CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I bought this for long-distance training runs and have only used it on a single 21-mile run so far, but I'm a convert. This belt holds more water, bounces less, and is far more comfortable than the water-bottle belt I've been using for two years. Be realistic, any belt that carries the weight of water is going to cause some level of discomfort and chafing when you're running for hours on end, but this one's shape, balance, and padding seem very well thought out. The large opening of the bladder allows you to add ice, which kept my water cool through a 3-hour run in 82-degree weather. The outside straps allow you to compress the pack, pulling it in tighter as you consume water, keeping the bouncing/sloshing to a minimum (bleeding out any air after filling helps, too). Drinking from the tube is easier than wrangling bottles in and out of a belt while running. The two zippered pockets have plenty of room for phone, ipod, gel packs, etc, and I was able to open and close them relatively easily while running, even with all the straps cinched down.

There may be better, more comfortable long-run hydration solutions--I've never tried running with one of the backpack-style systems, for example, but it just seems like the shoulder straps would chafe like crazy after a few hours of running. Until I find something better, I'll be using the FlashFlo for all my long runs. Love it.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I bought this pak when I was training for my first marathon. I had never worn anything like this before and had slight reservations. THOSE RESERVATIONS ARE GONE! I absolutely love my 'fanny pack' and the instant access I have to my water at anytime. The straps to tighten the pack down as the water level goes down are easily adjusted and the second pocket has always provided more than enough space for the extras I may want to take with me on my longer runs. I have only run out of water one time on an extremely warm day. I was at mile twelve of thirteen when I sucked the last of my water out. It really is an unbeatable accessory, especially if you are a distance runner.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I was originally looking for a Nathan's or FuelBelt bottle carrier, but my wife bought this as a Christmas present for me, and I have not looked back. I used my first run with it to adjust, and then it has been a perfect companion for my middle to long distance runs. I just finished a 14 miler with the Camel Back yesterday and it didn't bounce or chafe at all. As well the pack gives you ample room to store keys, a cell or gels.
When I first ran with it the drink tube came out the left side and was shorter (because of where the tube goes into the bladder). Routing it out of the right side, gave me all the length I needed. Also it does have some minimal reflective tape, but since I run a fair amount in the dark I could easily add a blinky light.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I've owned this for several months now. I went into the store with the intention of buying a belt that would carry a water bottle or two, but when I saw this I decided to try it. I've very glad I did. It's easy to fill once the bladder is out of the bag and not difficult to put back. I'm able to ride for up to about an hour and a half in Phoenix-area summer weather before running out (or hike, walk or run). As one of the other commenters said, it's better to route the tube on the right side if you're at all long in the waist.

I've not had a problem with it bouncing. I just make sure that it's in the lumbar region instead of on my fanny and cinch it properly. It is a little sweaty there, but any belt is going to do that and it's much better than a full backpack. I'm a pounding runner too, so it would bounce if it were going to.

Cons: The tube could be a little longer. I don't have the tube clipped in to the guide at all and it's barely long enough. I have to bend my head more than I'd like to get the bite valve in my mouth. The belt was also a bit short for my waist when I started, although that's much improved since I've lost 30 pounds after buying it. make sure to try it on if you're over about a 48" waist and remember that in the store you don't have a full water bag, which will make a difference when you go to put it on.

Pros: Holds enough, lots of extra pocket room, stays put, cinches nicely. On the bike it has a very low profile on my back so not much wind drag or noise. The belt is substantial and sturdy too, with a buckle that is centered rather than to one side and the straps on both sides of the buckle can be adjusted, as well as the compression straps.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

All in all I am very happy with this pack. It holds way more than any of the bottle packs in terms of food and other support products that you need for long outing. If you move on to using the reservoir pocket for holding additional stuff you can fit enough for a good long day out. The cinch straps that help stabilize the water from bouncing are awesome.

