The Best Water Bottles for Runners
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Hydration is one of the most important, and easiest to neglect, aspects of training. But, new technologies that both regulate your beverage’s temperature and make using a bottle more convenient on-the-go can help keep you drinking before, during, or after a run. From easy-to-carry handhelds and flexible flasks to vacuum-sealed, insulated tumblers for keeping your post-run drink of choice (beer included) ice cold, these are the best bottles to help quench your thirst.
See five of our top picks below or keep scrolling for more bottles we love, plus buying tips and expert advice.
Handhelds, Tumblers, and More Reusable Options
Instead of grabbing a single-use plastic water bottle, keep a reusable option at the ready. Stainless steel, vacuum-walled tumblers keep liquids hot or cold, and are ideal for hydrating in between workouts. For long runs and days you hit the trails, handhelds and fuel belts make water accessible when there are no fountains on your route. Belts and hydration packs will keep your hands free, and many also offer additional pockets for gels and extra clothing. And collapsible bottles are easily portable because they fold up small, stow away quickly, and use specialized locking valves to prevent leakage.
How We Tested and Selected
For every bottle and handheld, we noted characteristics from weight and volume to versatility and mouthfeel. We took into account runners who prefer a pop-up top or a wide opening, and inspected interior scent and taste. In addition, we evaluated how easy each bottle is to use, carry, and clean. We also performed a cold temperature test on the insulated tumblers. We filled the bottles with 10 ice cubes, topped them off with water to the brim, and measured their initial temperatures. Over the next 24 hours, we took readings at regular intervals, shaking the bottles prior to each measurement to ensure that the water temperature was consistent throughout.
We followed up with a leak test, in which we added dye to each of the bottles, screwed the lids tightly shut, and then wrapped them in white paper towels secured by a rubber band. We then placed them in ziplock bags and shook, rolled, jostled, suspended them upside down, and laid them on their sides for 24 hours. We’ve included our findings in the summaries for each bottle below.
Handhelds and Pouches
—LIGHT AND COLLAPSIBLE—
Nathan ExoShot 2.0
Volume: 14 oz. | Use: Cold Liquids Only
This collapsible bottle has a comfy hand strap for grip-free running. The sleeve has a slim pocket to store gummies or gels, which makes the ExoShot ideal for marathon training or trail runs. “The bottle was easy to fill, and the cap screwed on securely,” said our tester, Erin, who took the bottle out on a hilly five-mile run. “After two miles of running with a full bottle, I forgot that I was carrying it. The bite valve was also simple to use.” For longer and sweatier efforts during the summer, we like the ExoShot’s big brother, the ExoDraw. This larger model holds an additional four ounces, and also comes in an insulated version. (It won’t preserve solid ice cubes for hours at a time, but it did keep our water noticeably colder—firmly out of lukewarm territory.)
—MOST STORAGE SPACE—
Nathan SpeedDraw Plus Insulated
Volume: 18 oz. | Use: Cold Liquids Only
One issue some runners have with plastic handhelds is the bottles tend to get slippery from sweat and spillage—no matter how taut the strap is around your hand. The SpeedDraw resolves this problem with a rubber backing and textured plastic on the sides so you won’t need to run with a clenched fist. “Every feature of the bottle is designed with comfort and function in mind,” said our photo editor Kristen Parker. “The hand strap is made of a soft fabric and is adjustable to create a snug fit for different sizes. Even though the bottle is made of a harder plastic, it still feels soft and flexible and squeezes easily in your hand.”
—SECURE GRIP—
Amphipod Hydraform Ergo Minimalist
Volumes: 16, 20 oz. | Use: Cold Liquids Only
Testers loved Amphipod’s handheld for its ergonomic shape. The adjustable hand strap is so soft and comfy, the Hydraform Ergo Minimalist essentially becomes a part of your hand. One tester commented how she even forgot she was holding it as she ran. The hand strap also has two easy-access gel holders. A self-sealing valve on the Jett-Lock cap allows you to squeeze the bottle and release as much water as you need.
—SAFE TO FREEZE—
Hydrapak SkyFlask
Volumes: 17 oz. | Use: Cold and Hot Liquids
Our video producer and resident ultrarunner Pat Heine knows a thing or two about hydration on the trails. He tested the previous model, the SoftFlask, with its high-flow bite valve that quickly releases water and sports drinks. The cap also twists to lock, but Pat found it didn’t leak a drop when it was unlocked—no matter how hard he squeezed it. “I found myself having to grip the bottle a bit more than I prefer,” said Pat, “but it’s not a dealbreaker since once the bottle is empty it’s practically weightless and easily tucks into the waistband on a pair of shorts.” HydraFlask’s newest SkyFlask solves that minor issue by swapping out the non-adjustable carrying loop in the original version for a new durable nylon strap, which cinches down for a more secure grip with sweaty hands. Plus, it’s safe to toss in the freezer or fill with liquids up to 140 degrees F.
