Handheld Vs. Hydration Belt Vs. Hydration Blatter Vs. Hydration Bottles on vest.

Try a handheld. They are much less cumbersome than you would think. I like the amphipod ones - they have a nice curve that fits the hand well. When the strap is cinched down you don't even have to really grip it.

I also have a couple vests/packs - but those are different tools. A hand held bottle is great for shorter "long" runs, up to a couple hours. If I'm out for longer than that I tend to be in the mountains or on a super hilly route, so I'll take a vest with a bladder to have extra water. You can also cary calories and lash a shell to it.

Handhelds are fine with some caveats. I've run with one for most of 4 years. Comfort is fine - first run it's annoying, second you don't mind too much, and after that you don't notice it. The good ones have straps that securely hold it to your hand so you don't even need to maintain a grip on it. Plus it saves your hands when/if you trip as it absorbs the impact. I'd not want to have two as I like having a hand easily available.

I recently switched to a hydration pack for trail runs over an hour and I liked the switch so much that now I wear it for basically all trail runs. For me, I don't even notice I'm wearing it (even less than with the handheld) and I love not having to think about water at all. The result of this is that at least a couple times a week I'll just go off and find a trail I don't really know and set out without a predetermined route or mileage and just explore whatever way looks good and find my way back when I feel like it. You can even throw a phone in it and a little bit of food or a light jacket. I keep a bladder on with water and usually take one bottle up front with electrolyte water. Usually just use the bottle but I don't notice the extra 2 lbs of water on non-workouts so I keep it there just for the freedom.

As for brands on packs, the Salomon ones are expensive and don't stand out on specs alone but I found they are much better designed, obviously by runners who use them a lot. The materials breathe better and are much lighter, and are elastic so the packs fit like a glove. You don't need to mess around with tightening different straps or points that rub.

Don't bother with the different fanny pack/belt options as those not only look dumb but the bottle bounces around and is by far the most intrusive and least flexible option.

I'll also add, the pack is a bit hotter on your back in the heat (though nice in winter) and the handheld is really annoying in the winter as, even with gloves, it causes your hand to freeze and get numb digits.

Put the bottles in your pockets. And, 1.5 litres for 20 miles is excessive.

A single handheld isn't as bad as you think you will get used to it but anything when I'm going to be out for a while over a couple hours you will find a vest style pack nice. Its hotter but its nice to have things within reach like extra clothing as the weather changes. If you get a good vest you won't even know you are wearing it once you are on a trail and are focusing on other things. The Salomon stuff is expensive but fwiw they seem to fit the best. I have two of them the 12l with a bladder and the 5l with just soft flasks up front. I've really had the 12l loaded up and once its adjusted and you are moving over rocks and roots you won't even notice it.

Im going to get a Hydration Butler. he will show up at certain mile markers and hand me my choice of beverages.