Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bottles > Fast Draw bottle holder > Owner Review by Marcy Beard

Owner Review: FastDraw Plus bottle holder

Date of review: August 19, 2005

Backpacker Bio:

Name: Marcy Beard
Age: 36
Gender: Female
Height: 5’3” (160 cm)
Weight: 135 lb (61 kg)
Email address: marcy dot beard at gmail dot com
City, State, Country: Grenoble, France

Backpacking Background:  I have hiked in Vermont, Central Texas, and the French Alps.  Most of my hikes have been day trips, with the longest camping trip to date lasting 6 days.  Typically I trek on trails ranging from easy to rocky and steep, occasionally venturing off trail on moderate terrain.  In the past two winters my husband John and I have experimented with snowshoeing and hiking on snow.  Our gear focus is usually on lightweight items that are quick and easy to use and ideally have multiple purposes.

Product information from the Ultimate Direction web site:

“The FastDraw Plus keeps 20 oz of hydration comfortably in your hand through an adjustable hand strap.  The new Kicker Valve prevents leaking and makes drinking easy.”

Manufacturer's website: http://www.ultimatedirection.com/
Style #:  4320
Year purchased: 2004
Fluid Capacity:  20 oz/0.6 L Bottle with Kicker Valve
Weight:  4 oz/113 g
Fabric:  3D AirMesh
Features:  Mesh construction for maximum ventilation; zipper stash compartment for key, cash or gel; tension lock hand strap with reflective striping

Note: I don’t use the Ultimate Direction bottle, preferring other types of 20 oz (0.6 L) bottles instead, so this review is strictly about the FastDraw Plus bottle holder.  The bottle holder alone weighs 1.5 oz (42 g).

Description:

A bottle is placed into the holder by inserting the top of the bottle through the top opening in the holder.  Then the lower half of the holder is pulled around the bottom of the bottle.  The bottle fits easily in my hand, and I don’t need to grip it because the strap along the back of my hand holds the bottle in place.  When the bottle is full, the strap is easily tightened to keep the extra weight from sliding, needed especially when my hand becomes hot and sweaty or if I am wearing slippery gloves.  As the bottle becomes lighter, the strap can be loosened if I want to allow more air flow along my hand.  The adjustment is simple and effective, and it does not come loose by itself.  I usually tuck the end of the strap under itself to keep it from flapping against the back of my hand.

Field information:

I use a FastDraw Plus bottle holder with a hand strap on long runs and recently I discovered its usefulness as a way to stay hydrated while hiking as well.  On a trip in the French Alps, my husband and I toted bottles instead of a bladder system.  The weather was moderate (65-75 F / 20-25 C), but on the first 2 days of the 6-day trip I found myself mildly dehydrated by the time we stopped for the evening.  On the third day I began to carry a bottle in my hand, and I drank frequently without thinking about it.  I had no dehydration issues for the remainder of the week.  The benefit over a bladder system (which would also be quick and convenient to drink from) is that a bottle is easier to fill and keep clean.  Occasionally I like to add drink powder to the bottle I’m drinking from, and I can keep this flavored drink separate from my main water-only bottle or bladder.  One downside of carrying a hand bottle is the incompatibility with trekking poles, although I usually don’t use them.

This trip was taken in the Vanoise National Park in the middle of the French Alps.  We hiked almost exclusively on trails, which were mostly rocky and included several little creek crossings.  Occasionally I needed to grab a rock or a tree, and I was able to quickly swap the bottle to the other hand.  The holder strap also does not interfere with stashing the bottle in a side pocket of a backpack.

I previously used a neoprene bottle holder, and this newer model is cooler as a result of the mesh material.  However, it still prevents maximum air flow along the skin, and my hand has a tendency to heat up.  In warmer weather I swap hands occasionally.  In cold weather, the strap adjusts outward to fit gloves inside.

The mesh pocket measures 2.4 inches (6 cm) wide by 4.0 inches (10 cm) high, with a 3.4 inch (8.5 cm) opening.  The zipper works easily by way of a pull tab, and it does not come open accidentally while running.  I have carried keys, money, light gloves, a small amount of food, and trash in this pocket, although not all at the same time.

Summary:

Although this bottle holder is marketed for runners, it works just as well during long hikes where frequent refills are available.  It is easily adjustable for different hand sizes and for wearing gloves, although I’m not sure whether particularly large or small hands might have trouble carrying it.  In the summer it keeps my hand warmer than I would like, but in hot weather I need to drink quite often and I have found that this is the best way to stay on top of hydration.

Reviews > Hydration Systems > Bottles > Fast Draw bottle holder > Owner Review by Marcy Beard