Things to note however is that it takes some getting used to on cinching it down when it is full, and it feels bulgy until you have drank the first 5 - 10 ounces. I have only used it twice as of right now, so I might has some more to learn about it, but if you fill the reservoir on the go, be careful to let out the slack that keep the reservoir from bouncing.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

This was given as a Christmas present. I use it for trail running and short hikes. I thought I would hate wearing this on a run but it fits well and stays snug. I'm smaller (35" hip 28" waist) and this just barely tightens enough for me. I love being able to run on the trail with a larger bag (I was using a spibelt) so I can easily carry a phone, whistle, water & a few emergency supplies - I feel much safer on the trail. The hose is a little awkward at first but I just stick it through the hip belt to keep it out of the way. It was also a little difficult to get the bladder in the bag once filled but when the bag breaks in a little it's not as hard.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I tired several waistpacks with bottles and couldn't find anything comfortable. This Camelbak fits so well I don't even know it's on.

I just wish it had a larger capacity so I don't have to switch to a day pack so quickly when the weather warms.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I bought this pack after returning an Osprey one, and after trying out this one on 3 separate day hikes, I returned it, too. I wish I had read the other reviews before purchasing this pack because I had the same problem with the pack flopping over when full of water and not sitting flush against my back; perhaps more straps would stabilize it?

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

I've hiked at least 2 or 3 days a week on mountain trails for at least a couple of decades and often use waist or lumbar packs for shorter excursions. Other brands of of lumbar packs used with satisfaction include Kelty, Mountainsmith, Ultimate Designs and Black Diamond. Prior to purchasing the Camelbak FlashFlo waist pack, I'd had very positive experiences with the excellent Camelback backpacks, which proved to be well engineered and well made.

On short hikes with the Camelbak Flashflo waistpack, a couple of problems stood out. I am 6'2" tall and as noted by another tall reviewer, the hydration tube is not long enough and a tall user must stop and bend awkwardly to reach the tube, defeating the purpose of the convenience of a hydration pack. I solved this problem by cannibalizing another Camelbak reservoir from a backpack, taking the longer tube, and attaching it to the Flashflo reservoir. But this problem would have been easy for Camelbak to solve by simply providing a longer tube. Those who found it too long could easily have shortened it, but a taller user cannot lengthen the standard tube.

The other problem I was not able to remedy. When the reservoir is full of water and a few other small necessities are in the pack, the body of the pack tends to roll or sag backward from the top even when the waistbelt is cinched tight. Sometimes it almost seems to roll backwards until it is bottom up. The FlashFlo is poorly engineered in this respect. I've owned lumbar packs from various other manufacturers over the years and those that are well engineered invariably include some sort of engineering to prevent the waistpack from rolling backwards at the top, either by including additional adjustable straps, top and bottom, on either side, or by using internal stays, or other design features.

This is all unfortunate, because the concept is an excellent one, and the workmanship as with all Camelbak products seems good. There is a need for a good hydration reservoir waistpack. It may be that part of the problem is that whoever engineered this waistpack at Camelbak was trying to make it look "sleek", racy and uncluttered. If that was the case, unfortunately it was at the expense of comfort and utility to the point of being nearly useless to me.

Comments about CamelBak FlashFlo LR Hydration Waistpack - 50 fl. oz.:

After running a marathon last month and suffering from dehydration, I realized I needed something more than my old standby water bottle on long training runs, especially with the summer heat coming on. This waist pack got mixed reviews, but I ran with it for an 8 mile run this weekend in 70 degree weather and loved it! I did sweat quite a bit under the pack, but I'm not sure how that could possibly be avoided. The pack didn't move around or flop at all, which is a real plus since I have sensitive skin and tend to chafe. As the reservoir emptied I was able to easily adjust the straps as I ran. This pack is going to be a staple for my weekend runs and I couldn't be happier with it! Plus buying it was a great excuse to try out our new Olympia REI, which was a pleasure and full of helpful people. Thanks, REI!