I just received my amphipod RunLite hydration belt. For those that don’t know what the RunLite is, you can visit the amphipod web site at www.amphipod.com - it is a hydration belt similar to a fuel belt, but with some significant improvements.
I got the SnapFlask 4, which comes with 4 flasks and a pouch. The first thing you notice about this product is that unlike the Fuel Belt, the flasks and pouch are not fixed - they can be moved anyplace on the belt, or removed entirely. I will be training with two belts and no pouch for a while, but as my mileage increases, it’s nice to know I can add capacity.
The second thing you will notice is that the flasks can be oriented vertically or horizontally - which means they are out or “arms way”, even if they are located in front (a personal complaint of mine…). I have chosen to set mine up horizontally, on the sides rather than in back.
The biggest difference between the amphipod and the Fuel Belt is the “holster”. Where it can take some effort to get a fuel belt flask back in to the elastic holder, the amphipod flasks simply clip in and out. You can operate them one handed - no problem at all. Also, the standard amphipod flasks hold more than the standard fuel belt flasks, but slightly less than the large fuel belt flasks.
When ordering a belt, be aware that they are modular and parts can be added or removed at will. The four flask belt with a pouch was $40 (I bought it with my tri-club discount, so I saved 10%, which takes some of the pain out.), which is actually a bargain. If you purchase a two flask belt ($30), then added two flasks ($12.50/ea.) and a pouch($10), you will be out $65. Since these belts are one size fits all, locating the right belt should not be as difficult as it was with the Fuel Belt.
I am taking it on my first long run tomorrow, and trust that it will behave as expected. I will post any issues that come up or any additional observations that I have.
The amphipod belts do look very nice. We got them in about a month ago and I guess they look a little strange because the new fuelbelts have been outselling them by a lot. But feature wise I kind of think the Amphipod wins. The snap in bottles are very cool and simple to use. Changing the way they are oriented is very useful. Pocketwise this belt has a cool compression pocket in teh front for gels and a slide on pocket (a very nice mesh one I might add) as well. One of the best parts is the fact that you can remove the bottles or add bottles as you see fit. They also offer a very nicely designed slide on gel holder with the same snap in fit. It doesn’t fit standard gel flasks though:( But the Amphipod gel flask is nicer than most standard flasks, although I don’t see why gel flasks need to be improved.
These belts come in either a fitted size 1,2,3 for a one size fits all belt. The 1,2,3 is very cool but some shops may choose the fits all to keep inventory down. The downside is you have to remove all the flasks to adjust the fits all best. We ordered the 1,2,3. They are each offered with a variety of flask options. I ordered all 4 flask models as it’s cheaper than buying a 2 and buying 2 extra flasks later and you can always take off what you don’t want. Check them out, very cool product. Hell it’s from Amphipod, they make the best running packs around can’t imagine they’d do less on a hydration belt.
I got mine the week before 1/2 Vineman and used it at the race. Super comfortable and I like the fact that the clips are moveable. You just need to learn to wedge your thumb into the corner of the bottle and they click out super easily. Also they make smaller gel flasks with clips so you can customize your fuel even more. Since they are removable, I took the gel clip off the belt and fastened it to my shoulder strap on my Camelbak for the Tahoe Big Blue Adventure race this summer and had a quick gel source that stayed put on the bumpy trails and running with the pack moving all over the place. A+ for design and comfort. Fuel belt is in trouble.
I called them directly and asked them if I could get a special price on the configuration I wanted. Sure enough. They called back and gave me a good price minus the stuff I didn’t want. You might want to do the same.
I took a gamble and ordered without seeing the products first-hand. I however did research the competing products. I was lucky and got no rude surprises. The products are exactly what I expected. Perfect.
Fuel belt has a monopoly on most peoples mind. I think they’ll continue to do fine for a long time to come. However at some point in time they’ll have to come out with competing products or they will go under.
Perfect timing. I was just about to pull the trigger on a fuel belt and will now look at the amphipod. BTW, I used a “waterproof” amphipod pouch several years ago to stow my car remote to go swim. Soaked to the bone. I have yet to find a truly waterproof pouch other than those large ones for diving…and even those leak.