M Orange Mud HydraQuiver (Gray)

I've been using the VP2 vest pack all summer for trail running. But now that the weather is cooling off, I wanted a more minimalist pack for shorter runs and racing. I was initially a little nervous about trying the Hydraquiver Single Barrel, because it does fit a little differently than the vest pack: the straps under your armpits are tighter, and there is no chest strap which I use for a lot of my fit adjustments when I'm wearing the VP2. I was worried that the armpit straps would be uncomfortable and chafe. It does take a little getting used to the new fit, but after taking my new Hydraquiver on a 13.1 mile training run, I am happy to report that I have no chafing whatsoever, and I didn't even use BodyGlide. The zipper pocket in the back leads to a much better compartment than you might expect, encompassing the whole pack, not just one side of it as it appears in the picture. The bottle is easy to access and the bottle holder seems a little more roomy than the ones on the VP2, so you can fit a fatter bottle in it if you want to. The Hydraquiver fits a lot of storage and functionality into a very compact package. Looking forward to having it as an alternative to a handheld bottle during marathons this fall.

Love this pack! Not a fan of running with a camelback and would go nuts using a handheld system. Don't particularly like something bouncing around on my waist either. This pack is small, light, comfortable and has ample storage. It doesn't move around at all and the bottle is surprisingly easy to take out and put back in. I've never missed! The first few times that I ran with it, I was somewhat annoyed by the sloshing water sound. I don't run with an iPod, so the sound was quite noticeable to me. However, after the third time, I don't notice it anymore. If I bend down to tie my shoes, the bottle sometimes falls out if I am not careful. If I would squat down to tie them like I am supposed to, then this obviously wouldn't be a problem! Wore this on my 24k in Patagonia, chile and it was perfect. I think for a full marathon, it might not be a large enough bottle if you are running a race without water stations.

I've tried various types of hydration packs and belts, but this design suits me the best and has proven to be the most comfortable, functional and practical. I've found that I don't like having anything around my waist nor do I care for armbands. The pack has a zippered pouch and one pouch with a Velcro closure on each shoulder; these provide ample storage for carrying everything I need. If you store your phone in the zippered pouch, there is a channel to run the cord for your earbuds.Simply having a bottle that can be easily accessed, stored, refilled during a run then tossed into the dishwasher after a run are what set this hydration solution apart from all others. I typically use the HydraQuiver when the humidity is high or when I train or race distances above 8 miles. I have a muscular chest and shoulders so I tend to use an anti-chaffing cream in places where the straps may rub.

I was disappointed in this product. First off let me say that the manufacturing quality of the item is top notch. I purchased it for my girlfriend. She is not pleased with it and I tried it and feel the same. There are several problems. The first, being in strap design. Unlike the running hydration vests with bladders, the straps on this lack proper padding to prevent chaffing. It is not good to wear with a singlet. I had to have the straps very tight to prevent chaffing from rubbing. because they are simple canvas/nylon type flat straps they dug into my skin causing some bruising. The other problem there is to wear it tight enough that it doesn't cause chaffing puts the bottle up rather high. Even with the bottle retention strap lowered, the bottle would hit the back of my head forcing me to look down to be able to retrieve it. My girlfriend ran into much of the same issue with it being in the way of her hair (Of which I have none). The other thing that bothered me was in a hydration item of this price (very high for the amount of liquid held) I would have expected the bottle to be an insulated one vs a cheap non insulated squeeze bottle. A CamelBak Podium Chill bottle fits perfectly (The OM bottle is essentially a regular cycling bottle cage bottle with their logo/name). I think this product is great in concept. With some better padded straps and an insulated bottle it has great potential. The ergonomics of removing and placing the bottle may simply be a cause of my own body shape/neck length. I'm rather large chested/shouldered for a runner.

As a runner in the hot humid south, and a heavy consumer of water on my runs (who ARE you people that never drink anything on a 10 mile slog....) I struggle with hydration and usually map my runs based on water stop options (sorry all you folks in fast food places I've stopped and dripped all over your floors...). I have tried waist belts and found them uncomfortable and they hurt my back - both with a bottle and fuel belt types. I thought about camelbacks but they seemed hot and everyone I know hates the bite valve and you can't put alternate fluids in the bladders. I saw some folks running with this one and asked them how they liked them, they both raved about them. One had the 2 bottle system and one had the one. I went with the one bottle system, the 2 would probably be great on a trail ultra but I'm an urban runner I can refill pretty easy. So far so good. I have had a bit of chafing under the arms as I am usually in a jog bra but that probably will resolve with Body Glide and time. I LOVE the lack of weight on my waist and I really can't feel it at all on my back. So far the best option I have found and now I can run without having to map out the public water fountains.

I wanted to love this pack. Wore it on a 6 mile training run & then during a 50k. It chaffed my shoulders so badly!!!

overpriced

This is exactly what I was looking for. My local running store carries this brand and highly recommends it, so it made me feel better about buying it online. Fits great, easy to use, and very comfortable.