How to Find the Best Running Water Bottle – We Know That
Are you a hard-core runner who often tends to log in long, strenuous hours on the road? If so, then you might want to consider investing in a water bottle for running. Light and portable, this particular item can be useful to have, for they can help you stay hydrated and alert while on your run.
That said, in this article, we will give you a few useful tips on how to choose the best water bottle for you and your active lifestyle. We will also help you get started by listing a few of our top-favorite models to consider the next time you go out shopping. Soon enough, you will be running faster and better than ever. Let’s begin!
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Product Name | Image | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
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| A | $ | ||
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Hidro Flask 21 oz Vacumm Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | 
| A+ | $ |
How to select a good running water bottle
There is no rocket science when it comes to choosing a solid water bottle for running. While those cheap, on-the-go plastic water bottles at the supermarket are not a bad option for bringing with you on runs, why not consider investing in something more reusable, or even permanent?
Here are some aspects to look for when buying a reusable water bottle for running:
1. Size and shape.
The first thing you will need to look out for is the appearance of the water bottle: is it big or small? Tall and thin or short? Choosing based on its aesthetics is not sufficient enough, but rather should consider it based on its practicality.
You will need to factor in your running lifestyle, on whether you are an occasional runner who logs in a few miles per week or a professional athlete who trains almost every day. Generally speaking, the more you train, the more water you will need to consume to replenish all of the liquids lost from sweating.
Hence, the rule of thumb is that larger bottles are reserved for hard-core runners while smaller ones can be used for less-intense exercises. Use your judgment, and all should go well.
2. Material.
Besides looking into sizes and shapes, checking out the material of the water bottle is also important. Essentially, you can categorize water bottle material into two types:
- Plastic.
Light and durable, plastic water bottles are popular among runners, for they can be easily carried while running. They also tend to have a transparent surface, so that you can see just how much water you have consumed to know when to refill it.
However, when purchasing a plastic water bottle, make sure that it is BPA free, for bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical sometimes found in plastic and has been shown to cause health problems such as cancer when ingested. That said, it helps to read the labels beforehand!
- Stainless steel.
Hard and solid, stainless steel water bottles are ideal for its thermal properties, for they can keep water either hot or cold for long periods of time. This is great for using in both hot or cold weathers, and is especially great if you are out for the entire day.
At the same time, stainless steel water bottles tend to be heavier than plastic ones, which might make carrying it a bit of a hassle. They also are susceptible to denting easily, and so might be better used for other sports like cycling or hiking.
3. Cap openings.
You will also need to figure out how you would like to open your water bottle for easy access to drinking while running. Here are some things to check out:
- Nozzle.
Also known as a straw, a nozzle tends to be the most accessible opening, especially for runners who drink on the run; all you need to do is pop it open and sip through it. However, they are difficult to clean afterwards and are prone to harboring bacteria if not careful. - Open lid.
Essentially, open lids are the rims of the water bottle, and are easier to clean than those with nozzles. At the same time, though, they tend to spill water when drinking, particularly if you tend to drink while running at the same time.
For more information on choosing a good water bottle, read this article here.
5 Best Running Water Bottles
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
A | $ | ||
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A | $ | ||
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Hidro Flask 21 oz Vacumm Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle | A+ | $ |
* Below, you'll see more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer's reviews on Amazon.
With a spill-proof nozzle and a light, ergonomic design, CamelBak’s water bottle is a good one to consider using for long runs. Its design also allows for a faster water flow from bottle to nozzle, thereby giving you more water while on the run.
Pros
- Made from light, durable plastic.
- Has a nozzle for faster, easier access to drinking water.
- Is dishwasher-safe and BPA-BPS free.
Cons
- Is not leak-proof, thereby possibly spilling water from the cap.
- Difficult to clean, especially in the nozzle area.
Opinion
After purchasing CamelBak’s water bottle and using it on my runs, I find the nozzle very convenient to access water whenever I need to hydrate. The light material is a plus, too; however, I do find it a bit of a hassle to clean the straw area, to prevent it from getting dirty.
Although it is made from plastic, Nalgene’s water bottle can store water with temperatures ranging from -40 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, thereby making it versatile for your day-to-day activities. It also contains markers for milliliters and ounces to let you know how much water you have, as well as when to refill it.
Pros
- Incredibly resistant to different water temperatures, from below freezing to boiling.
- Has indicated measurements in milliliters and ounces for water supply.
- Is sturdy and durable, able to last long on the road.
Cons
- Not dishwasher-safe, even though it says so on the label.
- Does not insulate water very well.
Opinion
I have filled Nalgene’s water bottle with both cold and hot water and have been impressed with how well it held up under such temperatures. Yet, I wished that it would insulate the water better, since it tends to go lukewarm within a short period of time.
Made from stainless steel, Swig Savvy’s water bottle is sure to keep your water insulated in just about any weather condition, from boiling hot to sub-zero cold. Its 64-ounce size is massive, to say the least, thereby keeping you hydrated for the whole day (perhaps even longer!).
Pros
- Made from stainless steel for insulation in both hot and cold temperatures.
- Stores plenty of water with its 64-ounce size feature.
- Comes with a carrying pouch with a shoulder strap for convenience on runs.
Cons
- 64-ounce size and stainless steel material might be too much and too heavy even for professional runners to carry and use.
Opinion
At first, I was really surprised to see just how big Swig Savvy’s water bottle was, and found it useful not only for runs, but also for other daily activities like errands and homework. I do have to say that it is a bit too big for my taste, but otherwise it stores plenty for a couple of days.
Designed for an easy finger drip, Great Gear’s sports water bottle also add an extra dimension to your usual boring water by having an infusion system to mix some of your favorite flavors (blueberry, lemon, raspberry) into the water for some taste. It makes running just a bit more exciting!
Pros
- Has an ergonomic design for easy gripping, so that you do not need to worry about it falling out on your run.
- Its flavor-infusion system gives an extra pop to your usual water-tasting experience.
- Contains a locking system for a leak-proof bottle.
Cons
- Locking system is easy to close, but difficult to open, thereby not the easiest of access.
Opinion
Although I usually do not drink flavored water, I decided to give it a try with this bottle and found it quite interesting in a good day. I also enjoy the easy-grip technology, but admittedly found it a bit hard to open the bottle to drink.
This stainless-steel water bottle from Hydro Flask consists of a double-wall vacuum to insulate water—cold or hot—for up to 24 hours. Its powder-coated matte finish outside of the bottle also keeps it from slipping and otherwise sweating when you grip it on your run.
Pros
- Great insulation system, able to keep your water hot or cold for a long time, even after pouring it out.
- Its matte finish outside prevents the bottle from sweating and otherwise difficult to grip.
- Also great for carrying other liquids, like coffee or tea.
Cons
- Can easily stain on the inside, especially if not cleaned after a while.
Opinion
Hydro Flask’s water bottle is a pleasure to use, especially for keeping my water cold even after a long, sweaty run in the blazing sun. However, it tends to stain on the inside, but since it is barely noticeable, it is not a big deal.
Winner of the Roundup
Even though all five of these water bottles had their excellent properties, the winner of this roundup goes to Hydro Flask 21 oz Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle (#5).
With a balance between insulation and material, it is the ideal go-to item for carrying on your runs. Although it is stainless-steel, it is light enough to handle, as well as just the right size for storing a decent supply of water. Give it a try!
And happy running!
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