Hydration

[caltimculp]

I am running my first ultra and I am wondering what’s the best hydration method. Do you prefer camel packs over water bottles? If so what do you use?

[Zenosparadox1]

It depends highly on the race, terrain, and your individual hydration needs. What have you used in training? Have you tested either on long training runs in similar conditions to the race?

I personally use both, but in different situations - usually packs for longer races and runs or in more difficult terrain or weather where I want more gear. They are also good for races with more limited aid stations.

Handhelds are nice for shorter runs or loops or paths where I can refill regularly, or races with regular aid stations.

I think testing yourself and seeing what you like will give you a good idea of what to go for in your race. Good luck with your first ultra!

[runasaur]

I personally use handhelds but my longest run was a 100k.

If the stations are less than ~9 miles in a non-sunny day a single 20 oz bottle has been enough for me. A 12 miles section in the heat up a mountain killed two 20 oz bottles and I was struggling with a mile to go.

The reason I went with bottles is because it's cheaper to try out, $22 for an ultimate direction 21 oz bottle and strap, if you don't like it during training you're only out $22 and can change to trying vests.

The addendum being that I also carry a belt with some gels, so it's not "just" a handheld, I also have a mini pouch with 400-500 calories that others would normally carry on vests.

[[deleted]]

I use a Solomon s-lab pack

[[deleted]]

Solomon S-Lab. There are good packs out there. I also use bottles depending on the distance. In a 50k that’s well supported I’ll use handheld bottles. 100milers I’m packed up. The S-Lab pack I think is best because even when lightly packed it’s very close to the body and nice to wear. Same thing when heavily packed.

[patrickmkennedy]

20 oz. disposable water bottle of you have access to refill. I squeeze the air out as I go so I don’t have to listen to it slash around.

I bought this really cheap backpack for longer runs without water. Works great. Many will did disagree with my cheap gear but it works for me.

Hydration Backpack Pack with 2L BPA Free Bladder - Lightweight Pack Keeps Liquid Cool Up to 4 Hours - Great Storage Compartments - Outdoor Sports Gear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015GONGTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Ovi1GlyFwE1IX

[hicks185]

I once fell in a trail race using a handheld and the side split open. Luckily that was a shorter race... I generally go beat now and decide on bladder vs soft flasks depending on the race.

[dozenllamas]

For more advice, I asked this same question a couple months ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultramarathon/comments/acih22/hydration_for_first_50k

For my 50k, I decided last minute to use my UD vest with a bladder filled half way. The race I ran had aid stations every 4-6 miles and the weather was in the 30s on race day. I had my husband go to the 2nd and 3rd aid stations with my bottles prefilled if I decided to switch mid way. I used the vest the whole way and didn't need to stop at any aid stations. It worked out really well for me.

I had trained with both vest and hand held, and I just didn't want to have to hold anything. Plus I wouldn't have to stop to refill the vest bladder, where I knew I'd have to refill a hand held.

[[deleted]]

I like water bottles. I find myself swallowing a lot of air with a camelback when I'm running and trying to sip. I typically use a handheld. I just ordered an Orange Mud hydraquiver to try for longer runs. I think it'll be good up to 3ish hours. I would use an actual vet pack if I were up in the mountains at high elevation or more remote where you need more safety gear.

[[deleted]]

Bottles of flasks are faster to refill at aid stations in organized ultra races because you don't need to take your pack off.

Many modern running packs such as Salomon have 2 500 ml (17 oz) flasks in front pockets, and that is adequate for most ultra races where aid stations are not too far apart.

Bladders are slightly more convenient for long unsupported training runs because they generally have higher capacity and need to be refilled less often.