I'm experimenting with the FastDraw Plus

So I headed out to the trails for a hot summer afternoon run.  It would’ve been way too uncomfortable to spend more than a few minutes on the treadmill (owing to how warm that room was today) and I don’t mind the afternoon heat on the hills.

Up until recently, when I’ve needed to carry fluid, I’ve used a belt.  Fluid Belt or my newer iFitness belts (which I love).  I decided to try one of the ‘in hand’ carriers that are becoming more popular with the running crowd and picked up the Ultimate Direction FastDraw Plus.  Today was my second time out with it and I find myself somewhat undecided.

I really like the form factor.  It can be carried a variety of ways, there’s a pouch big enough to hold a Gu packet or car keys, an id, that sort of thing.  The nozzle is a really cool design that’s a sort of durable rubber collapsing nipple.  It’s easy to get just the right amount of fluid without spilling and it doesn’t leak or drip on you.  The fact that it’s strapped onto your hand makes it convenient to drink frequently without having to fiddle with a belt; better hydration, at least in my case, is the result.  I also appreciate the hoop molded into the cap — I find myself using it to dangle the bottle from my finger while cooling down after my run.

The only issue I’ve had with it is its size.  The one you see me holding here holds 16+ ounces (16 oz. brings the fluid level near the top, there’s room for another couple of ounces probably) and I can tell you that holding two pounds of fluid at the end of your arm starts to get noticeable after a few miles.  I switch hands at the halfway point of my run, but I’m reluctant to switch more frequently than that.  It would mitigate the convenience factor considerably.

They have smaller bottles, so I’ll probably try going with something in the 6 – 8 oz range for my shorter runs and see how that works out.  Other than the weight issue though, I like it.

What do you guys use?