Are you looking for a new handheld running water bottle? Here are my top 3 recommendations.
If you buy something using links in my stories, I may earn a commission. This helps support this website. Learn More.
1. HydraPak Softflask Handheld Running Water Bottle
Provided by Amazon
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Pliable
- Collapsable
- Small strap
- Great nipple for easy drinking
- Simple to clean
- Excellent for hot weather
- Not too big/not too small
Cons
- Condensation forms on the bottle
- If the water is cold, your hand will feel the cold
- Does not have a carrying case/cozy
- Can’t carry other items on the bottle
An Excellent Handheld Running Water Bottle
This is an excellent handheld running water bottle.
It provides all of the normal needs of a water bottle while you are running. It’s very lightweight and malleable.
As you drink the water from the bottle, you can collapse the bottle so that it shrinks to the volume of the water inside. This gives you a less voluminous water bottle as it empties.
I love this. Carrying an empty bottle is a little awkward. Being able to squeeze it down and put it in my pocket when I’m finished is priceless.
There are distinct advantages to getting a water bottle that fits to the size that you want it to be. Getting into the zone while I am running is paramount. Running becomes effortless and less centered on potential negative thoughts caused by pain.
Provided by Amazon
Decently Sized
As you can see in the picture above. The HydraPak Softflask is decent size for most hands. It’s not too big and it’s not too small. You can see it’s flexibility and and size.
It comfortably sits in-hand while walking, standing, or running. If you are drinking cold water in hot weather, the exterior of the bottle might have condensation. For those that don’t wish for your hand to be cold while you run with the bottle, you could try filling it with warmer water.
When you prefer something that is more insulated, so that you can carry either cold or hot water, I would recommend the next couple of water bottles in this article.
Provided by Amazon
The picture above shows the water bottle completely collapsed. You can see how small and manageable the water bottle is after it is fully emptied.
This is a fantastic water bottle and is my first pick for handheld water bottles for running.
The next handheld water bottle I am recommending is the Nathan SpeedDraw. I think that the SpeedDraw is the best all around choice if you don’t mind running with a water bottle in hand through out your entire run.
2. Nathan SpeedDraw – Handheld Running Water Bottle
Provided by Amazon
Pros
- Ergonomic Design
- Very Lightweight
- Good Storage – zipper Bag attached
- Insulated internal water bladder
- Colorful Design
- Minimal Condensation
- Durable Design
Cons
- Does not collapse
- A little bulky
The Best Handheld Running Water bottle for Storage
Provided by Amazon
A hand held running water bottle and a carrying pack all-in-one. I really love the design because of how easy it is to use while running.
As seen in the picture above, there is an adjustable strap that allows both smaller and larger hands to securely hold onto the water bottle.
The strap has a breathable mesh that keeps your fingers free. Your palm can get sweaty due to weather or the temperature of the water inside. But, this can happen with any water bottle you hold while running.
Ergonomic Design
The water bottle’s design provides for easy sipping without having to twist your hand too much.
The design is wonderfully ergonomic. The top is of the water bottle is angled at about 65 or 70 degrees. The nozzle is straight.
You can squeeze the bottle with your 4 fingers without your thumb if you need to take a quick drink while running. If you like a little more thumb action while you sip, you can take your hand out of the strap and squirt it like a normal water bottle.
Storage Compartment
Provided by Amazon
There is a good sized storage compartment that can hold your keys, gels, bars, ID, CCs, or a smaller cellphone. A (5 inch x 4.5 inch) phone will most likely fit depending on what else you put into the storage compartment.
I really like this feature because you don’t have to put your money or cards next to a part of your body that will sweat. When I place my money or cards in a pocket on my shorts or shirt, something is bound to get wet. This water bottle storage solves that problem.
3. Amphipod Hydraform – Handheld Running Water Bottle
Provided by Amazon
Pros
- Lightweight
- Small
- Simple design
- Storage Compartment
- Easily refills
Cons
- Lower quality material than Nathan’s
- Maybe too small for some
This is an excellent and inexpensive hand held water bottle. It is not as ergonomic as the Nathan described above, but it has a storage compartment and it works.
There is nothing sexy about this water bottle. It holds water, it holds your stuff, and it can easily be refilled.
Lightweight Handheld Running Water Bottle
This is a very lightweight water bottle. It is slightly lighter than the Nathan’s. The material for the storage bag is made of a thinner material.
The water bottle itself is smaller than the Nathan’s. This makes it so that when you fill it up with water or have the bottle empty, it will be lighter.
Bigger Storage Compartment
one of the biggest benefits of this handheld water bottle is that it has a zipper pocket that can hold a larger-sized phone. You can easily hold a regular size iPhone inside of it.
this is a bigger advantage over the Nathan’s if you would like to keep your phone inside of the storage compartment. But, I think the storage compartment being smaller is better. It’s not fun carrying a lot of weight around on your hand.
In Conclusion
I believe that the HydraPak Softflask and the Nathan’s water bottles are worth buying.
They are so cheap that you really can’t go wrong. If you don’t like one of them you can give it away or resell it on eBay.
If you’re the type who prefers having very little in their hand after they’re finished drinking then I would recommend the HydraPak Softflask.
Those of us who prefer something that’s going to be able to hold your cards, keys, or food would benefit from the Nathan’s handheld water bottle.
I hope this has helped you make a decision. Water bottles are easy and simple. But, a comfortable handheld water bottle is not always easy to find. Happy searching. Have an awesome day.
Running in hot weather is great when you have proper hydration and proper covering. A bandana makes a great addition to your running gear. They wick sweat and keep the sun off. Give it a try.