Those looking to lose weight and who are active may need a hydration system for running. What are its advantages and which model is better to choose?
When conducting a persistent struggle with excess weight, control of the drinking regime is mandatory. When you run, it is quickly excreted from the body along with sweat, fats are burned, but gradually more and more slowly.
This is due to the fact that with a lack of water in the body, the metabolic process worsens. Therefore, nutritionists strongly recommend that even non-athletes drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
The Importance of Drinking Your Workout
People who practice aerobics and fitness (including those on the treadmill) are more thirsty than people who do not lead a sports lifestyle. In athletes, moisture quickly evaporates, and therefore it is necessary to observe the drinking regime. In addition, compliance with it helps to complete the planned set of exercises.
With deviations in the water balance in humans, the body becomes dehydrated. This condition leads to dizziness, weakness, impaired metabolism and malfunctioning of the immune system. When dehydrated, the blood thickens, and less oxygen is supplied to the brain and muscles.
Drinking guidelines
- It is not worth drinking a lot and constantly; it is enough to drink about 100 ml or more every 15 minutes of active workout, if the body requires it. Also, in addition to observing the drinking regime, instructors recommend using a deceptive trick - not to drink water, but to rinse your mouth with it.
- It is also important to know that the drinking regimen should be followed even before and after training. 1.5-2 hours before physical activity, you should drink about a glass of still water and half a glass in 15 minutes. It is recommended that you drink a glass of water upon completion of your workouts. These numbers are not strict guidelines if more is required.
- Instead of water, you cannot use energy drinks in the drinking regime. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited, since alcohol not only has a detrimental effect on the organs, but also contributes to the excessively rapid drying of water in the body. In addition, the load on the heart increases, and when performing a large number of exercises, the organ is overloaded, this can be dangerous.
- Drinking juices instead of water is also not recommended. Juices in tetrapacks contain very little nutrients, and a lot of powders and sugar. Better to drink a glass of freshly squeezed carrot or apple juice, or add lemon juice to the water.
Recently, trail running, an extreme form of running over rough "wild" terrain, has become very popular among young people. Standard marathons require much less drinking than trail running with large obstacles. In any case, plenty of fluids will be required, for which it is convenient to use drinking systems. How to choose the right model?
What to look for when buying a drinking system
To buy a suitable drinking system, you should pay attention to the following points:
- what is the volume of the product's capacity;
- what material it is made of;
- how tight it is;
- what are the types of valve and tubing;
- are there any foreign smells, etc.
Also, for some buyers, the color of the product and the presence of the cover are important. Classic drinking systems were previously closed with a lid, today there are models with special sealed clamps. Their convenience lies in the fact that they are much easier to wash than hydropacks with a lid.
The disadvantage is that the runner will have to constantly stop to get the tank out of the backpack. More expensive models have both clips and covers.
It is imperative to determine the quality of the plastic of the drinking system. In some, when buying, a chemical smell is felt, which then disappears. It is not recommended to purchase such products.
If the purchase is made in an online store, then it is better to find the BPA-free labeling in the product description, which indicates the absence of bisphenol, which contributes to endocrine system disorders. The FDA approved label also indicates the absence of harmful substances in the material.
Volume
One of the most important indicators. He is chosen not only depending on the needs, but also on the basis of their own wishes and convenience when running or other physical activity. So for cycling, the rule "the more the better" applies, and athletes purchase drinking systems with a volume of 2 liters or more.
For hiking and running, this volume is not optimal. This is due to the fact that large reservoirs have significant weight and physical activity increases. Therefore, for runners, the most optimal volume is from 1 to 2 liters.
Mount
The second thing to look for when buying a drinking system is the mount. What qualities should it have:
- removable tubes must have a high-quality plug attachment to the water reservoir itself;
- good fastening is achieved with an O-ring, which eliminates smudges in the area of the joint between the tube and the reservoir;
- the tube should have a clip either on the strap of the backpack or on the chest using a magnetic fastener
Other indicators
The other important points for choosing a drinking system include:
- Valve. It should be closed and made from environmentally friendly materials. Otherwise, sand and dust may clog in it while running. The automatic shutter is achieved by a pivoting mechanism and prevents smudges. Also, the swivel mechanism is convenient in that, unlike a straight tube, it bends less during transportation.
- Material. Polyethylene is often used as it. Expensive manufacturers do not use cheap materials that smell strong or are easily damaged. Hydrators with low-quality material not only smell unpleasant, but also fill the flooded water with this smell.
