7 Best Bottle Carriers

The Pulse is a chunky but a ergonomically designed hip bag that fits surprisingly well on the waist. It includes two zipped pockets, one of which has a key hook and the other a good size for a cell phone. The padded mesh backing includes holes to help minimise weight and maximise ventilation. Does not include a bottle.

Price: R175

Best for: Most bottles, and it has an angled holder design.

From: Cape Union Mart

As with the Salomon Twin, when both bottles are full, the centre of gravity is in a position on your body that aids stability. Two bottles, a zipped pocket and elastic bungees give a variety of options for carrying liquids, energy bars, sachets and other small items. The strapping is not as snug on the hips as it could be, and it can be tricky to stop the belt jumping about once the weight has decreased from consuming liquids.

Price:  R299

Best for: Those looking for a lightweight carrier – even with two bottles.

From: Sportsmans Warehouse

The Nathan Elite seems to be trying to pack as much as possible onto a rather small running accessory belt. The small nutrition flask and key pocket are handy. The QuickClip and finger loop for attaching the bottle to bags and belts – and the precariously hanging tension cord – could just be getting in the way.

Price: R349

Best for: Carrying a portion of nutritional paste in a flask, along with water in the bottle to help wash it down.

From: Sportsmans Warehouse

Angled, padded and lightweight, making it an easy choice to wear with the least amount of discomfort. Two pockets are ideal for a nutrition bar or sachet, while a separate pouch will carry your MP3 player and has a hole for the headphone cable.

Price: R299

Best for: Taking your music with you.

From: Sportsmans Warehouse

A bottle sits on each hip with the Salomon twin, each angled for easy access, with straps over the bottle tops to keep them from jumping out once half the water is consumed. The twin not only has two bottles, but two large pockets too. This brings this belt into the carrying capacity of a small backpack.

Price: R399

Best for: Taking the weight off your shoulders, but still having the capacity of some backpacks.

From: Salomon Stores

The Sensifit carries one triangular bottle, which fits into a sheath that is reinforced and angled for easy access. The specialised Salomon bottle is included, but the pouch will take a standard cylindrical bottle too. A zipped pocket has a surprisingly large capacity and includes substantial 3M reflective branding. The Sensifit belt is easily adjusted, with the receiver Velcro strip running the full length of the waist strap.

Price: R399

Best for: Easy adjustment while running.

From: Salomon Stores

Not as popular in SA as in the USA, but sure to catch on soon. Comfortable and practical, and the adjustable strap fastens just tight enough onto your hand to take away the need to hold the bottle tightly. The Quickdraw includes a small pocket for keys and an energy sachet, and a tab for filling in ID particulars, as a precaution.

Price: R179

Best for: The ultra-minimalistic runner.

From: Sportsmans Warehouse

Want to take more with you? View the top 8 hydration packs.