I personally don’t like hydration bladders as they are hard to clean + not as easy to track my fluid consumption compared to fixed qty bottles or soft flasks.

My go to are hip / fanny packs with bottle pouches from black diamond or mountain smith. Another option are ultra running vests that also have the capacity for hydration bladders too.

I have ridden a lot with a couple packs that had side pockets that would accept a bike water bottle. Easy to grab it and take a drink on the move then replace it. If I was going for longer I could have more water in the pack. I like bottles over a bladder. I don't race so absolute efficiency doesn't matter to me. My current two packs are both out of production, but there are lots of packs that can carry a bottle on one side or both.

The mule imo is a good pack. Not too big or small. Cloudwalker (I think that's the name) if you need something bigger.

Any smaller Camelbak will do. Could also try a cycling jersey and some water bottles.

Get one with a TPU bladder that is reversible for washing.

Silicone tubing is my preference. It pinches easier, but the flexibility makes it great to use and comfortable. That should be an option on some packs.

Tubing insulation does make a big difference if you don't want your first mouthful to be warm every time you go to grab a drink on a sunny day.

My favorite style of bite valves are the ones where the whole head bends backwards to shut off, but I'm often stuffing the hose and valve back in the pack, and if you're just doing 2-hr rides, you may not even need to shut off the valve. And might be better to focus on how the valve is held when you're not drinking from it.

Aside from that, I think its really going to come down to what your preference is for the wearable pack itself.

Water.

Hydration supplements don't have a high enough concentration of sodium to actually make a meaningful difference in your blood concentration of sodium, and the numbers are pretty clear on this, showing that water and an electrolyte supplement have a negligible difference. Any positive effect you notice by drinking something like Gatorade after a run is more likely due to the overall hydration and the sugar content replenishing your carbs, than the electrolyte content.

Save your money for more running shoes :)

Liquid IV

Coconut water

Water

On most runs, just water. If it's extremely hot and humid I will use Pedialyte powder packets. They come in single use packets you add to water, the grape is really good!

Will you be able to run your marathon shirtless? If not, you need to get used to how the pack will feel with a shirt on.

Other things to think about: will your marathon allow hydration packs and if they do, do they specify how you're allowed to carry hydration (bottles in front but no bladder)? Several major maras don't allow packs at all. You avoid chafe by having a pack that fits correctly and is locked down tight. I still wouldn't wear it on bare skin, but you can always lube up with 2Toms or similar.

Have you tried a running belt or a handheld bottle that straps to your palm?

Not sure about a no chafe pack — I just generally deal with wearing a t shirt if I’m wearing my hydration pack. That being said…have you thought about just body gliding everything everywhere😂 Bodyglide has worked for me against chafing fabric v. skin, so not sure why it wouldn’t work with the backpack straps?

I’m carrying two 0.5L soft bottles on my hot long runs these days, only 1 the other days. I tuck them in my side pockets of my shorts (TLRun or some shit like that). I also run by a fountain where I refill as much as I can carry.

Last year I used a vest with bottles and ran my first half with at least 40 oz of water in the bladder. That worked but I prefer soft bottles more.

Osprey Dyna.

try a belt. it's the best feeling ever.

I like the apidura hydration pack. If you decide to use a hydration pack, try one that has pockets on the front for food

I used a backpack bladder in a half frame bag. Run the hose up around my handlebars.

https://preview.redd.it/zzsod2ptgzkf1.jpeg?width=5712&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47fabff459283d8a82b12e26c2d212b214f6425c

I put a bladder in my frame bag and run the hose to a magnet on the bar.

My bike works for me. It carries stuff so I don’t have to. I carry water if I’m walking. Bike carries water if I’m riding.

On longer routes, I use an hip bag that can take a 1.5L water bladder (decathlon, rockrider).

I can’t bear backpacks on bike, the hip bag being the acceptable compromise for me :)

I've used the USWE Vertical. Got 3 of them for some reason, different size and colors. Really love their No Dancing Monkey strap system.

Osprey are the best, but I personally like the Camelbak Rogue Light. Carries 2 liters, small, and lightweight. I use it for hikes up to 20 miles and it’s always done the job.

ive owned so many and Lunchbox always comes out on top. customer service is great and always giving me free goodies :) customizable skins, good lining where the bladder stays so it doesnt get too hot. theres also two different zipper openings to easily access the bladder. lots of little pockets and pouches to keep stuff and its always inline with bag policies. also its theft proof which will come in handy. theres a lot of pick pocketers in the desert.

its a little pricey on the forefront but worth every penny and they last forever. im on my 3rd pack in 3 years! not because anything broke or got ruined, i just like to customize and decorate differently so i have options with my fits 😂🫶

i got a hiking backpack so i’m just take that it’s a osprey with 3 Liters of water. advice put ice before you go in to have some type of cooling water

There’s so many options, it really depends on your needs and personal fit. Are you going to bring a jacket with you? You’ll need a bigger one. You have a locker instead. Go with a smaller one. Worried about theft? Go with the rave option, lunchbox. If you want to test some out I’d advise going to your local REI or similar and trying on the options they have there. 

