Upload / Capture
Ever thought about running with a handheld water bottle to help you stay hydrated on your run?
You know, instead of....
Running with a handheld water bottle might be a better option.
But if you're skeptical about carrying something in your hand...for miles...you're not alone.
Ultrarunning legend Davy Crocket ran most of the 107 100-mile ultras he's finished carrying handheld water bottles.
Why?
"I don't like having anything on my back," says Davy.
"It just slows me down."
His favorite brand: Ultimate Direction handhelds.
If you're looking for a handheld water bottle, check out these 7 runner-tested picks to help you hydrate on the run.
πββοΈRunner Colin Kunze put the Nathan QuickSqueeze Insulated Handheld Water Bottle to the test on a series of long runs.
"I used to rely on public water fountains for hydration breaks for my long runs," says Colin. "However, they can be unreliable, and they get turned off during the winter."
.
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"I can go for very long distances without having to stop to refill."
"As a squeeze bottle, it is very easy to take a small sip at a time. I store my keys and some gels in the pocket for fuel, which have been easy to access mid-run."
.
β Test-run results
"I have been concerned with how much energy I would have to waste gripping objects that are sloshing about, but the mesh straps attach this bottle comfortably to my hand without ruining my running form."
"This is now a mainstay of my long runs, keeping me hydrated and fueled better than ever before."
Runner Dan Burk wanted a simple way to stay hydrated on shorter runs without carrying a hydration pack.
"As a bigger guy, you need to drink more water as you are losing a lot through sweat, even in a 5K run," says Dan.
.
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"When you don't need or want a vest, that can be hot, this handheld comes in handy. It fits into your hand nicely."
.
β Test-run results
"I love having a small pocket that I could put some nutrition in if needed, but usually, that is where I put my key fob so I don't have to have it in my pocket."
"I love how my hand fits into the strap and the fact I can lock it down pretty well, that I don't even need to grip the bottle if I want my hand to have a break."
.
πFun fact: Dan's logged hundreds of training miles with this Orange Mud handheld water bottle for more than a decade.
Runner Kiley Erlandson took this out for some trail runs in Colorado.
It even helped her make the leap from marathon running to finishing her first ultra.
.
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"It's a simple handheld water bottle that's very easy to use," says Kiley.
.
β
Test-run results
"I wish it had a pocket to hold nutrition. It holds 17 ounces, which doesn't last long, but nice to have to supplement a hydration vest."
"It is velcro-adjustable, so I attach it to my vest once it's empty."
Runner Evan Jensen strapped on the CamelBack QuickGrip Chill Handheld to run the Timberline Marathon at Timothy Lake in Oregon.
.
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"For shorter runs under an hour, I typically run without any kind of fueling," says Evan.
"For longer runs, I usually wear the Nathan VaporAir 2.0 7-Liter Hydration Pack. But I wanted to try out a handheld to see if it would work for running a marathon."
.
β
Test-run results
Evan finished the Timberline Marathon in 4:00:43 (7th overall, 2nd in 40-49 age group), and the CamelBack QuickGrip Chill Handheld worked well.
"I used two packs of LMNT lemon lime during the race, and it never felt overly heavy to carry."
"The storage pocket had enough room to hold my phone, LMNT packets, and some GU packs."
.
πFun fact: "I've been thinking about running a marathon or longer distance with a handheld water bottle ever since I itnerviwed ultrarunner Davy Crockett."
Runner Brynn Cunningham has logged a ton of miles on trails, mountain bikes, and kayaks.
Sometimes she wears a hydration vest. Sometimes she takes a handheld.
.
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"While I donβt mind wearing a hydration vest most seasons, I do not like them for summer running," says Brynn.
"Yes, I still wear them for long runs, but I prefer to keep them at home. Thatβs where handheld water bottles come into play."
.
β Test-run results
"This is my favorite, by a landslide, because...
I take this one on most 60-90-minute runs, and the 20 ounces of fluid is just right, as I tend to drink a lot. I would love this handheld in the 12-ounce version as well."
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"This one is nice for very short runs that last 20 to 45 minutes," says Brynn.
.
β Test-run results
"If I were to go back, I would have purchased the above Amphipod in the 12-ounce size, as stated above, rather than this one, because I like the Amphipod so much."
π§Hydration pack or handheld?
"I purchased this one for itβs phone case feature, because sometimes I feel safer if I have my phone," says Brynn.
"Iβve been in emergency situations before, and the phone has been a savior."
.
β Test-run results
"The UD bottle does not contour to the hand as nicely as the Amphipod or the Nathan Quickshot. Still, it is convenient to have around."
.
πFun fact: "Recently, a friend visited from out of town, and I lent her this bottle on a trail run together in order to carry her phone so we could take some photos."
.
Tell us about it in the comments or create a WeeView about your favorite handheld water bottle.
Login to your account to leave a comment.
We offer opportunities for sponsored gear and race entries for sharing your reviews.
