Best Handheld Water Bottles for Running: Stay Hydrated on Your Next Run
Do you wish you could easily hydrate without stopping when on the move? Well, the simple solution is here: the handheld water bottle for running.
These bottles are designed to fit comfortably in your hand while you run, allowing you to stay hydrated without any hassle.
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one to choose. In this article, we’ll look at the top handheld water bottles available for running.
You’ll find that the most expensive water bottle will not necessarily be the best choice for you. Instead, choose the water bottle with features that matter to you (you can always upgrade later).
To create this article, we spent hours researching product data and user reviews for different water bottles for running. After reviewing the data, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks.
Best Handheld Water Bottles for Running: Our Top Picks
- Best Minimalistic: Amphipod Hydraform Ergo Minimalist Water Bottle
- Best Insulated: CamelBak Quick Grip Chill Handheld
- Best Ergonomic: Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Water Bottle
- Most Storage: Nathan SpeedView Handheld Water Bottle & Phone Case
- Best Collapsible: Azarxis Collapsible Water Bottle
- Best Pocket Sized: FITLY Folding Water Bottle
- Best for Long Runs: Nathan Handheld ExoDraw 2.0
- With Belt Add-on: 2-in-1 Water Bottle With Belt Add-on
- Light and slim: Osprey Duro/Dyna Handheld
- Best Classic: HIGH5 Drinks Sports Run Bottle
- Best Overall: Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
More Details On Our Top Picks
Amphipod Hydraform Ergo Minimalist Water Bottle
Best Minimalistic
- Hand relaxing Hydraform low-profile bottle with Jett-Lock cap for quick-shot hydration and lock down security
- Capacity: 16 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: No
The Amphipod Hydraform Ergo Minimalist Water Bottle lets you stay hydrated without the added weight and hassle.
A low-profile design that lets your hand relax when carrying it so that you can focus on your run. The adjustable hand strap ensures a slip-free grip. You won’t have to worry about dropping it mid-stride.
But that’s not all – the bottle also includes two slots for sports gels; you can fuel up on the go. Plus, the super soft material won’t chafe or irritate your skin.
This is the one if you are looking for a minimalistic but ergonomic water bottle without any extras.
CamelBak Quick Grip Chill Handheld
Best Insulated
- Keeps water cold 2x longer
- Capacity: 21 fl oz
- Insulated: Yes
- Storage: Yes
CamelBak Quick Grip Chill Handheld water bottle holds up to 21 fl oz of liquid and is insulated to keep your drinks cold two times longer. So, even on the hottest days, you can stay hydrated and refreshed while you run.
The Quick Grip Chill Handheld has a storage pocket that’s perfect for holding your keys, energy gels, or other small essentials. And with its reflective design, you’ll be visible to drivers and other runners in low-light conditions.
This handheld water bottle is perfect for runners who need ample hydration without the extra baggage of a vest.
Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Water Bottle
Best Ergonomic
- HYDRAFORM BOTTLE: 100% leak proof and BPA-free. Hydraform bottles feature a wide mouth for ice cubes and a custom engineered Jett Lock Cap with a push-pull design for quick-shot hydration and lock-down security. Specs/ L x W x H (inches): 10.5 oz. bottle is 6.5 x 3 x 3.5, weight 3.4 oz. / 16 oz. bottle is 8 x 4 x 2.5, weight 4 oz. / 20 oz. bottle is 9 x 4 x 3.5, weight 4.6 oz.
- Capacity: 10.5 fl oz
- Insulated: Yes
- Storage: Yes (small pocket)
With a capacity of 10.5 fl oz, Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite holds just the right amount of liquid for a shorter run of 10 miles or less.
The adjustable strap and the thumb-lock design allow for a comfortable and secure grip, while the insulated sleeve keeps your drink cool and refreshing.
The zipper pocket is perfect for storing small items like keys, gels, or cash.
If you’re a runner who likes to maintain balance by carrying a bottle in each hand, the Hydraform is lightweight enough to make that possible without weighing you down.
Nathan SpeedView Handheld Water Bottle & Phone Case
Most Storage
- SIMPLE HYDRATION: Our SpeedView Flask is your must-have water bottle for hands-free hydration whether on the tread, track, or trail, offering you those quick bursts of cool fluid you need with its simple-to-use race cap
- Capacity: 18 fl oz
- Insulated: Yes
- Storage: Yes
- Notable Feature: Phone pocket 4-in width x 8-in length x 2-in depth, fits some large phones without a case.
The Nathan SpeedView Handheld Water Bottle is the perfect companion for daily runs. With a capacity of 18 fl oz, it provides enough water to keep you hydrated throughout your workout.
