Customer Reviews

Nathan Quickdraw Plus Handheld 22-Ounce Bottle Carrier with Pocket

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am a serious runner (1200 miles per year) and over the years have collected different water bottles and carriers, which I stopped using for various reasons and just started carrying a cold drink by hand. Then I saw someone running with the Nathan Quickdraw and bought one at my local running store (though the price on Amazon is much less--I just needed it right away). Here is why I am very happy with it.

1. It is much easier to run with a bottle using this carrier because you no longer have to hold it tight, and also don't have a cold bottle in the palm of your hand (which not only can be uncomfortable, but also warms the bottle up with your body heat).

2. There is an easy to use adjustable strap that goes across the back of your hand, and a mesh palm piece that keeps your hand off the bottle. This entire unit is well constructed and well stitched.

3. The included 22 oz. bottle is not insulated, which means that in really warm weather your cold drink will become warm quickly, even if you start out with it frozen. However, I solved that problem by placing the bottle in the Built NY 20 oz neoprene sleeve (which I have reviewed on Amazon), so now I have an insulated water bottle. Realistically you will only put 20 oz into the included bottle because that fills it to just about 1/4 inch from the top.

4. This has a small zippered pocket which you can use for various things, such as car keys, money, gel etc. If you need to carry your cell phone (I carry my BlackBerry), I recommend the Spibelt (which I have reviewed on Amazon).

5. The bottle is easy to fill, more than wide enough for ice cubes, and has an easy to use spout. I did not experience any leakage at all while running, unlike with some other water bottles. You can also use your own water bottle if you prefer.

Bottom line: I really like this carrier, and prefer it to having something around my waist or over my shoulder. However, everyone has different preferences, so you need to try different things to see what works best for you.

Update June 4, 2011: I now use the Smart Source stainless steel water bottle (which I have reviewed on Amazon) instead of the included bottle. The Smart Source holds 27 oz. rather than 22 oz., comes with its own neoprene sleeve for insulation, and nicely fits into the Quickdraw.

Update August 11, 2011: When I run at night, I clip a flashing light to the top strap of this holder. Even with the water bottle in it, there is room to do so.

I bought this because when I got on long runs on hot days, I got tired of carrying a water bottle. This makes it virtually effortless to carry because you don't even have to hold on. I love it and I even bought another one for my dad who is also a runner. The band that goes around the back of your hand is very comfortable and stays in place very well. The pocket on the front works great for car keys and is even big enough for my asthma inhaler. Also, the water bottle comes out of the holder very easily and you can use other water bottles with the holder. Very nice for when one is dirty. Overall I have no complaints and it is a great product.

I purchased one of these bottles and started training with it after signing up for my first 50K trail run. The bottle is soft, which makes it easy to squeeze and the bite valve is soft, which makes it easy on the teeth. It has a large mouth, which makes it easy to fill and clean. I've read some of the complaints about leaking and had some of those issues as well but they can all be fixed. When it leaked at the mouth, the top was on crooked. When it leaked at the bite valve, the valve was twisted in the opening. I would not recommend putting it in the dishwasher since it is so soft, it might melt. I occasionally wash the strap with my other running clothes and let it air dry. The little zipper pouch is great for carrying electrolyte capsules during your long runs or races. No complaints. I like it so much that I bought a 2nd.

After trying a different brand handheld that leaked I gave this one a try. Like most runners I need to carry my keys, gels, and some cash. This bottle does the job and does it well. It holds plenty of water, does not leak, and is very comfortable. Most of the time I do not even notice that I am carrying it. For longer runs where I need more gels and a cell phone I also carry a SPIbelt. The pocket is a generous size but it does not hold my cell phone, hence the need for the SPIbelt. I also use it when racing. It can hold 2-3 gels in the pocket. Normally my pocket contains some cash, a credit card and keys. So you can put a lot in that little pocket. This water bottle is very convenient and valuable to any distance runner who does not want to have to worry about hydration. Out of all of the water bottles and hydration systems I have tried this by far is the best.

I use an insulated Polar bottle with the handheld. It takes some doing but I use the strap on the handheld to loop through the Polar bottle's plastic loop to secure it. The insulated bottle eliminates the problem of holding onto something that is too cold.

This is comfortable to carry, even when full, for hours on end. At some point it is easy to forget that you are even holding anything.

My one gripe is with the tiny pocket in the front. My slim cellphone barely squeezes in and I would not be able to carry anything larger. It would be nice to have a stretchy pocket so larger things can be secured.

I'm new to running so I bought this bottle based on reviews and guessing it would fit the bill. Here what my experience was from a new runner's perspective:

-Bottle leaks unless overtightened which can only mean it will strip with use.
-Strap on back of hand kept slipping open while running.
-Pocket is good for keys and maybe mini ipod but not a phone (as designed but I think it should be a bit bigger).
-If you carry a cold drink (ice water), you had will freeze as it's against the bottle and not an insulated sleeve.
-Stopper is hard to open/close...I couldn't use my teeth unless risk losing one.

So for me it didn't work. Bummer I went past the return window.

I ordered the regular pink one and they sent me the Breast Cancer Awareness one, but I don't really care because it's still pink. The bottle does not leak and the cap is really easy to open and close while running. The meshy part your hand sits inside is very comfortable. The strap for your hand is adjustable so you can have it as tight as you like. The little pocket is pretty small, but holds a packet of your favorite running fuel and a key just fine. There is also a reflective strip on the handle which I think is a nice touch. The bottle is a pretty flexible polymer. It feels like if it went in the dishwasher it would warp, so I wouldn't recommend doing that. The flexibility of the bottle is nice because you can either get the liquid out of the bottle by applying suction with your mouth, or by giving it a little squeeze with your palm and fingers. It doesn't feel flimsy once it gets low on liquid like a disposable bottle does.

I was a little skeptical about running with something in my hand, but I absolutely LOVE this bottle for my long runs! I barely notice I'm carrying it, as weird as it sounds. The only thing is, make sure the lid is on tight or a little bit of water leaks and makes your hand wet. If you put the lid on all the way there's no problem though!!

Previously I had the around the waist bottle belt and while it wasnt very uncomfortable when I started running, towards the second half of the run, I would start to feel the weight and there were so many times, I would wish, I could remove it and throw it away. With this bottle, I do not feel like I am carrying anything and it fits perfectly. The pouch is very handy to store the car keys, license and credit card as well. I would definitely recommend this to any runner who is looking to buy a water bottle for running.

I was trying to decide between the Nathan Quickdraw Plus Handheld and a belt-type bottle carrying system. Taking nothing away from belt systems, I am very happy with my choice of the Nathan Handheld. So often I read that you wouldn't even be able to feel the bottle in your hand, and I have to concur, you really forget you're carry something. The pocket is perfect for a gel pack, and the Quickdraw mechanism is fantastic in order to get a quick burst of liquid with little effort. I highly recommend the Nathan Quickdraw Plus Handheld.