Search
No search results found
No search results found
Accessories & bottles
The right accessories can make a big difference when you're running long distances, training for races, or heading out on trail, ultra, and mountain runs. With soft flasks, hydration bladders, handheld bottles, mouthpieces, hoses, and smart accessories, it's easier to carry fluids, energy, and gear in a way that works on the move.
At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find accessories and bottles for running vests, running backpacks, trail running, ultra running, long runs, competition and outdoor. The range is selected for those who want to be able to drink conveniently, pack smarter and get more function from their running vest or backpack.
See all accessories and bottles
When you're running long distances, hydration and energy are an important part of the whole. But it's not enough to just have the right amount with you – you also need to be able to drink easily, dose smartly and access what you need without stopping. That's why bottles, hydration systems and accessories are important parts of your equipment.
Benefits of the right accessories:
Easier access to fluids while running
Better fit and function in the running vest
Easier packing for long workouts and competitions
Possibility to combine water, sports drink and electrolytes
Less hassle with hoses, nozzles and bottles
Better structure for energy, mobile, map and small items
Practical for trail running, ultra, mountain running and outdoor
Small details like the right soft bottle, extra mouthpiece or hydration bladder can make running both more comfortable and more efficient.
Softflasks are collapsible bottles that are very popular in trail running and ultra running. They are usually placed at the front of the running vest, making them easy to reach without having to take off the vest. When the bottle is empty, it shrinks, reducing bulk and making it comfortable to carry.
Softflasks are particularly suitable for:
Trail running
Long pass
Ultra running
Mountain running
Marathon training
Running vests with front bottle pockets
Sports drink, water or electrolyte drink
A common solution is to use two soft flasks at the front – for example, one with water and one with sports drink. This makes it easy to separate energy and fluids during the workout.
See rehydration and salt tablets
A hydration bladder, or hydration reservoir, is a smart choice when you need to carry more fluid than a soft flask can hold. It is usually placed in the back compartment of a running vest or running backpack and is used with a hose, allowing you to drink regularly without having to take out a bottle.
Fluid bladder is suitable for:
Long trail runs
Mountain running
Ultra running
Hot weather
Tours with long intervals between refill opportunities
Fast hiking and longer outdoor sessions
Running backpacks with larger packing volume
For really long sessions, you can combine a hydration bladder with soft flasks. Then you can have water in the bladder and sports drink in the bottles, or vice versa, depending on how you want to set up your energy plan.
Handheld bottles are a great option when you don't want to use a running vest but still want to carry fluids. They are held in your hand and often have a strap or grip that makes them comfortable to carry while running.
Handheld bottles are particularly suitable for:
Shorter distance sessions
Intervals in warm weather
City running
Fast trail runs
Passes where you only need a little fluid
Running without a vest or backpack
For shorter runs, a handheld bottle may be sufficient. For longer runs, trails and competitions, soft flasks or running vests are often more practical.
Spare parts can extend the life of your equipment. A worn nozzle, an old hose or a bottle that no longer holds a tight seal can make your workout unnecessarily complicated. By replacing parts instead of the entire system, you can keep your running vest or hydration pack in better condition for longer.
Common accessories and spare parts:
Bite valves
Straws for soft bottles
Hoses for fluid bladder
Nozzles
Lid
Extra bottles
Fasteners and small parts
Cleaning accessories
If you use sports drinks, electrolytes or energy mixes frequently, it is extra important to rinse bottles and hoses thoroughly after your workout.
In addition to bottles and hydration systems, there are several accessories that make the running vest more practical. These can include extra pockets, packing solutions, map pockets, compression straps or small accessories that help you organize your equipment better.
Accessories can be especially useful when you need to carry:
Energy and gels
Mobile phone
Map or compass
Headlamp
Extra clothes
First aid
Salt tablets and electrolytes
Mandatory competition equipment
A well-organized running vest allows you to quickly find what you need, which is especially important during races, mountain passes and longer tours.
Which hydration system is best depends on distance, temperature, terrain and how much you want to carry.
For shorter sessions
A handheld bottle or small soft flask is often enough.
For long sessions
Two soft flasks at the front of the running vest are a flexible and easily accessible choice.
