Review on 💧 Stay Hydrated on-the-go with CamelBak Octane Dart Hydration Pack - 50oz by Gary Newman

So I bought it to help with hydration prep for my first marathon. I have a Nathan water belt that can't carry enough water for longer and longer training runs. Also, I didn't like how much he moved when I ran when I filled the bottles to the max. It was hard. During my first run with this pack, I mentally prepared a 1 star rating. Drops of water ran down my back. I had to fill it up twice in 15 miles and my socks ended up getting soaked from the constant flow. No fun. After confirming that the tank was a pincushion, I started experimenting with the kitchen sink. No leaks occurred until the water level was high enough to get through the gasket around the screw cap. Then I tried to screw the lid on tightly. Tight like "so tight you have to tense your muscles a little to open it." And then no more leaks. I just hope the seal lasts a long time. After that I can evaluate it objectively. Pros: - 1.5L capacity is plenty of water for my long runs once I stop the leak. I'm not a big guy but I do sweat a lot on hot days and it has helped me save 18 miles. - I LOVE the bite valve. Ideal for small regular sips and easily snaps into the holder. I never want to go back to a water bottle again. Enough space for gu-packs or whatever in the mesh seat belt pocket. It stretches enough to fit an iPhone, but not a Plus. The phone fits in the back anyway now that I have wireless headphones. Back pockets for the aforementioned phone and small extras. Don't plan anything big, but keys, extra gas, phone, etc. are fine. Much cheaper than many other water bags. I gasped as I pressed the buy button instead of exhaling, "I really shouldn't be spending this money." - The straps are comfortable for me. And they don't increase chafing, which is a huge plus. Very light, you know it's there, but it's a lot better than carrying the weight on a belt. The overall advantage of the backpack. Cons, all minor: - That silly seat belt buckle keeps coming loose as others have mentioned. It doesn't really bother me as it's easy to find and tighten, but that something so mundane doesn't work perfectly? Come on.- Likewise, the fit changes as the tank empties and pack volume decreases. Again a bit of an issue as it's easy to set up, but I've noticed that I end up hanging the pack higher on my back later while running. - You will hear the water splashing - I don't know how that can be. But it doesn't bother me and doesn't affect my step. Conclusion: Almost perfect as "my first hydration pack" for runners who have outgrown the capacity of their water bottle. I want the gas cap to close with less effort - an o-ring durability issue? - and that seat belt buckle not being tight is just ridiculous. Minor imperfections that keep it from 5 stars but I would still buy it again if given the choice.