Handheld hydration on the run

[Princess Tink]

I'm looking for recommendations for hydration on the run. I've started increasing my miles recently in preparation for the W&D half, as I'm a fairly new running and am up to 6.5 miles, and I'm finding the need to carry water with me now. I tried a Fitletic fuel belt, but didnt like the movement. I ran with a regular water bottle the last couple long runs, due to the need to hydrate but lack of options. So, now that I've ran with something 'in my hands', I'm wondering about a handheld. Does anyone have any handhelds that they love.

TIA
Micaela

 

[booth22]

Amphipod makes a great product - http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/bottles-handhelds/handhelds

 

[BuckeyeBama]

I use Camelbak products, and I own several. I have a 70oz capacity backpack that is awesome and has lasted more than 10 years. Leaves my hands free for other things and has the capacity for really long runs or hikes, even in the middle of the summer.

 

[SunDial]

When I have gone on my long runs I have also carried a plastic water bottle that I just put in between my running belt and hip and did not have an issue. I also have set up a water bottle or 2 on the hood of my SUV at the house. I would then run about a mile and a half loop multiple times depending on how far I wanted to go. Each time i would stop and take a sip to simulate water stops out on the course.

 

[bumbershoot]

I have a Nathan backpack that I like except that I need to Macgyver it so the water-holder doesn't fall off the hook inside of the backpack. (that makes for sloshy sounds that I hate)

No that's not handheld, but it's what I have used. I have a very sensitive stomach so having MY water has been important. Less time in the bathrooms with my own water.

I also have a maybe 20 oz waterbottle that has a hand holder thing. That was OK for about 10K but the Half, I might end up beating myself to death with it out of hatred by mile 10. (irritable runner, here)

 

[pxefig]

I have used this for years and love it. I ALWAYS run with water because when I need it, I NEED it. I bring it to races. carrying the weight of the water bottle is just how I train and am used to running with it. http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Quick-...r=8-7&keywords=nathan+insulated+water+bottles

 

[Ariel484]

My handheld is similar to the one @pxefig just posted - similar size and shape but not insulated. Same brand. It's okay, not great. I also have a Camelback for longer runs, which I like but don't use unless I have to.

 

[Chiomaca]

I have several because I am super picky about my hydration on long runs.

Backpack: Osprey Rev 1.5 hydration pack - I run to work, so this carries water, a change of clothes, my electronics, badges, wallet, etc. I can't wear Camelbak or Nathan backpacks because they irritate my bad shoulder, but this is great - doesn't move at all.

Waistbelt: a Nathan brand waistbelt with enough room to hold my phone, dog treats, poop bags. Used on long runs when a hand-held isn't enough or when I'm running with the dog. I use a regular water bottle because I have yet to find a Nathan-branded one that doesn't leak and I don't like the way the other brands fit.

Handheld: For shorter runs or in cooler weather, (or if I know I'm running past places I can top off), this Nike handheld bottle. I tried and discarded three Nathan handhelds before I found this one and it hasn't leaked on me yet. Basically on straight runs for anything under an hour I use this, anything over an hour I go with the belt.

 

[pclvnmcky88]

I have a Camelbak and ran with it during the Princess Half Marathon in February. I love it. We take it to the parks with us everytime we go as well. When I first started running I was needing to carry a water bottle and found it very heavy on one arm.

 

[Miranda]

I have a Nathan QuickDraw Plus. It holds 20oz and has a little pouch on it that I can stuff a couple gels and some money in. I find it kind of heavy to carry, but I don't really want to wear a belt. I wear a SPIbelt, but under my shirt... I don't think that pinning my shirt down would be a very flattering look for me.

I still have to plan routes on long runs that take me past convenience stores so I can buy water to refill it... I get really thirsty. On a longer 10+ mile run, I need to refill it twice and it's usually always empty by the end of the run. I might need to look into a vest.

 

[Princess Tink]

Thanks for all the input, I'm going to get to my local running store tomorrow to check out the Nathan and Amphipod. After looking them up online, I'm leaning towards the Amphipod but want to 'hold it' and see if it fits nicely in my hand.

I appreciate everyone's help.
Micaela

 

[BuckeyeBama]

FWIW, I ran 15 miles today (was scheduled for 12 but decided to go longer). I used my Camelbak with about 40oz of Gatorade and still lost 3 lbs from sweat during the run. Be careful out there - it is hot.

 

[pxefig]

Of course! Let us know what you go with obviously, the best one for you is the one that YOU like best! Have fun training!

 

[Princess Tink]

Thanks! I tried the amphipod, and it feels weird after the first couple miles. I think it's just because I've never ran with anything in my hand for very long, but I'm trying I went back to try the Fitletic belt this week and if it would just stay put I'd love it. I know, back and forth, back and forth...

 

[Dug720]

Actually back and forth isn't a bad idea. So far rD seems to be cool with any kind of personal hydration system, but there are some race organizations (NYRR for one) that will only allow actual handheld bottles - not belts and not Camelbacks or any backpack hydration system since Boston. If you are only used to one thing and it is not or becomes not allowed by the race organizer you need to be comfortable with a back-up plan.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Actually back and forth isn't a bad idea. So far rD seems to be cool with any kind of personal hydration system, but there are some race organizations (NYRR for one) that will only allow actual handheld bottles - not belts and not Camelbacks or any backpack hydration system since Boston. If you are only used to one thing and it is not or becomes not allowed by the race organizer you need to be comfortable with a back-up plan.

Agreed, but I ensure that my PR attempt races allow me to use my CamelBak. I don't carry any liquid in other races - I just drink enough at the water stations.

 

[cavepig]

Thanks! I tried the amphipod, and it feels weird after the first couple miles. I think it's just because I've never ran with anything in my hand for very long, but I'm trying I went back to try the Fitletic belt this week and if it would just stay put I'd love it. I know, back and forth, back and forth...

I'm trying decide on if I want an amphipod handheld bottle, are you still using it? Do you like it? I need something besides just a regular bottle.

 

[Princess Tink]

I'm trying decide on if I want an amphipod handheld bottle, are you still using it? Do you like it? I need something besides just a regular bottle.

I've been using the Fitletic belt pretty exclusively the last couple weeks, I think it may be the best solution for me. A little adjusting here and there, I think I found the perfect spot to prevent much movement. I ran 5.5 miles today, had to make an adjustment at mile 1 then no issues for the remaining miles. My son has been tinkering with the amphipod, he seems to like it. He really wanted a vest or backpack, but I kinda talked him out of it.

 

[Ariel484]

After today's long run I think I'm switching to the Camelbak for the rest of the summer. 20oz was just not enough for today!

 

[Keels]

After today's long run I think I'm switching to the Camelbak for the rest of the summer. 20oz was just not enough for today!

I just ordered one tonight from Amazon for the same reason.