I’ve gotten running form and workout nutrition down fairly well, but other things are a little tougher for me to adapt to. Style things. Things like running spandex, or those short shorts, things like those water bottle fanny packs that hardcore runners wear.

I don’t know that I’ll ever be rocking the spandex, but after my little heat-induced revelation, I learned pretty fast that I’d need hydration on the run. So I sucked up my pride and bought the coolest-looking waist hydration system that I could find-the Solitaire HHS by Ultimate Direction. It features a singular bottle instead of those mini bottles scattered around the perimeter and it even has a nice little pocket above the bottle to store little snacks like Gu and Jelly Belly Sport Beans. The 24 oz. Bottle is stored in the back and comes out of either side for easy access. Convenient water at a minimal cost to my style-how could I go wrong?

Any number of ways, apparently. Starting out my run, I was hugely disturbed by the bouncing weight at the small of my back. Fortunately I didn’t have to put up with it for long, because the bottle fell out before I got 100 feet away from my car. I stopped, trying to avoid eye contact with the other people on the trail, and put it back in. It promptly fell out again. And again. After a very frustrating half-mile, I ditched the belt and tried to run with the bottle in my hand…until the top started leaking water everywhere, sending a spray of water in a frustrating arc every time my arm swung forward. I’m not sure which is more embarrassing to do in public: to fling water everywhere or to yell at a half-empty bottle. I can tell you that both were pretty bad.

To make matters worse, my best friend, who had opted to go with the geekier (but far more effective) Ultimate Direction Thunderbolt model with the smaller bottles disbursed throughout the belt, smugly finished his run fully hydrated.

Luckily, I snaked a mini bottle from him and survived my run.

It was a shame because I’m usually a big fan of Ultimate Direction with their neat-o Kicker valve. I have their Wasp hydration pack, and I’ve been hugely pleased with it, so I’m not ready to give up on them yet. I’m going to try the hand-held Fastdraw Extreme next time. Wish me luck…

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Product Description

Price: $109.95
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The North Face Blacktail Hydration Pack is the ultimate backpack for the all-day adventurer. This hydration pack has multiple pockets and daisy chains so you hit the trail with everything you need. Get started on your all-day excursion with extra layers stashed away in the roomy main compartment and a rainshell cinched under external bungee. As the miles melt away, the molded E-VAP back panel and shoulder straps circulate air to keep you cool and dry. When you’re parched, take a pull from the 100oz Nalgene CXC antimicrobial reservoir a locking articulated bite-valve keeps water flowing into your mouth and off your shirt. To go Euro-style for the climb, whip out your trekking poles from the Blacktail’s side straps and cruise on up. If you happen to go until it gets dark, the Blacktail has reflective hits and a loop for a light so you’ll be seen. When you finally get back down to your car, don’t worry about your keys they’re in the front zip stash-pocket. The North Face Blacktail is a versatile pack for the demanding day-hiker. *Not Available for Shipment to Canada.

Product Reviews

Good Pack
Good things about this pack: - Comfortable - Comes with rain cover - Holds a fair amount of stuff Sturdy - Variety of pockets Bad things about this pack: - Hydration hose easily comes un-attached and leaks - No ice pick or hammer strap - The waist belt sits too high when straps are adjusted to a comfortable setting for me. Overall, the goods outweigh the bads. This pack would be better for day hikes or field work.

Hydration Pack
I actually just returned to town and I plan on returning the whole thing. When I got into Utah in the middle of nowhere, the hydration pack leaked. Thank god I brought extra nalgenes. The pack itself wasn’t beat around too much - no more than normal hikes but it still ripped on the bottom and the mesh pockets. I liked the way the pack was laid out but as far as quality goes, it was subpar.

The North Face Blacktail Hydration Pack
Price: $109.95
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Product Description

Price: $119.95
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DAKINE constructed the Apex Hydration Bike Pack with the freeride crowd in mind. A full-face helmet pocket and external straps to hold body armor help you get ready for downhill rides. This DAKINE pack comes with a 100-ounce Flowlock hydration reservoir, so you can get a drink without fumbling for water bottles. Drop-down organizer pockets keep gear secure, and a fleece-lined sunglass pocket stores your spare shades. With the Apex Hydration Bike Pack on your back, you stay comfortable wherever you pedal a compression-molded back panel and waist-belt ensure a close and rigid fit, while breathable Dri-Mesh shoulder straps prevent irritation by moving moisture away from your skin.

Product Reviews

Dakine Apex Bikepack
I have ridden DH w/pack six days - this is an excellent product. Well designed and has many features that ads don’t tell. Shoulder belt straps & back pad are quality. Fit comfortably over armour.The H2O bag holder is separate so goods stay dry in large main compartment. 2nd compartment holds tools in a net and pump in a sleeve & has two zippered nets for keys and small goods. 4 bottom zip compartments - 2 are soft lined for elects etc. Also top zip is soft lined for sunglasses/goggles. Outer back contains dry map zip and holds FF helmet w/pouch for gloves & concealed bottom straps hold armour. Dakine quality with nothin’ you don’t need.

