Running backpack

[Helprequired5]

I have a place for the London Marathon - it will be my first and only! I think I need some sort of running backpack for my long runs and for the day itself. Can anyone recommend one? Should I get one with hydration?

Any experience of them appreciated - thanks

A running vest is what you need - they come in so many shapes and sizes though, I'd recommend getting yourself to a good sports shop/specialist running shop and trying some out. I've got an Ultimate Direction pack but that has loads of storage capacity because I run in the hills, you won't need that for a road marathon.

I'm not personally a fan of the hydration bags because I don't like the way they slosh around and your back heats the contents up if you're running for a long time. But a vest will have two pouches on the front for holding soft water bottles (and will probably come with the bottles too). And presumably there are water stations on the way round.

Plenty of vests here to give you an idea:

https://www.sportsshoes.com/products/running/bags/

I use a large marathon belt with soft bottles because it doesn't bounce, slosh or constrict my boobs. I haven't found a running vest/pack that's comfortable yet

I've tried a number of running vests

This one from Amazon is the best value one I own. There's nothing to it, so it's great for racing and the material is soft. The equivalent from Salomon is 3x the price. They do a 12l version as well.

Be careful about sizing - I bought a small and all the straps are at max. I should have got the next size up I think but it just means I can't put on any weight haha

Aonijie running vest

I’m doing my first marathon too this year (Manchester), but I’m thinking of a belt rather than a vest. I have a hydration vest, but I agree that the sloshing is off-putting!

I have a handheld water bottle which holds 500 ml, which so far has been enough for me. And with decent pockets in leggings it’s really I think just somewhere to holds all the fuel that I need! I have a small belt but am thinking of upgrading- will see how I get on on my next long run and then have another think

I had wondered whether a belt would be better - I have quite big boobs so wondered if they would get in the way with the vest! Thanks everyone - will have a look at your recommendations

I have a Harriers Curbar vest for my long runs, which has pockets and loops for two long straw bottles in the front.

There is also a space at the back with clips to fix a larger water bladder pack if you wanted that option.

The vest is compact but has plenty of zips and pockets to hold other items such as gloves, gels, keys, phone, running jacket and even poles if you go fell running.

I see sloshing as a reason against hydration vest, but there is a good hack to remove the air in the pouch so that it doesn't slosh when you run. Turn the pack upside down and suck the air out until you get water through the tube. Worked for me when I used it for Manchester, but I think I'll just use the water stations at London.

https://harrierrunfree.co.uk/products/new-curbar-5l-race-vest

You can get ones designed for women (ie with boob room) I think Salomon do one?

So do I and I find the vests really uncomfortable for that reason. You won't need to carry water on the day as there are so many water stations so it depends on whether you need to carry water for long runs - I worked mine out so I didn't. I had a belt made out of stretchy waistband type fabric for my phone and some small snacks (dried apricots) and put my gels in the side pocket on my leggings. Whilst it was chilly I also made use of the pockets in my running jacket.