Runner’s review: RaveRunner Hydration Pack

I started running late in life. In my late-40s, actually. I was massively overweight for most of my life. But I was able to change the course of my life, thanks to a steady 1 hour/10,000 steps of walking every day. Eventually, I bought a mountain bike and a hydration pack so I could drink easily while having both my hands hanging to the handles (the water is stored in a bladder in your backpack and a tube runs from the bladder to your mouth). I bought the cheapest one available on Amazon. It was cheaply made and designed.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago, as I am now training for a marathon. Small water bottles are not enough, and the hydration pack was just not doing the job. I needed something good for the long 2+ hours run where I need a lot of water, a snack, my iPhone, and whatnot.

So far, the RaveRunner “Neon Gunmetal” Hydration Pack by GenZ is doing exactly that. On top of the bladder, there are 2 shoulder strap mesh pockets for extra water bottles. Personally, the bladder is more than enough for my needs as it stores 2 liters. I used one of the mesh pockets for my iPhone and the other one for a snack. They are in the front so I don’t have to stop and take the bag off to access them. Other small shoulder pockets allow you to carry your ID/credit cards or keys. Extra storage space is available in the back for even more stuff.

One of the main improvements from my first hydration pack is that I had to take the bladder out of the bag to fill it. With the RaveRunner, I just have to take the cap off to pour water into it.

RaveRunner seems to be into festivals and raves as you can add lights to the bag or even customize it with personal “skins.” I did not test that option but this is pretty interesting.

Francis Vachon

Based in Quebec and photographer for more than 15 years, I specialize in press photography (photojournalism) and corporate and event photography.

A 2006 graduate of the prestigious photojournalism program at Loyalist College in Belleville (Ontario, Canada), I first distinguished myself by being the first runner up student of the Association of Press Photographers of Eastern Canada (Eastern Canadian News photographers Association) for the quality of my portfolio.

Back in Quebec City after an internship at the Ottawa Citizen and the Edmonton Sun, and a contract at the Windsor Star, I quickly developed a large clientele including some of the most prestigious Canadian newspapers.

In 2018, I published two books: The hidden face of photography and En photo et en Affaires