How do you like your water?

Written by Judy Proteau

Thanks to Erik Dunbar our Sunday long runs always have a convenient water stop. What happens when Erik isn’t around…? How do you carry your water and ‘lytes?

Here are some pros and cons of the different methods out there:

  1. Handheld- These are nice to see how much you’re consuming and easy to refill. The buff and bottle method photo in pink down below is great because you now have something to wipe your face with but there are no holders for keys or gels. Handhelds can be in a soft flask or a harder plastic but you generally have a smaller quantity and you do face hand fatigue.
  2. Backpack- These can come with pockets to hold bottles in the front or with a hydration bladder. A trick I learned is that you can add a bit of water to the bladder, lay it flat in the freezer overnight and top off with more water in the morning and then you have a nice cooling effect on your back. Some hydration bladders hold up to 85 ounces of liquid! A con to this method is that it’s like wearing an extra shirt and the weight of the water can be overwhelming. A good fit is important so you don’t chafe.
  3. Waist packs- These are great because they keep your hands free and there is no added weight on your back. Extra pockets for a phone, gels and keys are standard and convenient. Waist packs do tend to jiggle a little when you move. Sometimes the sloshing can be annoying. I have not tried the Naked brand of waist packs but have heard they are really good.

What’s your favorite way to carry hydration on runs? What works for you? What type of bottle did I miss?


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