Hydrating on the run is always important, especially when running in the heat. But figuring out how to carry your fluids on the run is not always easy. Here, top fluid bottles and carriers to make sure that running hydration is never an afterthought.
Fuel Belt Helium
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Fuel Belt's newer and lighter version of their famous bottle belt, the Helium 4, makes it easier to carry your fluids. The belt is made of ventilated foam pads, which help make the belt comfortable and breathable. The belt has a Velcro closure, which makes it very easy to adjust on the run. It also has a detachable race pocket that can hold gels, money, keys, or anything else that you might need for a long run or race. It comes in five different colors -- blue, black, orange, red and pink -- so you can choose one that fits your style best.
Amphipod RunLite 4
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With four 10.5-ounce bottles, the Amphipod RunLite 4 carries 20% more fluid than other standard four-bottle belts, making it a great option for endurance runners. The 43mm wide-mouth, quick-fill bottles are 100% leak-free and have a high-flow spout. The belt also comes with an AirFlow Small Rapid Access Pouch for bounce-free storage. One really nice feature about the Amphipod system is that you can add more fluid modules, gel modules or storage at any time, making it a very versatile belt.
Camelbak FlashFlo Hydration Pack
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If you prefer the convenience of a hands-free hydration fanny pack, the Camelbak 45 oz. FlashFlo Hydration Pack is an excellent choice. It features the Superflo Freedom Valve, which regulates the flow of your fluids. All you have to do is apply pressure with your teeth and it opens; release and it closes. The FlashFlo Hydration Pack also includes a zip pocket for keys and essentials, as well as a secure outer pocket that fits a CD or MP3 player. The pack's breathable mesh belt helps prevent you from getting overheated.
Amphipod Full-Tilt Velocity
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With a patent-pending design, the Amphipod Full-Tilt Velocity's contoured lumbar pack and Hydraform water bottle nest laterally on your lower back for a naturally comfortable fit. The low profile of the bottle helps prevent sloshing and bouncing. Although the "bottle bungee" holder keeps the water bottle securely in place, it's still quick and easy to grab the bottle. You can stash your gels, bars, ID, keys, MP3 players, and cell phone in the pack's expandable, zippered mesh compartment stashes. The pack also features a cool and fully vented AirFlow Mesh back panel, which helps prevent overheating. The belt is fully-adjustable with no hanging straps.
CamelBak Octane XC
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With a 70 oz. reservoir capacity, the CambelBak Octane XC is a great choice if you're running on trails or other places where you won't be able to re-fill your water bottle. While some runners might be worried about getting too sweating wearing a backpack, the Octane XC is pretty lightweight and its mesh harness and back panel actually help keep air circulating under the pack. The external zip pockets are great to stash gels and other essentials. Another cool feature, literally and figuratively, is the Octane XC's insulated reservoir pocket, which helps ensure that you won't have to drink warm water on the run.
Ultimate Direction FastDraw Extreme
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The Ultimate Direction FastDraw Extreme is one of the most popular hand-helds, and with good reason. It features the ability to keep your fluids cold, no matter what the temperature is outside. The neoprene band that wraps around the bottle prevents you from warming up the liquid inside, while protecting your hands from getting ice cold. The bottle also features a zipper stash compartment that can hold keys, cash or gel.
