PUBLISHED 08/26/2004
It's not enough to hydrate before and after your runs. You need to drink during your runs, especially in warm weather. Research has shown that even a three-percent loss of body fluid can have an effect on your performance. If you are in the middle of your fall marathon buildup, it's essential that you get used to on-the-run drinking. Otherwise, come race day, when you're taking in fluids at every aid station (a wise strategy) you'll encounter stomach upset, nausea, or that horrible sloshing feeling only a dromedary could love. Regardless of what you're training for, the following hydration systems make it easier than ever to take your fluids with you.
Deuter Hydro M2 $59, 75 ounces (about 2 liters)
The M2 is one cool customer. There are only two bands of mesh-encased foam that rest against your back, allowing plenty of room for air to circulate. The shoulder straps are also made of mesh, which makes them extremely breathable. This pack has plenty of room for storage, and the water delivery tube has one of the best mouthpieces we tested. It took little effort to get a steady stream of water and had minimal leakage when not in use. (303) 652-3102 (orders only); deuterusa.com.
Brooks Waterboy Aid Station $34, 21 ounces
Many runners complain that waist packs are uncomfortable because they bounce too much unless you really cinch their straps. Brooks solves this problem by adding elastic to the waistband so you don't have to tighten it as much. Horizontal bottle placement and ambidextrous design allow easy access with the left or right hand, and the ergonomically designed bottle allows you to quickly slip it in and out of the pack. There's also a storage pocket just big enough for a key and ID. (800) 227-6657; brooksrunning.com.
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld $14, 20 ounces
This compact handheld bottle is ideal for the minimalist runner who doesn't want to wear a pack. At 20 ounces, consider it a user-friendly step up from hiding water bottles in the bushes. Perfect for shorter runs, the Hydraform's ergonomically designed bottle and soft, adjustable hand strap minimize hand cramping and shoulder fatigue, since you don't have to grip the bottle to keep hold of it. Its wide mouth allows for easier cleaning, plus you can add ice cubes on the fly. (800) 806-1288; amphipod.com.
CamelBak Catalyst $38, 28 ounces
The Catalyst's bladder fits in the small of your back, keeping your fluid better insulated from the sun than it would be in a bottle, and therefore, cooler. Also, there's minimal sloshing because there's no trapped air. The water-delivery tube allows you to drink without disrupting your stride and the straps and pack are fleece lined, so the pack is comfortable enough to wear against your skin. A nearly invisible pocket on the waist strap is just big enough to hold a key or gels. (800) 767-8725; camelbak.com.
ASICS Eagle Trail Hydration backpack $60, 50.8 oz. (1.5 liters)
Many runners think hydration backpacks are bulky, uncomfortable, or just plain overkill. But we found the Eagle Trail to be more comfortable than most waist packs, and it allows you to carry far more water. Its water delivery tube is held in place by clips to the shoulder straps, so just a slight turn of the head allows you sip fluid with ease. The removable insulated bladder sleeve allows you to add an extra chill to your beverages on hot days. The Eagle Trail comes with plenty of storage capacity and an external bungee cord to hold discarded layers. (800) 678-9435; asicsamerica.com.