I dig osprey 

Uswe is a standard pick but pricey. I really like my Klim Arsenal 15, but I carry tools and spares.

WLF Enduro Pack Vest. Big enough for tools, snacks, and 3L of water. Helps that it's tough as nails!

https://preview.redd.it/u09ymplepx3f1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6b82b9717607028198ac175addf328ecca8b0357

I have a Kriega its awesome quality, made in the UK i think

camelbak never let me down

Step 0: drink all day so you don't have to drink while you run

Step 1: I have a 12oz handheld that I use occasionally. It was like $12. It's not that much water, but I don't need to chug half a gallon while running. Also, I rarely use it because ....

Step 2: drinking fountains. I know it's not going to work for everyone, but many parks have drinking fountains that give out water for free! I plan my longer summer runs around those parks. I know the location of at least two dozen drinking fountains within 5 miles of my house. (Again, I recognize that I'm lucky I have so many.)

Why don't you want a hydration pack ? It's the most convenient thing to have when running in the heat, in my opinion.

Running belt with water bottle. Works great for me so far (17oz, plus space for gels and my house key) and if I cinch the belt tight it barely bounces at all.

Make sure you're drinking water throughout the day, all day. You shouldn't feel "very dehydrated" at 7k. Beyond that, carry some water and drink it during the run, or plan your route around water fountains.

Personally I prefer just a handheld bottle, but other folks like belts and stuff.

I have an 18 ounce soft pouch/bottle that stays in my hand. I never run without fluids, especially in the heat.

I got this Nathan one at Road Runner Sports (US)

https://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/35186/-nathan-exodraw-20-18-ounce-soft-flask/

It depends on how long the run is and how much fluids you will need. And that also depends on the weather.

I prefer to just use my vest with the two bottles in the front. But that can only get me to maybe 15 miles if the weather is cool. Longer than that, it's the bladder in the back of the pack. Longer than that and I add the bottles back in. Of course, if you're using the bladder in the back, you have less room for other safety gear like first aid kit, extra jacket, etc.

vest with a bladder with water and electrolytes in soft flasks in the front pockets.

I use a 2L bladder, and either a soft flask or reusable cup for electrolyte drinks

Not super original, but it works for me!

If the route has plenty bodies of water 2 x 500ml flasks and 1 x 600ml Katadyn BeFree

Two 500 ml soft flasks, optionally with built-in Salomon XA filters. I refill from creeks and rarely carry more than 1 liter.

I carry flasks in Salomon running vest.

I may occasionally carry additional 500 ml soft flasks when there is no opportunity to refill.

Do you find the water bottles hydrate you enough for the longer runs?

Just bought the Adv 12 in preparation for an 80km next year and keen to hear if people usually add a bladder or extra bottles when running longer distances. With water stations available every 20km at this race and weather likely about 15-22°C I am thinking the 2 bottles will probably be fine.

I have been using the ultimate direction trail vest for about a year. I really like the soft plastic 500ml bottles that collapse when empty. Everything stays tight and comfortable. Has two pockets that I can reach while running. I keep an iPhone 11 in one and food in the other.

Nathan QuickStart has worked well for me. Has bladder, big back pocket, place for flask/snacks, and small front pocket for phone/snacks/keys

Inexpensive too.

They are great! I run in the Atacama and it holds loads of liquid, space for food, phone, bog-roll (toilet roll for non-Brits) etc. Even get the dog lead, a flexible bowl and some snacks in there for the pooch.

The newest version of the 12 is solid. Had the one before, and there’s been a few changes that stood out. Great option for runners of all shapes sizes and backgrounds.

Thanks for all the great recommendations! After looking over them all and getting some additional recommendations from friends, I decided I’d give the Salomon ADV Skin 12 a shot. We’ll see how it goes.

I picked up a 5 litre Harrier Curbar vest. I got a pack with 2x 500ml flasks, a drybag, soft cup etc from them.

5L is enough for me to carry water, first aid, waterproof jacket & trousers and a few other bits and bobs

The 500ml flasks area bit too big for me. In hindsight 300ml or similar would have been better.

It's a UK brand, tested on the trails and falls and fits the gap between very budget and serious kit

https://harrierrunfree.co.uk/collections/race-vests