The Best Running Hydration Packs and Water Bottles, According to Runners – New York Magazine

Waterman says waist packs are “the Goldilocks combination of being hands-free without adding extra layers across your body like [a vest].” They generally can hold more water than a handheld bottle, but less than a vest, making them a solid choice for marathon training. Bette Clark, co-team captain and former president of Van Cortlandt Track Club, says one advantage of a waist pack is that “you can carry gels, cell phone, [and] money” in addition to a fluid, but she cautions that hydration waist packs “can loosen and or bounce if not positioned just right.” Waterman recommends this Camelbak style that has a generously sized zipper pocket for other essentials, and is easily adjustable for a perfect fit on any body. Plus, it comes with the brand’s popular Podium Chill water bottle — which I and other runners I know have used and praise highly, because it’s insulated to keep water cold longer and has a twist-to-close valve that prevents spillage while you’re moving (Waterman says the 21-ounce bottle stores enough water to get him through a 20-mile marathon training run).

Designed in collaboration with ultrarunner Rob Krar, this belt comes with a soft bottle that collapses down flat when it’s empty. Clark loves how the wide belt sits securely against her back and has a pocket on the opposite side for storing keys and a phone. Its smaller Velcro pouches can hold energy gels, and thanks to their loop straps, Clark says, “you can even hitch a cap or light jacket to the pack.”

Like Garvey, Elinor Fish, founder and CEO of Run Wild Retreats + Wellness, thinks comfort is key and says, “It’s worth looking for a gender-specific fit to get a size that works best for you.” She uses this vest, which is also made for women, because “the soft fabric makes it feel like part of my body so I don’t notice at all.” With the ability to adjust the straps around the chest and waist separately, it allows for a more personalized fit for different bust sizes. She’s never experienced bouncing or chafing with it, even while running for hours in the mountains with a full pack. Clark recommends Nathan’s women’s vests as well. She calls them “very comfortable,” and says the front pockets provide easy access to her gear.

According to Tom Daly, co-founder of the running and yoga lifestyle brand District Vision, “Salomon cranks out the best light- and mid-weight vest packs.” For very long runs — especially on trails where you aren’t likely to spot a water fountain — he recommends choosing a pack with a reservoir for water and a drinking straw. “No hands needed and no need to stop. Forrest Gump will be proud,” he says. This vest’s reservoir holds 1.5 liters of water, so you can spend hours on the roads or trails without worrying about running out. Daly adds that the exterior pockets for holding your race nutrition are “a bonus not to be overlooked.”

Roche says that “for a typical run where you won’t be isolated too long, a handheld bottle is great to carry everything you need without getting bogged down.” Sean Fortune, the owner and founder of Central Park Coaching, told us that although he does most of his training in the park — where there are operating water fountains from spring through fall — he actually prefers carrying his own bottle so he doesn’t have to stop at one of the public fountains, which are often crowded. Fortune likes this Nathan bottle, primarily because it’s insulated and keeps his water cold. “If my water is warm, I don’t want to drink it,” he says. “It also fits comfortably in my hand and has room for my big iPhone and a gel or two.” Roche, who appreciates the bottle’s simplicity, is also a fan. “The 18-ounce handheld is curved to fit in your hand and I usually forget about it after ten minutes,” he says of the bottle, which also has an adjustable strap that holds it in place and prevents any bouncing around. “I want an option that streamlines the process of getting out the door, and with a bottle, you can just grab it and go.” Fitzgerald likes handhelds, too, and says he’s even used one on runs over two hours.

When she’s on a short run and isn’t carrying gels or extra gear, Clark likes a minimalist handheld water bottle, too. She recommends looking for a bottle that “fits in hand comfortably, with strap that can be adjusted.” While some handheld bottles, like the Nathan style above, have larger pockets for phones, she finds those too bulky and prefers to run with one like this, which has just a small key pocket. Depending on how far you like to run, there’s a 12-ounce and 20-ounce option.

When he doesn’t need a full pack, Daly opts for this small, collapsible bottle. With a bite-to-drink spout, it’s pretty much guaranteed not to leak. There’s no strap to secure it to your hand, but when it’s empty you can simply stick it in your shorts pocket.