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Ultra marathon/Gear question
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 2010-02-17 6:20 PM |
Expert  1244    New York |  Subject: Ultra marathon/Gear questionA friend of mine is planning on doing a 50 mile ultra this summer. He's having trouble finding any good reviews on backpacks that people wear during the race. Anyone have any personal suggestions on what they've used? (It'll be in the summer, so mostly he's worried about it being hot and uncomfortable, so lightweight is best). He wants to be able to carry water, gels and some food. Thanks!  Edited by swishyskirt 2010-02-17 6:20 PM |
| 2010-02-17 7:16 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Veteran 133 Fort Worth, TX | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Camelbak... Backpack? No Way! |
| 2010-02-17 8:46 PM in reply to: #2678439 |
Veteran 213 Colorado Springs | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question dancbjammin - 2010-02-17 7:16 PM Camelbak... Backpack? No Way! Why not?? I would agree if they are not used to carrying anything but anything less that 25 lbs is nothing. I used the M.U.L.E. on my 50 miler and had no issues about 1/3 of the gorup had a pack (Camelbak/Nathan etc). Was able to carry food and gels it is more stable than carrying on the hips and more practical on a trail run where you would not want anything on the hips. Depending on the temp and pace someone might go through more than a bottle of water between aid stations. They could try it out on a training run and see if it works for them. |
| 2010-02-17 9:11 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Extreme Veteran 745 Colo Springs, CO | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Camelback makes quite a few that have varying amounts of storage. I would have him go to a store and try on a few (and bring some stuff to put in it when he does.) |
| 2010-02-17 10:56 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Master 2665 The Whites, New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Seems like most ultrarunners tend toward Nathan. I have a xc-specific Camelbak and I'm not really thrilled with it. I got another brand (can't remember it right now - good brand but not well known in the states) and it fits much better. A good way to find these things out is to check out the webpages from some of the races, then look up the athletes and read their blogs. And not just the top athletes, either, but everyone on down the line. A lot of them are sponsored, but even the ones who aren't LOVE to talk about their gear! |
| 2010-02-18 8:06 AM in reply to: #2678579 |
Veteran 133 Fort Worth, TX | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question I was saying Camelbak YES!!! Backpack NO!!! 25 pounds or less is nothing? Wow, my Camelbak was nowhere near 25 pounds and my shoulders were wrecked after Rocky Raccoon 100 miler 2 weeks ago. I am all abou the Camelbak...Happy Trails!!! |
| 2010-02-18 8:42 AM in reply to: #2678375 |
Champion 7547 Albuquerque, New Mexico Bronze member | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question How well is the race supported? The 50-miler I did last spring is a 10-mile loop that we did 5 times. Aid was available at the start/finish, 2.5 mile, 6.7 mile, and 7.8 mile points so I carried a 16-oz bottle in a belt pack. It was April, so I wasn't worried about running out of fluid between stations. Even if the aid stations are 10 miles apart (about 2 hours), he should be able to get by on 40-64 oz. of fluid and some food, so that shouldn't need a huge waterpack and the associated jostling. Has he checked any of the ultra-running magazines or websites? |
| 2010-02-18 8:44 AM in reply to: #2678375 |
Expert 1159 Charlotte, NC | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Why not keep it simple and use just a basic fuel belt or a bottle that straps to your hand? Ultra aid stations are usually well stocked and the volunteers very helpful with refills. Additionally, you only have to go 5 miles or so between stations. I wouldn't go with a backpack in summer heat. |
| 2010-02-18 9:19 AM in reply to: #2678375 |
Elite 2768 Raleigh | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question swishyskirt - 2010-02-17 6:20 PM A friend of mine is planning on doing a 50 mile ultra this summer. He's having trouble finding any good reviews on backpacks that people wear during the race. Anyone have any personal suggestions on what they've used? (It'll be in the summer, so mostly he's worried about it being hot and uncomfortable, so lightweight is best). He wants to be able to carry water, gels and some food. Thanks!
