Why do runners use hydration belts? Well, Sarah, a runner from Cedar Rapids, Iowa says it perfectly. “The belts allowed me to achieve my mileage goals. I simply could not run, 16, 18 and 20 miles with out it.”
Running in the Midwest during the late fall through the early spring means carrying your own water if you plan on re-hydrating. The luxury of having water fountains along our favorite trails are no longer when the temperature drops. They have to be turned off leaving us to fend for ourselves. Over the last few weeks, I have been testing different styles of hydration belts. For your really long runs, check out hydration backpacks reviewed to see which is the best fit for you. And now for the comparisons…
Camelbak - Delaney Race
Camelbak makes many different styles of hydration belts and I had the opportunity to try the “Delaney Race” Model. The belt consists of a 24 oz. water bottle, two (2) 5 oz. gel flasks (front side) and a front zipper pocket. I really liked the feel of the belt when I first put it on. The soft, cushioned back felt comfortable even with just a light weight shirt on. The adjustable straps took awhile to get just right but after I found the sweet spot, I was ready to head outside to give it a try. My planned route for the day included a 6 mile loop around the city and through the hills of the local college. I also took my dog, Tucker, along for the workout. Since we were only going 6 miles, I used the smaller 5 oz. flask to carry water for him (don’t worry, I washed it when I got home). Immediately into the run, I was able to get a good feel of how the belt was going work out. I loved it. For carrying that amount of water, keys, etc it felt extremely comfortable. There were a couple of details that really impressed me. First, the easy to use “twist top” was a big plus. On traditional water bottles, you have to pull up on the top to open. Camelbak, instead, uses a twist method which I really like. Second, the water bottle holster has an adjustable cord that keeps the bottle strapped tight to the belt while making it easy to take in and out. It took some practice, but I was able to get the technique of drinking on the run down. Taking the bottle in and out of the holster was very easy after getting accustom to the motion. Oh, and Tucker also appreciated the drink of water from the flask halfway through out run.
Nathan - Trailmix
Next, I tried the Nathan – Trailmix series belt, which features two (2) 10 oz. flasks, a zippered pocket, and two (2) front stretch cords. The belt is designed with minimal amounts of material and coolness in mind. It is comfortable and extremely light weight, making it good for races. The flasks are easy to remove on the run and have a top capable of being open/ closed with your teeth making one hand hydration possible. Although, I didn’t need the stretch cords for carrying a shirt, it is nice to know I have the option. The small zipper pocket was perfect for my keys and a couple gels packets. Overall, the belt was comfortable and I would prefer it for racing. For mid-distance to longer runs the 20 oz. capacity might be too little and the comfort wears out over 40 minutes along with the water supply. Overall, Nathan, created a great niche product for racing.
Fuel Belt 4 Bottle
Fuelbelt also offers a hydration belt solution. Unfortunately, the only fuel belt I had available to try was too small for my waist. This leads to a big disadvantage of purchasing a belt for multiple users. The Camelbak has the option of adjusting to many sizes vs. the individual sizes (S-XL) of the Fuel Belt. However, they are easier to adjust with a larger Velcro strap instead of the adjustable clips, but it does no good when the adjustment allowed is very small. If you are the only runner in your household, or if you plan to keep your waist line the same size over the years, the fuel belt may be an option for you.
Overall, the hydration belts were fun to try out. I was really pleased with the Camelbak belt for the water capacity, comfort level and ample storage. As Sarah put it, “…the belt did take some getting used to. It was somewhat cumbersome on my first run, but easier to use on subsequent runs.”
I have to agree. As a runner, I am very particular about my gear and wearing a hydration belt is a big change. Ultimately, a change for the better, because I am able run longer and train harder.