Heavy may receive a commission if you purchase a product through a link on this page.

10 Best Handheld Water Running Water Bottles

Handheld water bottles are a convenient choice for many runners. Unlike a hydration belt, which can feel cumbersome and heavy for running, a handheld bottle is lightweight and easy to carry. There isn’t a huge difference in cost between most handheld water bottles, but there is quite a bit of variation in terms of size and features.

Most handheld water bottles on the market today hold between 10 and 20 ounces, but some offer more or less storage space for your favorite sports drink. Smaller capacity bottles tend to be better for shorter runs or for those who are able to refill along the way. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just prefer the simplicity of a handheld water bottle, check out the best handheld running water bottles in our list below.

What Are the Best Handheld Running Water Bottles?

camelbak water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • 21-ounce capacity
  • Sealed valve prevents leaks
  • Reflective elements
Price: $44.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
handheld water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Large storage pocket
  • Ergonomic bottle
  • Teeth-friendly valve
Price: $18.98 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Waterproof
  • Ventilated
  • Two storage pockets
Price: $30.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated Flask Amazon Customer Reviews
  • 18-ounce capacity
  • No-slip grip
  • Adjustable hand strap
Price: $34.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Female-specific style
  • Ambidextrous fit
  • Convenient bite valve
Price: $49.18 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
nathan water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Ergonomic hand strap
  • Sweat-free grip surface
  • Removable neoprene strap
Price: $25.76 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Compact
  • Adjustable carrying strap
  • Water-resistant storage pocket
Price: $19.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Fitletic HydraPocket Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Contoured style
  • Dishwasher safe
  • High-visibility reflectors
Price: $26.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • BPA-free
  • Ergonomic design
  • 20-ounce capacity
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running water bottle Amazon Customer Reviews
  • BPA-free
  • Insulated material
  • Removable sleeve
Price: $8.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. CamelBak Quick Grip Chill

    Pros:
    • Available in several colors
    • Holds enough water for runs up to 10 miles
    • Strap around bottom of bottle keeps material from sliding up during a run
    Cons:
    • Doesn’t readily accommodate the thumb in any way
    • Hand strap can loosen during a run
    • Some find the zipper pouch a bit too small for certain phones

    The Quick Grip Chill holds up to 21 ounces of liquid at a time, which is enough for runs between 5 and 10 miles. It’s also made with BPA-free material. You can count on your drink to stay cold thanks to the added insulation. The jet valve makes it easier to grab a drink without worrying about trying to twist open the cap with sweaty hands or using your teeth on rigid material.

    A zippered pocket offers enough room to hold gels, keys, and smaller phones. The hand strap is padded to prevent chafing during runs. This bottle comes with reflective elements for added safety during early morning or evening runs.

  2. 2. Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 600

    Pros:
    • Ergonomically shaped for comfort
    • Pocket can fit up to an iPhone 7
    • 20-ounce capacity
    Cons:
    • Lacks insulation
    • Runners with smaller hands may find the bottle a bit large
    • Can feel a bit heavy/bulky when pocket is full

    The Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 600 has a 20-ounce capacity and a runner-friendly push-pull valve that’s easy on the teeth and fingers. However, it’s particularly noteworthy for its generous nylon pocket, which is large enough to hold an iPhone 7, and chafe-free edge binding. The bottle is also ergonomically shaped for added comfort on longer runs. It’s available in three colors and has a moisture-wicking material for ventilation.

  3. 3. Salomon Pulse

    Pros:
    • Flask is designed to reduce pressure points
    • Separate pockets for phones and smaller items
    • Ripstop material
    Cons:
    • A bit heavy
    • Pricey
    • Limited color options

    If you’re the type to not let rain or unsavory weather conditions keep you from running outdoors, consider the Salomon Pulse. This water bottle features a ripstop material for protection against snags. It’s also waterproof. The mesh construction promotes ample ventilation without compromising cushioning or comfort.

    As an added bonus, the flask is designed to reduce pressure points, which can keep your hand comfortable even on longer runs. Storage options include separate pockets for a phone and smaller items, such as gels and keys.

  4. 4. Nathan SpeedDraw Plus

    Pros:
    • Double wall insulated
    • Reflective elements
    • Thumb hole helps prevent hand fatigue
    Cons:
    • Hard plastic top can be tough to open mid-run
    • Some find the pocket a bit too tight for storing larger phones
    • A few users have noticed that the caps can leak over time

    This handheld water bottle has enough room for up to 18 ounces of your favorite sports drink. It’s also double wall insulated to keep beverages cold (or hot) for the duration of the run. A large, expandable pocket has enough storage space for essentials, including ID, keys, and a phone.

