Remember this guy?? Ah yes... cartoons from the good old days.. Wow, actually got distracted BEFORE I started a review post, versus halfway through it!
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| Nathan Performance Gear |
Ok.. back on track. I have a number of reviews (many with giveaways) backlogged, so going to play some catch up over the next week or two. By popular demand, today's review is of a great handheld hydration bottle from Nathan Performance Gear.. stay tuned after the review for a chance to win one for yourself!
Why a handheld, versus a hydration pack or waist pack? Really it is a matter of personal choice, and finding out what works. When I first started running, I didn't carry anything at first because I just wasn't going that far! Then I shifted to using a waist pack from REI with one bottle, and room for a few items. I still use that on longer runs, but needed to find a way to carry more liquid, so I picked up a Quickdraw Elite from Nathan pictured above. I am also trying out running with a vest hydration system, but have only used it once so far, so I don't have any real feedback or impression of using that. Before I get into the review, I do want to recommend a great article about the benefits of a handheld from an awesome runner/blogger Vanessa Runs.. check out her article here.
Ok.. here is a bad picture of the Quickdraw taken at 4am before heading out for a run.. Besides a 22 oz bottle, this handheld has a zippered pouch that can hold a cell phone, plus car keys... and a stretchy outer pocket that can easily hold two gels. You could probably pack more in there, but these items can be carried comfortably, and generally that's all I need. Also, there is a permanently attached ID tag that slides up and down from behind the pouch where you can write in emergency contact info etc.
As far as the hand strap goes, it is very comfortable, and relatively easy to adjust. You could wear it as above with your thumb through the hole, or with your thumb out as below. I've found that wearing as above works best for me. I can totally relax my hand and I don't lose any kind of grip of the bottle and it doesn't bounce around.
I also use this handheld in any races I run in. Sure, there are aid stations along the way where you can hydrate, but I'm more of one to sip intermittently while running, so I like to have it ready and available. During my half marathon, I just refilled it at an aid station halfway through. The spout pops up easily with a bite to the soft rubber valve, and seats back down easily too. I've yet to have any leakage issues with it either. Also, you could swap the bottle with another that you prefer, provided it is of similar dimensions.
As far as the specs and product info, below is the data I "borrowed" from Nathan's site:
- Unique, adjustable hand strap eliminates the need to grip the Bottle and offers alternative hand positions
- 22 oz. (650 mL) Hydration Bottle with Clipless Cap
- Highly weather-resistant pocket and zipper provide extra protection from the elements
- Large, zippered pocket with external Power Stretch Mesh pocket fits smart phones
- Rugged collar securely holds Bottle and prevents hand strap from loosening
- Reflective detail
- Weight: 4 oz.
So how much do I like this handheld? Enough that I will probably buy a second one to have the option to run with one in each hand, plus a refill in my waist pack for longer runs, unless I decide that a hydration vest/pack will work for me instead. So what do these run? I got mine for about $24 online at http://www.roadrunnersports.com/ and you can also get it in a khaki color if you don't want black.
BUT... for one lucky reader, I'll ship you off a new Quickdraw Elite (in black) to try out yourself!
Follow the instructions on each option below to earn entries. Contest will close on Monday, November 26th, at 10PM MST. Winners will be selected at random from all entries using random.org. Contest limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
Good luck and have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Jeff
http://barefootinclined.com
oooh- nice one! i have a handheld that i need to give a fair shake now that i'm no longer a noobie tool who thinks that discomfort is the fault of the product. um, running was uncomfortable so of course the handheld was? LOL
ReplyDeletegood to read something from you!!
When I am running I take half water/half gatorade. Drinking plain water gets old! lol
ReplyDeleteRight now, I typically just take water on my long runs.
ReplyDeleteCurrently I use a North Face handheld bottle. It gets the job done, but I know Nathan makes these things for a living, and from your review I can tell it is much nicer than mine. Plus, I've taken a few tumbles using my bottle as a palm cushion, so its pretty scratched up and leaks sometimes. Thanks for the review and the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteAlways grateful to enter giveaways:) love my Nathan hydration bottle it's a waist one and have wanted to try a handheld:)
ReplyDeleteNice idea...I carry one in my hand but would prefer this instead.
ReplyDeleteI use either a Salomon waistpack with one Specialized Purist bottle or have been trying my Camelbak Charge hydration pack. Both work OK for me, but always trying for something to be "better".
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. I hope I win!
ReplyDeleteI use a water bottle belt by new balance. I usually take water, but I've been experimenting with Gatorade this week...
ReplyDeleteI actually just vary a water bottle the whole time.
ReplyDeleteI love and prefer handhelds! too bad I missed this - you won my eload giveaway so email me :) alimc@runningwithspatulas.com :)
ReplyDeleteI never have been able to get used to the audible rythem created by handheld hydration. So far, I prefer a waist mounted system. Nice review though!
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