Pick Your Pack: The Great Waist Pack vs. Backpack Debate

When embarking upon months of training for the 3-Day, and when they get to the event itself, walkers make a very personal choice about the best way to haul their walking must-haves with them. Those water bottles, extra socks, sunscreen, snacks and phones need a way to get through the 60 miles with their walkers, and the two most common options we see used are the waist pack (I have been forbidden to refer to it as a fanny pack) and the backpack.

My choice? I’ve walked with both, I see the benefits of both styles, and I don’t necessarily have a preference for one over the other. But other walkers are quite particular, and will defend their pack of choice vocally. We asked a segment of 3-Day walkers whether they were Team Waist Pack or Team Backpack, and they responded with some insightful and entertaining replies. Whether you’re a new walker faced with making the choice for the first time, or a veteran who has their go-to but may be curious about how the other side rocks their pack, we’ve got some different perspectives to share.

Team Waist Pack

A waist pack is worn (you guessed it) around the waist, usually with the pack in the back. These packs are a far cry from those single pouch, “cheesy tourist” numbers from the 80s and 90s, and now come in styles made specifically for long-distance athletes. In assorted sizes, modern waist packs come with lots of zipper pouches, clips and straps, and special sleeves made for holding water bottles.

Pala L. (21x walker, 25x after 2016) – Because of the number of lymph nodes I’ve had removed, one of the restrictions (to avoid lymphedema) is to not carry anything on my shoulders, so I felt I didn’t have a choice in the matter. The waist pack I use has been through 21 walks and thousands of miles when one counts training walks. I love mine because of the rigid rim bottle holders; this allows me to reach for either bottle (one water, one sports drink), drink and replace without needing to stop walking. Likewise, I can swing the pack around to my front to get a tissue or put something in easily. 12244632_1193784363969469_5529181542663317037_o

Leanne J. (9x walker, 11x after 2016) – My first few years walking I used a child-sized hydration pack. It was the perfect size for a pair of socks, my windbreaker, and the water bladder, and I attached an additional water bottle with a carabiner. I wore that pack for six events (including one when I was pregnant!), then I switched to a waist pack that fits two smaller water bottles very comfortably and has enough room on the inside for socks, snacks, and a poncho. I love that it is so easy to turn around and grab things when I need them. The backpack tended to hurt my back and the waist pack is much more comfortable. 2015

Tisho J. (5x walker, 7x after 2016) – I use a fanny pack (I’m old-school with the name, too). I originally tried to train with a hydration backpack but my bursitis/tendonitis-inflicted shoulder quickly announced that that was not an option. I’m also very strict about the water AND sports drink rule (and require a lot of hydration) so I have always had a two-bottle pack. The biggest thing I look for in a pack is loops where I can attach carabiners because you can hook anything to those (long sleeved shirt, mini-Purell, credentials…). I’m also “that girl” that wears the pack in the front—I like easy access to everything! THJ SD 14

Steph H. (15x walker, 16x after 2016) – For 13 of my 15 3-Day events, I used the same single-bottle waist pack. It finally saw its last day and for my last two events I have a new two-bottle waist pack. I do not carry much with me, though, just the necessities (blister care, a spare pair in a baggie, sunscreen, chapstick, etc.). I was resistant to a two-bottle holder at first (bulk on my lower back), but it provides good balance. I was 25 on my first 3-Day. Now I am 40–I require more hydration, and on more than one occasion (especially on long training walks without pit stops), I’ve been incredibly grateful to have two bottles instead of just one. 11864963_10207674809212675_8569001800261997479_o

Jennifer (Michigan 3-Day coach, 10x walker, 11x after 2016) – Yes, I am Team Waist Pack. I actually still have the waist pack I bought back in 2002 when I was preparing for my first 3-Day and it is the one I continue to use. There have been a few 3-Days where I have walked with a light backpack but I came back to the waist pack simply because a backpack is not comfortable for me. My waist pack holds one bottle and the holder is right in the middle. However, I prefer to carry my bottle, switching it from hand to hand occasionally; this reduces swelling in my fingers. My waist pack also allows me to display the 4 million (give or take) pins that I have collected over the years. SD17

Team Backpack

The backpacks we see on the 3-Day also vary in style. Some walkers prefer a hydration backpack; this style of pack holds a refillable plastic “bladder” which is attached to a plastic tube that ends with a mouthpiece, so users can drink right from the pack without having to take out a water bottle. Other walkers go for a simpler style and wear a traditional backpack or cinch-string sack.

Tina E. (8x walker, 10x after 2016) – Let me tell you, I used the fanny pack for years and switched. I find with the hydration backpack, my water intake is much better. It’s easy to get to, it stays cold and I don’t even have to take it off to pee. If you use one of these backpacks, I suggest carrying a spare mouthpiece; if you don’t and yours breaks, oops water is all over the place. tina e.

