Temperatures are cooling down, and fall marathons are just around the corner. But with falling temperatures, it’s easy to forget about hydration while running.
We know the importance of hydration is drilled into you during the hot summer months. Earlier this summer, we even offered some of our best tips and tricks for staying hydrated in the heat.
But no matter the temperature or UV index, staying properly hydrated while running is crucial. When you’re planning to run for 45 minutes or longer, you should always carry some water with you or plan your route around water access. And while it’s most important on longer runs, it never hurts to carry water with you during any mileage, just in case you end up outside for longer than intended or start feeling the effects of dehydration.
At Marathon Sports, we know the importance of staying hydrated. But we also know that there are a lot of options for running gear out there, and finding a way to bring water on your long runs can start to feel overwhelming.
So if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got your back. In this guide on how to carry water on runs, we’re going to summarize some of the types of hydration packs you’ll see, who should consider each option, and some of our favorite choices that you can find at Marathon Sports today.
How you choose to bring water or electrolytes with you on a run is a personal choice, and every athlete will have different factors to consider. We’ll highlight a few of the top options, along with some pros and cons and examples of each one.
Handheld Bottles
Of course, you can always simply carry a bottle with you on a run. But this can get heavy, inconvenient, and cumbersome, particularly on long runs.
Handheld water bottles provide a more convenient alternative. These lightweight bottles usually feature an adjustable, ergonomic strap that allows the bottle to sit comfortably in your hand. You can enjoy easy access to your water with grip-free comfort.
This is a great choice for shorter runs or runs along routes with a water fountain where you can easily refill the bottle. They’re lightweight and the least bulky of the hydration options on this list.
Along with shorter runs, you might want to consider a handheld for race days, when you know you’ll have access to aid stations but want easily accessible water or an electrolyte mix. These bottles can help limit bulk while providing the resources you need to run your best race.
Another major pro of handheld bottles is the price. Hydration vessels can get pricey, so if you’re shopping on a budget, handhelds offer a hydration solution that won’t break the bank.
With the smaller, lightweight design, you do get less volume and storage space. So if you’re heading out for a long run or need extra storage for your phone, keys, or nutrition, handhelds may not be the right choice for you.
Our Top Handheld Water Bottles
Handheld water storage is relatively simple and streamlined, without too many high-tech features to worry about. Even so, there are some features to consider when choosing the right one for you. Here are just a few of our favorite options.
Nathan Pinnacle Soft Flask
You’ll come across two types of handheld bottles in your search: soft flasks that shrink as you drink the water and more structured plastic bottles. The choice ultimately comes down to your own preferences and comfort. But if you’re looking for a collapsible option you can easily pack away when it’s empty, the Nathan Pinnacle soft flask is a top choice.
The flexible design limits any excess bouncing or movement during your runs. The adjustable mesh strap fits most hands, and the small stash pocket holds the essentials without adding too much weight or bulk.
Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra
Looking for a bit more structure and support? Try this ergonomic Amphipod handheld.
Like the Nathan soft flask, this bottle features a soft, adjustable strap so you don’t have to worry about maintaining your grip as you run. It also offers a bit more storage than the other handhelds on the market. The expandable zipper pocket can hold most phones, and the internal pocket divider creates more space for keys, nutrition, and more. It’s also available in 16, 18, and 20 oz sizes, making it easier to meet your individual hydration needs.
Salomon Active Handheld
True minimalist runners should try the Salomon Active Handheld to bring water along on their runs. This ultra- light, low-profile soft flask has a no-frills design for maximum convenience on runs.
With that, you won’t have any storage space for the essentials. But if you prefer to run phone-free, you can’t beat the Salomon Active for lightness, comfort, and ease of use.
Hydration Belts
The next step up from simple handheld bottles? Hydration belts and waistpacks.
As you might expect, a hydration belt adds a bit more weight and bulk to your runs. They’re meant to fit snugly around your waist to reduce bounce and movement, and they offer more storage space so you can easily carry your phone, keys, and anything else you may need during your workout.
The benefit here is that you can carry more nutrition and water without limiting your freedom of movement or adding too much material around your body. This is particularly convenient on warm days, when you want something low-profile but are reliant on your own water and electrolytes to stay cool and safe.
When they fit correctly, belts can be pretty comfortable, with limited bounce and movement. However, some runners may find that this isn’t always the case. If a belt isn’t sitting quite right around the waist, it can lead to bouncing, movement, or even some painful chafing.
