Best Running Water Bottle (2024): Drink To Your Heart’s Content

I’d call myself more of an avid water drinker than an avid runner. I drink nearly a gallon every day but only dabble in running. Even though I’m not always thrilled about running, I was thrilled to give a bunch of handheld running water bottles a try. In the past, I’ve given a lot of thought to bringing my water bottle with me, but the bulky stainless steel water bottles I have around my house are a nuisance to carry along. 

This is where the game changed for me (and it could for you, too): running water bottles that are designed to be carried with you while you run are not bulky at all. If this sounds exciting to you, keep reading for our curated list of the eight best running water bottles on the market. 

Constantly Putting Fitness Equipment to the Test

Our team of product testers are fitness industry professionals—from CrossFit Level 1 Trainers to nutrition coaches. We’ve spent hours testing running shoes, running socks, running belts, hydration vests, and even different running workouts. Now, for the first time, we personally tested some of the best running water bottles you can buy. 

It’s worth noting that I tested most of these water bottles myself and took them out in my current climate of icy cold winter weather. That said, I will have a slightly different experience if you’re running in primarily warmer climates. 

8 Best Running Water Bottles:  

• Best Overall Running Water Bottle: Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask
• Best Ergonomic Running Water Bottle: Amphipod Hydraform Minimalist Handheld Water Bottle
• Best Budget Running Water Bottle: Aonijie Quick Grip Handheld Soft Water Bottle for Running
• Best Running Water Bottle For Beginners: Nathan ExoShot Lite 14oz Handheld
• Best Filtration Running Water Bottle : Katadyn Be Free Water Filter Bottle
• Best Compact Running Water Bottle: Hydrapak SkyFlashWater Bottle
• Best Running Hydration Vest: Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Trail Running Vest
• Best Running Hydration Belt: Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt

Best Overall Running Water Bottle: Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask

Good for: Anyone looking for a handheld water bottle with a stash pocket

Nathan SpeedDraw Plus

Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Handheld Water Bottle

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Handheld water bottle with zippered pouch
• Holds 18 oz of fluid 
• Dishwasher-safe 
• Double-wall insulation 
• Adjustable strap and thumb loop so bottle stays locked in-hand

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Zippered pouch holds most phones
• Can fit small personal items like car keys
• Great for short to mid-distance runs
• Double-wall insulation keeps liquid cool

Cons

• Only holds 18 oz of fluid
• Pouch is hard to detach
• Zipper isn’t super durable
• Doesn’t fit all larger smartphones

Bottom Line

The Nathan SpeedDraw handheld water bottle is a great option for runners who typically run short or mid-distances, from one mile to a 10K. It sits securely in-hand thanks to the adjustable strap and the pouch can fit most smartphones.

The Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask made it to the top of this list because it not only has an ergonomic design for easy gripping, it’s also a double-wall insulated water bottle with an 18-ounce capacity. The hand strap is adjustable and on the opposite side features a large stash pocket big enough for your keys, credit card, or a smartphone. I will admit it’s a tight fit for my iPhone, which has a slim case, but it did work. 

You’ll also like knowing there are two spots that feature reflective fabric on the hand strap apparatus. The hand strap is easy to carry for a range of runners (or while wearing gloves) because it’s fully adjustable. 

The water flow from the race cap  on this Nathan handheld water bottle provides a nice steady stream without the need to stop or use your other hand–you just have to squeeze the water bottle and you’re good to go. You might think this sounds like a leaky situation, but even after I shook this thing around and turned it upside down, no water dripped out; the water is only released when you squeeze. 

Best Ergonomic Running Water Bottle: Amphipod Hydraform Minimalist Handheld Water Bottle

Good for: Anyone looking for a minimalist and ergo handheld water bottle 

Amphipod Hydraform Water Bottle

Amphipod Hydraform Minimalist Handheld Water Bottle

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Running water bottle 
• 2 quick access gel slots 
• BPA-free, ice cube ready, top-rack dishwasher safe

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comparably affordable
• Comfortable
• Dishwasher safe
• Available in 2 sizes
• Grasp-free thumb-lock strap

Cons

• Very limited customer reviews
• Customers complain that the lid may leak
• Users share that putting the lid on the bottle can be difficult

Bottom Line

The Amphipod Hydraform Ergo Minimalist Handheld water bottle is for runners looking for a basic, affordable water bottle for their runs.

The Amphipod Hydraform Minimalist Handheld Water Bottle is a practical (and comfortable) option for long and short runs alike. This contoured water bottle feels effortless in my hand while jogging. I don’t have to grip too hard to keep the hand strap secure because it’s fully adjustable and can also work while wearing gloves. If you wanted to, you could remove the hand strap and use this as a traditional water bottle, too. 