The bottle features a see-through touchscreen pouch that allows you to use your phone without removing it from the zippered pouch. The pouch is 4 inches wide by 8 inches long by 2 inches deep, making it large enough to fit some large phones without a case.
The bottle also includes a push-pull blast valve that lets you easily drink water on the go. And with insulation, your liquid will stay cool and refreshing even during long runs.
The adjustable strap fits tight on your hand, so you don’t have to grip the bottle while running.
Azarxis Collapsible Water Bottle
Best Collapsible
- Safe Material: Made of food-grade TPU material, 100% BPA and PVC free. Safe and healthy materials, no odor, lightweight hydration water bottle is very suitable for outdoor activities.
- Capacity: 17 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: Yes
One of the best features of Azarxis Water Bottle is its collapsible design. When not in use, the soft flask can be folded into a small size, making it easy to pack and take with you wherever you go. And when it’s time to fill up, the wide mouth makes it easy to add water or sports drinks to keep you hydrated.
With a capacity of 17 fl oz, you can stay hydrated without having to stop and refill constantly. The built-in zipper pocket is perfect for storing small items like keys, cash, or energy gels.
The adjustable reflective hand strap and the thumbhole in the strap allow for an easy grip, so you can keep your water bottle secure while you run.
FITLY Folding Water Bottle
Best Pocket Sized
- HYDRATION ON THE MOVE: Our collapsible running soft flask is a compact and eco-friendly way to stay hydrated on the move! The soft water bottle is the perfect hydration tool for active individuals. Our soft water bottles for runners shrink as you drink, taking up minimal space and won’t slosh around, making it perfect for running, hiking, skiing or any rigorous activity.
- Capacity: 5 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: No
- Notable Feature: Small, fits in your pocket.
The FITLY Folding Water Bottle is ideal for quick drinks on the run. It’s slim enough to put in your pocket, allowing you to keep your hands free during a run. If you don’t want to carry a big clumsy water bottle, this is the perfect solution.
Its capacity of 5 fl oz makes it perfect for shorter runs. It shrinks as you drink, so it won’t take up too much space in your pocket or running belt. It’s easy to freeze the bottle with water inside, so it’s extra refreshing on a hot day.
If you need more hydration than 5 fl oz, FITLY has a variety of flask sizes from 5 to 17 oz.
Nathan Handheld ExoDraw 2.0
Best for Long Runs
- SIMPLE HYDRATION: Our ExoDraw & ExoShot Flasks feature an integrated hand strap and rigid ExoSpine for superior comfort and efficiency, whether on the tred, track, or trail, offering the cool fluid you need with it’s simple-to-use race cap.
- Capacity: 18 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: Yes (small pocket)
“The water bottle for runners who hate water bottles,” says a reviewer on Amazon.
Yes, you don’t want to be weighed down. That’s where the Nathan Handheld ExoDraw 2.0 comes in. With a capacity of 18 fl oz, it holds the liquid without sloshing around.
The adjustable hand strap ensures a tight fit around your hand. The breathable structure allows airflow, keeping your hand cool and dry.
It has small stash pockets to store items like keys or energy gels while you run. And once the bottle is empty, it easily folds and stashes away in a hydration belt or hydration vest, like Camelbak.
The ExoShot 14 oz is also available if you need a smaller size.
2-in-1 Water Bottle With Belt Add-on
With Belt Add-on
- ✅ READY ACCESS TO WATER – Keep your 12-oz (350 ml) bpa free water bottle right where you need it at all times, attached to your hand or on your waist (waistband not included)!
- Capacity: 12 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: Yes
- Notable Feature: Can be used as a handheld water bottle or attached to a running belt.
This 2-in-1 Water Bottle With Belt Add-on is designed to be hand-carried or slid onto a running belt. It gives you the flexibility to carry it however you prefer.
It has an adjustable and removable hand strap. The belt add-on fits running belts with a band up to 1.75 inches so you can use it with your existing running gear.
With a capacity of 12 fl oz, it is perfect for short runs where you don’t want to carry a lot of equipment.
Osprey Duro/Dyna Handheld
Light and slim
- Includes a 360 mL Hydraulics soft flask and stabilizing jacket
- Capacity: 12 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: Yes
- Notable Feature: Straps around the wrist leaving your fingers free.
Osprey Handheld is designed to be carried on the palm or top-of-hand, whichever is more comfortable for you. With a capacity of 12 fl oz, it’s the perfect size to keep you hydrated without weighing you down.
The handheld also includes a small zippered mesh pocket and a small stretch mesh pocket for essential items like keys and energy gels.
The minimalist carry design of this handheld water bottle makes it easy to carry with you, and the soft flask is comfortable to hold.
