Hydration Back Pack Recommendations?

Thor · Jun 11, 2011

Looking for recommendations for a Hydration Back Pack and would really appreciate any feedback.
 
I am currently looking at the follow packs, but I am certainly open to any pack by any maker:
 
1) Nathan HPL 008 1.5L Race Vest (carries 50 oz, weighs 11.2 oz)
<a href="http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NHPL008.html" target="_blank">http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NHPL008.html</a>
*Leaning toward this vest but worry it might not hold enough fluid for training, and I'm worried that it might not be as comfortable a fit as others.
 
2) Nathan HPL 020 2.0L Race Vest (70oz, 14.4 oz)
<a href="http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NHPL020.html" target="_blank">http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-NHPL020.html</a>
 
3) CamelBak Octane LR (carries 70oz, weighs 12.6 oz)
<a href="http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CBOLR11.html" target="_blank">http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CBOLR11.html</a>
 
4) CamelBak Octane XCT (100oz, 11.2 oz)
<a href="http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CBOXC11.html" target="_blank">http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CBOXC11.html</a>
 
More information...
 
I will be participating in TransRockies Run, a six day stage race covering 120 miles, in August. The run will be nearly all trails. Being newer to running mountain & trails, this is honestly the first time I have looked at packs, so I'm very green on what works, what doesn't, and even what to look for in a pack.
 
TransRockies will be well supported with aid stations every 5-8 miles, so I would not need a big reservoir for water, am I'm thinking that I don't want a big one, but I do need to carry some safety items (gloves, rain jacket, hat).
 
In addition to that I also hope to go on 2 to 4 hour training runs with the pack, so I fear going with smaller bladder might bite me. But I'd rather be light weight.
 
Primarily looking for a sturdy, light-weight pack that has minimal bounce, even as the water in the pack dwindles, and can carry some items with cord or pocket (jacket, gloves, hat, camera, power bars), minimal to no chaffing, and is comfortable.
 
Thanks in advance for your help!

jcazz · Jun 11, 2011

<a href="http://www.irunfar.com/2010/10/salomon" target="_blank">www.irunfar.com/2010/10/salomon</a>-advanced-s-lab-hydration-pack-review.html

sk8dog · Jun 13, 2011

I use a 70 oz Camelback and dont have any issues. If you think you are going on a longer training run and you might need more just carry a handheld for the first few miles and when its empty just strap it to the pack. I wouldnt go 100 oz if you are going to use it for that race. I think it would be too big and just weigh you down, with aid every 5 - 7 miles you wont need to carry much liquid. My camelback is the one with only one small pocket on the back and a place to strap your jacket down. I usually just wear Race Ready shorts with all the pockets in them so i dont need much in my pack. 
 
Just some thoughts
 
thanks
 
Marc

Thor · Jun 13, 2011

Marc: Thanks for your input. I am definitely leaning toward carrying less fluid. One of the lighter weight packs might be a good fit for me, especially one where I am just strap jacket and other items onto it. Other than that I will need a pocket for camera, gel or two, power bar or two, electrolytes, and a bit of water. Thanks again!
 
Over the weekend I tried on a Camelbak (probably one similar to what you describe) and Nathan. The Nathan was very comfortable. Camelbak seemed good too. But I didn't care much for the bladder and how you fill it on the Nathan. Either way, leaning right now toward the smaller Nathan.
 
Would love to hear from a few more folks.

davepharos · Jun 13, 2011

I have the ultimate direction wasp, which I really like. Haven't used anything else, so don't have anything to compare it to

<a href="http://ultimatedirection.com/product.php?id=35&page=packs" target="_blank">http://ultimatedirection.com/product.php?id=35&page=packs</a>

Thor · Jun 13, 2011

Thanks for the feedback, Dave. Much appreciated!

Thor · Aug 3, 2011

Was hoping for far more input here from some folks more expert in the area. In any event, thank you to sk8dog, jcazz, and davepharos for responses; they are very much appreciated and went into research that eventually lead me to a great pack.
 
As a result, I figured I would give an update in case there's anyone out there in some of the other forums who come here looking for a similar answer on back pack recommendations.
 
Hydration Back Pack Choice: Nathan HPL 020 2.0L Race Vest (70oz, 14.4 oz)
 
I wound up going with the Nathan HPL 020 2.0L Race Vest and am not at all disappointed. It is comfortable, as it sits high on the back, and can be made to fit snug with little to no bounce. You get used to it very quickly and even forget it's on. I highly recommend it for comfort and easy of use. Love the assortment of pockets. And I am glad I went with the 70 oz one over the 50. I have been on several long trail runs now and although there are a few small things I didn't care for, I would recommend it.
 
To make this pack even better, it would be nice to have an extra buckle up front on the top. Then again, the buckle isn't exactly needed, but I feel it would be a nice option to snug things up, say, when the bladder is low on water.
 
I wish the pack had a better "snap holder" for the water tube. Mine pops out all the time, so I have started putting the tube (the thing you suck on to get water out) across my chest to the other side of the pack, where I stuff it in a loop that is meant to guide the tube on either side -- so my tube is guided on the left by the loop on the left, but then I pull the tube across my chest and stuff the drinking end in the other loop. Hard to describe. I wish it had a better clip to hold the tube in.
 
Only other thing I would change would be to make the pack easier to adjust on the fly. The straps are good because they don't move all that much once secure in place, but that's what also makes it hard to adjust on the trail.
 
I would buy this pack again. But for those reading and using this as your own research, know that I haven't tried any other pack. This is my one and only. I tried several Camelbaks on but never out on a trail for real. The Nathan was flawless in jumping right into a long trail run.

merigayle · Aug 5, 2011

I did not like the women's specific Nathan pack but most people i know love it. I use a 50oz camelbak, but there is no storage space.

Sherpa John · Aug 7, 2011

My favorite Hydration Pack has to be the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325&tag=kickrunners-20&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FNathan-3-Liter-1200-Cubic-Inch-Bladder-Pack%2Fdp%2FB001RJY2W0" rel="norewrite" target="_blank">Nathan HPL #759</a>. Unfortunately they don't make it any more so you won't be able to buy it from any retailer aside from Amazon or Ebay.
 
For racing I use a Nathan Elite 2V Plus waist pack. no reason to have a huge pack like the one I mentioned above but... if I do want to run with a bladder, I'd suggest the Endurance.
 
I recently posted a gear review of their Endurance pack on my blog: <a href="http://sherpajohn.blogspot.com/2011/08/gr-nathan-endurance-vest.html" target="_blank">http://sherpajohn.blogspot.com/2011/08/gr-nathan-endurance-vest.html</a>

Hydration Back Pack Recommendations?

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