Best Hydration System for Running

November 1, 2014 6:30 AM

What is the best hydration system you have used for running? I would love to hear the pros and cons of whatever gear you are using so I can make an informed purchase. When I search online it seems like it is all marketing spiel. Tell me what works and what doesn't work for you, please!

I have no problems running up to ten miles without water, as long as the weather is in my favor, so I don't need a ton of water. I am looking for the least inconvenient way to carry water on a hot or long run. Hip belt? Is there a comfortable Camelbak style thing for running? Hand held?

posted by Literaryhero to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (12 answers total)

I use this Camelbak for runs of over eight miles in heat/humidity. I had one unpleasant incident but since then have been meticulous about tightening the straps and wearing high-quality no-cotton shirts and have had no issues. It doesn't bounce very much and I quickly forget I'm wearing it.
posted by eugenen at 6:49 AM on November 1, 2014

It's been a long time since I ran more than six miles, but back when I was running farther, I didn't carry water; I stopped every now and then to drink, either at a water fountain (when running along the Chicago lake shore path) or from a bottle that I carried in my hand and then set down at a point where I would pass it once or twice during the run.

For hiking, I've used a belt from REI (similar to this one) that holds a standard bicycle water bottle and has a small pocket for keys, etc. If I get into running longer distances I might see how that works.
posted by brianogilvie at 7:13 AM on November 1, 2014

I like the Amphipod Full Tilt belt. It holds the bottle nicely in the small of my back and doesn't bounce.

I've used a small Camelbak with success, but got a blister on my back the one time I used a cotton shirt. With a technical shirt I've had no problems.

I use the Amphipod for most average runs, and the Camelbak filled with ice and water for longer runs in the Texas heat.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:44 AM on November 1, 2014

My wife has used a Nathan vest, like this one, for years and really likes it.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 7:46 AM on November 1, 2014

Depending on how much water you need/want, this water bottle has worked out fairly well for me. The grip is pretty comfy, and the pouch will fit your keys/Gel pack. The only issue might be needing to occasionally switch hands during your run.
posted by damayanti at 9:27 AM on November 1, 2014

I love the Amphipod Hydroform Pocket (a 20 oz. handheld), and of the half-dozen options I've tried, it's by far my favorite. It's not cumbersome, heavy, or distracting, and I can stash a few gels and keys in the pocket. The mouthpiece is easy to use while running, and if you screw the top on tightly, it does not leak. This is what I use for almost all of my road runs over 8 miles.

I use a Nathan hydration pack ("race vest") for longer trail runs, since I need to carry very large amounts of water (1-1.5 L). I don't mind the pack and it doesn't bounce or jiggle, but even the best pack still leaves you with a decent-sized footprint on your back i.e. even more sweating and warmth.

Stay away from the Ultimate Direction handhelds - the mouthpiece is really weird and fussy on most of their handhelds.

The hydration belt/waist back style water bottle holders are not my fave (more riding up than I like), but it's worth a try to see if you like them. The Amphipod Full Tilt was my go-to before I switched to handhelds.
posted by soleiluna at 9:30 AM on November 1, 2014

I've had success with this handheld for longer distances (up to 1/2 marathon): http://amzn.com/B006ZT7HOC

On really hot days I supplement with a Nathan belt that holds two seven ounce bottles.

I was a little surprised that the hand-held worked for long distances but I just switch hands every once in a while. I switched because the belt was causing a bit of chafing.
posted by dweingart at 9:57 AM on November 1, 2014

Best answer: You really need to try them yourself because a lot depends on your height and body shape - there are loads of little packs that I have tried that other people have loved that just didn't fit me (this one was too long, this one was too wide), and I can't get on with handhelds at all though I know other people like them. You actually need to run with them for a bit - all the ones above felt fine just walking around but really interfered with my running. This is spectacularly ugly but is the most comfortable one I've tried. I'm a short woman, and YMWDV if you aren't.

Little niggles like your elbows bumping on an over-wide waistpack or a backpack that bounces up and down too much or chafes on your shoulders will be like water torture after a few miles. If you have a local running shop with reasonable stock and a treadmill in-store I'd recommend you head over there and do a kilometre with each thing on your shortlist to see how they feel in real life.

What I tend to do is take money in a little waistbelt and then I can just buy a drink when I want one. My runs usually go through a few villages - if you're somewhere really remote that probably doesn't help you, but if you're running in urban/suburban areas it's so much easier. Or if you're doing laps just leave something in your car.
posted by tinkletown at 10:32 AM on November 1, 2014

I carry a 12 ounce Nathan Handheld. It's the absolutely only thing I'll use. Everything else is way too clunky for me.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 10:34 AM on November 1, 2014

I have run marathons with the handheld Amphipod bottle mentioned above. I get it refilled at aid stations and I'm good to go. It's never bothered my wrist or hand (and I'm slow, so my marathons are very long).
posted by liet at 10:43 AM on November 1, 2014

I've tried belts, and I just don't get on with them...they always jiggle a little bit. For half marathon plus runs I've got something similar to this hydro grip bottle. You can kind of push it past the knuckles so you don't really have to hold it much at all. I do find you need to change hands, but it's not a big deal.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 6:35 PM on November 1, 2014

Response by poster: Thanks for all the great suggestions. Unfortunately, tinkletown probably has the correct answer. Too bad for me I don't really live in a place where trying before buying is an option.
posted by Literaryhero at 2:24 AM on November 2, 2014