Camelbak advice/alternative options

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minardi Apr 2019 10:47am, 9 Apr 2019 4,603 posts	0 minardi I'm on my second camelbak and have finally come to the conclusion that I'm either doing it wrong or me & camelbaks are not suited. I only wear it on runs of 16+ miles and I usually end up screaming in the shower afterwards when the water hits my raw back. When himself described my back as disfigured, I decided it's time to try to sort it out. Any ideas or suggestions for alternative hydration methods?
StuH Apr 2019 10:52am, 9 Apr 2019 3,065 posts	0 StuH I think the key thing is finding a pack/vest that can be adjusted so that there is no movement but is still comfortable. I use a Salomon vest which I find comfortable.
Sam Jelfs Apr 2019 2:06pm, 9 Apr 2019 258 posts	0 Sam Jelfs I use an Ultimate Direction vest which can hold 2 500ml soft flasks in the front and a bladder in the back. I also have a Raidlight pack for very long distances / when I need to carry a lot. Before the UD vest I also had a Salomon one, but after 3 years of abuse it started to fall apart and I just didn't get on with the updated version. I would suggest finding a store that stocks a range of brands, and seeing what works for you. that said, I have been hearing good things about the Chinese Aonijie stuff but that is online only I think (check amazon)
HappyG(rrr) Apr 2019 4:58pm, 9 Apr 2019 31,145 posts	0 HappyG(rrr) Like Sam, I use a UD vest for long, trail races. Two bottle holders, front mounted, easier to access and fill than a back pack. It's got to fit though. Mine is the PB version (the biggest), there are 2 other capacities. And I don't know if there are different fits for smaller or bigger folk - and may well be men and women are different shapes?! amazon.co.uk However, for shorter training runs (15-20 odd) I use a bum bag. I actually prefer the weight round my waist. Access is easy with side pockets or easily swivelled round main pocket. Enough room for jacket, trousers, plus all my safety gear - foil biv bag, whistle, compass, some food etc. And it has a horizontal 2L bladder and tube too. Inov-8 Race Pro 4. Had it 10 years and only had to replace the bladder once, and tie on new zip tags, that's it. Comfy around hips, esp in the cold - keeps kidneys warm! amazon.co.uk (may no longer be avail but something similar?) newer version? amazon.co.uk Good luck. G
alpenrose Apr 2019 6:15pm, 9 Apr 2019 38,869 posts	0 alpenrose I don't use one but I have got a Salomon rucksack that a bladder will fit in. The problem I found recently is that it's designed for men (like so many accessories) so I ended up with a rubbed neck after only a very short time as they are meant for much broader chest and shoulders. Who reckons that men and women are equal?
K5 Gus Apr 2019 7:20pm, 9 Apr 2019 2,969 posts	0 K5 Gus Have you got it tight enough ? It shouldn't move up and down, or side to side, on your back. It should move with you, but not more than that ( if that makes sense ). If there's not enough adjustment to get it secure then sounds like a new pack is in order. The "vests" from Salomon/UD/Nathan/etc are a lot better design than the Camelbacks in my opinion. UD do women specific vests, think they are all called Vesta something. If on a budget then the Aonijie ones mentioned above are worth a try, basically a chinese rip-off of the Salomon one at a fraction of the cost. The Decalthlon one is also cheap and gets good reviews.
minardi Apr 2019 8:41am, 10 Apr 2019 4,604 posts	0 minardi Thank you for all your comments. Once I have this weekend out of the way, I shall find a decent shop and try out some variations (says she - I'll end up buying cheap off t'interweb and still suffer!!)