Carrying water on long runs

[Lise]

I bought an Amphipod waist pack with two bottles (total 21 oz) and a carry pouch on it. I got the largest size so I can shove it down around my hips. I cannot stand anything around my waist. It makes me nuts, dunno why, but it does. Fortunately (?!) most of my fat is around my belly and hips. If I shove the belt sort of below it...it stays put. Pretty much. I may try a running Camelbak back pack. At $40 a pop, it's expensive to keep trying these things out!

[Lifesgreat]

I too, have an Amphipod.

http://www.amphipod.com/overview/overview.html

[EBD]

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.

[VeloVT]

I don't carry water for runs under 12 miles or so, even on hot days -- but on longer runs, I'm all about my camelbak (actually I have 3 ! Really! One minimal one for summer runs, one minimal insulated one for winter runs, and one big one with lots of cargo space for other activities). I think this is very personal -- but I simply cannot have something bouncing around my waist. It upsets my stomach, throws my stride off, throws my breathing off, and distracts me terribly. The camelbak, on the other hand, I find I don't notice much. I have one of the women's specific ones -- charm or dream? I don't remember which. But it's remarkably stable, doesn't inhibit or interfere with normal upper body motion, I don't find that it's too hot (though it does get sweaty and is hard to wash), and it carries lots of water (I think the one I use most is about 70 oz).

If you do decide to try a camelbak, definitely get one with a sternum strap. It really helps.

[limewave]

I carry a water bottle that has a hand strap on it so I don't actually have to hold it. It's great. I tried the belts and packs around the waist and back and they really bothered me. I carry it with me for any run over 6 miles or if it's over 85 degrees out.

[runner2]

i run early in the morning, it's a 3 miles loop near my place, i place some water bottles at a safe spot, and go on running loop after loop.

[Bikingmomof3]

I carry a water bottle that has a hand strap on it so I don't actually have to hold it. It's great. I tried the belts and packs around the waist and back and they really bothered me. I carry it with me for any run over 6 miles or if it's over 85 degrees out.

Limewave,
Which one do you use? Even with the cooler weather, I am always thirsty. Partially because my medications make me thirsty, the other I sweat a lot.
TIA!

[Grog]

I tried the Camelback and didn't like it too much either. I didn't like to feel and hear the water slushing around. Running with a bottle was not bad. I think I'll get a holder too. I've seen them at the Running Room (big running gear chain) so I guess they're fairly easy to find. I think there's one for sale on TE too...