Nathan SpeedDraw 2 Insulated Flask 18oz Review

When the miles are reasonably short, but you want to keep some water or various technological trinkets on you, a handheld can make a lot of sense. They come in various shapes and sizes. Some are hard-bodied, others are soft flasks. Some have additional storage, and others are pretty bare bones. Lately, I’ve been running with the 18oz size of the Nathan SpeedDraw 2 Insulated Flask, and I’ve got some thoughts.

Nathan SpeedDraw 2 Insulated Flask 18oz Features:

• Fully adjustable hand strap for grip-free running
• Large expandable mesh pocket fits most smartphones, plus zipper pocket for valuables
• Reflective print offers added visibility in low-light conditions
• Push-Pull Blast Valve™ cap offers quick bursts of fluid
• Double-wall construction keeps fluids cooler 20% longer than other insulated bottles
• Capacity: 18oz/535mL
• Weight: 156g (as stated)
• MSRP: $44

Keeping Things Handy

Lately, I’ve been re-building a base for some long runs I have planned this coming Winter and Spring. I don’t have the same kind of base running fitness that I’ve had in times past. That’s meant a few months of largely single-digit mileage days. Most weeks these days have held two or three runs, usually somewhere in the 3-8 mile range. They’ve varied between neighborhood runs, local trail runs, and runs out in the semi-local North Cascades. Overall, my mileage these days hasn’t justified a running vest, but has fit perfectly with a handheld.

Many handhelds hold about 12 ounces of water. When full, a handheld of that capacity will weigh a bit north of a pound, both water and bottle taken into account. I find that amount of water to be suitable for shorter runs, but I’m a very water-motivated guy, so results may vary. Regardless, the pound-ish feels like a reasonable weight, and the volume covers well on shorter runs. An 18oz volume, like the one I tested, is the most I’d want to run with. When filled with my water, holding my phone and my keys (my norm), the Nathan SpeedDraw 2 weighs 965g by my scale. At the beginning of my runs, I notice that weight. It takes some getting used to… or an accelerated drinking pace off the line. Once it’s sipped down though, the weight becomes reasonable.

One thing the SpeedDraw 2 really has going for it is the design of its grip. A breathable mesh strap wraps around the back of your hand, sporting a natural and accommodating hole for the thumb, and an easy to use cinch to tighten things up. When it’s tightened, the handheld is quite secure, even when you’re not gripping the bottle. I do find myself wrapping my fingers around the bottle as I run, but it’s not strictly necessary for grip’s sake.

Keeping your hand on a handheld water bottle over the course of 8 slow and arduous trail miles does tend to have an effect on the temperature of your water though. My former handheld regularly gave me progressively warmer water as I got farther from the trailhead. It’s an unhappy reality, but one I don’t have to face with the SpeedDraw 2. The insulation on this handheld is a key addition in that regard. In my testing, my water was consistently cool. I’m sure the insulation isn’t good enough to leave in a hot car for a full summer day without warming up, but it is good enough to keep water cold for a 2.5 hour trail run in spite of a sweaty hand holding it the whole time. Ask me how I know.

Initially, I found the Nathan SpeedDraw 2 to be difficult to extract water from. The nipple is a bit large and awkward to open, in my opinion, and the process of opening and closing it was a chore. At some point I just stopped closing it. Turns out I never really had to close it in the first place. That shift resolved most of the awkwardness. Still, it does take some time to figure out the best way to get water out of the bottle. Sucking isn’t terribly effective. Turning the bottle upside down and giving it a hearty squeeze seems to be the way. It does take quite a squeeze though, especially as your water supply decreases (surprise, it’s physics). I’ve used handhelds that are easier to drink from, but I wouldn’t call the SpeedDraw truly challenging to get water from, just a little awkward at times.

On to storage. The SpeedDraw 2 has two pockets: one zippered and elasticated mesh with a folded opening. The zippered pocket is just large enough for my iPhone 13 Pro with its modest case. Fairly large, in other words. The mesh pocket is happy to accommodate my key chain and 2-3 goos (or whatever similarly-sized real food you may happen to bring instead). For a handheld, that’s pretty luxurious, and the SpeedDraw 2 keeps it all in a tight, slimmed down, bounce-free package. I’m into it.

At $44, the Nathan SpeedDraw 2 Insulated Flask is pretty affordable. Many things in the wide world of outdoors activities cost quite a bit, but handhelds are not among them. In general, they ring in around $10-40. The SpeedDraw 2 is high on the price range for the space then, but ultimately still quite affordable. If you’re really trying to scrimp, you could, but this just doesn’t hurt nearly as bad as buying a pair of new running shoes, or a running vest, or a race entry. In my view, the pricing is pretty fair, both in the grand scheme of the activity’s costs and in terms of features for dollars.

Buy Now: Available at Nathan Sports