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The Smarter Way To Carry Water On Your Runs

By Sportitude
7 min read

How do you carry water on your runs? It's a question that challenges runners of all levels, especially when training or racing more than 5K in the heat of summer.

Sportitude uncovers the 3 main methods to drink up while running - handheld water bottle, hydration belt and running vest & packs - to determine which is the most suitable for the type of runner you are, and the training or race distance you're covering.

With run-ready hydration solutions, you can avoid the annoying slosh slosh of water throwing you off balance and prevent dehydration to stay run-ready when the temperature rises.

1. Handheld running water bottle

Suitable for: Short runs, especially where there is opportunity to get a refill.

Many runners love water bottles for their no-fuss, sip-and-go convenience. They offer versatility for running, gym, home, work and weekend getaways. However, not any old water bottle will do.

Running drink bottles keep the needs of runners in mind with lightweight, durable designs to avoid distractions or interference to your running form as you pump your arms forward and back.

The Nike Hypersport BPA Free sports water bottle is a best seller with its asymmetrical design with easy to grip textured panel and vibrant colour options to inject the fun into your hydration strategy.

Here’s what to look for in a running drink bottle to get your perfect fit.

Let's make one-use plastic bottles history

First things first – one-use plastic bottles just aren’t economical or eco-friendly. Reusable is the way to go to reduce landfill, keep our oceans clean and avoid a lighter wallet over time.

Ergonomic shape

Leading sports brands like Adidas and Nike have released reusable, ergonomic water bottles with strategically placed notches for comfy carrying and a natural feel in your hands. This allows you to focus more on setting your next PB and less on having a vice-like grip on your drink bottle.

1000 Mile offer a fresh spin to the classic cylindrical water bottle. The 1000 Mile UP running water bottle is shaped to fit your hand, with finger grip indentation and handle.

Storage

Some running bottles include straps to lock the drink bottle in place or even accessories pockets to stash your keys, energy gels, phone or whatever other little treasures you need.

The 1000 Mile UP Kielder handheld water bottle is your answer to how to bring your water and phone on a run, all in one. It features an adjustable hand strap that'ssweat-wicking and padded for comfort. The zip pouch easily accomodates your small running essentials.

Other features

Leak-free valves - when the going gets tough you'll be happy you've preserved every drop.

Handheld water bottle tip:

Unless you’re carrying two small bottles in each hand for a balanced weight, a singular handheld bottle may make you feel weighted unevenly.

Switch the water bottle between your hands about every 10 minutes to give each hand a break and choose ergonomic or adjustable hand strap designs to prevent wrist strain.

2. Hydration belt / Running waist pack

Suitable for: Racing and training over moderate distances or longer distances with aid stations.

The right running waist pack is your swiss army knife of hydration carrying gear, but you want it to sit on your body just-right with a slim profile. They keep your hands free, ensure your shoulders and back stay feeling light and keep your back open to the air so your sweat can work in your favour to prevent overheating through evaporative cooling.

Designed by triathlete Steve McKenna, Nerd Belts provide easy access to hydration and comfort for endurance training and racing.

Sweat management

Look out for breathable, sweat-wicking hydration belts or waistpacks to keep your skin cool and avoid irritation.

Bounce-free fit

A properly fitted hydration waist pack or belt can be the favourite part of your running kit, however a waist pack that won't stay put is distracting and can even slow down your finishing time.

Lightweight, streamlined and minimalist styles help keep unwanted race day bounce to a minimum and can be adjusted to suit your body shape. Stretchy fabrics allow the hydration belt to move with you comfortably.

The 1000 Mile UP Ribble II hydration belt with water bottle features a strategically angled bottle storage pocket and slim design for a sleek, secure and bounce-free fit.

Storage

Stretchy pockets on hydration belts and waist packs provide a zip-up home for your essentials like energy gels, phone and keys without adding bulk.

The 1000 Mile UP Stockghyll Force v3 is a go-to option for serious runners to make the most of storage space with generous zip mesh pocket for your smartphone, insulated bottle holster, internal organiser, ID card pocket, an elasticated pocket for small valuables and external shock cord to lock in essentials like running gloves.

