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

Mar 31, 2023

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.

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.

Pros	Cons
Lots of Options	Pack Bounce
Often Affordable	Fit/Sizing Issues
	Unbalanced

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.

Pros	Cons
Quick Access	Limited Carry Capacity
Bounce Resistant	One Compartment

Flipbelt: Phone, Keys

AthletiPack: Water, Snack, Salt, Chapstick

Running with Flipbelt and AthletiPack Demo

Combine with AthletiPack in multiple ways

3. Hydration Vest

Hydration vests are similar to backpacks but they have shoulder strap pockets and they use elastic rib compression to minimize bounce. They are usually smaller in size and some are compatible with hydration bladders.

Pros	Cons
Bounce Resistant	Often Expensive
Quick Access	Fit/Sizing Issues
Balanced	Limited Storage

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.

Written by Trent Hughes

2 comments

I love it, for being in a wheelchair the pack puts everything where I can get it.
You provided me right on time delivery.
Market it with some handicap sites as well.

Free hip belt??

Al little

March 29, 2024 at 6:00 pm

I was looking for me a light and easy concealed carrying bag and I was at the gun show on Thanksgiving weekend and I ordered a bag and when I tell you I love my bag the owner Trent is very professional and polite and willing to help and answer all my questions. I will be ordering more bags with this company for years to come. Again thank you for all the help team love my bag!!!!! The athleti pack is very light and easy on my neck and back

Taramara Dodson

December 5, 2023 at 11:00 pm

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

Pros

Cons

Lots of Options

Pack Bounce

Often Affordable

Fit/Sizing Issues

Unbalanced

Pros

Cons

Quick Access

Limited Carry Capacity

Bounce Resistant

One Compartment

Pros

Cons

Bounce Resistant

Often Expensive

Quick Access

Fit/Sizing Issues

Balanced

Pros

Cons

Quick Access

Limited Carry Capacity

Bounce Resistant

2 comments

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