SkyFlask Speed: Flexible Handheld Hydration for Running

For runners who do not want a vest, belt or bottle bouncing around in a pocket, handheld hydration makes a lot of sense.

The HydraPak SkyFlask™ Speed was designed specifically for that job.

Lightweight, collapsible and comfortable to carry, it gives runners quick access to water without forcing them to constantly grip the bottle.

Why handheld hydration works

Sometimes a full running vest is overkill.

For shorter trail runs, road sessions, races or routes where refilling is easy, a handheld soft flask can give you enough hydration without adding extra gear.

The SkyFlask Speed sits directly in your hand, so there is no stopping to reach into a pack or struggling with a bottle stored behind you.

Drink, keep moving and let the flask collapse down as it empties.

"Designing a handstrap for a softflask poses unique challenges due to the flask's light, flexible and collapsible features. If a runner's hand is strapped to a flexible bottle, the fit of the strap will change as the water is consumed. We wanted to make a handstrap that could be adjusted to fit once.

The SkyFlask strap is a true "set it and forget it" solution. It allows a runner to focus on their run without any distractions." - Mike Massucco, Product Design Director

Designed around the hand, not just the bottle

One of the biggest challenges with handheld running bottles is grip fatigue.

As a soft flask empties, its shape changes. That can make a basic strap feel loose and force you to squeeze harder to keep the bottle secure.

HydraPak redesigned the SkyFlask Speed strap specifically to solve that problem.

The padded thumb loop helps hold the flask in place without constant gripping, while the adjustable sweatproof strap can be set to suit different hand sizes. The flask can also be carried in either hand.

 

 

 

 

Made to disappear as you drink

The SkyFlask Speed uses flexible construction that shrinks as the water disappears.

That helps reduce water movement and means the empty flask can be stuffed into a pocket once you are finished with it.

For runners trying to keep gear minimal, that is a big advantage over carrying a rigid bottle for the rest of the run.

Fast refills with the SpeedFill™ cap

The SpeedFill™ cap flips open for quick refilling and snaps closed again for a leakproof seal.

The 42 mm opening also makes it easier to add ice or drink mixes, which is useful for longer sessions and race-day hydration.

350 ml or 500 ml?

The SkyFlask Speed comes in two standard capacities:

• 350 ml for shorter runs, racing or runners who want the lightest setup
• 500 ml for longer sessions or when you need more water between refill points

Both use the same handheld design, adjustable strap and thumb loop.

What about hot-weather running?

For warmer conditions, the SkyFlask™ Speed IT 500 ml adds insulation.

HydraPak states that the insulated version keeps hydration cooler for 38% longer than a standard flask, while also reducing bottle sweat.

That makes it particularly useful for summer training, longer races and exposed trails.

Tested with runners

The current SkyFlask Speed design was developed with feedback from runners and athlete testers.

The goal was simple: create a handheld soft flask that stayed secure as it emptied without requiring a constant grip.

That is really the appeal of the finished design.

It gives you water right where you need it, then gets progressively smaller and less noticeable as the run goes on.

 

"After becoming a running vest diehard these past years, the SkyFlask has steered me back to the handheld. It's so light, packable and easy to hold, once you're done, you can just stuff it back into your belt or pocket. Whether I am doing a short, light run on the trail or competitive race, the SkyFlask has been the perfect addition to my running gear." - Paddy O'Leary

Thanks to athletes like Paddy, our team was able fine-tune the final details of our SkyFlask and create a truly unique final product design.

"We knew we had something special with this design when our product testers told us "I forgot the SkyFlask was even in my hand." - Mike Massucco

*Race day photo credit Tiare Bowman Photography

Who is the SkyFlask Speed best for?

SkyFlask Speed makes sense for runners who want:

• easy access to hydration without a vest
• a lightweight option for shorter or mid-distance runs
• a soft flask that packs away once empty
• quick refilling during training or racing
• less grip effort than a basic handheld bottle

For the right run, carrying water in your hand can be the simplest solution of all.

 

The SkyFlask Speed series comes in two sizes (500ml, 350ml) and an insulated SkyFlask IT Speed 500ml. Each comes with HydraPak's popular SpeedFill cap, which pops open for convenient refilling and snaps shut with a click.