Which water bottle waist belt?

Triathlon Forum
1

Which waist belt are you using to carry a single full size 21oz water bottle on your long runs? Looking to replace my old Amphipod belt/hip flasks. Preferably with a belt that holds the bottle at an angle (I’m 5’6") and with a pocket to carry an iPhone mini…

2

I have a FitLetic with two 8 oz bottles. I’ve tried the belts with one bottle, but I feel there’s too much bounce to the bottle. I try to make my long runs go by water stops so I can fill up once or twice.

3

I have used the now discontinued Camelbak Delaney for years. I think the replacement is the Podium Flow.

4

I quit using waist belts a few years ago, and it was a wonderful decision. I had a couple different 4-bottle Fuel Belts that worked fine, but I always got chafing and I was constantly readjusting the belts around my waist.

Now I buy one of the cheapest bottled water products with the drink spout and carry it. I think those are around 24 oz. The cheapest is key, because they are made of the lightest plastic. As I drink, I crush the plastic to remove air and get rid of the water sloshing. Once emptied, the bottle crushes to next to nothing. I can often find a trash can on route to free my hands for the last few miles. Carrying is no hassle and the overall experience far exceeds the belts.

5

I have used a Fuel Belt but the last few summers I have just held one of the bottles and refilled along the run. I HATE carrying things but I got used to it quick and it has actually helped me keeping my hands relaxed at times because I try to keep a light grip on the bottle. But I have water fountains along the way so easy for me to refill a few times on a long run. I didn’t mind the fuel Belt itself but I had to make it really tight so it did not move and cause chafing.

6

Have a loot at the Nathan range. Both ‘bike bottle’ carrier and the flasks. They even have one that is a hand carry one, so a fabric wrapper with some additional storage that makes it easier to hold the bottle in your hand.

I’ve got the first two, and both work well in different ways. For the bike bottle one I’ve added a couple of wraps of fabric strapping tape to the bottle to just add a touch more friction as for my running gate/pace I found there was a harmonic at about half full where the water sloshing seemed to make it jump out. 5 years later and that tape’s not needed replacing and I’ve not dropped the bottle again. I could get a sony Z4 compact into the pocket, but sadly modern phones are going to be a struggle, even the mini, but worth a try. I rarely run with my phone, but when I do it’s in the hip pocket of my deSoto forza tri kit/shorts or Lulemon Surge short liner pocket.

The flasks I find are more balanced and help me pace my drinking better. For IM race then I swap the belt at run special needs.

7

I’m 5’5 and have found this one to be the best of the many I’ve tried over the years…

Salomon Unisex Sensibelt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V486JH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_HCKHWWER9SKHV3CKHH34?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
.

8

Thanks Iron Duke…that’s exactly what I’m looking for:)
.

9

Update to my post, looks like Nathan have sorted the phone thing. Just another option so the solomon (I like the Solomon stuff, packs, shoes and clothes, so not trying to steer you away)

Amazon.com: Nathan Running Belt - Peak Lite Waist Pack with Hydration and Phone Storage Pocket. For Running, Hiking, Biking and More. No Bounce Water Bottle Flask (Included) : Sports & Outdoors

10

I’m 5’5 and have found this one to be the best of the many I’ve tried over the years…

Salomon Unisex Sensibelt https://www.amazon.com/...oding=UTF8&psc=1

+1 on the SensiBelt. Got mine directly from the Salomon website. Use it for daily training runs here in FL, and raced it in a 70.3, 140.6, and a stand alone marathon. No plans to change. Love the velcro belt so I can get it nice and tight around my waist, and it doesn’t bounce. The bottle cap screws on and requires an extra spin/“twist” to lock it down but I have never had a single leak. Only issue is that the pocket just barely fits my iPhone SE2 and one gel - maybe others have better luck with their phone and storage.

11

The one I currently use is2 small bottles either side of my hips, but it is quiet annoying as they bounce around a bit and are distracting. I’m about the same height so I’ll defintely look into this one as well.

12

That Velcro strap is a great idea but might be more difficult to put on in T2.

13

I used the range of running belts but have been happy with the Naked Sports band. It is nice because it has a race belt holder and can actually use bike bottles if you wanted. I prefer the Nathan bottle (either single larger, or two smaller sized ~8oz) but have used a 550ml bike bottle without issues. You have to step through it in transition, but once you get that rhythm figured out, I personally think it is easier. Also, they run small IMHO

14

I quit using waist belts a few years ago, and it was a wonderful decision. I had a couple different 4-bottle Fuel Belts that worked fine, but I always got chafing and I was constantly readjusting the belts around my waist.

Now I buy one of the cheapest bottled water products with the drink spout and carry it. I think those are around 24 oz. The cheapest is key, because they are made of the lightest plastic. As I drink, I crush the plastic to remove air and get rid of the water sloshing. Once emptied, the bottle crushes to next to nothing. I can often find a trash can on route to free my hands for the last few miles. Carrying is no hassle and the overall experience far exceeds the belts.

I too prefer handhelds but I try not to use single use plastics, I put my empty bottle in my waistband to free up both hands. I use an Ultimate Direction bottle with a strap so you don’t need to grip it much at all.

Handhelds can definitely take some time to get used to but well worth it (I’ve carried bottles for 100 milers, no issues/regrets). Belts and vests chafe and slosh around quite a bit, a vest is also going to make you warmer.

15

I know its not a direct answer, but consider packs. For ultras I tried several waist belt hydration options (Sal, UD, Nathan) but ultimately packs are far more comfortable and functional. I use them for long training runs all the time. Salomon 5 for lesser needs, and a 12 for when I need to have extra gear for changing weather conditions.

16

Feedback to close out this tread…first run after getting the Solomon Sensibelt…worked great for me…even with the funky bottle that came with it. Thanks to all for your suggestions…got what I was looking for.