As a runner, you know the importance of staying hydrated. But carrying a bottle can feel bulky or cumbersome, especially during long runs. That’s why we’ve tested and put together a list of the best handheld running water bottles!
It pays to stay on top of your hydration year round, not just while running in the heat of the summer if performance and feeling good are top priorities for you (and why wouldn’t they be?!)
Staying hydrated isn’t just a nice to do; it’s a necessity.
Dehydration is not only making that run feel harder, but slowing down your recovery. It’s also a common cause of feeling nauseous after running or headaches after running!
Particularly for race day, many runners prefer to carry their own liquid nutrition, having access to water or fuel whenever they need it, as opposed to what’s available over what’s on the course. As someone who now fuels a lot with Tailwind, as it’s great a running fuel for sensitive stomachs, I support this.
Later I’ll provide additional hydration options if you don’t love carrying your water. But first let’s explore some of the best running water bottles based on your needs.
8 Best Running Water Bottles
The type of running water bottle you choose depends on the kind of running or training you are working on. Here are the best running water bottles for different situations.
Best Handheld Running Water Bottle – Nathan Sports Handhelds
We have multiple here that we really, really like from different testers. So forgive us the one time for being generic on which model, but we’ll tell you our picks.
When you’re on the go, you want a running water bottle that fits easily and comfortably in your hand. You want easy access to your drink. The Speed Draw 2 Flask is insulated, which increases price but also makes it less likely to heat up the water from your hot hands.
The no-grip adjustable hand strap makes this an awesome handheld running water bottle because it fits snugly around your hand so that you don’t have to hold it. Talk about maximum comfort and convenience!
The bottle is ergonomic, comfortable on the hand, and super easy to sip.
The Run Down:
Secondary pick as mentioned….
We just tested the Pinnacle handheld and the front pocket somehow holds your phone, it’s a soft flask and has one of the best hand straps ever. So…..ya we’re kind of obsessing over this very new option.
Best Running Water Bottle for Summer – Camelbak Podium Quick-Grip Chill Handheld Water Bottle
Let’s face it, running in the heat can be downright dangerous if you don’t hydrate properly. When running in the summer, you want a water bottle that is thermal, meaning it is insulated to keep your ice cubes as cubes, wohoooo.
The insulation keeps your water cold so that it’s cool and refreshing to help you beat the summer heat. In fact, this is the first water bottle I started using when training in Miami. It made it much easier to sip electrolytes every mile, but it is a larger bottle.
The insulation technology inside the Camelbak Podium keeps water or sports drinks cold 2 times longer than other water bottles, which is great if you’ll be out for a while in warm weather.
We also like that it comes with a pouch with extra storage for your phone and other essentials. It’s also a larger bottle for those longer runs or hot days.
The Run Down:
Light Ergonomic Running Water Bottle- Amphipod Hydraform Ergo Minimalist Handheld Water Bottle
The ergonomic design of this water bottle curves effortlessly around your hand so your hand is relaxed while you run. There are also slots on the outside of the strap to easily store energy gels or snacks.
We gotta admit those gel holders are a really nice touch. Ya we know that other ones have pockets, but these are really easy to grab one at a time and not pull out anything else. That being said there is no zippered pocket if needed for keys, etc.
Because it is NOT insulated it’s lighter and cheaper than previous options.
The Run Down:
Best Collapsible Running Water Bottle- Ultimate Direction Body Bottle Collapsible Hydration
Sometimes you need a water bottle that can scrunch up really small. Whether you’re traveling and don’t want a bulky water bottle taking up space, or you’re headed to a race and want a compact option that will fit in your pocket before filling it up, a collapsible bottle can be a good option.
This body bottle collapses to a tiny size when empty. It is super easy and light to carry, and can fit in a vest or fuel belt.
Or it can be a great race day option so that as you gear near the end it’s empty, small and squishes right in to your pocket. However it does NOT have a strap, so a fun little trick from Sally McRae.
I have 100% tried this and it works like a charm. Just use your buff as your hand holder, super soft and easy.
The Run Down:
Best Small Running Water Bottle- HydraPak Skyflash Speed Collapsible Handheld
One of the reasons many runners are resistant to carrying a water bottle is that some water bottles are big and bulky. This makes no sense, especially for short runs when you don’t need as much water capacity.
A good handheld water bottle is neither of those things. It’s small and easy to carry.
Perfect small flask for shorter runs with two different sizes available. Plus, you can get the insulated design for those hot summer runs!
It has a slightly different design with the hand strand which allows your thumb and hand to wrap the flask without you needing to hold it in any way.
You’ll forget you’re even holding it due to its lightweight and sleek design.
The Run Down:
Best For Longer Days – Camelbak Circuit Hydration Vest
Ok we cheated. This is not a running bottle, but in fact one of our favorite running hydration vests. Hear me out. Once you try one, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Whether it’s a long trail run, marathon training, ultra training, or just longer runs a large enough water bottle might start to get uncomfortable and won’t be convenient. Time to consider a hydration bladder, hydration vest, or hydration pack.
It may not sound sexy with a name including the word bladder, but a hydration bladder can hold up to 1.5 L of fluids! (Think of almost 2 soda bottles.)
This is actually what I recommend to anyone doing marathon training or trail running most of the time. The additional storage becomes so useful and you will finally drink enough on those long runs!
Hydration vests fits over your back, and you simply bite the high-flow bite valve to control the flow of water you drink. If you’re running through weather and temperature changes, a bladder can resist the temperature changes.
The Run Down:
Best Water Bottle for Backcountry Trail Running- Lifestraw Peak Series Water Filter Bottle
If you’re out on the trail for a long time, you’ll want to make sure you have access to water. You want something durable, and also something that can deliver all of the water you need.
A large water bottle could work, but if you’ll be gone for an extended time consider a bottle that filters water for drinking so you can drink from natural sources and still have clean water.
This bottle includes an integrated filter straw that keeps out bacteria, parasites, germs, and chemicals. Your water will taste as pure and fresh as it actually is! It is durable, BPA-free plastic water bottle that is lab-tested to ensure that water filtered through it is safe to drink.
The Run Down:
Again I tend to prefer a hydration vest or a running belt for hydration over handheld bottles when the miles get longer. We know that it can change your form and that’s always a concern for injury.
Why I WANT You to Carry Water on the Run
As a running coach, I’m always trying to get our athletes to realize that the little things are the big things. Like doing your dynamic warm up, fueling before a run and staying on top of hydration.
Running is a strenuous activity, and it’s important to stay hydrated while doing it. Dehydration can cause GI issues, cramps, dizziness, and fatigue, all of which can ruin your run. And in extreme cases, it can lead to heat stroke.
In general, you should aim to consume 13-25 ounces of water per hour during your run, according to R.D. Serena Marie. But this number can vary depending on heat, humidity, and personal preference.
We know that water is essential for runners, but carrying a traditional water container can be a pain.
That’s where running water bottles come in. They’re designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, so you can focus on your run instead of your water bottle.
How should you carry water while running? This mostly comes down to personal preference and whether or not you want to carry a water bottle in your hand while running. You have a variety of options to choose from depending on your preferences and the type of running you’re doing.
Whether you opt for the sleek efficiency of handheld bottles, the hands-free convenience of waist belts, or the endurance-focused hydration vests, your choice reflects your unique running style and goals.
The best running water bottle isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a tailored tool that empowers you to go the extra mile, beat your personal records, and conquer new terrains.
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