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The best water bottles you can run with
Stay hydrated while you're out running and training
Tested by The Runner’s World Editors
Whether you’re marathon training, running in the heat or just really thirsty, sometimes carrying a drink with you is the only solution when it comes to staying hydrated The best max-cushioned running shoes for 2025.
When you fail to drink enough to replenish the fluids lost through urination, sweating, and even breathing (yup, it's a thing), you begin to enter a state of dehydration. Being dehydrated doesn’t just make you feel thirsty — it can also have a major impact on how your entire body functions. That’s why we’ve round-up the best water bottles for runners to help you stay hydrated as you clock up the miles.
These options are designed for short to medium length runs, so if you’re looking for something more substantial, check out the hydration packs we've tested for long runs, or backpacks multi-day adventures.
The best water bottles for runners
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What are the symptoms of dehydration?
Dehydration means your body loses more fluids than you take in. Here are some of the symptoms to look out for, especially in the summertime:
- Feeling thirsty
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- Feeling tired
- Dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
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How much do I need to drink when running?
Obviously, you don’t need to carry litres of water with you, but it’s a good idea to have water with you on a warm, or long run, and drink to thirst.
It’s not unusual for a highly active person to lose up to two litres of water via sweat during a workout. To prevent dehydration, the fluids lost need to be replenished. The best way to do this is to listen to your body and drink water when you feel thirsty. You should also drink water before, during, and after any physical activity.
What to look for in a running water bottle
It's a simple piece of kit, but choose the wrong type of bottle and you'll end up with an aching hand from having to grip, or water spilling everywhere from a leaking valve.
- Grip: One of the main features of the products below is that you don't have to grip the bottle itself. Instead, the bottle attaches to your hand to let you carry on running as normal. We've also included some belted options.
- Design: A soft flask will collapse as you drink, which saves space. They're often easier to drink out of too. That being said, not everyone likes a soft flask, which is why we've included some hard bottles too.
- Valve: We prefer an on/off valve or a lock valve to minimise any water spillage.
- Capacity: Most of the bottles in this guide hold between 250ml-600ml of water - that'll be more than sufficient for short to medium length runs. If you need anything more, consider a hydration vest instead. These can usually hold a couple of soft flasks and a bladder.
The best water bottles for running
Pros
- Lightweight and low-profile design
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- Ergonomic shape
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Cons
- Small capacity
- A dry mouth, lips and eyes
The Osprey Duro Dyna really hits it hard with its feather-light feel and women-specific fit, making it easy to forget you're even carrying it. Its snug design prevents bouncing, while the secure screw-on cap helps to prevent leaks, which are a common issue with soft flasks. The bottle is easy to drink from and refill, and its minimalist size is perfect for those who dislike bulky bottles. While it only holds enough water for shorter runs, its comfort and reliability make it a go-to for everyday training and summer outings.
Keys specs
| Weight | 0.08kg |
|---|---|
| Water capacity | 360ml |
Another great hand-held option, this one has a handy zip compartment for a large smartphone, with a clear window which means you can use it without removing it. We’re big fans of the reflective detailing on the strap too, which gives extra visibility during low light conditions or when running at night. The bottle will hold up to 500ml of water, and it’s got a non-leak spout that’s easy to pull up or push down The best max-cushioned running shoes for 2025.
Key specs
| Water capacity | 500ml |
|---|
Designed to be strapped to your hand as you run, this soft water bottle can hold up to 500ml of water and compresses as you drink to save space. There's no room for keys or a phone, mind, so you might want a pair of shorts Runners World, Part of the Hearst UK Wellbeing Network phone holder.
If you want to keep your hands entirely bottle-free, this Ultimate Direction hip belt has enough space for a phone, as well as 2x 300ml bottles. We like the buckle waist strap for easy on/off, and there’s lots of adjustability to help you find a secure fit.
If you have a running belt or hydration pack you can slot soft water bottles into, these affordable 250ml bottles collapse down as you run. The bite valve is designed to make it easy to sip water as you move.
If you’re used to running with a belt already, you might find it more comfortable to find one with an attachment for a plastic sports bottle, or one of the softer flasks we’ve mentioned above.
If you have already invested in a running belt during lockdown, this handy water bottle attaches to ones that have an elastic loop designed for gels. Designed to be used specifically with a SpiBelt, but an affordable option if you’ve already invested.
Another simple clutch design, this Ultimate Direction bottle also has a zip pocket for your key, credit card and lip balm.
The issue with most non-soft flask water bottles is that they tend to be bulky to carry while you run, giving you hand-ache within a couple of kilometres. Not the new Elite Running Bottle from Science in Sport. We’ll admit, when we unboxed it our tester thought it had shrunk in the wash – but the 400ml size is deliberate, making it easy and effortless to carry while you run. In fact, it’s been developed for – and is used by – elite marathoners, designed to be picked up at speed or carried for long durations. It’s also got a leakproof, lockable valve so you don’t have to worry about losing any of your precious fuel.
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