DolfinPack Lightweight, Form-fitting, Waterproof, Extreme Sports Hydration Pack

I am training for a full Iroman and needed something to take on runs longer than 10 miles. I strapped this bad boy on for the first time on a 14-mile trail run and could not have asked for a more comfortable hydration system! This holds 50 ozs (enough for about 2 hours of running for me), and I forget I even have it on. No bouncing, shaking, or awkward bottles to deal with. I just loop the valve through one side and then up the middle for easy sipping. There are also no bulky pouches or compartments. There is plenty of room for my cell (Galaxy 5) phone and gu in the same large compartment as the bladder. I just drop it in there in a plastic baggy.I do not experience the chafing or rubbing some other users mention. I simply line the velcro straps up with each other when connecting them and don't have any issues. (I am 5'9" and 135lbs for reference).The ONLY reason I did not give it 5 stars is because the stitching is not as durable as I had hoped. The first one I received, the Velcro for the pouch came loose the first time I opened it. I sent it back and they immediately replaced it. The second one, the little silver plastic around the valve hole is coming loose. This does not affect functionality at all, but it could be better.Update After 2 years of use:I still LOVE this hydration pack! Changing to 5 stars. I've put some serious miles on this thing, and it has held up wonderfully. I added pictures of my 2-year old pack. The bladder has a little staining from the powder I use, but that's about it! For cleaning, I remove the end of the sipping tube and run soapy water through and rinse. I've handwashed the neoprene and let airdry (mainly because I need it sooner than I'm ready to do laundry).

Just got this and used this morning on my 18 mile marathon training run.Pros: Felt much lighter and more fitted than a camelback. Holds plenty of water without feeling heavy. Elastic loops on both sides, so one can be used to hold GU packets. Comfortable, snug, and did not feel like I was wearing a bulky backpack. Excellent way to run hands free & carry enough water instead of pre-stashing water bottles along a route, pack bottles on a belt. I typically do not wear hydration packs or belts during races, but might consider using this at my next marathon if weather is hot.Cons: The over-use of velcro on the front fitting straps is ridiculous & would easily cause painful chaffing if running in a tank top. Fortunately I am a seamstress and was able to stitch soft black velvet around all the exposed velcro after I fit it to my body. Now it is perfect.Aside from the velcro issue, for me this is the best hands-free hydration solution for marathon training, looks and fits like a halter instead of a bulky backpack.

I must say that I love this pack! Yes, the velcro does suck a bit. My first trial run with it, I covered the straps with old arm sleeves (pink and black polka dots). This protected my clothes from damage and skin from chafing (I'm prone to chafing). The pack didn't shift at all and was probably the most comfortable run that I've done yet, with a pack!! The water does slosh a lot in this but if you turn it upside down after filling and suck all the air out of the bladder before turning it upright and putting it in the pack, that takes care of the slosh. I'm going to attach the sleeves on permanently now and can't wait to use this at my 31k trail race this weekend!One thing it does lack is a pocket or pouch. There's an easy fix for this though, if you need it. You can buy separate pouches that will clip over the chest strap. I've got an old Amphipod pouch that I used over the weekend and it worked great but was a little tough to slide over the strap. I'll be getting a pouch that is either magnetic or velcro to strap over it, rather than sliding, to try out next.

I bought the DolfinPack to use for my long trail runs. I was drawn by the affordable price (other hydration packs for running are ridiculously expensive). So far I've used it on a 9 mile run and a 10 mile run, and both times it's been great. It doesn't bounce around, it's light and comfortable, and it carries more water than I've actually needed. I was worried about chafing or the velcro straps catching on my clothing, but neither have been a problem so far. The hose for drinking is really long, but I looped it and stuck it back through one of the loops on the chest straps and it's worked great. My only complaint is the lack of pockets. Even just a tiny one to carry a car key would be great (I suppose you could stick it in the water compartment, but I'd worry about puncturing the bladder). Instead, I've carried a small pocket around my waist for my phone and gel packs.

This is hands down the best water carrying pack for running I have ever tried. I have done them all: hand held water bottles with a grip, waist belts, camelbak.... I have always run into issues, the biggest being a lack of comfort. NO LONGER! This DolfinPack is absolutely the best! I love that it sits at the top of my back instead of halfway down or at my waist. I find that the longer I wear it, the less I notice it. I have NO ISSUES with chafing, but then again I am a 5'3" 120 lb woman who does not have a 'large chest'. I wore it for a 13 mile run I completed recently and found that I had enough room for my cell phone in the bladder pocket (put it in a bag before placing it with the bladder), 2 gu packs, and a key. There was room leftover even with all of that stuff in it. The open/close valve is also handy. I sweat a lot in the straps and where the pack is, but this is a common issue with all water packs. It holds a liter of water, which is perfect for those longer runs.

Love the pack and love the fact that I have my hands free during my run. It allows me to sip water without stopping. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars, is due to the rough material used for the shoulder straps. The material is not very soft and tends to shave during a long run. I created a "soft cover" for them (kind of like those seat belt covers you can buy). You can use soft material, and use velcro or snap buttons.