Courtney C. (6x walker, 8x after 2016) – I may be biased, but after 8 years I think that cinch string backpacks are THE ONLY way to go on the 3-Day! I have found that if I use two carabiners across my chest, it is perfect to hold my iPod/speaker and it secures the backpack from moving all over (preventing the shoulder blisters I had in year 1). The great thing about cinch string backpacks is that you can reach over your head and continue walking while you retrieve whatever you need! The other beauty is that there is much less pressure on your lower back. #teambackpack Screen Shot 2016-03-16 at 10.40.23 PM

Team Undecided/Best of Both

Sometimes it’s just impossible to choose, and you’ll see walkers sporting both types of packs at the same time! We also know of walkers who prefer the waist pack for some walks and backpack for others.

Dawn K. (5x walker, 6x after 2016) – My first walk I used a cross-body backpack which bothered my neck by the end of the last day. The past four 3-Days I’ve used a waist pack which was great until last year in San Diego when my sciatica started bothering me. This year I’m going to try a hydration backpack. Fingers crossed I like it! As a training walk leader, I always tell my new walkers that the training walks are the perfect time to try them all to see what they’re most comfortable with. dawn kifer

Kim (San Diego 3-Day coach, 5x walker) – I used to love training with the hydration backpack because I was able to go longer distances without having to refill the water bladder. But once I got to the 3-Day I liked to lighten my load and use a fanny pack because there were pit stops so frequently I didn’t need to worry about where to refill.

So what about the rest of you 3-Dayers? Which pack do you pick?

Celebrate “Take a Walk in the Park Day” With Your 3-Day Friends

We certainly don’t have to remind 3-Day walkers of the many benefits of outdoor walking; they may be among the most walk-conscious citizens there are (right up there with mail carriers, park rangers and tour guides). But this Wednesday, March 30 is Take a Walk in the Park Day, so regular folks will be coming out in droves to put their feet to the pavement (or grass or trails) and enjoy the lovely sights, sounds and smells of a an early springtime walk in the park. 3DAY_2016_SocialMedia_WalkInThePark_3

Well of course we couldn’t let a day like this pass without putting our own 3-Day spin on it, so we want to invite each and every one of you to celebrate Take a Walk in the Park Day with your fellow 3-Dayers. Here’s what we’d love to see you do:

Meet-up With Your 3-Day Coaches and Fellow Walkers – Coaches in each 3-Day event location will be hosting official Take a Walk in the Park training walks in their cities. These walks (none of them more than 3 miles) are open to all 3-Day participants and friends, and they will be a fantastic way for you to meet or reunite with your coaches and fellow walkers. Click the links below to find details about each local Walk in the Park and to RSVP.

Michigan 3-Day
Rotary Park in Novi – Details and RSVP here!

Twin Cities 3-Day
Lake Harriet Park in Minneapolis – Details and RSVP here!

Seattle 3-Day
Green Lake Park in Seattle – Details and RSVP here!

Atlanta 3-Day
Stone Mountain Park in Stone Mountain – Details and RSVP here!

Philadelphia 3-Day
Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, NJ – Details and RSVP here!

Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day (TWO options!)
SJ Stovall Park in Arlington – Details and RSVP here!
Veterans Memorial Park in Plano – Details and RSVP here!

San Diego 3-Day
De Anza Cove in San Diego – Details and RSVP here!

Record Your Walk in the Park With Pictures – You couldn’t ask for a much prettier photo backdrop than the natural wonders of your local parks, so go ahead and snap some pics of your stroll. We’d love to see all the ways that you and your friends celebrate the day. Post your photos to Instagram or Twitter with the hashtags #The3Day and #WalkInThePark, and follow those hashtags to see what others are sharing. We may share some of your photos with the whole 3-Day community early next month, so post often! (Note: posting photos on social media with the hashtags #The3Day and #WalkInThePark implies consent for us to repost or share your photos.)

3-Day Training Walk Leaders Answer the Question: Why Should I Come to a Training Walk?

You’ve started training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day®. Or maybe you haven’t started yet, but you’re definitely thinking about it, right? Some of you may assume you can handle your Komen 3-Day training all on your own, or in the company of one or two companions. But recently, a few of the 3-Day® coaches got to chatting about how walkers, especially new walkers, can benefit from coming to at least one official 3-Day training walk (and the more, the better!). So we reached out to some of our top training walk leaders from coast to coast to get their take on the question, “Why should I come to a 3-Day training walk?” Here’s what they had to say:

Cliff M. (San Diego 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – One of the reasons I have always felt it was important for a walker, especially a new walker, to attend at least one training walk is it gives them a chance to meet some of the repeat walkers and pick their brains for information as to what the walk is going to be like. Learn a little on why others have signed up to walk and why they keep coming back year after year. Gain some experience into how other people manage to fundraise. In all the years I’ve been doing this I have never seen a walker that had all the answers and didn’t learn something new at a training walk, even myself included. Each year presents me with one more reason to keep coming back.