    If you tend to run early in the morning or later in the evening, you’ll appreciate the 360 degree reflectivity. Other features include a fully adjustable hand strap and a thumb hole to keep your hands comfortable during workouts. This bottle comes in a variety of colors.

  5. 5. Osprey Packs Dyna

    Pros:
    • Foam carrying harness
    • Irritation-free carrying strap
    • Two mesh pockets for storage
    Cons:
    • Pocket can't hold a phone
    • Small storage capacity
    • Pricey

    The Osprey Packs Dyna is specifically designed with female runners in mind. The bottle is compact enough to fit into smaller hands and can be used comfortably in the right or left hand. Highlights include a stabilizing band around the flask to hold the sleeve in place along with two small mesh pockets, one of which is zippered. Runners can choose to carry this bottle on its own or add it to a waistpack or hydration vest. The reservoir holds just over 8 ounces.

  6. 6. Nathan ExoShot

    Pros:
    • Locking cap and valve prevents fluid leaks
    • Grip-free design
    • 12-ounce capacity
    Cons:
    • A handful mention the cap can loosen during a run
    • Some consumers find it difficult to fill the bottle to its full 12 ounce capacity
    • Tight sleeve can be tough to remove and put back on

    The Nathan ExoShot holds up to 12 ounces of fluid. The bottle comes with an ergonomically designed hand strap so that you won’t have to worry about hand fatigue or discomfort that can occur when you grip the bottle. As an added bonus, the hand strap is also removable. An integrated spine helps keep the bottle soft and comfortable against your hand. A locking cap and valve prevents fluids from leaking out as you run.

  7. 7. SLS3 Hydroquick

    Pros:
    • Designed by triathletes
    • Hand strap is fully adjustable
    • Racing-style cap for fast access to fluids
    Cons:
    • Cap may leak
    • Doesn't have reflective details
    • Storage pocket isn't large enough for phones

    SLS is a German-based company founded by two triathletes who test out their own products to ensure they’re ready for like-minded athletes. This 10-ounce water bottle caters to runners or triathletes seeking a compact bottle that comes with all the essentials. For example, it’s equipped with a fully adjustable strap to suit hands of all sizes. There’s also a water-resistant pocket to keep smaller items safe, even during inclement weather. A race-style cap provides quick access to fluids on the go. The bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

  8. 8. Fitletic HydraPocket

    Pros:
    • Ideal for runners seeking a small, lightweight bottle
    • Mesh storage pocket
    • Durable neoprene construction
    Cons:
    • A bit pricey for a basic bottle
    • Not insulated
    • Some complain the lid leaks

    The Fitletic HydraPocket is a practical choice for runners seeking a smaller bottle, thanks to its 12-ounce capacity. This bottle also has brightly colored reflective paneling for increased visibility, even in lower light settings. Other features include a small storage pouch for gels, keys, and other essentials, along with a soft neoprene material. Its form-fitting design lets the bottle rest securely in your hand. The bottle is dishwasher-safe and features BPA-free material.

  9. 9. Amphipod Hydraform Thermal-Lite

    Pros:
    • Adjusts to fit hands of all sizes
    • Mesh construction
    • Insulated sleeve
    Cons:
    • Some struggle to properly adjust the sleeve
    • Larger phones might not fit in the storage pouch
    • A few mention leaking caps

    The Amphipod Hydraform Thermal-Lite builds on the Hydraform, adding an insulated sleeve and lower-profile storage. Some bottles are rather bulky and inflexible, but this one comes with an ergonomic design that lets your hands rest as you run, which in turn reduces hand fatigue. It’s also adjustable to fit hands of all sizes. A mesh construction promotes circulation and air flow. This bottle has a 20-ounce capacity and is BPA-free.

  10. 10. HydraKlick Solo Sleeve

    Pros:
    • Reflective strips around storage pockets
    • Specifically for use with compression shorts and drawstring waists
    • Quick-access top valve
    Cons:
    • Some find the caps leak when running
    • Relatively small capacity
    • A bit bulky

    Some storage pockets on running hydration bottles are just roomy enough to store small essentials, such as keys or energy gels. The HydraKlick Solo Sleeve is designed to hold a variety of items you might need on a run, such as a phone or music player.

    Keys, gels and small essentials can be stored in either of the two compact storage compartments. An insulated neoprene construction helps keep drinks at the optimal temperature for your training runs. This bottle is specifically designed for with compression shorts and those with a drawstring waist.