Disclaimer: I received the Orange Mud HydraQuiver to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
Since I began running about 4 years ago and training for longer distances races I’ve used a hydration belt and let me tell you it’s been quite the love-hate relationship.
I want the darn thing to sit down on my hips, but since hips move when you run it just doesn’t stay, and I really don’t like wearing it up around my waist. There was many a time where I took my hydration belt off in the middle of a long run and threatened to throw it right in the trash it was making me so crazy!
A few months ago I started to see these Orange Mud hydration vests popping up in my social media feed and was eager to try one, but to be honest the price held me back. Being in school and not working full time I’ve been trying to be a bit more conscious of what I REALLY need vs. what I just want and this fell into “want” since I did have a hydration belt that while it did drive me nuts, it also really did work perfectly fine.
But, when BibRave offered for a group of their pros to test out an Orange Mud hydration vest I was definitely on board and very excited to hopefully find a replacement for the dreaded belt!
I was sent the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Pack 1, a hydration vest that carries one 25 ounce bottle, retail value $119.95 (they do also make a similar vest that carries two bottles, retail value $149.95).
Since I was just gearing up for my Goofy Challenge training and had several long runs coming up it was perfect timing to really test out this product.
The first time I wore it was just for a short 3 mile run to get the adjustments right and make sure it was comfortable enough to take out for a long run – it definitely was!
I saw Orange Mud mention on social media that the trick was to use the side straps for the major adjustments and then once that fit was good to use the front strap for some smaller adjustments until it sat comfortably without bouncing.
At first the sloshing of the water that close to my head bothered me, but after about a mile I didn’t even notice it. I also struggled a bit getting the water bottle in and out of the holder the first few times I went to grab for it (it’s sort of like a weird yoga move!), but again, I made some adjustments to the strap that holds the water bottle in place and quickly got used to it!
I used the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Vest Pack for all my long runs during my Goofy Challenge training and I think it’s safe to say I will most definitely NOT be going back to a hydration belt any time soon!
The HydraQuiver was MUCH more comfortable and held more without feeling like I was carrying much because of the way the weight was distributed across my back and shoulders.
PROS:
- Multiple straps to adjust for custom fit
- Sits comfortably with no bounce (much more comfortable than my hydration belt!)
- Plenty of pocket room on the front to hold fuel, phone and chapstick!
- Very lightweight (10.7oz with the water bottle)
- No water bladder to clean like other hydration vests/ backpacks
CONS:
- Sloshing of water near your head takes a bit to get used to
- If you put ice in the bottle it definitely got cold on your back (although this would be a big pro for summer running!)
- A little difficult to get the bottle in and out while running, just takes some strap adjustments and getting used to!
If you’re training for a long distance race and aren’t in love with your current hydration gear, I definitely recommend checking out one of the Orange Mud products. They are a bit pricey, but it seems like a high quality product that’s going to last for years of running, so definitely worth the investment!
Plus, Orange Mud was kind enough to give us BibRave Pro’s a discount code to share with all of our followers! If you’re interested in trying out an Orange Mud product you can use code “BIBRAVE” for 15% off your order!
How do you carry hydration for long runs –
handheld, belt or vest?
Live, Run, Grow 