A common goal shared by all teams, from NCAA Division I football to high school lacrosse, is to make sure your athletes stay healthy. And a key component of good health is proper hydration. As a coach or trainer, the easiest way to ensure that your players stay hydrated is with a team hydration system.

These systems have come a long way from the old garden hose method. Innovative designs and high tech features give you more to consider when deciding which one to acquire. Check out the following popular options before you invest.

Wheel-In Water Sport Hydration Cart

If your field is surrounded by uneven terrain, you’ll particularly appreciate the wheelbarrow design of the Wheel-In Cart. Other features include:

• Eight to 10 drinking nozzles on five-feet-long coiled hoses
• Blue hoses to help prevent mold/algae
• 35-gallon poly tank
• 3.0 GPM
• 12-volt pump with rechargeable battery and waterproof charger
• Handles retract for safety
• Wide body frame helps prevent tipping
• Overhead manifold folds down for ease of storage and transport
• Retractable hitch assembly

Water Field Manager

If you have lots of gear to carry onto the field, you’ll like this option. It has an upper deck you can load up to transport supplies and field equipment. Other features include:

• 16 drinking nozzles
• Blue hoses to help prevent mold/algae
• Dual-sided 65-gallon tank fitted with 3.0 GPM 12-volt pumps
• 35-amp rechargeable battery and waterproof charger
• Eight-inch vented cap for easy filling and cleaning
• Adjustable jack stand stabilizers to prevent tipping

Power Tanker with Cart

Have to fuel a large crew? This heavy cart’s 35-gallon tank capacity is for you. Other features include:

• Eight drinking stations with shut-offs
• 12V/12-amp rechargeable battery
• Non-corrosive PVC with adjustable pressure valve

Powered Team Drinker

The team drinker is equipped with eight retractable, coiled drinking hoses with quick shut-off nozzles. Other features include:

• 20-gallon tank
• Extra wide threaded top for secure covering
• Rechargeable 12V/12-amp power pack for eight hours of continuous use
• Powder coated steel cart with pneumatic tires

Portable Water Chiller

Perfect for small teams or short practices, this portable water cooler weighs less than 50 pounds and still manages to supply up to 10 gallons of fluid. Other features include:

• Copper-coil potable water hose to cool water
• Six retractable coil-drinking hoses
• Quick shut-off nozzles
• Powder coated steel cart with pneumatic tires

Index Warning System

This is a multi-function tool that monitors heat and humidity and alerts you before heat index reaches a critical level. Other features include:

• Digital temperature, humidity and heat index display
• 24-hour information storage
• Also functions as stopwatch, countdown timer, calendar and alarm
• Rugged ergonomic design fits in the palm of your hand