Water Bottles, Soft Flasks & Foldable Cups
You do not always need a backpack or vest to carry water. A water bottle or soft flask can provide a simple solution for training, short runs, walks and other activities.
Soft flasks are flexible and become smaller as you drink. This makes them particularly useful in running vests and packs where space is limited.
Traditional bottles keep their shape and can be more convenient when you want a simple drinking vessel and packability is less important.
Foldable cups take up very little space when stored away. They are particularly useful at races and events where drinks are available at checkpoints or aid stations.
Choosing the Right Size
Think about how much fluid you need and where you will carry it.
A smaller flask may be enough for a short session or can be carried alongside other containers in a hydration vest. Larger capacities provide more fluid between refill points — useful if you’re also carrying energy gels or drink mix.
If you are buying one for a particular vest or pack, check the product information to make sure the capacity and dimensions are suitable for the pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a soft flask and a water bottle?
A soft flask is flexible and compresses as you drink, making it easy to carry in a vest or pack. A traditional bottle keeps its shape and can be more convenient when you want a simple, reusable option.
What size should I choose?
Consider how much fluid you need and where you will carry it. If it is going into a hydration vest or pack, check the manufacturer’s recommended size for that product.
What are foldable cups used for?
They provide a compact way to carry your own drinking cup for races and events where drinks are available at checkpoints or aid