The Amphipod features a push-pull cap that will require your opposite hand to pull up and unlock the spout. Although this water bottle is super simple and doesn’t offer any storage compartments like the Nathan SpeedDraw, it does offer two slots for energy gels on the outside of the hand strap. 

Because this is a hard water bottle and is dishwasher safe for the top rack, I feel confident that this bottle is suitable for electrolyte or sport drinks knowing you can clean it with ease.

Best Budget Running Water Bottle: Aonijie Quick Grip Handheld Soft Water Bottle for Running

Good for: Anyone looking for a budget running bottle that still offers enough water for longer runs

Aonijie Quick Grip Water Bottle

Aonijie Quick Grip Handheld Soft Water Bottle for Running

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Collapsible soft flask water bottle 
• Available in 2 colors 
• Reflective trim 
• Features a bite valve

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reflective trim
• Adjustable hand strap
• Zippered pocket

Cons

• Multiple users reported leaking
• Customers reported that there was not much room in the pocket with a full bottle
• Users with smaller hands complained about the lack of comfort

Bottom Line

This water bottle has very mixed reviews and many customer reviews mentioned the bottle leaked.

The Aonijie Quick Grip Handheld Soft Water Bottle for Running is suitable if you’re budget-conscious and looking to upgrade your running gear. This soft flask and carrying case is priced right around $20 on Amazon. 

It’s also dishwasher-safe and offers easy access with the bite valve cap. The full fabric sleeve even has a small zippered pocket for a set of keys or cash, but it’s not big enough for a cell phone. 

The Aonijie is easy to hold while running because of its slim design and fabric sleeve with an adjustable hand strap. Running with this felt secure and distraction-free. I also liked that I didn’t need to use my other hand to pop open the cap. 

The one thing I will mention is it took a little finagling to get the soft water bottle in the fabric sleeve after filling up to the full capacity. Because it’s soft I wanted to gently put it into the sleeve, but it turns out it’s pretty durable and you can actually have a pretty firm grip on it. I also attempted to fill the flask with water while it was in the sleeve, but that method doesn’t work. You will have to remove the flask from the sleeve for refills. 

Best Running Water Bottle For Beginners: Nathan ExoShot Lite 14oz Handheld

Good for: Beginners looking for a secure handheld water bottle 

Nathan ExoShot Lite 14oz Handheld

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Product Highlights

• Handheld soft flask water bottle 
• Flask also fits in Nathan hydration vests 
• Hand wash only 
• Features a bite valve

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reflective details
• 60-day satisfaction guarantee
• Can be packed away when empty

Cons

• Comparably expensive
• Hand wash only
• Only offers 14 oz option
• Limited reviews

Bottom Line

The Nathan ExoShot Lite 14oz Handheld is an expensive and positively reviewed option for a handheld water bottle to use during runs.

The Nathan ExoShot Lite is a terrific water bottle if you’re just starting out as a runner. The ExoShot Lite is a simple soft flask with an adjustable hand strap that offers an even more secure grip than the other running water bottles I tested. 

I will note that at first I gripped it completely wrong and wondered why it felt so floppy. However, once I figured it out this immediately became one of my favorites. 

So here is the thing with the strap: It’s designed almost like a two-point harness, meaning it’s not a single nylon strap. That said, you don’t just slip your hand under the strap, you actually slide your palm through the opening and grip the water bottle. Once your hand is through the opening, it’s almost a grip-free experience because your wrist is secured into place. 

I think a design that promotes less gripping is ideal for beginners because it will allow new runners to focus on the run, not the accessories. Also, I like the fact that this soft flask is dishwasher-safe on the top rack and features a small plastic “spine” that helps the water bottle keep its shape.

Best Filtration Running Water Bottle: Katadyn BeFree 0.5L Water Filter Bottle

Good for: Nature lovers looking for a reliable filtration system built into a water bottle 

Katadyn Be Free Water Filter Bottle

Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Water Filter Bottle

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Product Highlights

• Filter water bottle 
• Soft and collapsible for storage 
• Filter up to 1,000 L of water 
• Stay clean drink nozzle

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 0.1 micron filter
• Collapsible for storage
• EZ-clean membrane
• Free flow channels for easy drinking
• Good customer service

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Reviews share that the bag often splits/leaks
• Customers complain that the flow decreased drastically with repeated use

Bottom Line

Customers initially love the BeFree 0.6L Water Filter bottle, but it doesn’t hold up to repeated use. The bag often breaks and leaks and the filter flow rate decreases severely.

The Katadyn BeFree Water Filter Bottle is a unique soft flask that filters your drinking water from 99-percent of bacteria (and protozoa like giardia and cryptosporidium). 

This water bottle doesn’t have a hand strap and it’s a bit larger than the other ones I tested, but I still found it easy to carry with me while I went jogging. I would not suggest this for a long run or a half marathon, but I like the idea of carrying this on nature walks and hikes for the filtration element. 