- Colour. For some, this point is insignificant. It is only important in order to determine the level of the remaining liquid in the tank. The best option is a light blue color with a certain transparency.
- Cap. It shouldn't be too wide. Of course, thanks to the large width, you can quickly fill the tank, but such a roof has more disadvantages. It is more difficult to clean and dry them, and in inexpensive drinkers this valve leaks quickly.
- Clamp. It must be sealed. The advantages of the clamp include ease of cleaning and drying of the drinker. To the inconvenience - a set of water.
- A tube. Must be properly sealed. Poor quality and defective products contribute to rapid flow between the tube and the reservoir. Therefore, when buying, you must definitely ask the seller to test the drinking system. You should also pay attention to the material and length of the tube. Longer tubes are considered more practical. It should not be too stiff and poorly bendable - it is quickly damaged, and the water in them quickly freezes.
- Cover. This can be a thermal cover for the container and for the tube. The use of both types allows you to maximize the temperature of the liquid and eliminate the formation of condensation in the tube. The second function of the covers is to protect against mechanical damage. Covers are made of dense fabric.
Types and features of drinking systems
There are several types of drinking systems. This can be a flask, a hydrator, or a drinking glove. Any drinking system has a polyethylene tank and tubing. Some people build their own drinking systems using dropper tubes, but such products do not last long, and do not give a tightness, identical, for example, to a hydrator.
Flask attached to the belt
One of the most common types of drinking system. Fastened with a special belt, has sections for flasks. A clear plus is that it can be used not only when running, but also when performing other physical exercises. After all, the hands are free. In addition, the price of the product is low (up to 35 euros).
However, this drinker also has a significant disadvantage. This is the need to constantly make short stops. With marathons, this is a significant drawback.
Flask on the wrist
Flasks on the wrist are a slightly more convenient method, since the tank does not get in the way while running on the belt. However, there is one drawback - the inability to perform additional actions, especially when running with obstacles.
The most common wrist flask is in the form of a bracelet. They are certainly very comfortable, but they are unreasonably expensive. The second minus is the amount of contained fluid. It will not work for long distances, because the maximum volume is no more than 1 liter.
Drinking glove
Unlike a bracelet, it costs much less (about 40 euros). The most common model is the Sens Hydro S-Lab Set. It is put on the hand, which is why it was called a drinking glove. Moreover, the product is available in 3 sizes: S, M and L ..
The glove has several disadvantages:
- volume does not exceed 240 ml, not suitable for long runs;
- requires certain skills to use;
- in trail running can interfere when overcoming obstacles;
- the load is carried out on one hand, which leads to an imbalance.
The pluses include the presence of terry cloth on the back of the glove, it is very convenient for them to wash sweat from the face.
Hydration backpack
The hydration backpack is the most popular hydration system for running and hiking. A hydrator is a container of various volumes with a tube at the base for supplying water when a person moves.
The obvious advantages of a hydrator are:
- the ability to drink on the go without stopping;
- attaching the tube to the strap of the backpack;
- no need for frequent cleaning of the tank.
It should be noted that it is undesirable to pour juice or tea into this drinking system. Its purpose is only for water, but sugar and dyes settle down over time and create a plaque. You can use a brush or baking soda to clean the reservoir.
Drinking system models
Having decided on the type of drinking system, it is important to choose the right model. To do this, it is worth considering several options from well-known companies.
CamelBack
A middle-aged company, their first drinking systems were produced for the military. Then, since 1988, they began to produce hydraulic packs for general use. To some, their cost may seem unreasonably expensive (up to $ 48), but for this money the client purchases a record-breaking lightweight product (250g), made of ventilated mesh and materials with thermal insulation and water-repellent properties.
The reservoir is made of plastic, which does not produce an unpleasant chemical odor or taste. This is especially important in the production of children's hydration packs such as the Skeeter Kid's Hydration Pack. The volume of children's hydropacks is from 1 to 1.5 liters, the same volume is used for some hydropacks of the same company for adults. All backpacks are equipped with a durable flap, some also with the patented Big Bite.
Source
They differ from CamelBack in that they have an antimicrobial coating. The capacity of the tank is smooth and consists of 3 layers, on which there is this coating. It resists the development of biological films, the reservoir is well washed out.
Source hydropacks have nipple caps to keep dirt and dust out of the system while running. Also, these products are made of high-quality plastic, there have been no cases of a chemical smell or taste yet. The hydrator is easily detached, there is no need to dismantle the hose.
