Carrying Water While Exercising
Bikes are generally equipped with water bottle holders that are conveniently located so you can hydrate throughout your ride. There are also backpacks that hold water bladders and have a hose so that you can hydrate on the go. While hiking, you generally have a day pack which can easily hold multiple water bottles or a bladder, but how do you carry water while running?
Running with a water bottle in your hand is convenient but it isn’t so practical. It can be hard to have a good grip if the water bottle is too big or if your hands begin to perspire. Carrying a big water bottle in your hand can also be fairly distracting and may even throw off your technique.
Some runs are short enough that you can hydrate before and after, but this is not the case for others. Whether you’re running a marathon or your trail runningin the mountains, you need to hydrate continuously which means carrying water with you.
Convenient Water Carrying Options
Innovations and new technologies bring many benefits to runners as new products arise that make carrying water while running much more convenient and appealing. There are multiple options that are convenient for everyone; whether you are a marathon runner, an adventure trail runner, or simply just starting out.
Some options are running belts equipped with water bottle holders, lightweight hydration backpacks, and even a collection of hydration vests and packs. These are specifically engineered to hold water, while other backpacks which can hold water bladders aren’t run-specific. These options allow you convenient access to water throughout your run while also keeping your hands free so you can focus on your technique.
Hydration vests are very similar to hydration backpacks although slight features and adjustments differentiate the two. Hydration vests are generally tighter and more body shaping than a backpack, offering a more stable and balanced option. Although running hydration backpacks are designed to be worn while running, they will often have a looser fit than a vest, and the majority of their weight focused on one area on your back.
Hydration vests are designed in a way that their weight is evenly distributed so that you can carry water, snacks, and other running essentials without feeling an immense weight centralized on your back.
Most hydration vests are equipped with water bottles and conveniently located pockets designed to hold them, although some may be equipped with a water bladder.
Water Bottle VS Water Bladder
As always, when there are choices, there are advantages and disadvantages. Some runners may prefer water bottles for hydration on the go, while others may prefer water bladders. At the end of the day, pick what works best for you. Avoid basing your decision on what looks cooler, instead stick to what works best for you.
If you’re just starting out and are really not sure what’s best for you, these few advantages and disadvantages may be the little rays of light you need to make a decision.
Water Bladder
Advantages of drinking from a hose attached to a water bladder include hands-free hydration and more focus on your technique as well as the path ahead of you. Disadvantages include having to take off your vest or pack in order to refill the bladder and most likely needing to remove the water bladder as well.
Water Bottle
Advantages of drinking from a water bottle include not needing to remove your vest or pack each time to get a refill as well as having access to two different beverages. Most waist belts and vestsare designed to accommodate two bottles so you can fill one with water and the other with an isotonic beverage ora hydration mix.
