Accessories

 

Hydration systems are especially important to runners here in India as they help them stay properly hydrated on intense or long-distance runs. Learn more about hydration systems and what's available here in India: 

What are the different types of hydration systems?

Hydration Systems - What's Available in India?

 

 

 

 

What are the different types of hydration systems?

Hydration systems are of particular importance to runners living and running in hot climates. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that during exercise, athletes should start drinking early and at regular intervals in an attempt to consume fluids at a rate sufficient to replace all the water lost through sweating (i.e., body weight loss), or consume the maximal amount that can be tolerated. But how do runners carry these fluids?

Hydration systems come in various types and styles and indeed prices. They generally fall into one of five categories:

• hand-held bottles
• bottle belts
• fuel belts
• reservoir systems
• hydration packs

Hand-held bottles 

 

Hand-held water bottles are the easiest and fastest to fill. However, depending on the duration of the run, you may opt to store your water in a bottle belt, a fuel belt, a reservoir system or a hydration backpack.

 

There are many types of water bottles. Some have a lot of features, while others don't. Some features to look out for are:

• adjustable neoprene hand strap
• indentations to form-fit two fingers and your thumb

Bottle belts (also called hip-bottle packs)

 

Bottle belts allow runners to run hands-free while still carrying water bottles. While some hold two water bottles, most are designed to hold one standard sized bottle. These belts sit on your waist/hips for easy access with some offering an additional pocket for keys or a cell phone.

 

Fuel belts

 

Much like the bottle belts, fuel belts allow runners to run hands-free while carrying water bottles. The number of bottles a fuel belt holds depends on the brand and model. Some are designed to carry one or two standard-sized water bottles, while others are designed to carry several smaller sized bottles. Often, they feature pockets or mesh compartments for your phone, small change or gel packets.

 

Reservoir systems & hydration backpacks

Reservoir systems and hydration backpacks allow the runner to carry large amounts of fluid. In my opinion, they are the best solution for long runs (you may have to get used to the sloshing sound first though). These hydration systems also provide space for other items like gels, clothes, MP3 player, etc. The capacity of most hydration backpacks varies from brand to brand, ranging from 1 to 4 liters.

 

What's Available in India?

Adidas Run Bladder 2L (similar to the one shown here)

 Price: Rs 1995/- (available from Adidas stores)

Running & Living Water Bottle Belt 

Price: Rs 500/- (available from Running & Living)

We will keep adding to this list as and when we come across other products.