Sherri H. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – There is so much knowledge that a new walker can gain from an experienced walker during a training walk. So many tips about training, gear, camp and the event and even fundraising. Probably the single most important thing that a walker could do to prepare for the 3-Day is go to at least one training walk–and while you’re there, ask lots of questions.

Shawn M. (Twin Cities 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I think it’s important to attend official training events because:

You get information from veteran walkers and crew members.
It’s way more fun to walk with a group than by yourself.
You can find teams to join and meet new friends you will know on event.
You can learn where everyone is buying the cute pink workout clothes this year…
You’ll get tips and tricks for training, on event, and fundraising

Beth N. (Michigan 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Training walks are not only essential to making sure you enjoy your 3-Day weekend, not just endure it, but when you RSVP to a training walk, it gives you the commitment you might need to get out there and get your mileage in. Sometimes, when left to our own devices, we tend to put it off and those miles don’t always get walked. RSVPing to the training walks puts you in the “someone is waiting for me” mind frame that motivates you to get out there. They’re also a great way to meet more of your 3-Day family; most of the people you will meet on a training walk are veteran walkers and are a wealth of information that they’re always willing to share with those first-time walkers on training, fundraising, the event weekend, etc.

Kat B. (Seattle 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – An official 3-Day training walk is a great way to meet your fellow walkers and make new friends while learning about what to expect on the 3-Day event (for new walkers). It’s also a perfect time for sharing ideas about fundraising, gear, packing, blisters, etc.

Debby R. (Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Why come to a training walk?

It’s more fun to walk 10 miles with someone else.
You get tips on what to wear (shoes, socks, undergarments, hats with binder clips attached to the bills, etc.)
You get packing advice for the event.
You can brainstorm ideas for fundraisers.
You make new friends who become your “pink” family.

Terri V. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – It’s important to come out to at least one training walk because it’s a chance to meet other walkers to get tips and information you may need on the real 3-Day. Also, you can test out your walking gear, shoes, socks, backpacks etc. to make sure everything feels right and doesn’t cause you pain, so you are ready for walking 60 miles.

Dawn K. (Philadelphia 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I feel it’s important for walkers to come out for training walks for many reasons: to meet fellow walkers, get ideas for fundraising, to get answers to questions from other walkers, but most importantly to get a small glimpse of what it’s like to walk longer distances. No matter if you’re a first-time walker or a repeat walker, your body is going to react differently to different conditions. As training walk leaders, our job is to ensure that we are giving the walkers tips on their training, showing them different terrains to walk, and answering any questions they may have. Training walks are the perfect opportunity for walkers to try out the things they think they’re going to be using on the event. If they can’t do a 10 or 12-mile training walk in this sports bra, or with this backpack or fanny pack, they definitely won’t want to do 20, 40, or 60 miles. Training walks are the time to find these things out. People think “we’re just walking,” which sounds easy. I’m here to say we are doing much more than just walking. Sixty miles in 3 days is HUGE! Without some training, this is very hard on our bodies.

Martin H. (San Diego 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Here are a few “random thoughts”.

Walking on an organized training walk provides encouragement for first-time walkers.
Walking on an organized training walk offers opportunities to share fundraising ideas.
Walking on an organized training walk gives walkers a chance to try out gear they may want to wear on event.
Walking on an organized training walk affords the opportunity to meet new people.
Walking on an organized training walk introduces a single walker to the experience of walking in a group.
Walking on an organized training walk with others raises the awareness of our goal more than walking alone would.

Kim W. (Twin Cities 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I feel it’s important to come to a few training walks because you can ask questions about the event/training from previous walkers/crew members, you won’t have to walk alone AND like myself, you may meet someone who turns into a lifelong friend.

Heather P. (Michigan 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – I think training walks are a great way to train, because it is pretty boring on your own and it is also a great way to meet other walkers. If you are a newbie, coming to a training walk gives you an opportunity to ask lots of questions whether they are related to training, fundraising or even the how the event works.

Sheryl C. (Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Training Walk Leader) – Now that you’re signed up for the 3-Day, going to a training walk is THE one step you can take to make sure you accomplish all your goals. Think about how many great things you have done completely one your own, then think about what you have accomplished when others walk alongside you. Meet an army of other women and men with your same goals who will walk beside you to inspire you, motivate you, keep you accountable, and help you every step of the way. Not sure if you can do the fundraising? Share ideas and hook up with people doing fundraisers on a training walk. Not sure what to expect on the first day of your event? Talk to veteran walkers on a training walk. Not sure what to carry, how to train, what shoes to wear, how to pack, how to avoid injury, what to do for a blister or chafing? You’ll get it all on a training walk. The 3-Day community is out in force the entire 24-week training cycle. That means now!

These training walk leaders and many others are holding training walks every week, and you can find them all on the 3-Day website at The3Day.org/trainingwalks. We know that if you don’t leave near a 3-Day city you might not find any training walks in your area. If this is the case for you, contact the 3-Day coaches at 800-996-3DAY to find out how you can become a training walk leader, too!