Sweaty palms. Aching wrists. Tired arms. There are plenty of reasons why it might be time to trade in your clunky, handheld water bottle for a more portable option. But the most compelling by far is that it might be slowing you down.
According to a 2010 study conducted at Western State College in Colorado, runners who carry bottles in hand during workouts expend more energy than those who carry their water closer to the body.
Wearing an on-body pack, researchers found, resulted in a lower heart rate, less oxygen consumed and a lower rate of perceived exertion, meaning your choice of hydration system could be just as important as, say, your choice of footwear.
Here's a quick look at some of the alternative options available.
Source Dune X-FitTypically holds: 1-3 liters
Best for: Trail running; long-distance runs, like marathons and ultras
Pros:
»Easily accessible hydration tube for hands-free sipping
»Has storage pockets for gels, food and first aid equipment
»More water stored means fewer stops to refill
Cons:
»Extra layer may cause wearer to feel overheated on hot days
»More time-consuming to refill, especially at rivers or streams
»Harder to tell how much water you have left while running
»Tube is difficult to clean and dry, which can lead to mold growth if not properly tended to
Our favorite: SOURCE Dune X Fit; $100
TrailMix Plus 2 Hydration BeltTypically holds: Two 8-oz. bottles
Best for: Medium-distance runs, like half-marathons
Pros:
»Reduced risk of wearer feeling overheated
»Some options carry up to four bottles
»Multiple bottles give wearer the ability to carry different liquids
»Has small storage pockets for keys, ID and other small items
Cons:
»May bounce if not properly fitted
»Water may heat up on hot days
»Some wearers feel like weight is unevenly distributed if one bottle has more liquid than the other
Our favorite: TrailMix Plus 2 Hydration Belt; $35
PASSU Sports Handheld Running Water BottleHANDHELD WATER BOTTLE with wrist strap
Typically holds: 10-20 oz.
Best for: Short runs; races with aid stations
Pros:
»Strap worn around wrist reduces the need to maintain a constant grip on bottle
»Provides a constant reminder to drink up
»Has zippered storage space for keys and other small items
»Some models offer attachments for smartphones so wearer can easily interact with the touchscreen
»Options include insulated bottles, which keep your water cool longer
Cons:
»May cause strain on wrist, arm and shoulders
»Keeps wearer's fingers exposed during winter
Our favorite: PASSU Sports Handheld Running Water Bottle; $25
Hydrapak Ultraflask 300 ml
Hydrapak Ultraflask 300 mlSOFT FLASKS
Typically holds: 8-20 oz.
Make your run a little more comfortable by investing in a few soft flasks, which can replace hard bottles on belts, handhelds and packs that have bottle holsters on their straps. The flasks flatten and take up less space as they empty, making them perfect for trail runners worried about weight. They are also more comfortable to wear against the body and reduce the sloshing noise hard bottles make as you run.
Our favorite: Hydrapak Ultraflask 300 ml; $16