Best running water bottle: a choice of 12
Looking for a new running water bottle? Here’s twelve to choose from!
Staying hydrated while running is essential, especially on hot summers days or on your weekly long run. Drinking too little and not while running increases your risk of dehydration – reducing your sports performance and slowing you down.
Related: Everything you need to know about the long run.
Therefore, on runs longer than sixty-minutes in duration, or if it’s hot outside, we suggest carrying a water bottle to sip on while running. This will take the guessing game out of becoming dehydrated while keeping you cool on those hot summer days.
As you’ve probably guessed, a water bottle is extremely versatile. You can choose to run with it, bring it to work, take it to the gym, and anything in-between. With such a wide selection of running water bottles available, we picked out top ten to keep you hydrated.
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1. Inov-8 soft flask 0.25l
Key features:
- Light and compressible
- Super-versatile
- Easy to clean and re-use
The Inov-8 soft flask 0.25l may only hold a small volume of liquid, but this sleek and light design is easy to carry, comfortable to run with, and finally dishwasher safe, reliable, and re-usable.
2. Soft flask foldable running water bottle
Key features:
- Compact space-saving design
- Convenient straw ideal for consuming fluid mid-run
- Can be frozen and chilled overnight
During the peak of summer, you can’t go wrong with a soft flask running water bottle. This one from Azarxis is 250ml (other sizes are available), easily folded up and stored in a bag or packed away in storage until you need them. Unlike the Rockay water bottle (as seen below), the soft flasks contain a straw, ideal for consuming water or other fluid mid-run without the need for stopping.
Also, these soft flasks can be frozen and left to chill overnight, making for a refreshing drink early in the morning following your training session.
3. Rockay water bottle
Key features:
- 500ml capacity
- Insulated design to keep cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours
- Attachment handle
- Recycled design
This water bottle from Rockay is not the best for running. However, it is a great option during your breaks and following your training session. For starters, the insulated design enables you to keep your drink cool or hot all day, providing you with a much-needed refreshing drink after a hard workout or run.
The attachment handle is also a nice add-on, making it easy to carry on long walks or perhaps even on your daily commute. Also, as opposed to many other water bottles, this bottle from Rockay is made using recycled materials, improving sustainability and helping to remove ocean waste, one bottle at a time.
One potential downside though is the untwist lid, with some runners preferring a spout for added convenience and ease of use.
4. Invero 2x running water bottle set
Key features:
- Ergonomic handle design
- Sports cap lid to prevent leaking
- Set of two bottles
This pack of two running water bottles are ideal for training and running, utilising a handheld ergonomic handle design and a sports cap lid to prevent any nasty leaks. Also, these bottles are made using durable BPA-free plastic, ensuring a safe and long-lasting product.
It should be noted, however, that there are definitely more durable and premium water bottles out there for runners, including the Inov-8 soft flask, as seen in our number one spot. Nonetheless, for those on a budget or simply looking for a bottle to get the job done, then you cannot argue with the great value that this set of two offers.
5. Ultimate performance Men’s kidlder handheld bottle
Key features:
- Comfortable handheld strap for running
- Holds up to 600ml of fluid
- Zipped pocket for valuables
Unlike the others suggested so far, this running water bottle from ultimate performance contains a comfortable handheld strap for running. Holding up to 600ml of fluid as well as providing a zipped pocket for valuables, and a high-viz trim, there’s plenty of selling points for the kidlder bottle.
We personally like the inclusion of the padded moisture-wicking hand strap keeping you comfortable, sweat-free, and running mile after mile while remaining hydrated.
6. MyCarbon running belt with water bottle holder
Key features:
- Kangaroo pouch pocket
- Ideal for long runs
- No need to carry
- Fully adjustable
One option for runners who aren’t fond of carrying a water bottle when running is a running belt which stores a water bottle. With an adjustable fit and a large kangaroo pouch (with a zipped internal pocket), you can safely store your valuables (phone, credit cards, cash, etc.). This running belt is ideal for long runs, running on the trails, or even the fells.
7. Inov-8 2litre reservoir running water bottle
Key features:
- Easy to clean (fully reversible design)
- Flater shape to reduce rolling effect
- Highly versatile
Although not necessarily a water bottle, this two-litre reservoir can be placed in a variety of packs and vests to increase the volume of fluid carried at a given time – perfect for long trail runs.
The flatter design increases versatility and reduces the rolling effect, all while providing you with an easy method of ingesting fluid during those long, hot runs.
8. Contigo swish autoseal
Key features:
- Leakproof and auto sealed
- Push-button
Ideal for running on the treadmill in the gym or carrying around work, this switch water bottle is both leakproof and auto sealed. Preventing your water from spilling while utilising a push-button for drinking on the go, this water bottle is great for drinking on the go while minimizing spillage.
9. Ultimate performance 300ml water bottle
Key features:
- Choice of five different colours
- Holds up to 300ml of fluid
- Won’t break the bank
Coming in five different colours, this super affordable 300ml handheld water bottle is great for running, hiking, walking, and other sports. With 46 ratings on Amazon and an average of 3.5 stars, this bottle does exactly what it says on the tin and all for a price which won’t break the bank.
Finally, the bottle also includes a sealable cap to prevent spillage while either running or carrying the water bottle around.
10. Ultimate Performance AIRAFORCE running belt and bottle set
Key features:
- Two 300ml bottles
- Small velcro pocket for storing essentials
- Reflective detailing increases visibility
Another product from Ultimate Performance, this time a running belt containing two 300ml bottles. This running water bottle belt is an essential for those longer runs, whether on the trails or perhaps even your very first half or full marathon. The addition of the small velcro pocket is perfect for storing essentials, whether a smartphone, a set of keys, nutritional items, or some emergency cash.
Some runners reported the belt to run a little tight. However, this can be adjusted and should contain more than enough adjustment for most athletes.
11. HIGH5 handheld running water bottle
Key features:
- Convenient and comfortable handheld design
- Leak-proof top
- Choice of three sizes (350ml, 500ml, and 750ml)
Another handheld water bottle, this time from HIGH5, is very similar to the previous one from Ultimate Performance. However, unlike the others, you have a choice of three different sizes, ideal for meeting your running needs, especially if running in the heat. The leak-proof top is also a nice addition, allowing you to throw the bottle in your kit bag with no worries.
12. COTOP portable dog water bottle
Key features:
- Portable
- Keeps your dog happy and hydrated
If running with a dog, you may look to invest in a portable dog water bottle. Keeping your dog hydrated on a hot day is just as important as keeping yourself hydrated.
However, remember than in temperatures hotter than 25 degrees Celcius it’s best to leave your pet at home as the weather that hot will do more harm than good.
For more information on running with your dog, you can check out our blog post on the ultimate guide to running with your dog.
This small dog water bottle from COTOP is easy to carry, lightweight, and leak-proof to prevent water from spilling in your bag, running belt, or wherever you choose to store it.
Matthew is an avid runner, freelance writer, Durham University graduate, and the founder of Running101.
