Backpack advice needed please - Gear

Good Lad

28/08/2007 at 11:27

I don't get on with bottles so am thinking of investing in a small rucksack. I don't run huge distances but would like some capacity to carry fluid, jellybabies, a light waterproof and also a hat.

Will I need a specialist bit of kit, or will a trip to JJB suffice?

Cheers in advance

fat buddha

28/08/2007 at 11:44

Camelbak Flashflo - not a rucsac but a waistbelt bumbag style which is more comfy for running as no shoulder straps to chafe - holds up to 1.4litre and space for odds and sods.......

google it - loads of online retailers but forget JJB for kit like this

Colin - www.colinwatts.co.uk

28/08/2007 at 14:56

I'm with FB about not going to JJB.

There are loads of other retailer who will have a selection of bags to try out.

I have a Camelback rucksack that takes a 1.5 ltr water bladder and I can carry a waterproof jacket and other small stuff. It's enough for 30-40 mile runs.

There is a difference of views on the waist belt/backpack options. It's really down to the individual and what you get on with. I find a rucksack more comfortable than a waist belt arrangement.

So the split is 50/50 at the moment .

Colin

Good Lad

28/08/2007 at 15:52

Thanks for the replies

I think the backpack style will get a bit more use for cycling etc. I've just seen a hydration backpack made by HiGear/Gelert, £15, with a 2L bladder, and space for a waterproof and other bits.

A Eurocamp one which was near enough identical was £35 in millets.

JJB had the Run365 bladder in a smallpack but with no space for anything other than keys for £13.

fat buddha

28/08/2007 at 18:05

I have a camelbak rucsac as well and have run with that but I find the Flashflo more comfy when running - the rucsac gets heavily used when mountain biking, skiing and day hiking though........

there are loads more brand choices of bladder style rucsacs than with bumbag types (only ones I've seen are Camelbak, Lowe Alpine, Salomon and Inov8)

PSC

pirate

28/08/2007 at 18:26

I've recently brought a inov8 pro18 and have used it virtually everyday since. Not used the bladder yet, but as a rucksack its great. Just right for running to work with a clean shirt and waterproof too, plus a few gizmos. I find the belt systems bounce around when running and was therefore put off the larger versions for commuting use. As said above opinion is divided, you might need to try both! Sweatshop have a good stock. JJB did try to bring out a water belt and it was well reviewed but I would steer clear personally.

M....

30/08/2007 at 13:23

I am interested in getting a small water carrier and am stuck between the hydroback or flashflow, both relatively small volumes but one is a rucksack, the other a bumbag. I guess it is down to personal choice but it seems there is a 50:50 split on which style is most comfortable, i'd best toss a coin then!

fat buddha

30/08/2007 at 13:57

is a tough call which one MB - be useful if you knew some people who had either type so you could try...........

tbh - for running I'd go with the Flashflo every time as it really does not rub (some have complained it does but I don't think they have it set right) where anything with shoulder/chest straps can.........it can take a little time getting used to having some weight sat in the small of the back but after a few goes you really don't notice it. it's also less sweaty than a rucsac type as they cover more of the back.....

Colin - www.colinwatts.co.uk

30/08/2007 at 14:03

I agree on the 'less sweaty than a rucksack ' point but I have had no rubbing problems with my camelback rucksack, I do not notice the rucksack at all when running.

Try before you buy seems to be the best option if you can.

Colin

M....

30/08/2007 at 14:05

FB, I can see your point, less sweaty and less to chafe. But one plus point is the better spread of weight distribution with the rucksack. I don't know anyone with either, I am a bit of a solitary runner. I might check out my local running shop to see if they have the Flashflo to see how the fit is, it seems this type of Camelbak is harder to find that the rucksack types. Also, would anyone wear one for a half marathon? or would you rely on drinks being handed out?

I am running the Notts half in 2 and half weeks, my training is up to 10 miles and I am strating to relaise that having no source of hydration is not so good.

fat buddha

30/08/2007 at 15:07

MB - as I said - after a few goes you don't notice the Flashflo and weight distribution isn't really an issue imho - and I doubt if it will make any difference to performance with either style....

for most races I wouldn't bother with it and use the drinks offered (I'd carry some gels though) but I have used it in some off-road marathons where drinks stations are farther apart - for training it's invaluable though

M....

02/09/2007 at 10:08

Well I opted for the Camelbak Hydrobak, mainly beacuse after looking around all the possible retailers in Nottingham (running shops, cylcing shops and outdoor shops) I could not find the Flashflo. I was suporsed that the running shop didn't stock it, only the Catalyst, especially since it seems to be so popular. So I thought i'd try the backpack design. I went running yesterday and did 19km with the backpack and it felt fine, no significant chaffing so happy so far.

Colin - www.colinwatts.co.uk

02/09/2007 at 16:02

If you are OK with running with your backpack for 19km, then it will probably be OK for longer runs as well.

Colin

Velociraptor

03/09/2007 at 19:35

Adidas do a lovely little hydration pack which is the only one that doesn't bounce when I'm running and has enough storage capacity for some flapjacks and a light waterproof, but it doesn't have front pockets on the hipbelt. If I need to carry more stuff, I use the Salomon Raid Revo 20.

I got a good little running hydration pack with about 10l storage capacity for about £10 in Decathlon a couple of years ago. It bounces on me, but that's a perennial problem I have because I'm a non-standard size. My OH finds it very comfortable.

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