Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Thermal-Lite Water Bottle, BPA-Free, Insulated Sleeve, Storage Pocket for Running & Walking (20 oz.), Black

I acquired this about a month ago, and I have been using it on runs of about 5-6 miles. One of the big things I noticed was that the insulated sleeve accomplishes two insulation achievements. It definitely keeps the liquid inside the bottle cool; I generally fill the bottle halfway with water and then freeze it, and there is still ice in the bottle about 30 minutes into a run in ~80F temperatures. The other thing that it does is prevent the cold from the bottle being felt on one's hand - even with freshly-removed-from-the-freezer ice, I can only feel the barest hint of coolness through the sleeve. The strap that holds on the bottle can be adjusted in tightness, and generally I don't need to grip to the bottle too much as the strap holds my hand pretty firmly against the bottle, and the sleeve prevents any slippage. The pocket on the strap is big enough to hold keys and the like, but I wouldn't expect to be fitting much more than that in there. The valve opens smoothly and closes tightly; I can raise the bottle above my head while full and not expect any leakage. The only part that I have any concern for longevity is the rubber material that is on the bottom of the strap. This feels like it should be more elastic than it really is, but I do wonder how long this will last as it seems like the sewing of the strap to it could be the one weak point. Having said that, at the moment it is only a concern for the future as I have experienced no issues with keeping the bottle secure.

My favorite handheld for training and racing. Does not leak, small zip pocket is perfect for fuel.

I have finally accepted that "deprivation training" is not a thing. I considered a hydration back pack, because they typically hold large enough amounts for my longer runs (2-4 hours), but the thought of running with a backpack in August makes me cringe. I considered a belt, but that seems to have an even worse jiggle factor. A friend runs with a little hand held bottle and swears by it, so I figured I'd bite the bullet and give it a go. I went with 20 ounces because if I'm carrying anything it means I'm running for over an hour and need at least that much - anything smaller just seems pointless. It took a few miles to get over the urge to throw it as far from me as possible, another few miles to adjust the strap to a comfortable level, a couple dozen miles to sort out my preferred opening/closing method, and a couple dozen more to sort out how often to drink how much in what manner. In other words, it took a fair amount of running with it to figure out a routine that suites me. I now no longer mind running while holding it. I love being hydrated while running, the difference is really impressive. But I can't say I love carrying it, just that I simply don't mind it. When full, it's heavy. When half full, it sloshes. When it's empty, it's still something to carry. This is the simple reality of carrying a reusable water bottle while running, irksome but true. This design is much better than the disposable bottles in terms of comfort, but it's still a water bottle. If you put a cell phone and keys in with it, that's a lot of weight - most people I know distribute their stuff about pockets and other things for three reasons: 1) weight distribution so it's more comfortable, 2) capacity (the pocket is not that big, it'd fit a small phone but not a fancy big one), 3) in case they land horribly or it goes flying, not everything of value is lost or damaged. The hand strap connection around the bottle is a plastic ring, if you're not careful when removing/reattaching it, it could seem like the top is screwed on tight but the ring isn't all the way down, so it will leak. So if the top is leaking (not the mouthpiece but the lid itself), that's something to check. A surprise - I like that it will sit upright on a flat surface when empty or full, something the shape makes look impossible, but it does. Pretty nice feature. It's also much easier to clean than I thought it would be. I've always hated this style mouthpiece, it just looks like a breeding ground, but I rinse it in super hot water right when I get home until it doesn't smell like sports drink anymore, and haven't had any trouble. It did smell when I first got it - so I washed it out with dish soap and loads of hot water, and the smell is gone. Never noticed a taste. I don't know, until I figure out how to magically reabsorb sweat and electrolytes back through my skin while running, this will be one of the better options. I just really wish I could magically reabsorb sweat and electrolytes back through my skin while running so I didn't have to carry even an ergonomically correct, insulated water bottle with a convenient, if small, pocket.

