I don’t generally run with water. Over the past few years, I have utilized water stations as my primary source of hydration, and relegated most of my packs and belts to the back of the running closet. It’s not that they aren’t fine products, but I am finding that I generally get by between aid stations without really wanting water. However, as this COVID-19 pandemic has left with me with a surprising amount of time to run longer distances (time that was usually reserved for normal work hours), I am running in quiet, rural farmland for an extended amount of time with no access to water. Therefore I need to have some at the ready – and the SpeedView Plus flask answered the call.
I want to mention right off the bat that the SpeedView really fit all my needs perfectly. It was a nice 18 ounces (only 12 ounces and under 4 ounces empty), which is perfect. For the most part, I didn’t want to lug around a ton of water – just enough to get me from one fill station to the next. It may not be ideal for really long aid station-free runs, but I have found that it has kept me going on distances under 10 miles. Also, it didn’t interfere at all with my range of motion – as some bigger packs and belts tend to do. It just strapped to my hand and I went forward – easy and comfortable. My water also stayed surprisingly cool even with 90+ minutes of running – due to their double wall construction of the bottle.
The zippered see-through phone pocket held my iPhone 11 without an issue and I was able to guide the screen without issue. I am also in between wireless headphones (I have no idea where they have disappeared to), so I am using corded headphones once again. Luckily for me, there is a really nice headphone port located at the bottom to accommodate said audio jack. There is also a little pocket on the side that can hold a key, some money, or even a small alarm (see below) if needed.
Also, unlike other bottles I have owned, the lid has been operating with minimal to no spillage. I usually end up leaking a small amount of water on my hands/shirt when drinking, but the SpeedDraw has a “Push-Pull Blast Valve cap” that offers quick bursts of fluid – perfect for a little hydration mid-step.
It was also really easy to get it sized right for my hand. A simple tug on the band fit it nicely on my hand – and has since stayed snug the whole time.
It may be the quarantine speaking, but I have started appreciating the little things a bit more, and the Speedview has absolutely assisted with my running during these weird last few weeks. Maybe it will do the same for you.
It may also be a good idea to consider pairing it with the SaferRun Ripcord Siren Personal Alarm – a thumb-sized device that blasts sound (120 decibal’s worth) in case of an emergency. Just pull on the tab with one hand and an ambulance’s worth of sound rings out to acknolwledge your distress. While it can be placed in packs or handhelds (like the Speedview), it can also be clipped onto pants or other apparel as well.
If you are running earlier or later to keep your distance from others, this reusable alarm may be a literal life saver.
Company: Nathan
Products & Price:
- SpeedView Plus flask ($39.99)
- SaferRun Ripcord Siren Personal Alarm ($19.99)
Specs:
- Storage Capacity: 13.2 cu in/0.2 Liters
- Weight With Bottle: 3.8 oz/108 g
- 18oz / 535 mL
- Integrated 3M™ reflective fabric offers 360-degree reflectivity for added visibility in low-light conditions
- Double-wall construction keeps fluids cooler 20% longer than other insulated bottles
- Zippered pocket with see-thru conductive touchscreen technology keeps your phone and other running essentials protected, while allowing you to see your splits, playlist, and incoming messages
- Fully-adjustable hand strap with chafe-free thumb hole enables grip-free running
Many thanks to the Nathan for allowing us to check out their product! Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
