Looking for hydration suggestions

[Marine2Guard]

I am looking at getting a camelback, I want to use it for running as well as on ruck marches, etc. I was issued the old ALICE pack and deuce gear so I am unsure which will work with the new gear. The ones I am currently looking at on Rangerjoes are as follows
-Thermobak omega $62.95
-Ambush $ 79.95
-Thermobak AB $79.95

Suggestions of better models are which of the above worked best for you would be appreciated.

[Andrew101]

Really any camelback will work, at least in my experience. I just use the one I was issued. Just when you go on a ruck march throw the thing under the top flap with the drink tube hanging over your shoulder(and preferably looped through you're gear, find what works for you) and you're good to go. I'd suggest not to get anything smaller than a 3 liter bladder. You'll be glad to have the extra water. Also, as far as bladders go, I forgot what camelback calls it, but get the ones that are a black/smoke color. They last much longer. And you can get an adapter for your promask if you ever need to.

[CPT Burritt]

For running? How far are you going to run?

I've seen people run the two mile Fitness Test with camelbaks. Seriously, if you can't run ~17 min without needing water, you need some serious medical attention.

For running I see a bladder as an inhibitor. For rucking, I'm totally with you. There are little minor differences in all, I happen to like CB bite valves so thats what I have.

[shutterm4]

I wouldn't use a Camelback for running. It's a pain to try to **** water and breath. Just get a good water bottle that can't get beat up. Ultimately all bladder type systems function the same. I have a camelback and really like it, but i don't know the model. It was like $60 and I have no complaints.

[Marine2Guard]

For running? How far are you going to run?

I've seen people run the two mile Fitness Test with camelbaks. Seriously, if you can't run ~17 min without needing water, you need some serious medical attention.


No medical problems Sir, I enjoy running long distances. I usually run between 6-7 miles twice a week and having to hold or stage bottles *****.

[SteveLord]

http://www.uspatriotstore.com/images/products/CamelBakMULEMED.jpg

MULE is best model. Carries an MRE in the bottom pouch + good for other goodies you can carry along.

(I just realized we can't post images anymore.../sad)

[CPT Burritt]

Wow. I dunno. I just drink after I'm done. 45-60 minutes of running never bothered me that much.

I mean, if you're talking 15-25, ok...

[Marine2Guard]

I can go all the way Sir without a drink. But try running down here with 95% humidity it makes you want that drink a little more.
I guess I am becoming a gear junky.

[CPT Burritt]

Hey man, whatever gets you through!

If you haven't seen em, try the camelbak bottles too, I love those things, I think I have 5 or so now.

[AmPat]

I know what you mean. I run 8 miles around the lake in my town about once a week for my long run. When you run long distance, you need water. It is not a matter of being soft or weak. You lose a lot of water when you run that far and if you don't replace it, you blood becomes thicker and you have a less efficient cooling mechanism. Both of which make it harder on your heart and rob you of performance, which is the whole reason you are PT'ing. Yes you will live, but the point isn't to survive; it's to take your performance to its peak and bring that peak to the next level. Furthermore, it is hard to replace that amount of fluid in a timely manner (like over the next 2 days), so it is good to keep the water coming in to your bloodstream as it is excreted.

I use the Camelback Viper. It fits the contours of your back well for running. It ***** for adventure racing or anything else where you want the backpack aspect of it because there is only one small pocket on it.