I was looking for a water bottle that I did not have to strap to my waist. I have the 8 oz fuelbelt bottles but they are cumbersome to get in and out of the straps. I found this bottle and thought it was an interesting design and the cost was very reasonable. I tell you it is fantastic. The strap is adjustable and the bottle is curved so it fits my hand perfectly. As I run the water is readily available. No more fidgeting with those straps. Even as the fluid level is depleted the sloshing is minimal. Must have something to do with the curve of the bottle maybe?? The strap also has a small zipper on the front that opens to a pouch to hold two cards (ID and Visa) and a key (house or car). The perfect bottle with the perfect accessory. Just what I was looking for. I understand that Amphipod makes a smaller version of this one. I guess that would be good for shorter runs or folks that can't hold a 20 oz bottle. Enjoy the hydration system, I sure am.

Ergonomic and comfortable to hold when you run. But caveat is that it leaks terribly. No matter how tight you seal the lid it leaks water through the rim. An especially big design flaw because it’s a squeeze bottle that you have to turn to drink. So, yes it holds water, but it will also waste much of it when you try to use it.

I have been running with a small, 12 ounce Fuel Belt hand held bottle for a little while now. After a painfully hot summer, and being caught half way through a long run without enough fluid, I decided to upgrade to the big guns. I saw this bottle featured in a section of Runner's World and thought it looked just about perfect. In theory it totally is, but in practice it's got some oddities to work out. Firstly, I am the kind of runner that just runs, until I am done, the end. I don't like to stop, mostly because I am afraid my legs will sabotage me and I won't be able to get them going again. Legs can be jerks that way. I don't love stopping at water stations, and I also don't love trying to hop along while sipping Gatorade from a tiny cup only to have to splash up my nose and probably into my eye sockets a little bit. Handhelds do the trick for me. So a couple of things in the pro section: It's not that heavy, even filled all the way up. Liquid does slosh around, but being liquid, that's kind of what it does. Until physics comes up with a way to spontaneously change the properties of matter within a plastic water bottle, that's pretty much what's going to happen. It is easy to drink from, and the top is easy to close too. I mostly pull it open with my teeth, and have to close it with my palm. The straps are easy to adjust, and it fit comfortably in my hand. The neoprene sleeve is nice. A lot nicer than just holding a plastic bottle in your sweaty paw while trying to maintain pace, hydration, and not trip over things. Finally, it holds just enough fluid for my long runs (12-15 miles currently), is easy to get apart, and easy to clean. Some cons: The zipper pocket is great, if great were code for basically useless, and hard to access. It's Alice in Wonderland-y, and seems like it should be big inside, but it's functionally very small. I attempted to put two Hammer Gel packets in there, and could just about get them to fit, but couldn't get it to zip. I finally settled on one gel just to see how it went. It fit fine, but trying to get it out of there while on my run felt like an effort in insanity. I'm sure it would be a wonderful pouch for items like keys, money, identification, and basically things one would not need to access while actually in motion. So the pouch, not so much. Also, the straps that hold all of this stuff to the actual bottle, while they seem tight, slid around a lot during running. At one point the bottom strap slid completely off and left the bottle dangling. Ultimately, this bottle is a good idea, and everything seems functional, well put together, and well designed...until you run with it. At $24.00 I was kind of hoping for a more user friendly experience, and less of a trying to make it work for my needs one.

Prior to finding this my mouth was like the Sahara desert pretty much the whole time during my runs. Now I always carry this for more than a couple miles and it's so great to have water. Have been using for over 2 months I was skeptical about carrying a bottle while running but I wanted to try it. You pretty much forget your carrying it after a while. So good product in my opinion. 1. Handle is great. Makes it much less annoying to have to carry the bottle. 2.You can fit up to 2 energy gel packs in the zip pouch which is a HUGE plus for me. 3. Doesn't leak. 4. Water tastes good 5. Spray nozzle works really well A+

At first I thought this was going to be a little uncomfortable for me because I wasn't used to carrying things on my runs, but it felt so natural that for a awhile I forgot it was there (unless I was thirsty lol). I was worried about the sloshing noise that comes from the bottle not being full, but thankfully as you're running it's very hard to notice. You don't have to worry about this slipping out of your hand when you run as the strap near the bottom of the bottle is adjustable and you can make it snug or loose as you like. It's even got a mini pocket where you can put your keys and/or energy gels/chew for those long runs. Cleaning the bottle is very easy as it has a wide mouth.