Other features

For an added bonus, some running waist packs have reflective details so you can shine on your night runs. Aim for chafe-free materials to keep your skin happy.

Hydration belt tip:

As a fitting tip, the hydration belt should hug snuggly around your waist as opposed to riding low on your hips where it may hinder your running form or slide off. It may take some tweaking and adjusting to find the sweet spot.

3. Hydration running vest & pack

Suitable for: Ultra running, trail running, half marathon, marathon.

The principle behind a running vest is a hydration system that you wear, rather than carry. The best styles contour to your body and are streamlined so there’s little interference to your running performance.

Running hydration vest vs running hydration pack

Hydration packs and hydration vests provide runners with a plethora of storage options. There are many different styles and sizes to cater to different environments, distances and preferences, each with key benefits.

Minimalist hydration vestslike the On Running Ultra Vest and Salomon hydration vests strip back on non-essentials and mould close to your body like a second-skin. They're your go-to when you want to keep your hydration as lightweight feeling and barely there as possible, while enjoying full mobility during training and racing from road to trail.

Running hydration packs like the 1000 Mile Ultimate Performance Tarn hydration pack act as the bridge between hydration vests and hiking packs. They typically have more cargo space than a hydration vest, but with a sleeker, more running-specific fit compared to a larger hiking pack. They can be ideal when more storage space is needed in cold or rainy weather to stash extra layers or more nutrition and gear is required for longer trail runs.

Soft flasks vs rigid bottles

Hydration storage systems vary between styles of running hydration vests and packs. Some feature soft flask pockets on the harness system (front shoulder straps) for convenient access, whereas others have rigid bottle holders on the back or offer a combination of water storage solutions.

This is up to personal preference. Soft flasks are less puncture resistant than rigid bottles but sit more naturally to your body. They compress as you drink to reduce the slosh factor and to save space. Some runners prefer to use them in the place of a rigid water bottles as they can often fit in the pocket of your running clothing, minimising bulkiness.

Hydration reservoir / hydration bladder

Running vests or packs may or may not come with a hydration reservoir with a hose/tube that clips to your harness system for a no-fuss, sip-and-run experience. Many have a specific hydration reservoir sleeve, and the bite valve (mouth piece) can be locked to prevent leakage on the run.

Flexible hydration bladders typically have a greater liquid capacity than soft flasks or rigid water bottles (usually 1 - 2L). However, with the water distributed evenly, they can feel surprisingly lightweight on your back. It’s easy to underestimate just how heavy water can be!

The downside is hydration reservoirs can be trickier to clean and fill up than rigid bottles and take a little getting used to, but they’re well worth it for longer distances.

Sweat management

Opt for running vest or running pack styles with a mesh back and ventilation channels for on-the-go cooling. Vests that you wear higher up on your body help prevent sweat build-up against your lower back, with the trade-off usually being less storage space.

Storage

Cargo room depends on the specific style – from minimalistic running vests for only the bare essentials and a barely there feel, to running backpacks capable of tackling an ultra marathon. Stretchy pockets help keep your running vest or pack slim and hold your accessories close to your body for ease of movement.

Front shoulder straps may have a pocket to tuck away your phone – making it easy to take a scenic snap or to update your friends and family on your trail run progress.

Other features

Stabilising chest straps improve the bounce-free fit and ergonomic harness systems keep you comfy on the move. Hydration vests or packs with reflective details offer peace of mind on your runs by keeping you visible in the low light hours if you train by the road.

Running hydration vest / running hydration pack tip:

Check the liquid capacity and gear capacity of your running hydration vest/pack before you buy to ensure it suits your specific needs.

Consider the distance you intend to run, whether the area is remote or populated, the temperature/conditions and availability of clean water (trail races may have aid stations to refill on route).

Be aware you may need to drink more on hot weather runs to compensate for fluids lost in sweat. Throw some ice cubes into your hydration bladder to make your water extra cool and refreshing during summer runs and races.

Run for it!

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