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Gel flask advice

Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
in General Training Discussions
I've never used a gel flask, but the concept makes sense to me. I like the idea of not carrying multiple gels during a training run, and certainly not carrying a bunch during the run portion of a race. My gel of choice are powergels, which aren't always available on the course. I also like the concept of taking in smaller amounts at a time as I get a bit sick of them as the run goes on. Funny thing is, I'm not really sure how the set up works!? Do I just empty a bunch of gels into the flask? Do you add any water? What is the best way to carry the flask? I generally use a fuel belt on training runs and only a race belt during races (with a small pouch and loops for gels). I'd like to keep it as streamlined as possible.

Thanks for any advice, team!

Comments

  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    The flask option, IMHO, is a great option! Yes, you simply open the foil containers and squeeze them into the flask. Depending upon how "thick" your gel of choice is (PB chocolates tend to be of a thicker consistency than say vanilla PB gels), you can add a few drops of water to "thin it down" a bit and make it easier to get out of the flask. The biggest advantage to the flask, again, IMHO, is that you can mix/match gels and create your own flavor if so inclined. I have found that chocolate PB gels work well, but are rich in flavor. In a 5 packet flask, I may put 3 chocolates, 1 vanilla and 1 salted caramel. Other combos are Espresso and chocolate. You can also mix brands of gels (think of mixing GU and/or PB and/or Hammer, and/or etc...) until you have created a flavor that works well for you. If you are going to mix, as with anything else, try it before race day! ?? The flasks are quite easy to clean - rinse with hot water, making sure you run hot water they the caps a few times, and let them dry on the counter. I bought a few flasks last year - and as I recall, Hammer nutrition had the least expensive flasks. That said, they are not very expensive at all.
  • Woody FreeseWoody Freese
    As for carrying - Fuel Belt, as I recall, makes a flask "holster" if you want to carry them on your hip. For an IM, I will put 2 flasks in my cycling jersey and 1-2 in Special Needs. I normally don't carry a flask on the run, given that aid stations are close. On longer training runs, I will tuck a couple of gel packets in the waistband of my running shorts.
  • tim cronktim cronk
    Brad I use this one , can usually find a small bulk order of 4-8 somewhere so they are pretty cheap, usually will dispose of one during a race... https://ultimatedirection.com/4-oz-gel-flask/ Hand held on the run and just slide into the top of my tri-suit as I enter aid stations to free up my hands...
    x2 Woody's comments on thinning w/water depends on gel consistency choice...
  • Brad MarcusBrad Marcus
    @Woody and Tim - great stuff. Just what I was looking for!

    Tim - do you use some kind of hand carrier or just hold the flask by itself?
  • Rich StanbaughRich Stanbaugh

    Hi Brad - I really like the gel flask vs individual gels. Besides the convenience, I like to water the gels down a little bit so that they are easier for me to consume.  I use the Hydrapak (Hydrapak Gel Flask).

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    I always use a gel flask for IM marathon. Carry in my hand, as i hate to lug a fuel belt when racing. Hammer gel and EFS both sell gel in bulk, with smaller 5-6 oz containers for transfer. Each flows more easily than Power or GU. EFS my current choice due to salt content. I also us two flasks during IM bike leg, carried along top tube.
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