Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I bought this pack after struggling through 14-16-18 mile runs with just a water bottle and having to stop and refill multiple times during a run. I am very happy with the purchase. I hardly notice the vest if it's on properly, even with my large chest and propensity for chafing. I regularly carry an 8oz electrolyte bottle, 2 Gus, some gummy bears or jelly beans, and salt capsules in the front pockets, and my phone, sunglasses, headphones, and an emergency kit (ID, chafe wipes, sunblock packet, hair ties, band-aids) in the back. (I like to be prepared!) I don't feel weighed down at all, and in fact the vest has helped to improve my running posture and keep me from stooping my shoulders when I get tired. However, I have had to make a few tweaks here and there, which is why I give it 4 stars instead of 5. Here are my tips & tweaks: - Someone's tip to loosen all the straps, position the sternum strap, tighten it first, then tighten all other straps is spot on. Remember to fold and tuck the strap ends after. - Prevent "sloshing" by sucking the air out of the bladder after filling. Similarly, prevent hose gunk by expelling the air after cleaning. - Hang it by the base of the hose to dry (so the bladder is upside down) and then run the nozzle back inside the bladder to keep it open so it can dry. Now you don't need to buy a fancy drying cage. - If you really do need to clean it, denture cleaning discs work well to remove gunk and funk. - When the bladder is half empty, the hook comes out of the loop and the whole thing bounces around inside. I fixed this by running a plastic twist tie through the hook and loop. - I've had good luck filling the bladder 1/3 to halfway, freezing it flat on a baking sheet (hose up), and then filling it the rest of the way with water in the morning. Added bonus: it keeps me pretty cool on 90 degree mornings. - Position the bladder so the hose is facing the outside of the pack. It can be annoying if it's against your back. My one big complaint: I wear sports bras with a back closure, and the vest happens to fall right against the closure, leading to serious chafing every. damn. time. Thankfully it doesn't bother me while I'm running. Something to keep in mind for larger busted lady runners. I bought it specifically for training, but I'm so used to it now that I'm considering using it in the marathon as well. Don't care if it makes me look nerdy, because I'll be running a damn marathon. So there.