Orange Mud Product Reviews
It’s inevitable that any runner trying to build mileage and run longer eventually faces the dilemma: how in the world do I stay hydrated during these sessions? Whether it’s getting hotter, water fountains have been turned off for the winter, or there’s simply not any source where you’re training, not having access to proper hydration methods is a classic mistake many athletes make. Thankfully, Orange Mud has come out with some great products for tackling longer miles and sessions, and not just for running. Whether you’re riding your bicycle, hiking, taking out your stand-up-paddleboard, or just out for a random adventure, the hydration packs and flasks from Orange Mud are a great addition to any active person. Their products are incredibly effective and comfortable at maintaining a way to stay hydrated for training sessions and racing.
After years of running with a handheld bottle (specifically the Orange Mud handheld), a couple of years ago I made the switch to running with hydration vests after I started long distance running. Without the ability to get aid and support during sessions and races, I turned to Orange Mud’s “Gear Vest 1L Bladder” pack. By putting all of my hydration squarely on my back, my nutrition readily accessible via the velcro pockets on the shoulders, and front pockets large enough for my phone, extra flasks, and “leftovers”, this vest quickly became my best friend out on the road and trails. I couldn’t believe how comfortable the pack was, and was incredibly surprised that my fear of chaffing as the bladder jostled during runs never occurred. The freedom of having full range of motion in my arms, the added weight comfortably behind me, and the ability to sustain myself without needing pitstops has become crucial.
Shorter runs, however, really don’t need 33oz of fluid and space. So recently, I tested Orange Mud’s “PFV 2.0 Hydration Vest” for my runs that still required being able to hold my nutrition and accessories. Equipped with a 17oz soft flask, the Phone.Flask.Vest 2.0 is a comfortable way to carry some fluid on your person, your phone and keys in the back zipper pouch, and even nutrition comfortably via the shoulder pockets while also allowing handsfree activity. Designed for activity less than 2 hours, the pack is a great way to carry your essentials on quick workouts. Though incredibly comfortable like other Orange Mud vests I’ve tried, for me this vest would be best for activities that don’t require a lot of vertical movement. Where this pack will continue to be a go-to for hiking and low-key adventures, it wasn’t as comfortable as I’d hoped for run training. The flask jostled around a little too much, and became quite distracting. Interestingly though, even though the flask moved, the vest itself stayed perfectly still, again avoiding any chafe. For shorter runs, I think that Orange Mud’s “HydraQuiver Single Barrel” is still the better choice for less fluid carried (with the bonus of using a regular water bottle instead of bladder or flask).
All in all, Orange Mud has really put out some solid products these past few years, and each new version just boasts incredibly thought-out changes that help with one main goal: worry about running, not the accessories on you. Orange Mud has made it incredibly easy to stay hydrated and carry all of your nutrition without taking away from the task at hand: running.