On-the-go Hydration Options

Hydrating while running becomes a major concern when you get into Ultra Running and even just trail running at shorter distances.  You obviously need to drink more and drink more often when running for such long stretches, but even on shorter trail runs I feel the need to carry water - can't quite explain why actually.  While I can run around 2 hours on pavement without drinking anything, anything over an hour on the trail and I feel like I'm dying of thirst.

As I transitioned from road to trail running this was a major area to explore.  Here are the major hydration options from what I  have seen offered by the running and adventure hydration industry: 

• Waist belt
• with multiple small bottles distributed around your waist
• with a single larger bottle held in the back
• Hand bottle
• in varying sizes, most have a hand grip to make carrying it easier
• Hydration pack/vest
• with bottles attached
• with a bladder system

I had used a Nathan hydration belt on the roads with varying success; it held just enough fluids to get you through an hour of road running and the pocket was enough to carry along some nutrition essentials.  It even kind of encouraged steadier running form, as the more you jump up and down the more the belt bounces with you.  However, this didn't work too well on the trails - bounced around a lot and the bottles would even fall out.  Of course there is no perfect option; they all have strengths and weaknesses.  Below are my reviews of the 3 options I currently use:

Nathan HPL #020 Hydration Vest

As my interest in and enjoyment of ultra and trail running grew, I know I would need a better solution than just a hand bottle to stay hydrated over long periods of time.  I had been skeptical about wearing a camelbak style hydration pack with fears of stuff sloshing around and chafing all over my upper body.  After a lot of research I felt confident about the The Nathan HPL #020 Hydration Vest.  This seemed like the standard in ultra and trail running hydration packs.  Big enough to keep you going for a few hours, small enough not to bug you.

Though it looks kind of like a backpack, it really is more of a vest.  The idea is to balance the weight and give you quick access to a few items up front too.  The backside has a large compartment with the hydration bladder that can also be used to store other items, and a smaller zippered pocket for stuff like keys, maps, or your phone (in a waterproof bag if you're smart).  The elastic cord in the back is more for clothing, an easy place to roll up and store an extra layer, gloves, and/or a hat.  The front of the vest has pockets on both sides, good for storing Gu's and anything you'll need quick, easy, access to.  The sternum strap has a clamp to hold the hose in place while you are running so it doesn't bounce around.

Everything worked great for me from the first try.  Even with over a liter of water in the bladder it didn't feel like it was sloshing around.  This was enough water to last me about 3 hours before a refill, though it fits up to 2 liters so that should last you well longer than that.  After fitting it up before heading out I only had to make minimal adjustments to it on the trail.  I noticed the newer models come in different colors if you want to stand out.  Nathan offers smaller and larger versions of this vest but I feel like this size is just right.  Buy it here.

This is my favorite all-around hydration option for long distance trail running.  For extra long durations (5+ hours), I have been able to fit cliff bars, gels and even a [full] collapsible water bottle in addition to the bladder in the large compartment, a long sleeve shirt, gloves and a hat, a cell phone, and other essentials.  Only downside is that it is a little big if you only need a few essential items.

Mountain Hardwear Fluid Race Vest

The Mountain Hardwear Fluid Race Vest is a lighter and more minimalist option when it comes to hydration packs.  Designed to feel like a layer of clothing rather than a backpack, this is a better option for races and ultras where you don't have to carry too much gear.  There are some handy pockets and pouches along the shoulder straps to keep important items within reach.

Although this doesn't come with a hydration bladder, it pairs well with the Camelbak 1.5 Liter "Antidote" reservoir.  You can stuff a larger bladder (2L+) into it, but its a smaller vest and is more accommodating to a smaller size bladder.  It can be fitted well to the wearer with 2 front straps, though I wondered if 1 would have been enough.

I liked this but I just didn't love it.  This isn't the best option for long-duration, unsupported runs, and it was slightly annoying that there isn't a great spot to stow the tube from the bladder - probably since it doesn't come with a hydration bladder.  Better for races and training runs where you have refill spots every 3-4 hours.

Just like my other hydration vest, once it gets dirty enough I just toss it in the washing machine on a gentle/ synthetic cycle and air dry it (even though the manufacturer specifies hand washing).

Camelbak Quick-Grip 21 with Podium Chill Insulated Bottle

I heard good things about this bottle by word of moth, and the "Jet Valve" intriged me.  The bottle itself can be bought separate from the hand grip if desired, but I needed both.  The bottle is insulated, meaning that it keeps cold drinks cold and warm drinks warm (at least for a while).  More importantly, it means that your hand doesn't start freezing on one side if you have a cold drink in the bottle while carrying it.  The "jet valve" works fantastic while running.  You can turn a switch to completely lock it, or set it so that you can get a drink by simply squeezing the bottle at your mouth, no need to bite the mouthpiece or switch a slider every time you need a drink.  With a 21 ounce capacity this should be sufficient to sustain a trail runner for at least an hour of activity, or about 7 miles of trail running.  Watch out for hot summer races though if the aid stations are spaced out any more than that though.

The hand grip is simple: stuff the bottle in, slide your hand through the elastic loop and off you go.  There is a strap you can tighten if you need more stability.  There is a small pocket to pack a few essentials.  My trail running essentials?  Usually a couple drink tablets, a Gu, a card with my name and emergency contact information (just in case), and a 5 dollar bill - oh, and some toilet paper.

The hand grip comes in a variety of colors.

Logistically, the hand bottle is great for races.  Pop the top off before you get to the aid station, filler-up, and get out of there.  I can be in and out of an aid station in less than 30 seconds.  While using a hydration pack and often fiddling with the reservoir I've wasted close to 2 minutes before.  However, the severe downside of the hand bottle is that they only hold 1/3 the fluids as a vest (and almost no nutrition) and this can be of dire need when racing in heat, and with courses light on aid.  My wrist would get a little sore at times using this too, but that was a minor drawback.  I used this with great success in a 50 miler, partly since it was cool out and there were aid stations every 4-5 miles.