PM my wife (FITphd), Trixie, or Q. They all have done 100 milers and many many 50 milers. Most good ultra's have the best aid stations that are like mini buffets. FitPhd only carries one of those hand held water bottles for in between aid sips. I think a camelback is over kill |
| 2010-02-18 7:46 PM in reply to: #2679004 |
Veteran 213 Colorado Springs | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question dancbjammin - 2010-02-18 8:06 AM I was saying Camelbak YES!!! Backpack NO!!! 25 pounds or less is nothing? Wow, my Camelbak was nowhere near 25 pounds and my shoulders were wrecked after Rocky Raccoon 100 miler 2 weeks ago. I am all abou the Camelbak...Happy Trails!!! when I mentioned 25 lbs is really nothing is when you get used to carring 50+ to 75lbs on the back then you really don't notice the lighter weights. My pack was closer to 10lbs. with the fluids/food. No issues I am 225 so the weight I can carry should be a lot more than a gazzelle who weighs 150. Edited by Buddha4 2010-02-18 7:50 PM |
| 2010-02-18 7:47 PM in reply to: #2679004 |
Veteran 213 Colorado Springs | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question |
| 2010-02-18 8:55 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Veteran 281 | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question I really like the waist pack with one big water bottle in the back and there is a zipper pouch to carry a couple of nutrition items etc. But I think most established trail runs have aid stations in very good locations so that food is not needed-but I would not go without hydration-especially in the summer-I think a lot of it is personal preference. I would do a little practice run with whatever he decides... |
| 2010-02-18 9:31 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Master 1547 | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question I have this one and it works great for long runs/rides or just on a hot day. I have had fuel belt type systems but they don't hold enough. CamelBak Rogue 70 oz |
| 2010-02-18 9:34 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Extreme Veteran 438 Surprise, AZ | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question from my experience and seeing other in 50's and 100's it is about 50/50 camelbacks and the Nathen Handgrip bottles. I hate not having my hands free so I have used a camelback and it works great. Actually all 5 of my fellow Ultrarunners use camelbacks as well. Through my research I found the Camelback Lobo 100oz is the best pack to have. I talked all my friends in getting it and they all agree it is great. Still a profile fit but large enough to store a little extra gear. |
| 2010-02-18 10:28 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
Master 2665 The Whites, New Hampshire | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question To reduce water sloshing, squeeze out ALL of the air from the bladder before closing it up. No air = no (or minimal) sloshing. Also, if he goes the backpack route, get one with a waist belt and try it on with weight in it (but not full weight, about half full) to make sure the belt sits in the right place. |
| 2010-02-18 10:51 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
| Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question I seen these in the Running the Sahara movie http://www.salomon.com/us/#/bags-and-packs/bags-and-packs |
| 2010-02-19 12:15 AM in reply to: #2678375 |
Expert 1073 scottsdale, az | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Camelback! LOVE mine. Worked great for a 50. Plan to use it for the 100. |
| 2010-02-19 4:16 AM in reply to: #2678375 |
Extreme Veteran 767 Alexandria, VA | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question I used one of the amphipod fuel belts during the JFK 50. Aid stations were no more than 5-6 miles apart. so 28 oz. held me over just fine. Did a long training run with a 100 oz. camelback. and ended up with some chaffing around the neck and underarms, so... I didn't really like that plan of attack. That brings up an important distinction. Hydration is usually not as much of a concern during the race, which is well-supported, as it is during training, which is not supported. Me and my training buddy were almost planning on caching water at the turn around point for our long run... never quite got to that point though. Also, I would plan on being able to use whatever is on the course. 50 miles is alot worse if you have to carry your own personal buffet with you. For the JFK, the course provided chips, m&ms, pretzls, cookies, coke, gatorade, chicken broth, pb&j (at one stop), endurolytes and gels. |
| 2010-02-19 8:52 AM in reply to: #2678375 |
Extreme Veteran 484 McHenry, IL | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question The Nathan HPL #020 is probably the most popular ultrarunning hydration pack I've seen. It's very comfortable to run in, but so far I've only needed to use it for long training runs. I've done ultras from 50K to 100 miles and have only ever used handhelds. I like to carry two 20 oz. handhelds, the Amphipod Handheld Pocket. All my ultras have had aid stations spaced anywhere from about 3 to 8 miles apart...probably about 4 to 5 miles on average. Handhelds are all I've ever needed, and they're quicker to refill than a hydration bladder. |
| 2010-02-21 3:08 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
| 2 | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Hey all, I'm the aforementioned "friend" and all your input has been great so far. I'm planning on the North Face Endurance 50 in DC, so aid stations should be 4 miles or so. I think my 2 main issues are having water/food for training (my training runs are unsupported...haven't been able to convince my friends)...and I sweat like a broken sprinkler head. For training I've used a day-hike backpack, Black Diamond Hollowpoint, since I've been carrying gear (kind of commuter running at the moment) as well as water. I'm cool with the weight, but even in the winter cold, I can tell a backpack is going to be too hot for me, I'm leaning toward a belt. Anyone have experience with them? Pros/Cons? Thanks again! |
| 2010-02-21 10:38 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
| Veteran 144 Vienna, Austria (temporarily) | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question For my long training runs I am a big fan of the North Face Enduro 20: http://eu.thenorthface.com/tnf-eu-en/equipment/tech-packs/enduro-20... During races and shorter training runs I usually go with a waist belt. I have been using the Ultimate Direction Access. It holds one water bottle and I usually run with another in my hand. I also attach a side kicker pouch to the waist belt to hold some gels and salt tablets. Seems to work well with me. With aid stations only 4 miles apart, I would only use one water bottle. Good luck with your race! |
 2010-02-24 2:06 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
| Subject: ... This user's post has been ignored. |
| 2010-02-24 11:52 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
| Plano, Tx | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question For me it would all depend on the race. The only time I'd use a pack would be for a uber mountainous 100 that's point to point or one big loop. (Hardrock, UTMB, etc) Like Paulette said, most races have aid at least every 6-7 miles. Carry two bottles (preferrably with zip pockets on them) and a waist pack and you'll be good to go! (Plus you're going to have bag drops too!) Check out Amphibod stuff... Loveee it. |
| 2010-03-01 11:59 AM in reply to: #2684723 |
| Veteran 231 Sunny Oregon | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question I've used a Nathan Speed 4 belt for the past year. Four 10 oz flasks and two little pockets; sits comfortably on the waist and I've loved it. I did a 50K previously with a light backpack and vowed to never do that again; shoulders/traps took a beating. The Nathan belt has taken good care of me. Good luck! |
| 2010-03-01 12:49 PM in reply to: #2678375 |
| Expert 1743 Glen Burnie, Maryland | Subject: RE: Ultra marathon/Gear question Can you set up your training runs where you come back to a central spot? When training for my Ultra I ran loops that circled back to the trailhead where I would get nutrition and refill my bottle (that's all I carried). As my training runs got longer I got the loops to be 8-10 miles long so I knew I could go that long with only a bottle. Aid stations at the race were 4-6 miles apart. I started with a hydration pack but after a few runs I knew it was overkill. |
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