Orange Mud HydraQuiver Hydration Pack Review
I ran my first full marathon in June of 2010 and it was one of the most painful races (or just experience) in my life. I’ve ran 400 meter sprints up to a half marathon a few months before and although all of those events were hard, nothing can really compare to 26.2 grueling miles in one sitting. I did my best to train for the marathon, for example long runs every weekend. The month or two leading up the marathon was tough because the heat was starting to kick in. On those extra-long runs, I would carry a water bottle with me in case I was thirsty. Although having something like the Orange Mud HydraQuiver would have definitely come in handy at the time.
I’ve tried running with hydration waist packs during long runs and a few trail runs, but they bounce way too much and always ride up my waist! I’ve also ran with and ran a few trail races with a hydration backpack, which is a lot better than the waist version. These, however, are usually too bulky and feel like I’m going on a hike, and sometimes I feel slows me down if I’m trying to run a specific goal time. The Orange Mud HydraQuiver is the light version of running packs you’ve seen before. You wear it like a backpack, but there isn’t a bladder or bite valve to drink out of. It carries one bottle of water, but also has pockets conveniently in the back and on both arm straps for snacks or energy gels.
I’ve read about other runners who have had complaints about chaffing from hydration backpacks and it’s definitely possible with the HydraQuiver. I haven’t gone on too many long runs with it yet, but from what I can tell, chaffing won’t be an issue, mostly because it’s so much lighter than a regular hydration backpack. I’m amazed and how hard it is to keep a hydration belt in place while running. I wonder if it’s just my hips that are too small, but they would always ride up and just bounce around on my stomach. It can definitely be frustrating to have that happen during a race. But if you’re running a trail race without many water stations, you will just have to suck it up and bring your own hydration.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received HydraQuiver for free from Orange Mud as coordinated by Deep Creek PR an Outdoor Retailer Public Relations Company in consideration for review publication.
