Do you carry water with you while on the run? Do you struggle to find a system that works for you?
I have definitely juggled different types of hydration handhelds, belts, and packs, and they are not created equal! I thought it would be a great opportunity to share 5 different types of hydration products that are affordable and work great while on the run!
I’m linking up with Patty, Erika, and Marcia for Tuesdays on the Run!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
[bctt tweet=”Hey runners: looking for hydration that won’t break the bank? Check out my review! #runchat” username=”Janelle_RWNR”]
The Importance of Hydration for Runners
No matter the time of year, it’s important to make sure you’re staying hydrated while out on the run or doing any physical activities outdoors.
Drinking plenty of water and fluids before, during, and after your run is crucial! Runner’s World has a great guide on recommended quantities to drink – which also depends on the duration and intensity of your workout. Dehydration can not only negatively impact your running performance, it can lead to serious health issues if neglected.
I am a big-time sweater when I run, and it doesn’t matter if it’s 90 degrees or 30 degrees outside! I know that I need to replenish my fluids by taking regular sips of water while on the run, and if I’m going long, it’s important to take the right type of fuel as well!
5 Affordable Hydration Products
Fortunately, there are so many products on the market to make it easy to run with water on-hand. Over the years, I have tried handheld water bottles, hydration belts, and hydration packs, and each style has its pros and cons. I’ve put together a list of different types of hydration products that you should consider if you’re shopping for new gear!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.
Under $20:
Nathan Quick Shot Plus Handheld
From nathansports.comThis was one of my first hydration products, and I still use it on shorter runs. Here are the features:
- 10 oz/300ml flask with Race Cap offers quick bursts of fluid for short distances
- Keeps hands relaxed with adjustable hand strap and thumbhole
- Zippered pocket offers a surprising amount of storage
- Feather light pocket allows for on the go storage of smaller items like food and nutrition
Having used this handheld, it’s very comfortable on your hand, easy to take a sip of water, and the pouch is great for carrying keys, though gels and chews are a little bit more complicated to maneuver, especially during a race. While it’s way too small to fit my LG G3 cell phone, it’s a very economical choice!
Cost: $19.99 on Amazon Prime
Under $50:
Amphipod Hydroform Ergo-Lite Ultra Handheld
From amphipod.comI have personally never used this brand, but it is highly recommended by my fellow BibRave Pro ambassadors. Here are the features:
- Sized for XL phones
- Thumb-Lock™ sleeve design for grip-free ride
- Great for hot and cold weather use Removable sleeve is hand washable
- Huge expandable zipper pocket for easy access storage with key fob
- Internal pocket divider for ID or keys
- Cushioned, adjustable strap for the perfect fit
- Ergonomic bottle shape allows hand to rest in a natural position
- BPA-free bottle
- Jett-Squeeze™ cap for quick hydration
With this handheld form of hydration, you can access gels much easier with quick access slots and easily carry your cell phone in the large pocket. It also holds double the volume of the Nathan Quick Shot, so you can use this on longer runs. Check out this review from Chad, a fellow BibRave Pro ambassador who really liked this product!
Cost: $30 plus shipping
Nathan Trail Mix Bottle Belt
My sister got me this hydration belt for Christmas last year, and it was so necessary! Here are the features:
- Ergo shaped, soft monofilament belt offers multi-directional stretch that eliminates bounce
- Speed fit holsters provide easy, one handed on the fly access for hydration and nutrition
- Two 10 oz. / 300 ml flasks with push-pull caps
- IPhone compatible zip pocket with key ring clip and front stash pouch for gels
- Two shock cords with one-pull tension lock at sides for extra capacity
Hydration belts are great because they free your hands and can help improve your running form vs. using a handheld product. I enjoy using the Nathan belt on longer runs. I like being able to grab one of the bottles while on the run and have used this belt for a few races. There are 2 areas that I wish were a little easier: accessing the water from the cap since it doesn’t have the Quick Shot design, and finding the right belt adjustment to avoid bouncing/sliding while running with full vs. empty bottles. Still, it’s a great product!
Cost: $44.84 on Amazon Prime
Under $100:
Orange Mud Hydraquiver Single Barrel Pack
You may recall that I did a review of the Orange Mud Hydraquiver earlier this year! I’ve enjoyed using it not only on runs but hiking as well! Here are the features:
- Silky smooth webbing, long spandex pockets to hold your phone while running
- Super breathable nylon
- Interior rear cargo storage and a secure zipper pull and headphone port.
- Bottle: BPA Free 25oz
This was the first time I used a hydration product that I wore on my back. It’s extremely comfortable to wear, is light, and doesn’t chafe at all. I can hold my huge phone and keys in the back pocket easily. My only real challenge was getting used to grabbing the 25 oz bottle of water from the back of my head while running. It’s still a bit tough for me personally, but this is a great, versatile product that I recommend!
Cost: $84.95 with free shipping
REI Co-op Swiftland Hydro Running Hydration Vest
From REI.comThis is the hydration vest that I’ve been using since 2021, and I love it! This is great for running or hiking and has a 1.5 L bladder that you can fill for your needs. Here are the features:
- Runner-tested to ensure the compression fit stays snug—and prevents sloshing—while you run
- Adjustable torso straps and load lifters dial in the fit and keep the load tight and balanced
- Includes a HydraPak 1.5 liter Elite™ reservoir with high-flow Blaster™ bite valve that self-seals after each sip and twists on/off to prevent leaks when not in use
- Roomy main pocket holds the 10 essentials and more; 4 lower stretch-mesh harness pockets hold bottles, gloves and food; internal pocket with key fob holds a wallet and phone
- Roomy stretch mesh drop-in pocket on back holds a jacket
- Breathable mesh back and straps help you stay cool
- Made using bluesign®-approved materials, which conserve resources and protect the health of the environment, workers and wearer (you!)
