use for outdoor events, hiking and cycling, but I wouldn't consider running in them. It's unbelievable how light the Nathan Intensity pack feels with 2 liters of water in it. As someone else pointed out, they call it a vest, and it really wears like a vest, not like a backpack.

[Crankin]

I ditto the Nathan pack. I have the 2 bottle waist belt and I absolutely do not get bothered by it. I drink a ton, and even on short, 3 mile runs, I finish one of the 10- oz. bottles.If I ever ran longer (above 5-6 miles) distances, I would need the 4 bottle pack.
I have a different waist pack for hiking and x-country skiing, with a larger pouch to store gear. I could never wear it running. Same way I couldn't ski with my Camelbak, although it does not bother me for riding.