HIGH5 Drinks Sports Run Bottle
Best Classic
- HIGH5 Run Drinks Sports Water Bottle is a professional sports water bottle that is easy to use during any exercise.
- Capacity: 12 fl oz
- Insulated: No
- Storage: Yes
The classic donut shape of the bottle makes it easy to carry with one hand through the middle. And with a capacity of 12 fl oz, you’ll have enough water for shorter runs or gym sessions.
The downside of this design is that you must always grip it (no hand strap), and it sloshes around as you run. It works on short runs or walks around the neighborhood and is easy to carry wherever you go.
For those who love the traditional feel, this is the perfect choice. It may not be the most high-tech or advanced water bottle out there, but sometimes, classic is just what you need.
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
Best Overall
- STAYS FRESH – 18oz double-wall insulated and hi-visibility reflective hydration flask with race cap that offers quick burst of fluid. Stays cooler longer!
- Capacity: 18 fl oz
- Insulated: Yes
- Storage: Yes
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus handheld water bottle is a top seller and fan favorite for a reason. Double-wall insulated 18 fl oz hydration flask is perfect for carrying enough fluid for a quick run or for staying hydrated between water stations on a longer run.
The race cap offers a quick burst of fluid whenever you need it, so you can stay focused on your pace and not worry about slowing down to take a drink.
The fully adjustable hand strap with thumbhole ensures a comfortable and secure grip. The large expandable zippered pocket is perfect for storing your essentials. However, note that the pocket may not fit newer larger phones.
Buying Guide to Help You Choose
Various factors can impact your experience with a handheld water bottle, from size and weight to material and design. Understanding what to look for lets you find the perfect bottle to keep you hydrated and comfortable during your runs.
Factors:
- Capacity
- Storage
- Insulation
- Grip
Water Bottle Capacity
Consider your hydration needs and the distance of your runs when choosing the capacity of your water bottle.
Bigger is not always the better:
- Carrying too much liquid hinders your run, so try to balance between capacity and weight.
- The sweet spot is different for different runners.
- We don’t recommend carrying more than 12-17 fl of (300-500 ml) in a handheld water bottle as it can affect how you move your arms.
If you buy a water bottle for a race, you have different considerations than when purchasing for the training runs:
- You can avoid the first, more crowded water stations when you have a water bottle in a race.
- You can sip liquid whenever you need to.
- And you can have the sports drinks that you prefer.
But a water bottle will weigh you down during the race. So carry water just enough to get you past the first water stations, then fill the bottle up as needed at the following drink stations. 10-12 fl oz (300-360 ml) should be enough for a race.
Storage Options
When you go for a run, you want to ensure you have everything you need. This includes snacks for energy, your phone for emergencies, and your keys.
- Many water bottles have built-in pockets that allow you to carry small items.
- But the more stuff you carry in your hand, the more it adds weight.
- When holding something in your hand, you cannot pump your arms nearly as effectively as you should.
So putting stuff in the pockets of water bottles makes it easy to go for a run, but on the other hand, it can hinder our running. Especially with larger phones, the weight can become too much.
So what options do we have:
1. A running water bottle with built-in storage: These bottles are perfect for runners who want to keep their essentials close at hand but run only shorter runs.
3. A lightweight running water bottle: If you want to minimize weight while running, consider a minimalist water bottle that only holds water.
You can carry your snacks and phone separately in a waist pack. You can find waist packs with multiple pockets for snacks, larger phones, and other essentials. Plus, they distribute the weight evenly across your body, reducing strain on your arms and shoulders.
Insulation of the Bottle
Insulation is not a crucial factor when buying a handheld running water bottle, as it is unlikely that the water will stay in the bottle for long enough to get too warm.
- However, if you go for a long run on a hot day, an insulated water bottle keeps your water cooler for longer.
- An insulated bottle may be a bit heavier, but it will keep your water cooler for longer, while an uninsulated bottle will be lighter, but your water may get warmer more quickly.
It ultimately depends on your personal preference and needs.
Think about how long your runs typically last, and choose a bottle that can keep your water cold for the duration of your workout.
Grip
Water bottles for running typically have adjustable hand straps.
- When you run, you don’t need to grip the bottle.
- It stays in your hand with the attachment system that you adjust based on your hand.
- Once the adjustment is correct, the bottle should stay firmly attached to your hand as you run.
We all have different hands, so adjustable hand straps are important.
The Bottom Line
Finding the best water bottle for running can make all the difference in your hydration game.
Waist packs and hydration vests are often the go-to options for longer runs. Still, for shorter runs, handheld bottles come in handy.
Super light and easy to carry, the best running water bottles let you stay hydrated while training on the trail.
And during the race, you can refill your bottle at water stations along the route.