—BEST FILTRATION—
Katadyn BeFree Collapsible
Volumes: 20, 34 oz. | Use: Cold Liquids Only
Drinking water from backcountry sources can quickly change your great experience into a miserable few days locked in the bathroom. The BeFree has a .01 micron filter, ensuring that you’ll be drinking safe water whenever you need it. The filter is built into the cap of the flask, so water is filtered as you drink it. When you find yourself rushing to the nearest creek for emergency water on that hotter-than-expected day, the large screw-top opening fills quickly so you can get moving again. Noticeably larger than most soft flasks, it won’t fit in the front pockets on most hydration packs when full, but it still collapses to slightly larger than the size of the filter and cap so you can stash it when you don’t need it. For anyone venturing out for a long day in the mountains, it’s a crucial piece of kit for real self-sufficiency.
Bottles and Tumblers
—MOST SIZES AND COLORS—
Takeya Actives
Volumes: 18, 22, 24, 32, 40, 64 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
Takeya’s Actives bottle wasn’t exceptionally great during our temperature testing. After 24 hours, the water in the bottle rose from 38 to 59 degrees, leaving us with water that was just below room temp. However, it started out strong, with the temperature rising just four degrees during the first eight hours. That makes the Actives a great choice if you need a bottle to keep your water chilly for a full day at your desk—it also comes in a boatload of sizes and colors. During testing we found that the twist cap is totally leakproof, and the hinge keeps its slim handle and lid securely positioned away from the spout while you drink, so it won’t flop down on your nose mid-sip. Plus, we like the removable silicone bumper around the base of the bottle, which prevented nicks and bumps on table surfaces when we couldn’t find a coaster. (Don’t worry, the bottle is still sweatproof, so it won’t leave a ring.) The only drawback is that the bumper sometimes slides off the bottle’s base and gets lodged in a car’s cupholder.
—MULTIPLE LID OPTIONS—
Klean Kanteen TKWide
Volumes: 12, 16, 20, 32, 64 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
Short for “Thermal Kanteen,” the TK is a bottle we like for its versatility in keeping drinks cold or hot with a slew of lid options that cater to whatever you’re guzzling. For instance, for keeping our sports drinks chilly—and letting us gulp them down fast—we like the chug cap. The cafe cap is our lid of choice for sipping hot coffee. The only drawback is that the latter cap wasn’t completely leak-proof in our test. It should withstand sloshes and getting jostled around in your cupholder, but don’t throw it in your gym bag when it’s filled to the brim with a cup of morning joe. During our temp testing, we noted that Klean Kanteen edged out two of the most popular brands in the hydration game right now. After 24 hours, the TKWide kept our water three degrees and six degrees colder than the original Hydro Flask and Yeti Rambler, respectively.
—MOST VERSATILE—
Blender Bottle Halex Insulated
Volume: 24 oz. | Use: Cold Liquids Only
Best known for its shaker cup with a wire whisking ball, Blender Bottle has more recently branched out to other hydration vessels. We tested the insulated version of the Halex, which fits securely in a bike cage, but is loaded with features that we like for our running workouts on the track. The spout has three settings: locked, traditional (the classic tilt-and-squeeze option), or vertical, which squirts water into your mouth while upright. This makes it handy for keeping your eyes on the road while cycling, and for quick slugs between sprint intervals. Compared to an insulated stainless steel tumbler, the Halex is lighter and more streamlined, but doesn’t keep your drink as cold. (Still, it kept our water chilly for three times as long as a non-insulated model; it took our water over three hours to warm past 60 degrees, while a regular bottle lasted just over an hour on a hot ride.) Plus, we like that a collapsible mixing ball works in the Halex if you want add a Nuun tab or protein powder for post-run recovery. (You’ll have to remove the bottles’s straw first, though.)
—MOST DURABLE—
Yeti Rambler
Volumes: 12, 18, 26, 36, 46 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids*
If you seek durability, go with the Rambler. It’s one of the most rugged we’ve every tested, thanks to its double-walled, vacuum-sealed stainless steel build and shatterproof cap. The Rambler withstood repeated drops and multiple cycles through the dishwasher without an issue. We also like that the entire lid unscrews to expose a wide mouth, so there’s no fussing with trying to squeeze ice cubes through the narrower spout opening. While the slimmer handle on the Takeya, above, didn’t feel especially flimsy, the handle on this Yeti is thick and hefty with a much sturdier feel in comparison. We recommend it for runners who will likely be roughing up their bottle a little more on the trails—or have a tendency to leave a bottle rolling around under the passenger seat of your car.