For ultra and mountain running
Combine softflasks with a hydration bladder if you need more fluid and longer range.
Too hot weather
Choose more fluid capacity and feel free to supplement with electrolytes or salt tablets.
For competition
Check the race's fluid requirements and mandatory equipment before choosing bottles and accessories.
Both options have their advantages, and many runners use different solutions depending on the session.
Softflasks are best when you want easy access, quick refills, and the ability to see how much you have left. They fit perfectly in the front bottle pockets of many running vests.
Hydration bladders are best when you need to carry a larger amount of fluid. They are especially good on long rides, hot days, and workouts where there are long distances between water sources.
This combination is often best for ultras, mountain running and longer adventures, as it offers both large capacity and easy access.
Different drinks may work best in different bottles. Many runners choose to separate water and energy to make it easier to keep track of their intake.
A common setup:
Water in one bottle
Sports drink in the second bottle
Electrolytes in hot weather
Hydration bladder with extra water for longer rides
Gels, chews or bars as energy alongside
This makes it easier to adjust energy and fluid intake according to weather, pace and feeling.
To make your bottles, hoses and hydration bladders last longer, they need to be cleaned regularly. This is especially important if you use sports drinks, electrolytes or energy powders, as residue can get stuck in the nozzles and hoses.
Care tips:
Rinse bottles immediately after the session
Clean the nozzles and caps thoroughly
Leave bottles and bladders open to dry
Use cleaning brush if necessary
Do not keep sports drink in the bottle longer than necessary
Check hoses and valves regularly
Good maintenance makes your equipment fresher, more durable and more reliable when you need it.
Many trail and ultra races have hydration, energy and mandatory equipment requirements. Bottles and accessories become an important part of race preparation. You need to be able to carry fluids according to the rules, while also having access to energy, salts and other equipment quickly.
Before the competition you should test:
How the bottles fit in the vest
If you reach nozzles and pockets on the go
How easy it is to refill the bottles at stations
If the fluid bladder is easy to clean and fill
Where to place sports drinks, gels and salt tablets
How the vest feels with full fluid capacity
Always test the competition setup in training before the race.
Not all bottles fit all vests, so check what size and type of bottle your running vest is built for. Some models work best with soft bottles in the front, others have space for a hydration bladder in the back, and some can use both.
Consider:
Bottle volume
Bottle height and shape
Straw or regular nozzle
If the vest has a hydration bladder attachment
Hose pulling
How easy is the bottle to remove and replace?
If the vest bounces when the bottles are full
The right combination of vest and bottles makes a big difference to comfort.
See running vests and running backpacks
At Outdoor Buddies Shop you will find accessories and bottles for running vests, running backpacks, trail running, ultra, mountain running and outdoor. The range is suitable for those who want to improve fluid storage, replace worn parts or complement their running vest with smarter solutions.
Whether you're looking for soft flasks, hydration bladders, handheld bottles, mouthpieces, hoses or accessories, there are products that will help you run longer, pack smarter and drink easier during your workout.
Softflasks are soft, collapsible bottles often used in running vests. They shrink when you drink and sit securely in pockets on the front of the vest.
Soft flasks are usually carried on the front and are easy to reach. Hydration bladders are carried on the back and often hold more fluid. Many runners use both on longer runs.
A hydration bladder is suitable when you need to carry more fluid, for example during ultras, mountain running, hot days or long tours where it is a long time between refills.
No, not all bottles fit all vests. Check the bottle volume, shape and height, as well as the type of bottle pockets or hydration system your vest is built for.
Yes, handheld bottles are great for shorter runs where you want to carry fluids but don't need a running vest or backpack.
Yes, soft flasks work well for sports drinks. Rinse them thoroughly after your workout to prevent residue from getting stuck in the bottle, cap, or mouthpiece.
Rinse the hydration bladder immediately after use, clean the hose and nozzle and leave everything to dry open. Use a cleaning brush if necessary, especially if you have had sports drink in the bladder.
It depends on the passport. Common accessories include soft flasks, hydration bladders, extra nozzles, hoses, bottles, map pocket, small storage and cleaning accessories.
