Soft cups are an essential item for many ultra-running events. They provide the hydration to keep you going during long, intense races. Collapsable soft cups are lightweight and easy to carry in your ultra running pack, making them an excellent choice for race day. In this guide, we’ll look at these cups more deeply and then show you the best soft cups for ultra-marathon races. Soft cups are also called speed cups. In this guide, we’ll use both terms.
Table of Contents: Collapsable Speed Cups
Collapsable Soft Cups & Speed Cups For Ultra Racing
In this section, we’ll look at the top picks for soft cups & speed cups for ultra-racing. These drinking vessels are inexpensive, but which one is worth buying? Find out here which one to choose for your next or first ultra-running event.
Hydrapak Speedcups
- Two Cup set which makes it great value for money.
- Flexible design allows you to carry and stored anywhere. Crush it down and pop it in your pocket or running pack.
- Free standing when empty or full and won tip over.
- Integrated finger loop on the side provides support when drinking or can be used to clip it to your running belt or vest.
- Top Rack dishwasher safe, so easy to clean after racing weekends.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Montane Speedcup 200ml
- High quality brand Montane has a flexible design to the soft cup which alows you to carry anywhere.
- Holding 200ml of liquid, the Montane Speedcup allows you to quickly and easily access hydration on the go.
- With this soft cup you can store it anywhere itll fit, this can vary from your running vest to your camping kit.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Aonijie Collapsable Soft Cups 200ml
- Made from food grade TPU Material BPA and PVC free, so perfectly safe to use and better for the planet than plastic one-use cups.
- Can hold 200ml of liquid and weights only 9g.
- A excellent value for money option because you get 2 cups in this deal.
- Perfcet for trail running and ultra running events - fold down both cups and pop them inside your running belt, shorts pocket or hydration ve
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Inov8 Speed Cup 200ml
- Shaped and welded TPU design that shrinks as you drink, reducing water movementin the cup.
- Can be rolled and stored away with minimal space.
- Mandatory race kit - An essential item for many race organisations around the world.
- Weighs in at only 7g.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
ddLUCK Silicone Foldable Cup
- A foldable travel mugs made of food-grade silicone, stainless steel rim and plastic sealing lid. Not technically made for running, but a good option if you want something durable and dont mind a little extra weight (not much anyway).
- After folding, fits well in your pocket, purse, backpackand takes up no space, ideal for running and outdoor hiking.
- Much easier to hold and drink from the stainless steel rim of the cup compared to running specific soft cups.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Collapsable Soft Cups Info
Now that we’ve shown you our top picks, we’ll offer you more information on soft and speed cups. We’ll look at the key feature and benefits, why you need them and why they are ideal for environmentally conscious trail runners and race organisers.
Features Of Collapsable Soft Cups & Speed Cups
Lightweight: Collapsible soft cups are made from lightweight materials, making them easy to carry and store when not in use.
Durable: The material is designed to withstand the wear and tear of intense running activities.
Versatile: These types of cups can be used for various drinks, including energy & electrolyte drinks and more.
Collapsable: The design allows for easy storage and transportation, making it easier to take with you on the go.
Environmentally Friendly: Soft cups are reusable, which makes them the perfect choice for eco-conscious runners.
These Soft Cups Are Perfect For Ultra Running Events
There are a few things to consider when finding the best soft cup for ultra-running events. Look for something lightweight, durable and easy to carry. We recommend these reusable soft cups with a unique design that allows them to quickly collapse and fit into your pocket, running belt or hydration running pack. For ultra-running events that still use plastic cups, soft cups are a great alternative to reduce waste and help you stay hydrated on the go. With all these features combined, soft cups are one of the best items to have in your running arsenal!
Many Ultramarathon Events Are Now Cupless

As more ultramarathon events move away from using plastic cups, so soft cups are becoming increasingly popular. Not only are they better for the environment (no waste!), but they also make it easier to drink on the go without worrying about carrying a lot of heavy containers. Because many ultra-running events are now cupless, you must bring your reusable running soft cup. That’s why having a trusty collapsable speed cup for hydration at an aid station is so important.
Examples Of Cupless Trail & Ultra Running Races
- The Montane Lakeland Ultra 50: This UK race is a 50-mile ultra marathon that challenges runners with a scenic course.
- The Mourne Skyline: This is an iconic 14-mile race in Northern Ireland.
- Essex 100-mile race: This flat course takes runners along the Essex countryside.
- The Big Dog Backyard Ultra: This is a unique endurance race with competitors running around a 4-mile loop for as long as possible.
Final Thoughts On Soft Cups/Speed Cups
Soft cups are one of the best items to have on hand for ultra-running events. Lightweight, durable and easy to carry, these collapsible speed cups provide the hydration you need while being eco-friendly. The unique design allows them to quickly collapse and fit in your pocket or running belt, making them perfect for quick use during an aid station stop. With all these features combined, soft cups are a must-have item for any runner who wants to stay hydrated on the go!
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.
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