The filter can process over 33,800 ounces of contaminated water with its membrane filter. It’s also easy to clean and only requires rinsing or swishing the filter in clean water to remove debris. You can remove the flip cap nozzle from the filter and clean each piece separately, too. It’s also worth noting that Katadyn replacement filters can be found on Amazon for about $24 a piece. 

Best Compact Running Water Bottle: HydraPak SkyFlask Water Bottle

Good for: Anyone looking for a simple soft flask that takes up next to no space when empty

Hydrapak SkyFlask Water Bottle

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Product Highlights

• Collapsible water bottle 
• Lifetime guarantee
• Features a bite valve

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight
• Relatively affordable
• Lifetime guarantee
• Fits in running vests or pack pockets

Cons

• Hand wash only
• Customers complain about the strap
• Users complained of a plastic taste

Bottom Line

Users preferred using the HydraPak SkyFlash water bottle with a vest or by packing it away. They found it difficult to use during runs because the strap would repeatedly come loose.

This Hydrapak SkyFlash Water Bottle is another handheld running water bottle and is by far the most compact of the ones I tried. It’s an insulated soft flask and completely collapsible, which makes this ideal to transport to race day or throw in your pocket during marathon training. It also has a bite valve to draw water hands-free. 

The hand strap is adjustable, but I will admit it kept sliding back to the original setting. It was still easy to hold on to, but as I drank more, the water was sloshing around a little because the strap wasn’t as tight as I would have liked it. 

However, I like the fact that this HydraPak is BPA-free, leakproof, and freezable. I did not try this out in the freezer, but that is mostly because I put these water bottles to the test mid-winter and didn’t want my whole body to become an icicle. The ability to freeze this water bottle in the summertime will come in handy. 

Best Running Hydration Vest: Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Trail Running Vest

Good for: A completely hands-free trail running experience 

Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Trail Running Vest

Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Trail Running Vest

GGR Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• Designed with a ton of storage without adding much bulk
• Equipped with two half-liter HydraPak flasks in front
• Secure back pocket that is bladder compatible
• Trekking pole compatibility
• Easy-access side pockets
• Bungee cord system in the side and front drawstrings to offload weight from the back
• Lies flat against the body when empty
• Features adjustable internal harness, stretch panels, and extra-side chest pockets
• Hits mid-torso so does not interfere with stride

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenty of storage
• Lies flat against body
• Hits mid-torso
• Lightweight
• Adjustable

Cons

• Back bottom pocket may be hard to reach
• One color option

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a compact and comfortable running vest with ample storage for nutrition, hydration, and small items, the Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Vest may be a good choice for you.

The Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance Trail Running Vest is a wearable, hands-free way to take water with you on the trails that is not a traditional hydration pack. The vest has two 17-ounce soft flask bottles that sit in pouches at the top of either side of your chest.

The total ounces of water might not be enough for long training runs or hikes, but it will give you the option to hydrate with nearly 32 ounces of water total.

GGR product writer and tester Anthony O’Reilly tested the Patagonia running vest and enjoyed the low-profile design and the comfort while wearing. He also liked the fact the purchase of the vest included the soft flasks in addition to extra pockets and a spot to hold your hiking poles.

Anthony does note it is a pricey item for a running vest but he thought it was “incredibly comfortable and easy to pull on and off—it could also be easy to forget you’re wearing it.” In that case, we think it’s worth considering this hands-free running hydration vest option.

Best Running Hydration Belt: Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt

Good for: Anyone who wants easy access to water and storage at the hip

Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt

GGR Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• Nathan’s best selling running belt with reflective details 
• Compatible with most large-format phones 
• Included: Running belt and 210 oz water bottles

 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60-day satisfaction guarantee
• 1-handed access to storage
• Great customer service

Cons

• 1 size fits most
• Elastic holding water bottles wears quickly
• Many customers prefer older version

Bottom Line

The Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt can cover all your running needs, but many customers prefer the older model.

Although this is not a handheld running water bottle, the Nathan TrailMix Plus Hydration Belt delivers another hands-free running experience with a belt that fastens around your waist and includes two 10-ounce water bottles—one on each side of your hips.

The heavy-duty plastic buckle is easy to get on or off and I wore it so that the buckle was in the midline of my body and the zippered pouch in the center of my back (which features vented, breathable material so you don’t overheat). 

The center zip pouch is big enough to hold a cell phone, while the smaller mesh pouch with a Velcro closure is ideal for keys, credit cards, or a snack bar or energy gel. 

The Nathan hydration belt is super comfortable and I’ve even made adjustments to the waist strap and worn it over a jacket while cross-country skiing. With gloves on, the water bottles are a little harder to grab and open the push-pull style cap, but still doable. However, I assume most folks won’t be using this belt with a pair of ski poles in hand. 

