[divaleh]

How the heck do you fill these things to capacity without making a mess? I just bought the Camelbak Charm, and there is no way I got 50 oz in there.<br><br>
I got plenty of water on me, though<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"><br><br>
I gather there's a trick? Or is it just practice makes perfect?

 

[ctxcrossx]

The easiest way to fill the camelbak (and most other bladders) is to have the opening completely horizontal. The new camelbak bladders have a black plastic grip on the rim to make this easier to do.<br><br>
oh....and practice makes perfect. <img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"><br><br>
Chris

 

[divaleh]

Horizontal, check! It also helps to HOLD it horizontally, and not let it accidentally lean on something. Thus the water ON me as opposed to IN the bladder <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[merigayle]

yep, that is the best advice. Also, prior to filling it, stick your hand in there to make sure the bladder is open and not stuck to itself. Also, if you use it in a race, fill it up yourself. People who are unfamiliar with the camelbacks may not fill it properly. I ran a race this summer where it was over 100F and almost 100% humidity and within 10 minutes of leaving the aid station, i was empty?!?!?! So now, either i or my crew fill it personally.<br><br>
And before you wear it, make sure you bleed the extra air out so it does not slosh on your back. You want to hold it upside down, blow out thru the tube, then suck all the air out until you get water <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[divaleh]

Thx, Meri! The sloshing didn't bother me, but I would def prefer NOT to hear it (I was wondering why mine made that sound and yours didn't<img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> )

 

[Timr1]

Yeah, what these guys said. Also, once you get the thing full, hold it only by the filler neck, keep the blader over the sink, then screw the cap on with the other hand. Try not to accidently bump the bladder causing water to spew out while you're trying to cap the beast. Good luck.

 

[Billy]

Sorry Camelbak. I love the product. I just don't think there is any way it holds 50 oz. 32 maybe, but not 50. That just means I will have to buy the larger and more expensive products. I like them so I'm not busted up about it. I just wish they would be more conservative in their labelling. It's a big deal here in Phoenix in the summer how much capacity you really have.

 

[divaleh]

My main reason for getting the Charm was that it's very short, and for me that = comfort. Sadly, the larger capacity ones are a little too long, and hit my butt when I run.<br><br>
I'm thinking that I'll just have to suck up and deal come summertime, tho.

 

[crunningman]

Some great advice here. Can't add much other than <b>"very carefully"</b>.

 

[ctxcrossx]

<br>
If you find that you have capacity issues in the summer, having a handheld bottle will help too. This way you can put water in the bladder, and then a sports drink in the bottle. All of the 100oz (and 70 for that matter) bladders are pretty much the dimensions, so if you find that size too long, you'll probably find all of them too long, no matter which company.<br><br>
Chris

 

[Hippo]

I just got the Nathan HPL020 running vest. It's only 64oz but it rides very high on the shoulders with the bladder sitting right between my shoulderblades. EDIT: there has to be at least 18" between the bladder and my butt.<br><br>
I'm not sure I'm exactly recommending it for you, if nothing else, Nathan has a women's race vest that is more appropriate. I'm just saying that there may be some that will work for you, and that the Nathan ones might point the way to one that is perfect for you.<br><br><i>Note: NFI in Nathan. I'm actually a little pissed at Nathan/Montrail right now.</i>

 

[divaleh]

Chris - thx. I was hoping to avoid doubling up like that, but I may just have to do it. I'm fine with one handheld, but so far I can't deal with two (I just find it aggravating).<br><br>
Hippo - I've been looking at the Nathan race vests. I wish I could find a store that carried them, but I've yet to come across one. I think I'm just going to have to do a big online order of all the possibilities, try them on at home, and go from there.<br><br>
Thankfully, I've got all winter to figure it out <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[ctxcrossx]

I did the same thing last winter. I decided to test out the UD Wasp and the Nathan #020......I kept them both. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"> If you are looking to hold more water, then definitely look at the UD Wasp. It has significantly more storage space and you could probably drop in a second bladder if you wanted to. I have a feeling that it may ride slightly lower than the #020, but I think it would still do the trick.<br><br>
....sorry, the UD item is the Wink, which is the female version...<br><br><a href="http://www.ultimatedirection.com/product.php?id=109&page=packs" target="_blank">http://www.ultimatedirection.com/pro...109&page=packs</a><br><br>
Chris