Bbss
Bbss is a hydropack made in the style of army equipment. Great for all outdoor enthusiasts. All Bbss systems are a combination of price and quality. The backpack is large in size, has a hydraulic system up to 2.5 liters, adjustable shoulder straps, mesh inserts, an ergonomic back and fairly dense side walls.
The backpack can carry up to 60kg. It is equipped with a cap lid and has an anti-fungal coating. The only negative is that sometimes a chemical aftertaste is felt at the beginning of use. In order not to harm yourself, the tank should be thoroughly rinsed with sparkling or warm water.
Deuter
This German drinking system has won particular respect among athletes. The reservoir is made of very dense, practically unbreakable plastic. Has sealed clamps. It is convenient to pour water into it, wash the tank and the tube.
The kit may include a thermal insulating cover. Other advantages include the presence of a special film that allows the liquid to be stored for a long time; when cleaning, you can fully open the tank. The valve is easy to clean. Minus - in the absence of a clamp, it is impossible to completely shut off the water supply, due to which it slowly flows out of the tube.
Salomon
Produces expensive models of drinking systems. So the S-LAB ADVANCED SKIN HYDRO 12 SET hydropack, designed for short and long marathons, is very convenient for people who can carry up to 12 liters of water. This is achieved due to the presence of hinged flasks.
They use similar drinking systems in the case of a marathon in extreme conditions (for example, in the desert). However, their range is no longer limited to large drinking systems, and in 2016 the company released a more compact type of hydropack. Its cost is comparatively lower than that of large models.
Prices
Prices for running systems range from 200 rubles to 4000 rubles or more. The cost is influenced by the type and quality of plastic, manufacturer, availability of valve closures, tightness, etc. The cost of hydropacks starts from 1500 rubles.
The absolute bestseller for $ 22 is CamelBack Octan LR - hydropack, made of quality materials, sealed, with a shutter for the valve fixed on the shoulder strap, and a thermal insulating cover.
For other types of systems, the drinking glove Sens Hydro S-Lab Set costs up to 40 euros, hydropack Solomon - about 170 euros, hip flask on the belt - up to 35 euros, flask on the wrist Cynthia Rowley Flask Bracelet - Up to $ 225.
Where can one buy?
You can buy a drinking system at any sports and tourism store. The undoubted advantages of the purchase include the ability to test the product, touch it, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages, and compare with the descriptions on the Internet.
The second way is in the online store. Dignity is the acquisition without leaving home. The disadvantages include the inability to check for the presence of a chemical odor and the increase in cost due to delivery.
The cheapest option is self-pickup or delivery by courier service (not day to day), the longest - by Russian post, and the most expensive - by a transport company. This pattern is common in many companies.
Reviews
Among all the reviews for running drinking systems, the following should be described:
User Begunya wrote this review about Deuter Streamer: “This is a very handy and practical hydropack. I did not notice any shortcomings. A huge plus - bringing the tube to the bottom, the water does not stop flowing until it is completely drunk. The backpack also fits other things perfectly, it is very convenient, you do not have to "conjure" over the packing of things, and its material is very durable. "
And as another user reported, the same model is an indispensable accessory for running or hiking in the summer. Here is what he writes: “On a hike in a hot season, you want to drink water without making any special efforts. This system makes it possible. The system is easy to fill with water and washable thanks to the wide lid. Has a smooth film, which makes the surface as smooth as glass.
The drinking tube is removable and has a valve that prevents liquid from escaping. Fixed with Velcro. The valve has 3 open states: full, half and closed.The mouthpiece is at right angles for easy drinking. In general, I am very pleased with the model, I have been using it for more than a year, and have long recommended it to my friends.
The XL user uses a douter system, and this is what he says about it: “I bought it a long time ago, more than a year ago. A very convenient and lightweight thing. This 1 liter plastic bag has a high quality plastic tube and is easy to clean and fill. Minus - the taste of plastic was felt ”.
And Sergey Nikolaevich Glukhov writes: “I bought it on the Chinese website Ali Express CamelBack. I thought the original turned out to be a fake. I immediately realized this when I felt the taste of plastic and saw some gaps. Naturally, I sent it back to the seller. Now I ordered it in a normal online store, I hope I won't get caught again. "
In conclusion, it should be pointed out that no matter how often a person goes in for sports, the main thing is to observe the drinking regimen and select products not for aesthetic, but for physical reasons. After all, a hydropack can be beautiful, but not all girls are ready to carry weights. This issue should be taken very seriously.
