Thursday, July 16, 2009

Small Handheld Bottles

I frequently find myself wanting to carry hydration on shorter runs at times when a fuel belt seems like overkill. Especially in the heat of the summer. So, I decided to search for a small handheld bottles to see if I could find one that might be an effective solution for this situation. I wanted it to be small. For reference, my fuel belt holds four 8-10 oz bottles, I figure that anytime I need 16oz or more (2 small bottles), the fuel belt is a good idea.

Went shopping at my local REI and found two solutions that seemed like they would work. Couldn't make up my mind between the two of them, so I bought them both!

The first one that I found was the Nathan Sprint Handheld. This is a 10oz flask. A few nice features include the reflective material, easy to use velcro adjustments, and a nifty race cap with a one way automatic closing valve.

The second one that I found was the Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Lite. This one is a bit larger at 12oz and has a pocket built into the strap.

I have used each of them a few times and found them both to be quite effective. They are small enough not to interfere much with arm motion. They are easy to hold onto. I almost don't notice that they are there. And they do just what I wanted - provide hydration on those shorter runs when a fuel belt seems like too much. Definately money well spent. How on earth did I manage before?!?

A few of you have inquired as to which I like better. I'm honestly not really sure. I like them both for different reasons. I prefer the cap on the Nathan model. I also feel that the reflective detail is a nice feature. However, the Amphipod seems to fit my hand better, holds a bit more liquid, and has a pocket that may come in handy sometime.

If you're in the market, you probably won't go wrong with either one!

23 comments:

  1. i just can't run with things in my hands... but that's just me :) Awesome if you like them though!

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  2. I've heard that the Amphiod comes with a 20 oz version, too. Good to know you liked both. I really need something like those for the shorter runs, just like you've said. :)

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  3. Thanks for the review! I'm going to have to go over to REI and check them out...

    MCM Mama

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  4. I have the 20 oz amphipod, and even on my little hand, it fits sooo well! I love the thing!

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  5. I've got a 20oz Nathan hand held water bottle with pouch. It sometimes seems over kill for shorter runs. I like the look of the smaller bottle and the self closing valve would be very nice.

    As for the pouch, I recently had to renew my driver's license, so I put the old one in my pouch as an emergency ID card (hoping that I never need it).

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  6. Hey, just read your last post - congratulations on winning the shoes! That's cool!

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  7. REI? Did someone say REI?

    Thanks for the review. ;)

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  8. I used to run with my house keys in my hand and got to a point where I felt strange when I didn't have anything in my hands. A little bit like a bus where you don't wear seat belts, the feeling that there is definitely something missing. I like your review and like the second one for the pocket and the ergo shape. :-)

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  9. I've never used one of these, but I've seen them on sale at a few race expos. They seem like a pretty good idea especially for short runs!

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  10. Glad to hear it! Thanks for the review. I can't wait until my Sprint comes in!

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  11. I can't remember the brand of my little handheld, but I know I totally prefer it to something around my waist

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  12. I've heard that a lot of people like the amphipod.

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  13. thanks for the review. i think i may invest in one of these bad boys.

    posted your review on my blog today.

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  14. I have a friend who uses the later and swears by it. I think I'll be picking one up as it has the pocket which would be most convenient for gels, keys, etc.. Thanks for the review!

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  15. I've always been afraid of a hand held bottle as I've worried that it would bother me while running. Glad to hear you like them both!

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  16. thanks for the review. Fortunately there as so many water fountains in the parks where I run, so I don't necessarily need to carry anything (it also gives me the opportunity to stop...don't tell).

    I still have a fuel belt with two bottles sitting unused in my closet. Gotta try that out.

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  17. Nice! I can't run w/belts so I have to go handheld and the one I have kinda rots. So, once my runs get long enough (if they ever do...) I'll know what to get!

    Have a good weekend!

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  18. Thanks for making the shopping a lot easier!

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  19. Thanks for the review! I can barely handle running with my ipod in my hand, but I am sure I could get used to it!

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  20. Nice review...I've wondered about the handheld bottles. I really don't like wearing a belt, but I will for a long run (my whole motivation for belonging to a track club is the water support on long runs), but a hand held might work. I'll try it.

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  21. Good information! I've been thinking about something like this for shorter runs, when a camelbak is overkill, but it may not be the smartest thing to run in the desert without water.

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  22. Glad you've found something that works for you. I wish I could get by with just carrying a small fluid bottle but a cell phone and pepper spray must also always come with me on my runs.

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  23. Thanks for the review!

    My fuel belt was driving me nutso over the weekend, & all I really drank was one bottle - a handheld would've been perfect.

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