» Hydration Storage Options for Runners

Nathan Thermal QuickDraw:

Hydration is crucial for endurance runners. Try not to rely on ANYONE else for your hydration needs… including the aid stations at races. In order to do that you have to carry your hydration product with you on your training runs and during your races. Fortunately, several companies make a number of products that allow you to do so. This article will briefly outline some of my favorite options for carrying liquids on the run.

The Quickdraw bottle is a great option for running short to mid distance runs, holding 22 ounces of liquid. The bottle fits into an insulated carrier which keeps the bottle warm or cold. The strap on the bottle is made of a moisture wicking material to prevent chaffing. It also has a decent sized zipper pocket that you can easily fit a key and 2 Gu packets in.

From personal experience, the best feature is the handle. You can adjust the tension to make it more comfortable to hold. Another thing I really like about it is that you don’t actually have to hold the bottle. The strap that you hand fits in keeps the bottle securely in your hands. The Thermal Quickdraw retails for about $25.

Fuel Belt Helium:

The Helium, made by Fuel Belt, is a great option for mid to long distance runs. The one I have used is the 4-bottle model which holds a total of 24 ounces of liquid. The waist band is soft and has ventilated pads for added comfort. The bottles are securely held to the belt by elastic straps making the bottles easily accessible. In addition, recently they have added several new colors.

Based on my personal experience, the best feature about the belt is the attached zipper pocket that is large enough to hold your Keys, ID, and/or Gu’s. The belt fit securely on my waist and it was very comfortable. While I am running, I hardly recognized it around my waist. The Helium 4-bottle retails for about $45

Ultimate Direction WASP/WINK:

The WASP (men) and WINK (women) is a backpack that is great for long distance running and trail running. The pack has a bladder inside it that can be filled with up to 64 ounces of liquid. The pack is light weight and is designed to fit snug on your back. The best feature of this pack if the bladder. The bladder is very easy to fill and clean as it can be opened up completely on the top. One thing that makes this pack unique is that it has pockets on the straps… making whatever you put in those pockets easily accessible when you’re wearing the pack. This pack retails for around $80.

Based on my personal experience, the best thing about this pack is how you feel very little weight on your shoulders. Instead, you feel it around your rib cage. Ultimate Direction did a fantastic job of making this pack extremely comfortable to wear.

So to conclude, there is an abundance of products out there to help you carry your hydration products with you on your run. Whether you are running 2 miles or 20, it is all about comfort. Most running store will let you try on the products in the store to get an idea of how it will feel.

Written by Jay Pedersen