DAKINE Apex Hydration Bike Pack - 1600cu in
Price: $119.95
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Product Description

Price: $149.95
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The North Face Snowday Hydration Pack’s electric-heated hydration system keeps the water flowing when you head out for a sub-zero dawn-patrol ski tour. Its HTR heating system is powered by four AA batteries, and keeps your drinking tube and 100oz bladder from freezing when the temps are so low that your breathe freezes in front of you. The Snowday’s stowable hip-belt and compression straps make it comfortable to carry your day-touring gear in its 730cu inches of storage space. *Not Available for Shipment to Canada.

Product Reviews

pretty sweet
Comfy and easy to fill with water. I like the bite valve and pocket to keep the hose in. Also has nice pockets outside of the bladder area so you can keep certain things completely dry, though things in the bladder area don t seem to get wet either. I cannot really comment on the heating capabilities, because the only times I have been skiing so far this year it has been in the upper 30’s.

Great Pack
The North Face never fails to deliver the best products. The Snowday Hydration Pack is the best pack I have put on my back. It holds an amazing amount of water, 100 oz., and is able to keep it from freezing with the heater system. The outside of the pack is kept simple with only the straps for your skis/snowboard there. No extra little net pockets that won’t hold anything and just get snagged on stuff. Great pack from North Face that is simple in design yet effective in it’s uses. Highly recommended for those winter enthusiasts.

The North Face Snowday Hydration Backpack
Price: $149.95
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PRODUCT REVIEW: Katadyn : Katadyn TRK Drip Filter with Gravidyn Element

Buy Now: $169.90

Product Reviews

The Katadyn TRK Drip Filter with Gravidyn Element will treat more water than any filter we know of (before cartridges need to be replaced). The Katadyn TRK Drip Filter with Gravidyn Element is a gravity fed filter which requires no pumping, hookup, or electricity. Fill the upper compartment with up to 2.5 gallons of untreated water, and it literally drips through the 0.2 micron ceramic filter elements into the bottom compartment. Simply set it on a counter in the corner and keep it filled. The Katadyn Drip water filter is the way to go for cabins, base camps, recreation sites, boats or RV’s. The Katadyn TRK Drip filter comes with three Gravidyn filter elements (it uses all 3) which will treat up to an incredible 39,000 gallons of water. The Gravidyn elements have carbon inside them which eliminates odors and chemicals in water.

Excellent filter
I purchased the TRK Drip Filter (Gravidyn) as a gift for a relative (for home use) in southeast Asia whose water supply is from a well. The criteria were: ceramic element, compact, plastic or synthetic housing. As I’ve used Katadyn Combi Filter for backpacking and occasionally at home for 6 years, Katadyn was high on my list. IMO, ceramic elements give the best filtration. The initial cost is high but their value is realized through durability and long life. This unit has been in service since January ‘06, filtering 10L/day or a total of 3,300L (864 gallons) so far. The Activated Carbon (A/C) portion of the filter is effective for 6 months but the ceramic is good for 39,000 gallons ( 148,980L). What I like most about this filter: fast flow rate (3 elements), impregnated silver-oxide prevents fungus/mildew growing on the element.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: CamelBak : CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack

Buy Now: $109.95

Product Reviews

If your idea of a relaxing day is blasting down the single track on your mountain bike and hucking the occasional ladder drop, the CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack is the perfect match for you. Built with burly 1680D ballistic nylon to stand up to high-speed crashes, the Havoc easily carries your full-face helmet and shin guards. When you re filming your trail sesh, the padded media pocket lets your carry your camera without risk of breaking it. The CamelBak Havoc Hydration Pack keeps the water coming with a 100oz bladder, so you can keep the ride going.

CamelBak Ruck Rocks!
The Havoc ruck from CamelBak is simply the best investment I’ve made for a very long time. As a commuter I ride about 20 miles (36km) every day and the CamelBak is always stuffed with extra gear and of course, my precious water supply. The heavy payload on the back while bike riding, has gotten a lot easier to endure, since the unique design of the Havoc gives maximum comfort, no matter how much equipment I carry along. In addition, I ride the trails in weekends and this is where it really comes to show what it is made of. You can put it through anything and it is just begging for more. Even when the zippers is covered in mud they open and close perfectly. The Havoc is my first Camel Bak and I’m pretty convinced it will be my last, since the durable design seems to last a lifetime no matter how much punishment it receives. Per Nielsen, Denmark

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Arc’teryx Razor 15
A dynamo of a little bullet pack. Just big enough for plenty of water, lunch, camera, phone, etc; it holds more than you’d think and still feels light. My 3-liter platypus bladder is a tight fit in the bladder pocket, but still leaves plenty usable space in the pack. The internal frame keeps the pack from buckling when the reservoir is low, and makes the pack feel well-balanced at all water levels. The waterproofing (including waterproof zippers) is outstanding– mine survived heavy tropical downpours, and everything inside was completely dry, every time. The bungee is unusual– it’s best if the item you want to lash to the outside is bulky (fleece, sweatshirt) and not rigid (field guide, notebook, etc). It’s built like a tank– I tend to abuse my gear and this pack still looks brand new after a month of heavy use.

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