Choosing a Carry Solution for a Marathon: Pros and Cons of Backpacks, Belts, and Vests

A critical aspect in the preparation for a marathon is how you carry essentials such as water, phone, nutrition, and extra clothes. In this blog post, we explore the pros and cons of various carry solutions to help find the most optimal solution depending on needs and budget. 

1. Backpack w/ Hydration Bladder

The tried and true backpack! The one pictured is a Camelbak, but there are literally hundreds of brands/options to choose from. To help with pack bounce, a backpack with a hipbelt is strongly recommended. Some packs have two sternum straps and even load lifters depending on the size.

In Camelback: Hydration Bladder, Clothes

In AthletiPack: Phone, Snack, Salt, Chapstick

 

2. Running Belt

This is a great solution when you just need to carry the bare essentials. The Flipbelt can fit a phone, keys, gels, and other small items. 

In Running Vest: Clothes, Wallet, 2 Water Bottles

In AthletiPack: Phone, Snack, Salt, Chapstick

4. AthletiPack

Featuring a 1.5L carry capacity, the Athletipack can comfortably carry phone, keys, snacks, and a small water bottle. The elastic webbing provides freedom of motion and extreme bounce resistance. 

Pros	Cons
Quick Access	Limited Carry Capacity
Bounce Resistant

Francene finishing a marathon using an AthletiPack.  

Switch between Front pack and Backpack.