- For sizing, note that the Fits Chest measurement is taken around the fullest part of the bust
I have really enjoyed wearing this on long runs and when it’s super hot and humid, this is a lifesaver!
Cost: $89.95 with free shipping at REI
What type of hydration do you use for running? Of these 5, which one most appeals to you?
I have a few hand held and a hydration belt. I don’t use the belt anymore cus it’s just too heavy for me. My sister has the camelbak. Backpack and she likes it for long runs!
The Camelbak looks great for the long runs. I think the belt is starting to really be uncomfortable for me, unfortunately!
I started out with the Amphipod hydration belt, which I really liked. I could carry 40 oz of water with me! But the bouncing and chafing eventually got to me, not to mention it does effect your arm swing too.
Then I moved to a camelbak handheld. I have 2 sizes — a small (10 oz) & a larger (21 oz) one. Like most runners, I said I’d never be comfortable carrying a handheld. Of course it still has the problem of effecting your arm swing.
I haven’t tried any sort of pack yet. Maybe someday . . .
I think I need to consider a larger handheld than the Quick Shot. I carry my cellphone in my hand so that doesn’t help with my arm swing either!
I have never tried a hydration vest but in this heat I am tempted to. It’s brutal this week
I kind of switch back between the belt and a handheld (but I haven’t used a belt in a few months). For shorter runs I use the small Nathan heldheld but for longer runs, especially in the summer, I use the larger Nathan handheld (22oz).
Great round up! I have the amphipod, and I had a Nathan belt (but sold it). If I had to choose, I would probably do a belt or backpack–I don’t like the sloshing, though the Amphipod handheld is comfortable to hold!
I may look into the first one for marathon training – I can’t do belts, they always seem to move around no matter how tightly I buckle them, so a handheld seems like the way to go! Relying on the Central Park water fountains is too risky with the kind of heat and humidity we are having.
These are great picks! I have both the Quick Shot and Belt by Nathan along with a larger Nathan handheld. I don’t know how I feel about something that goes on my back, but you never know.
I just recently updated my homemade bottle holder (cut up can koozie) with a Nathan Speed Draw Plus… I really like it, it is easy to hold.
Anything over 4 miles I take my handheld with me, it is just to hot! I have never tried one of those camelbacks- they look like serious business!
Great picks! I have a Nathan Handheld for shorter runs or races that don’t allow packs, and a Camelbak for longer runs. I like my hands to be free, so the Camelbak is my preference 🙂 .
I have the Nathan Handheld SpeedDraw Insulated – the pouch can hold my Iphone SE which is the same size as the Iphone 5. I also have a Nathan trailmix belt I wear for longer runs but I usually just run with a handheld. I’ve never tried a vest before or anything that goes on my back – if I were to do a trail race I may look into buying one.
Ive never had much luck with the bottles worn around the waist, but I do have a handheld as well as a hydration vest. Both are good options for different distances!
I’ve used a lot of different hydration options but a Camel Back is by far my favourite. It doesn’t hurt my back like a belt does and carries more water.
I do still use handheld for short runs though.
Love the Nathan handheld!
No pun intended but it does come in handy!
I have the amphipod but I had an issue a few years ago with the top not sealing right and all my drink leaking out. Of course, it was boiling hot that day and I had nothing to drink. Now I carry a 24 ounce bottle for my Tailwind. I use the amphipod neoprene sleeve on it and a bottle band. Works well.
I constantly struggle with hydration on the go. None of the fuel belts I’ve ever used have stayed in place…..I don’t blame the belts, I think it’s the shape of my body (small waist). I always have to wear them as tight as possible and at the smallest part of my waist because they all ride up (which is about 5 inches higher than I’d prefer LOL). I detest hand-helds, but I do use them on occasion. I’m tempted to try a vest system, though….stay tuned 😉
I usually prefer using a hydration pack, but for shorter runs I sometimes stick the bottle from a handheld in the side pocket of capris or tight shorts. I have run holding the handheld, but am not really a fan.
Love this post! So many good products out there. While I’m not a distance runner by any means, my husband is training for his 7th Ironman and he brings a camelback that I bought him a few years ago!
http://www.spiffykerms.com/2016/07/calling-female-cyclists/
I’m glad you liked it, Nancy! And good luck to your husband!
These are great recommendations! I’m a sucker for Nathan’s, and I’ve found that TJ MAXX actually carries a lot of their running hydration gear (minus the back pack style) in their stores for even cheaper!
Ooh that’s good to know, thanks for the tip, Lex! 🙂
I have the handheld and hydration pack. I can’t imagine training for ultras without a hydration pack.
Agreed, Jill! I like that the packs have room enough to carry all the things you need and for an ultra, you’d need a lot of stuff!
I like the orange mud hydraquiver single barrel pack, this would be awesome for my sorter runs. It is a little pricey though. Thanks for sharing.
Great post-these packs get expensive. I ran with the fuel belt before but now I can’t stand it. I want to try something like the Orange Mud or a light vest with the two water bottles up front. A camelback when running makes me sweaty and can be too bouncy
I like all. Their price is affordable and worth to buy one. Amphipod Hydroform Ergo-Lite Ultra Handheld is actually good.
I love my Amphipod handheld. Looks like they’ve made some nice changes to the design – I may have to get a new one LOL.