We produce 20 times more heat when we are running than when we are at rest. Sweating serves to cool down our bodies. The loss of water and electrolytes, such as salt and potassium, is a side effect of sweating. Dehydration can occur if we lose more fluid than two to three per cent of our body weight. It can cause fatigue, headaches, cramps, and an elevated heart rate. Performance may also be affected. That’s when hydration packs come in handy!
Primarily made to carry water and facilitate effective consumption, most hydration packs allow you to drink from the inbuilt water reservoir by just grabbing the drink tube without having to stop or even slow down.
Important Buying Considerations
When buying a hydration pack, make sure it’s suitable for the activity you plan to use it for before taking into account things like capacity, fit, and features
Types
You’ll note that some packs are referred to as running vests and others as running backpacks. The distinction between the two can be hazy at times.
Speaking of convenience, specifically designed running hydration back packs are the best you can get! They have been created especially for running. They have a low-profile design, a basic hipbelt and several compartments that are simple to access while you’re running. They are a fantastic option for extended trail runs that require a lot of extra food and clothing because they occasionally offer more storage than vests, usually in the back of the pack. Nearly all running packs have hydration reservoirs for convenient on-the-go drinking, which are sometimes sold separately. Some brands include compartments on the shoulder straps or sides, for those who want to utilize water bottles.
A running hydration vest has the same appearance as a regular vest and is tightly fitted to your body. They are worn over the shoulders and on the back, much like a backpack, although they are often more low-profile, have additional compartments on the front of the shoulder straps, and lack the hipbelt that most backpacks have. Many have designated areas for keeping water bottles, on the front of the shoulder straps. For runners who like to drink from a tube, the majority of vests also have a reservoir for hydration, sometimes offered separately.
However, for short, quick excursions like a hike, trail run, or cross-country ski, where you don’t need to carry many kits and don’t want a bulkier pack on your back to restrict your movement, waist packs can be useful. They are worn around the waist, have a smaller storage space and many of them come with water bottles rather than a reservoir.
Pack Capacity
Water isn’t light, 1 litre weighs about 2 pounds. So, before choosing running hydration packs, consider how much you need to carry and whether you’ll be able to refill along the way. Therefore, waist packs with a little water capacity typically come with one or two water bottles. The ideal uses for them are light activities like running or walking.
Hydration packs of 1.5 litres, on the other hand, are ideal for minimalists, kids, short-distance bike commuters, hikers and runners. Whereas 2.5 litres ones offer a nice balance of reasonable weight and bulk while providing a sufficient quantity of water that in most situations will require only occasional refilling.
Another important consideration to keep in mind is the hydration pack’s gear capacity. It can range from 5 litres up to about 50 litres. Those with small gear capacity are usually 5 litres or less. They are designed for activities that need little energy, like running, road biking, and light trekking. Their small and low-profile design only has the capacity for a few necessities, such as an extra layer, some energy bars, and your keys.
There are many 6 to 10 litres packs made specifically for trail running or mountain biking. They have enough room to accommodate your camera, one or two extra layers, and food for the day.
Mid-sized packs, on the other hand, have a capacity of 11 to 20 litres and are ideal for hiking, mountain biking or trail running. Their greater carrying capacity enables you to bring along extra gear, food, clothing, and emergency supplies for longer adventures.
Any hydration pack that is more than 21 litres is typically made for hiking. These provide the comfort, load-supporting characteristics, and cargo space needed to function successfully on lengthy climbs. Some are even large enough for quick overnight excursions.
Fit
Once you’ve decided on the style and volume of the ideal pack, it’s time to make sure it fits perfectly. Some packs come in a variety of sizes that accommodate a variety of torso lengths, from extra tiny to large ones. Different brands may offer different sizes, so check out the product specs tab to get the right size. Some bags come with adjustable suspensions to fit your torso, which is especially useful if you frequently fluctuate between sizes.
Hipbelts for hydration packs typically fit hips between the middle 20 inches and the middle 40 inches or larger. This measurement is listed under the product specs tab.
Features
Tube portals: A tube portal is a slit that allows you to thread the sip tube from the reservoir inside the pack to the exterior. Many packs come with two portals, allowing you to hang the tube over either shoulder. A single, central portal is also available.
Quick-disconnect tubing: For refilling, some reservoirs have a drink tube that is conveniently detachable from the reservoir body. Simply click a button to release the tube, then remove the reservoir from your pack. This enables you to leave the tube in its current location, which is useful if it’s routed through a tube portal.
Wide mouth opening: This makes it simple to clean your hydration pack as it often allows you to fit a hand inside the reservoir. However, you can buy reservoir cleansers or a cleaning package that includes brushes for cleaning the inside if you go for a reservoir with a smaller aperture.
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