I will also mention that I like the fact this belt has two hard plastic water bottles with hard plastic holsters. The water bottles feel secure in the holsters and the material also feels durable to stand up to hundreds of water breaks. 

Other Running Water Bottles We Researched

Osprey Duro Handheld Running Flask: Although we haven’t tested this water bottle, we did not include this popular running water bottle in this roundup because it can only hold eight ounces of water. 

Salomon Active Handheld Running Bottle: This water bottle was very similar to the HydraPak SkyFlask and it did not make it as one of our top picks because we like the fact that the HydraPak is insulated and can be thrown in the freezer. 

Fitletic Hydra 16 Hydration Belt: This hydration running belt functions well but it was super tight around my waist even after adjusting the waist strap. I didn’t choose this belt for this roundup because it did not feel like it was inclusive for a wide range of runners.

How We Picked and Tested

Here are some of the things I considered when choosing and testing water bottles: 

• Price: Water bottles shouldn’t be expensive, so I wanted to make sure this roundup didn’t feel out of touch. With the exception of the running belt and hydration vest, all these water bottles are $30 or less. 
• Our experience: I wanted to make sure all these products felt natural to use—each bottle had to stay in the hand, not flop around, or feel inconvenient while running. 
• Water capacity: I’m a pretty thirsty individual and I wanted to make sure this list had water bottles that could hold a minimum of 14 ounces of liquid. 
• Hand strap: It felt important to test water bottles with and without the hand strap. Overall the hand strap bottles were easier to hold, but I had to know!
• Durability: I tested quite a few soft flask water bottles for the first time, so I wanted to make sure they felt durable while in use and after washing—sure enough all these bottles held up.

Benefits of Running Water Bottles

Here are some of the benefits to buying a water bottle specific to running:

Accessible Hydration

Having access to water is a huge benefit on both short and long runs. Whether you’re taking a quick sip or relieving dehydration—having water on hand while you exercise can make a grueling run feel more comfortable. 

Easy to Use

Using a water bottle (including hydration vests and belts) designed for runners is easy and effortless. Other water bottles are bigger, heavier, and harder to draw water from. I certainly don’t take my stainless steel Yeti water bottle out for a run or even a walk around the block—it’s just too bulky for that. 

Running Water Bottle Buying Guide

To find the best handheld water bottle for you and your needs, consider our water bottle buying guide to help you make the best decision: 

Price

When you’re on the hunt for a running water bottle, it’s important to know you shouldn’t have to break the bank for this purchase. I used $30 as my highest price point to gather this roundup, which I think is pretty reasonable for beginners to experienced runners alike.

Volume

Depending on your preferences (and water drinking habits), make a decision on how many ounces of water you’d like to have on hand. For me, the more water I can carry with me the better. However, if you’re someone who just wants a few ounces to wet your whistle once in a while, go for a smaller bottle. 

Material 

There are a mix of hard plastic water bottles and soft flask options out there for runners. If you’re someone who wants flavored sports drinks while you run, consider how easy (or not) it will be to clean and get the taste and smell out of some of the soft flasks. 

Additionally, many of the soft flasks are made from PVC or silicone, which is not good or bad but it’s worth mentioning if you feel partial to certain materials. We can say that you’ll want to look for BPA-free plastics no matter what type of bottle you’re looking for. 

Cap Style

There are several different cap styles and it can be hard to tell which one is the best. We’re all looking for a leak-proof experience, but here are some options to consider:

• Bite valve: These remind me of my Camelbak hiking bladder where you bite down to release the water. 
• Race cap: No biting or extra hands required, you just squeeze the bottle to release the water. 
• Push-pull: This is exactly how it sounds, you have to push or pull the nozzle to lock or unlock the cap. 
• Flip cap: Although this style protects the nozzle from getting dirty, you will have to use your free hand to flip the plastic lid open so you can drink from the nozzle. 

Hand Strap

If you want a handheld water bottle, your best bet is to find one with a hand strap. It’s an absolute game-changer. Before testing some of these water bottles, I thought carrying water while running or walking would be such a nuisance. I was proven wrong with a simple hand strap. Be sure that the bottle you’re interested in has an adjustable hand strap for a custom fit.

Best Running Water Bottle FAQ

Lauren Strong, CPT

Lauren is an NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer working with clients of all ages and skill levels. She specializes in coaching the squat, bench, and deadlift and enjoys introducing beginners to barbell training. Before becoming certified, she worked in marketing roles after graduating from the University of Maine with a BA in Journalism. Writing for Garage Gym Reviews blends her two passions: writing and lifting. Lauren spends her leisure time in the kitchen, reading fiction, and taking nature walks. She's also an avid downhill skier, learning how to ski when she was just two years old. She lives in Maine with her husband and two cats.

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