*Not a drop spilled out from the Rambler’s chug cap during our leak test, but take note that it’s not designed for hot beverages. If you need a caffeine kick on the go, make sure it’s iced coffee.
—FASTEST FLOW RATE—
Bivo One
Volume: 21 oz. | Use: Cold Liquids Only
The Bivo is really designed for cyclists, but runners will dig it at the track or even just for post-run refreshment. It’s stainless steel inside, so you don’t get that yucky plastic taste, but a silicone exterior makes it’s grippy. Pull up on the silicone nozzle and tip the bottle upside down for a fast slurp of water. Your drink gushes out really fast—you don’t have to squeeze the bottle or suck on the nozzle—which makes it perfect for grabbing in between reps or intervals when you’ve got only a quick second to slurp down what you can. Push the silicone nozzle back down to close it. The only drawbacks are that it’s not 100 percent leak-proof, and it’s not insulated.
—MOST COMPACT—
Que The Collapsible Bottle
Volume: 12, 20 oz. (fully expanded) | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
“Normally, I have to arrange my workout essentials just so, or I struggle to zip the bag closed,” said test editor Adrienne Donica, “but the Que’s compact size—it’s less than 5 inches tall when collapsed—made it fit with no hassle.” Que’s bottle is made of 100 percent food-grade silicone, and has a set of grooves that spiral up the outside. These grooves allow the pliable silicone to fold in on itself. And when the Que is expanded, the grooves give you a place for your fingers to grip the bottle securely.
—BEST FOR PICKY SIPPERS—
OtterBox Elevation 20 Tumbler
Volume: 10, 16, 20 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
An interchangeable lid (sold separately) allows fickle runners to switch between a shaker lid, straw lid, thermal lid, and more. The OtterBox tumbler is also virtually indestructible, which comes as no surprise since the brand is synonymous with protective phone cases. “I’ve found with stainless steel bottles that the paint or decorative features can scratch easily or peel off,” said our tester, photo director Amy Wolff. “I’ll admit I’m clumsy, but despite my best efforts to scratch and destroy this bottle, I can’t.” Internal copper lining maintains temperature, and its bottom fits most cup holders—perfect when you need that extra kick of java on your drive to a trailhead.
—BEST UPDATE—
Hydro Flask Trail Series
Volume: 21 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
Hydro Flask’s original Growler won the hearts of many runners and beer lovers on our staff for its ability to keep both water and frosty brews chilled until postrun. This newest option from the brand uses the similar tech that we loved in the Growler model, but makes it significantly lighter for carrying around in your pack on the trails. Plus, we found in our temperature test that this new model also keeps water a bit colder for a longer time. After 24 hours, the water temperature of the Trail series bottle was two degrees cooler than that of the original model. It’s not a lot, but it can make the difference for preserving a couple ice cubes to crunch postrun.
—BEST INSULATION—
Avana Ashbury
Volumes: 18, 24 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
The Avana wowed us in testing with its ability to keep our water cool, thanks to its triple-walled (not double) insulation. After 10 hours, our water was just as cold as when we filled up the bottle. In fact, after 24 hours in a 70-degree room, the water warmed a mere seven degrees, making it the top performer of all the insulated models we tested. As sleek as it is functional, the Ashbury uses a specially designed mouthpiece and straw so you can tilt the bottle and swig, or simply sip from it without lifting a finger. The fully leakproof lid is topped off with a flexible easy-carry loop, which we found surprisingly durable despite its slim appearance. Plus, each Avana bottle supports clean water initiatives around the world and comes with a unique donation code so you can track in real-time which projects you’re helping.
—EXTRA STORAGE COMPARTMENT—
Bindle Bottle
Volume: 20, 24 oz. | Use: Hot and Cold Liquids
Hydration is important—as is having a designated place to store your keys, cash, and post-run fuel. If you find yourself rifling through your bag looking for your house key after a run, or perhaps often find someone tapping your shoulder at the gym asking, “Excuse me, is this your ID card?” as you sip from a no-frills bottle, then the Bindle will save you time, give you peace of mind, and quench your thirst. The rotund, vacuum-walled bottle stores ice-cold water and has a bottom compartment with room enough to store house and car keys, a small tub of Vaseline, a debit card, and earbuds.
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