So I’m about to but a hydration belt for IMLou and am looking for some advice on which belts would be best for the full distance. I’m looking for one that doesn’t bounce around a lot , and one that wont crap out after a few weeks of use. I have been looking at the fuel belt brand belts but i am worried the plastic bottle clip holders are made cheap and might break/get loose after awhile? Also, I’m looking at a 2 bottle holder belt to start the marathon with , and to have 2 more bottles in the special needs bag halfway into the marathon. My plan is to have them filled with Heed powder and to fill them on the go as i need them/ pitch bottles as i use them. The goal is to gel with water at the aid stations and to drink the heed from the belt between aid stations. Any advice on which belts are highest quality would be greatly appreciated!
Can you go into a store to try them on? What fits nice on someone (my friend) wore a patch of skin to bleed on others (me).
In general, all the big name belts are high quality. So just read up on amazon reviews to see if they are actually cheap, or just look cheap.
You’re going to get a lot of “don’t use one…there’s an aid station every mile! Learn to tolerate Perform so you don’t have to wear a belt.”. HOWEVER…I have the Nathan Trail Mix and love it. I don’t use it for triathlons…just for longer trail runs. It has two 10oz bottles, which is plenty for me, but the thing I like most is that it has a plastic clip in back instead of Velcro like most belts. Velcro wears out over time. The plastic clip makes for a solid hold time and time again. Mine is about 4 years old and still working fine.
http://www.nathansports.com/hydration/hydration-belts/trail-mix
I like this one but have nothing to compare it against
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I have a fuel belt one with 2 flasks. Used it for a 1/2 marathon and a 1/2 ironman. I like it… But honestly, I ended up dumping out my flasks at 3km into the 1/2 iron run. They were hot and gross from the sun in transition, and there were aid stations every 2km. Still came in handy for stashing a spare waffle.
Have had Nathan and Fuel belts, (ultraspire vest). Over the years my fuel belt stretched out. Nathan has not. I would go with Nathan.
edit…For a thick mixture I use my fuel belt bottles in the Nathan. I do not care for the Nathan bottles…dont know how to say, they dispense with pressure…I use for ultra’s, so for more liquidy would be fine
I have used a Nathan Swift for times when just one water bottle is enough. It has a small zipper section for a couple gels and you can buy the belt with bib number attachments. Having just the one water bottle is nice when aid stations are running low or when jammed with runners so you can pass it by. But not so big as to weigh you down.
I also have used an amphipod belt. It can carry 1 -4 bottles depending on how much liquid you want. I use this one when I’m on a longer self-supported run; filling up as needed along the way. I have used it during races, but it seems a bit overkill given the number of aid stations. It’s great for an ultra though when aid stations are further apart.
I like them both. They don’t bounce much or chaff. Although everyone is different.
You don’t need a hydration belt for an Ironman. There I said it.
Here is why:
Aid Station ever mile!
What are you going to carry that Aid Stations won’t have?
Tri jerseys have pockets in the back to put Gel Flasks.
Buy a hydration belt for training not racing.
And oh yeah buy a FuelBelt
Simple Hydration bottle. Bought one a year ago, such a fantastic design.
I have the fuel belt with four bottles. Most of my training runs are in the country, thus I need to be self-supported. I also do a lot of trail runs, thus also need to be self-supported.
During a race I’ve never used one.
Take a look at the camelbak belt. The belt does a great job of not bouncing around when running, real easy to remove and reinsert bottles, and the bottles have the jet valve which is nice. Also a pocket for keys and/or gels.
Got the fuel belt for 4. Works fine, fits good but you really gotta know where you like to wear (hip…) cause of the small range to adjust.
Like others said, just for training for longer runs/heat. Tried it during a race but gave me a pita.
The best fuel belt I’ve used is the orange mud hydra quiver. Fits more like a backpack and has zero bounce. http://www.orangemud.com/products/hydraquiver
Looks bulkier than it really is. I have used Nathan and Fuel belt and just don’t like the way they bounce around on my hips. This eliminates that completely.
I use a Fuel Belt with 2 bottles… Ive never had any issues with them. I use First Endurance products exclusively during training and races… Its just what Im used to. That being said, no problem drinking whatever is at aid stations.
I do freeze my bottles tho the night before so that they are still cool when the run starts.
I have had the two bottle Nathan for 3 years. First set of bottles wore out. Tried to order replacements from trisports but kept saying on backorder. Called Nathan and they sent me two at no charge. Great customer service.
How do bottles wear out?
I gave Fuelbelt a try. Used it 3 times. 2 training runs and 1 marathon but the elastic holding the bottle loosened and can’t keep the bottle in the holster.
The stoppers got to where they wouldnt seal good, so the water splashed out when i ran. The new bottles are redesigned, work much better.
I have a Nathan 4 bottle belt that I’m really happy with. Sits low enough on my hips that it doesn’t impede my arm swing. The bottles don’t move at all in the holster BUT I have to make sure the bottle tops sits perfectly level or they’ll leak fluids.