Our Top Hydration Belts
When looking for a hydration belt, you want one that’s easy to adjust, has a comfortable storage pack, and doesn’t limit your movement on runs. Here are a few that we’ve found fit these criteria.
Nathan TrailMix Plus 3.0 Insulated Hydration Belt
Once again, Nathan makes it on the list of our favorite hydration packs. We love that this one comes with two water bottles, so you can easily carry both water and your custom electrolyte mix. The bottles are also insulated to keep your drinks cool and refreshing on warmer days.
We’ve found that the multi-directional stretch and easily adjustable band minimize any uncomfortable rubbing or bouncing. There’s also lots of storage space, with a front zippered pouch and front mesh pocket for optimal convenience.
Amphipod Profile-Lite High Five-K Bottle Pack
This lightweight waistpack from Amphipod doesn’t offer quite as much storage space, but the minimalist, low-profile design is part of why we love it so much. The AirFlow mesh panel sits comfortably against the skin to reduce any distracting movement or chafing, while the extra-large stretch zipper pocket offers ample storage for all your essentials.
The fully insulated slanted sleeve makes it easy to grab the Hydraform bottle while on the go. The belt itself is also one of the lightest, most low-profile belts on the market, so you won’t feel like you’re being weighed down or held back at all throughout all your miles.
Hydration Vests
When you’re hitting the trails or are heading out for the longest runs of your training cycle, you need gear that can keep up with you and all your hydration needs. This is where running vests come in handy. These vests provide the most water-carrying capacity and storage space to keep you safe, prepared, and hydrated no matter where you go.
Some vests come with water bottles, while others come with full bladders and a straw for hands-free hydration. Either way, any hydration vest offers more capacity so you can focus on your run and limit time-consuming water stops and refills.
Unsurprisingly, vests are the heaviest and bulkiest option on this list. As with belts, if they fit right, they should stay secure and locked down with limited bounce. But when you add nutrition, water, and the essentials in the ample storage space, you may notice it feels heavier and more constricting around the body than alternative hydration options.
Typically, not every runner needs a hydration vest. If you run short-to-medium distances or stay on routes with water fountains, you might find the bulkier design – and higher price tag – to be overkill for your hydration needs. However, those spending long hours on runs or in the woods will likely find a vest worth it for the extra volume and storage space.
Our Top Hydration Vests
When you need premium storage and water carrying capacity, a hydration vest is the way to go. While they tend to be more noticeable than a handheld or belt, the right hydration vest should still feel lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Here are a few of the best options to consider.
Salomon Adv Skin 12 Hydration Vest
While you can’t go wrong with any hydration solution from Salomon, the Adv Skin 12 vest is one of our personal favorites. It’s designed to help you go the distance, offering a 12-liter volume, 2 included 500 ml soft flasks, and several pockets along the inside and outside of the vest so you can carry everything you might need throughout a long trek.
Comfort is key when you’re looking at hydration vests, and this Salomon option is one of the most comfortable options you’ll find. The SensiFit design is stretchy and breathable, creating a secure fit around the body. A unique Y-shaped construction distributes pressure as you move, blending exceptional comfort with ample storage space and convenient water access.
Nathan QuickStart 3.0 4L Hydration Vest
This vest doesn’t have quite the same bells and whistles as the Salomon hydration vest. But when you need simple, convenient hydration and storage, you can’t go wrong with the QuickStart 3.0.
There’s a 4L carrying capacity, and the vest comes with a 1.5L bladder with a built-in straw for true hands-free convenience. There’s a main pocket, as well as front zip pockets, to carry whatever you may need. And in low-light conditions, the reflective detailing helps you stay safe and visible.
A comfortable, bounce-free design is crucial when looking for the right hydration vest, and this Nathan vest excels in this area with lightweight, breathable material. The adjustable sternum and side straps also help provide a personalized fit for maximum comfort as you bound through trails or roads.
The Finish Line: Stay Hydrated With the Right Running Gear
There are a lot of options out there for hydration packs, but staying safe and hydrated on long runs doesn’t have to be complicated. We hope this guide to carrying water while running has helped simplify the options and help you understand what type of hydration pack will work best for you and your fitness needs.
In general, water is essential if you’re running for 45-60+ minutes, but everyone can benefit from finding a way to bring water along on any type of run or hike. But the type of hydration vessel comes down to your individual needs and preferences.
If you have any questions about hydration or running in general, or want to try on some hydration packs before making the leap, it might be time to pay your local Marathon Sports a visit. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and make sure you have the tools you need to stay healthy and hydrated!
