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Hunting for a Hydration Belt

I’ve had my AMPHIPOD RUNLITE 4 for almost two years now.  We’ve been through it all together—big and small races, training runs, and even runs abroad. He’s been a great buddy, quite demonstrative as he’s always hugging my hips, providing adequate hydration during each and every run.  One of my helpers loved him so much that she even took one bottle home with her…argh.  Now, I’m left with three bottles instead of 4.

Amphipod

- Amphipod Runlite 4 -

Lately though, I feel like my amphi has been slipping away—literally.  Ever since I started wearing compression tights, whether its Skins or CW-X, the amphipod will slide up towards my waist and bounce at every step.  During the Run for Home half marathon, I re-adjusted my amphi almost every 5 minutes to keep it from disturbing me during the run.  I’ve considered wearing it over my singlet, but despite the belt being the in thing now in the fashion world, I don’t think it looks good for active wear. 

So, lately I’ve been wondering if the other hydration belts have a better, snugger fit?  And, if so, I’m actually considering getting another one.  Should it be the FUEL BELT I saw at Runnr?

Endurance-4_bottle_Back
 
– Endurance 4 Bottle Belt -

Or the NATHAN which I also spotted at Planet Sports before?

NathanSpeed4
– Nathan Speed 4 –

While I’m thinking about this, here are a few tips for beginners on how to maximize your hydration belt:

  1. Fill it not just with water, but your favorite sports drink, too.  If I’m carrying 4 bottles, I place water in 2 and Gatorade in the other 2.  I use the water to drink along with my gels and also to pour over my body if it gets hot.  
  2. Use the pouch for long runs.  I don’t bring my pouch on short runs since pockets in clothing can hold a car key or a gel.  If I’m carrying the pouch, I put gels, car keys (if I’m driving alone), one piece tissue for emergencies (from a sneeze to a toilet nightmare), and ipod wrapped in a plastic ice bag to prevent it from warping.
  3. Choose a belt that will progress along with you.  Don’t buy a belt with only one bottle because you’re just running 5ks now.  If you see yourself running long and far in the future, get a belt that will carry you through marathons and maybe ultramarathons.

Posted on 07.31.09 to 04 Gear & Product Reviews. Subscribe to follow comments on this post. 18 comments. Add your thoughts or trackback from your own site.

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18 Responses to “Hunting for a Hydration Belt”

  1. May I recommend that you take a look at Ultimate Direction as well?

    http://www.ultimatedirection.com/product.php?page=belts

    Personally, I like the PR10, thinking perhaps the name will be a self fulling prophecy. But you may want to consider the Blaze or Fury for only 2k.

    http://www.secondwindrunningstore.com/updates/product-updates-72109

    Jeremy said on Jul 31 09 at 8:34 PM Reply

  2. Hi Jaymie! Thanks for this one… I’m hunting for a hydration belt as well… I’m choosing between the Nathan that you mentioned and the Blaze by Ultimate direction (available at secondwind)… By the way, I’m back to running and blogging. Can you change the link for thefitmommy? Only if you have the time… Thanks! :D

    Gigi said on Jul 31 09 at 10:49 PM Reply

  3. Hi girl, great to have caught up with you guys last night. Your radio station rock!!! See you maybe on Tuesday, keep me updated about the garmin strap PLEASE. Keep going, you do great.

    Philip said on Aug 01 09 at 9:09 AM Reply

  4. hey i remember that belt ;)

    krie said on Aug 01 09 at 2:40 PM Reply

  5. hi jaymie, i use the Amphipod Full Tilt Velocity primarily for speed, long runs and races where water support is at least zero. This really helped me during the last TNF 20K in Sacobia where the an announcement was made just before the start that there would only be one water station for the whole race due to the hurricane the day before. This hydration belt rides low, sits along the lumbar area – it doesn’t move, bounce or slide with its low profile design, it works perfectly for me.

    mari said on Aug 01 09 at 3:13 PM Reply

  6. are hydration bottles better than using one with tubes like camelback?

    odie said on Aug 02 09 at 10:51 AM Reply

  7. I use the Nathan belt. Their sizes run small though. So I had to get 1 to 2 sizes up. But I love it!

    Travelers Atlas said on Aug 02 09 at 11:00 PM Reply

  8. I use Nathan Speed 4. Its cheaper than most brands but quality is not compromised. I wrote a short review in my blog: http://thesweataddict.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-nathan-speed-4-hydration-belt.html

    It does what it is supposed to do, keep you hydrated during training and official runs. No regrets for me in getting one after hits and misses on several hydration accessories. Try it.

    Regards,

    Deo P.

    Deo P. said on Aug 03 09 at 12:08 PM Reply

  9. Where did you buy your Amphipod Hydration belt? I’m looking/hunting for one for months now.

    mgrace said on Dec 21 09 at 11:58 PM Reply

  10. Please let me know where I could get a nathan hydration belt. Ive been looking for it for the past 2 weekends. The only stock I found was at toby’s parksquare. Unfortunately, the size was small. I need a medium sized belt. Thanks.

    joell said on Jan 20 10 at 4:51 PM Reply

  11. Guys I’m selling my BRAND-NEW Nathan Speed 2 hydration belt for P1,600. I’ll also have a Speed2R, Speed4 and Speed4R Nathan hydration belts within the month.

    For inquires, contact me @ 0915-9917075.

    jayson said on Jul 22 10 at 1:51 PM Reply

  12. medium sized

    jayson said on Jul 22 10 at 1:51 PM Reply

  13. hi!!! may i ask where you bought your amphipod and for how much? i would want to have one for myself too…been reading about their products at their website…thanks!!!

    janice said on Jul 24 10 at 7:58 PM Reply

  14. I am looking for a nice hydration belt as I am facing problem in using the hydration bags as the bladder is quite difficult to clean. The design of the top belt is very nice and is looking very comfy to wear too.

    Source Outdoor said on Aug 28 10 at 6:52 PM Reply

  15. Guys,

    I’m selling BRAND-NEW Nathan Speed 2, Speed2R, Speed4 and Speed4R hydration belts.

    For inquires, contact me @ 0915-9917075.

    jayson said on Aug 31 10 at 11:47 AM Reply

  16. Hi, do you know where I can buy the amphipod runlite here in Manila? Thanks!

    cam said on Jan 05 11 at 1:18 PM Reply

  17. http://www.outdoorproducts.com/Products/bi—ped/133

    does anyone here tried this hydration belt? i dont know if its good for running. i think this is the cheapest in the market for only 680 pesos.

    herbert nacion said on Apr 08 12 at 10:52 AM Reply

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