[Billy]

I figure most of you know, but in case you don't, it is a water carrier like a Camelbak, though with different design elements. I got mine on Monday. I haven't used it yet. It is <i>almost</i> warm enough here in AZ to require it, so it will be soon.<br><br>
So far, I'm really impressed. It is very comfortable to wear. It did not bounce around when I jogged in place. There doesn't seem to be a clip to secure the drinking tube but I think one of the loops for the little pockets on the front can be pressed into service with no problem.<br><br>
I was disappointed that I was not able to get get 50 oz of fluid into my 50 oz Camelbak. I was eager to see just how disappointed (yes, you read that right) I would be in Nathan. The bladder is pretty impressive. It has graduated markings for the level of fluid inside. The "bracket" that holds the cap is shaped in such a way as to make holding it for filling pretty easy (though still a little awkward). There also some eyelets on the top part of the bladder for hanging it up and this might help for filling it as well. The final result was that I was able to put 10 cups of water into the bladder. I didn't measure that carefully so I'm sure when I filled it 2 cups at time some of the cups had too much. It had at least 80 oz in it. Its rated capacity is 75 oz. There was room for at least another cup. I'm thrilled to report Nathan has underpromised and overdelivered with respect to fluid capacity. That's a big deal to me during the hot summers here.<br><br>
I'm looking forward to using it. I'll report back when I do.

 

[Marko]

Where did you buy it? I am thinking to get this model too, but can't find it in the local stores..

 

[RichardC]

Billy, I am excited to hear the report... I am looking into one of these...just trying to pull the trigger... let me know your first run and how it goes.<br><br>
Marko: go to <a href="http://www.nathansports.com" target="_blank">www.nathansports.com</a> and look there for online stores.

 

[cgerber]

I use mine all the time and love it! Great pack. It's very stable and hasn't caused me any problems, I've used it on runs up to 50 miles.<br><br>
I bought mine at Zombierunner. They are really great. I have no financial interest in Nathan or Zombierunner.<br><br><a href="http://www.zombierunner.com/store/categories/bottles_and_packs/hydration_packs/product932.html" target="_blank">http://www.zombierunner.com/store/ca...roduct932.html</a><br><br>
- Chris

 

[ctxcrossx]

It is a great pack. The only downfall that I have found is that it has quite a small carrying capacity. This makes it a race day pack for me. For more of an adventure run, I prefer the UD wasp, which is also a wonderful pack, but holds a ton more.<br><br>
Chris

 

[Billy]

I used Google Shopping (f/k/a Froogle) to find it. I ordered mine from TriVillage.com b/c they had the lowest price. Never heard of them before but they had a good BizRate rating and I can say I'm pleased with the service.<br><br>
Zombierunner also had it for a few bucks more. I've heard nothing but good things about them and look forward to purchasing something from them someday.

 

[Billy]

So I did my long run with it on Sunday. Short version: I was favorably impressed.<br><br>
Slightly longer version and in no particular order.
<ul><li>I put some gels in the front pockets. That worked great, but the gel packets would ocassionally rub against each other and make an annoying noise. Easy enough to fix.</li>
<li>I put my phone in the zipper pocket. I'm sure it bounced around in there but what is crucial to me is that I never felt it.</li>
<li>I think Nathan did a lot to make this pack "breathable." I could definitely feel the sweat build up underneath. This was not a constant annoyance; I did forget about it from time to time. I have to give them full marks here because anything you put next to your skin is going to have this problem at least a little.</li>
<li>Where to put the nozzle? My plan was to use the little loops that are on the pockets. The one for the central, zipper pocket put the nozzle against the mesh and so my water had a not-so-wonderful fabric taste. If I had used one of the other pockets I don't think I would have had that problem. If I still do, I'm going to have to figure out a way to make sure that doesn't happen.</li>
<li>That's it. That's as critical as I can be. The thing didn't bounce around when I moved. I like that it rides higher on the back than the camelbak does. It was also comfortable from the word go (at least once I got the straps right, which was easy) even when completely full. My camelbak only got comfortable once it was more than half empty.</li>
</ul>
Looking forward to hot summers and racing. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[ctxcrossx]

Here are some items for your tube securing needs. The first two are from camelbak and the last is from hydrapak. I have used all three. I have found that the first item doesn't work the best for larger diameter tubes. The last is my favorite, although it can have some issues with the velcro sticking to some clothing, but it is by far the easiest to use. Finally, I strongly recommend a neoprene tube insulator that many of the companies carry. They are typically recommended for winter use, but they are wonderful at keeping water in the tube cool. You'll know what I mean once you take the first gulp of warm water...yuck!<br><br><a href="http://static.backcountry.com/images/items/medium/CAM/CAM0019.jpg" target="_blank">http://static.backcountry.com/images...AM/CAM0019.jpg</a><br><br><a href="http://www.skinnyskis.com/images/products/Products/Accessories/Hydration/Camelbak/07-08/camelclip_small.jpg" target="_blank">http://www.skinnyskis.com/images/pro...clip_small.jpg</a><br><br><a href="http://www.hydrapak.com/catalog/product2115.htm" target="_blank">http://www.hydrapak.com/catalog/product2115.htm</a><br><br>
Chris

 

[Billy]

Awesome Chris! I'll definitely take a look at those.<br><br>
Thanks much,<br>
Billy

 

[RichardC]

Just ordered mine

 

[Billy]

Cool. I wanna hear your review too!

 

[RichardC]

Got it tonight in the Mail.... seems to fit abit akward on a tall fat guy... but... I will do a long run Thursday with it and give better feedback.

 

[RichardC]

Billy, I strapped it on tonight for a 13 mile run... Very comfortable to run with. I am not used to hearing sloshing noise, however I never felt it move!!!! I am not used to drinking out of a bite valve... so Still have some practice with that for sure... But Over all I am very happy with the Purchase.<br><br>
One plus I see to this pack... is that you can fit Ice cubes in the water bottle... and that has to feel good on your back during the hot summer runs.

 

[divaleh]

I saw they just came out with a newer women's version (with the bungee that the older Intensity didn't have).<br><br>
Happy early birthday to me!

 

[ctxcrossx]

That's relatively easy to take care of. When you fill your bladder, make sure to remove the air. I usually do this by closing the bladder, turning it upside down, and then squeezing the air out until it comes out of the mouthpiece. Obviously, if you fill it again midrun, you'd have to do it again.<br><br>
Chris

 

[Billy]

I've not run with it enough (or drunk from it enough) to hear much sloshing but that was par for the course with the Camelbak. Kind of annoying, but when the sloshing stopped on a hot day you knew you were in trouble!<br><br>
The bit valve isn't so bad. I think I like Camelbak's version a bit better. I'm halfway thinking of seeing if I can make one fit.<br><br>
The ice cubes thing is a heckuva great idea. I'm going to do that!

 

[crunningman]

Me to.

 

[4boysmom]

I have a CamelBak that I really like. I used it for my long runs this winter. I found that adding HOT gatorade worked best. First, it's a "hot water bottle" for the early part of the run. Second, cold water in the tube would freeze! So, I'd take a sip until it started to get warm, leaving warm fluid in the tube. By the next drink, this had cooled off, but hadn't yet frozen. I am thinking that ice water/gatorade will be nice in the summer!

 

[RichardC]

Billy,<br><br>
the Ice trick worked well yesterday on my run!!! back was real cool...

 

[cgerber]

I'll have to check that pack out. I've been looking for something for long wilderness runs... thanks!