Does anyone happen to know of any companies that make beverages or water in very small packets? Something like survival water ration packets but much smaller - say 3x2.5 inches.
Or extremely flat and small bottles?

I want to experiment with carrying something like that in my pocket while trail running. On longer runs I usually carry a fist bottle, but sometimes I run in a pretty rugged terrain and need to have both hands free in case I stumble over a rock or slip.
A hydration backpack would be solution but I want to try something more minimalistic first.

I don't know of anything smaller than the Mainstay lifeboat water rations. At 5" x 4" x 1/2" they're a bit larger than you're looking for but the smallest I've ever seen. I can attest to the fact that they're very durable, plus they're unaffected by heat or freezing. I've drank 5 year old packets that were subjected to 120+ F temps and -30 F, and they tasted better than my tap water.

Too large by your request but they do fold flat:
http://www.cascadedesigns.com/platypus/handheld-hydration/softbottle/product

Thanks for replies.

Phaedrus: I have seen those. It's a pity I cant find them here. The size might not be a problem but the weight might. While carrying full 0.6 l (20.3 oz) fist bottle in my hand on some summer runs is not a problem for me, carrying something heavy in my cargo pants pocket is a lot more noticeable if I am running up the steep hill or 10+ km (6.2+ miles).

Art: That Platypus doesn't look bad. They should have made the 0.25 l (8.45 oz) version too. I can get it here where I live so I might eventually try it but it's roughly 1/3 price of a hydration pack so I will see.

Anyway I got some small (but still not perfect) items from a grocery store today so I am going to try them out soon.

I have also found this: http://www.webpackaging.com/packaging-su...rage-products-/

Shipping ot Europe would probably be prohibitive! Individually they're not all that heavy, seems like each holds about 4.5 fl oz IIRC. I can appreciate wanting a very small bottle but I wonder how much good it would do to carry so little water?

Have you checked out Amphipods?
http://www.amphipod.com/overview/overview.html

My wife uses them on long runs.
They have variations of 4, 8, 10.5, 12, and 16 fl oz. bottles.

Thanks everyone.

ajax: Thanks. I have seen amphipods, not in person though. After my test I have done today (below) I think even their smallest bottle wouldn't be a solution for me. Plus I can't find them here.



On some fall/winter runs that are around 10 km (6.2 mi) long I just need a little bit of water or even no water at all. Carrying the bigger fist bottle would be overkill. Plus some trails lead through rugged terrain and I need my hands to be free in case of a fall. I just want a small amount of beverage for comfort that I will drink in half of the route and keep moving.

I have just tried running with Capri-Sonne (Capri Sun in some parts of the world) drink that comes in 200 ml (6.8 US fl oz) pouch. I carried it not in my pocket but in my hand. Carrying the small flexible pouch is very comfortable, I don't almost notice it. You can vary the grip so your fingers are not at the same position all the time which is good for long carry. It's light and small enough. The amount is just right. Unlike the fist bottle I can drop the pouch at a moment's notice (or it wont get in the way like the bottle would) when I am trying to stop my fall.
When I finish it I just fold the pouch and put it in my pocket.
I have also tried to carry it in my pocket but its very uncomfortable and too heavy (uphill or downhill).
I think I have just found the solution for this kind of runs.

Photo from wikipedia:

How do you get the water into the Capri Sun foil pack after removing the disgusting liquid inside? The Capri Sun liquid inside is just about as unpalatable as something called Dr Pepper.

Hahaha, good one . Well I kind of like it :), I find it to be an average juice/lemonade. I am talking about the Orange flavor though. I don't know about other flavors. Or maybe US versions (if you live in US) are somehow different.

I agree with you about the Dr. Pepper.

Ecto-Cooler FTW.