The Best Trail Running Belts

As you know, trail running is a demanding sport that requires excellent physical shape. In addition to proper preparation, you’ll have to consider other key factors to improve your physical performance. For instance, you must have the right gear, including good shoes, shorts, a T-shirt and, of course, a hydration belt. Remember: A hydrated runner is a healthy and efficient runner.

In the last article, we talked about hydration vests, which are best suited for longer, more demanding trails where you need to carry more water. Today, we are going to focus on running waist packs, which are perfect for short and medium-distance trails. Don’t miss the following list with the best models of the year!

Take a look at other articles to find the best running jackets, minimalist shoes, trail vests, trail shirts, trail shorts and trail watches.

THE BEST HYDRATION RUNNING BELTS

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SALOMON PULSE BELT

The Salomon Pulse Belt stands out for its minimalist design and excellent performance. Built with highly breathable, super stretchy materials, this model includes two zippered pockets for your personal belongings and two elastic pockets for water bottles up to 500 ml.

It features elastic rear straps, so you can attach your trekking poles. Also, it has a discreet design and provides a snug fit (reducing bouncing while you run). For many runners, this is one of the best models of the year.

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NATHAN VAPORKRAR

The Nathan Vaporkrar is so lightweight and ergonomic, you’ll almost forget you are wearing it. This model includes a 20 oz soft flask with a bite valve that sits horizontally in the rear pocket.

The elastic design of the rear compartment keeps the bottle from bouncing during activity. It also includes a front pocket compatible with most popular smartphones, two elastic side compartments for small items, and two rear straps for attaching your hiking poles.

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CAMELBAK ULTRA BELT

The Camelbak Ultra Belt is ideal for hydration during short and medium-distance runs, whether in the city or the nearby mountains. Built with a highly breathable 3D mesh and ultralight materials, this model will keep you cool on even the hottest summer days.

It has a front zippered pocket for storing your smartphone, two elastic pockets for keys and snacks, and a rear elastic compartment for a 7 oz water bottle. It includes reflective elements, so you can run safely at night. In addition, it allows you to attach your hiking poles for more technical routes.

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NATHAN TRAILMIX

The Nathan Trailmix includes two 10 oz bottles that comfortably fit in the rear of the belt, one on each side. This set-up has several advantages.

First, it allows you to carry two different liquids, for instance, water and an isotonic drink. Second, the bottles’ weight is divided into two areas. This system can be more comfortable for some people, although it will depend on the taste of each runner. This model features an adjustable strap that helps you find the perfect fit.

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SALOMON AGILE BELT

The Salomon Agile is a minimalist belt, ideal for city running and local trail running. This model is designed to provide great freedom of movement and agility.

Built with highly stretchy, breathable materials, it helps you stay cool all year round. Due to its compact size, it doesn’t have great storage capacity, but it allows you to carry an 8 oz soft flask, which can be enough hydration for moderate activities.

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NATHAN PEAK WAIST PACK

The Nathan Peak Waist Pack has a different design compared to previous models. You can store a 22 oz bottle in the rear pocket, which is easily accessible as well as thermally insulated to maintain water temperature.

It features a zippered pocket with enough room for your phone and other essentials for longer runs. This waist pack is designed to keep its weight low on your body, which increases stability during your runs.

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NATHAN NEOPRENE

The Nathan Neoprene is perfect for carrying a few personal belongings while running around town. It’s made with neoprene, which makes it lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear.

In addition, it provides a snug fit that significantly reduces bouncing. It features a large pocket for your smartphone and a smaller pocket for your keys, money, and the like. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have pockets for storing water bottles.

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SALOMON SENSIBELT

The Salomon Sensibelt will help you stay hydrated on medium-distance races around town or on nearby trails. This model is built with a highly breathable 3D mesh that reduces irritation and a special Ripstop fabric that increases durability.

It features a quick-access diagonal pocket for storing a 20 oz water bottle (included in the purchase), an adjustable belt for a perfect fit, and reflective elements that will make you more visible at night.

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OSPREY DURO SOLO

The Osprey Duro Solo features a similar design to the previous model, but with some differences: 1- The diagonal pocket is padded and includes a retaining strap. 2- The main pocket features a touchscreen window for your smartphone. 3- It comes with an emergency whistle. 4- The included bottle is a bit more compact (19 oz). Overall, it’s a fantastic model for moderate activities.

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FLIPBELT

The Flipbelt is one of the most popular waist packs for city running. It features a minimalist design (available in several sizes) that perfectly fits your body to reduce bouncing. Also, it doesn’t have adjustable straps or fasteners, which reduces friction and chafing.

It has four practical pockets for storing personal belongings, such as a smartphone, headphones, keys, an identification card, etc. Please keep in mind that it’s not compatible with water bottles.

THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING YOUR RUNNING WAIST PACK

BELT vs BACKPACK

Certain outdoor activities require a large storage capacity, various compartments, accessories, compression straps, etc. Running packs are ideal for medium to long-distance runs. If you need to carry several water bottles, a hydration bladder, a few extra layers, a pair of hiking poles, and some mountaineering gear such as ice axes, ropes, etc., I recommend that you look for a trail running backpack.

On the other hand, running belts are probably the best option for short to moderate runs, such as city running, local trail running, and medium-intensity activities. Due to their compact size, fanny packs are more lightweight and more comfortable to wear.

TYPES OF BELTS

Running belts are generally divided into two groups: waist packs and hydration belts.

Fanny packs

Running waist packs are designed for carrying basic belongings such as keys, some money, a smartphone, and the like. Best suited for city running, these models don’t feature hydration pockets, but they have small compartments, so you can carry your belongings comfortably. Fanny packs keep their contents in place, so you don’t lose anything while running.

Hydration belts

Unlike fanny packs, hydration belts must include one or more pockets for water bottles (plus several pockets for keys, a phone, etc.). Generally, they come with water bottles or soft flasks that are compatible with the design of the pockets. This type of belt is well suited for longer runs or activities in hot weather, for which you’ll need more hydration.

COMPARTMENTS AND CAPACITY

Thousands of designs are on the market, offering endless storage possibilities. Some models feature zippered compartments along the belt, rear water pockets, front smartphone pockets, side compartments for gels and snacks, etc.

More advanced models can feature elastic cords, so you can store an extra layer, as well as attachments for your trekking poles.

You must find a model with sufficient capacity to store all your personal belongings. Above all, make sure it’s comfortable to wear when fully loaded.

MATERIALS

Today, most belts are made from synthetic materials such as polyester, polyamide, etc. The advantage of synthetic materials is that they perform well for sports activities. For instance, these fabrics are lightweight, tear-resistant, flexible, and highly breathable—all great qualities for trail running garments.

WATER RESISTANCE

In addition to the characteristics that we have just mentioned, these materials must perform well in the event of rain. Most fanny packs are not totally waterproof, as that would significantly reduce their breathability. However, they are generally built with quick-drying materials. If your belt gets wet during rain, it will dry up in a matter of minutes.

Also, most models include at least one or two fully waterproof compartments, so you can store your smartphone safely.

HARD BOTTLES vs SOFT FLASKS

In the past, most hydration belts were rigid water bottles, similar to the ones you use at the gym or when you’re cycling. Actually, some models still use rigid bottles, which can be round (traditional bottles) or square (which generally adapt better to the shape of the waist, increasing comfort).

Today, soft bottles, known as soft flasks, are becoming the most popular option. Soft flasks adapt better to the shape of your body, are more comfortable to wear, and are collapsible. This means the bottle will take up less and less space as you drink.

However, soft flasks have a few downsides, too. First, they generally have less storage capacity than rigid bottles. Keep this in mind if you are a long-distance runner. Second, soft flasks tend to be more expensive. Third, they are not insulated.

Thermal insulation is another important factor to consider. Some rigid bottles are insulated, which prevents water from freezing in winter, while keeping it cool on the hottest summer days.

Some belts include insulated pockets for water bottles, which increases final thermal insulation.

BOTTLE VALVES

Water bottles use different valve systems that allow you to drink on the go while avoiding water leaks.

Pull valves are probably the most popular system. You pull the plastic piece on the top, and you can drink. Then you push it down, and it closes. This system is well known to everyone because many regular water bottles, as well as soft-drink bottles, work like that. Generally, these bottles are very easy to use. Just don’t forget to push down the valve after each use. Otherwise, it could leak.

Bite valves are the second most popular option. These bottles feature a rubber valve that you bite on as you squeeze the bottle. One of the advantages of these bottles is that there are no water leaks because the valve always remains closed when you’re not biting. Some runners take time to adjust to these types of valves, but in general, they are becoming quite popular.

FIT AND COMFORT

Fit is a crucial factor when choosing a hydration waist pack. You must feel comfortable and cool when using your belt. Your model should have an ergonomic design, built with stretchy, soft materials.

Your belt should sit on your waist, never on the hips. Some models feature a water bottle located in the rear compartment, others feature two bottles on the sides, and still others have compartments on the front side.

The most comfortable design will depend on the preferences of each runner, although most people prefer to keep the majority of the load on the back side. This feels more comfortable while running.

I recommend that you avoid cheap models. Sometimes, their water compartments are poorly designed, causing the bottles to swing back and forth as you run.

Many models are one size fits all, as they have adjustable straps and Velcro closures for a perfect fit. If yours doesn’t, make sure you buy the right size. Use the manufacturer’s chart to determine which size will suit you best.

DURABILITY

I just said that some cheap models can be uncomfortable to wear, right? Well, the same goes for durability. You should avoid models built with low-quality materials.

Your belt must support the weight of one or two water bottles while you make sudden movements. Thus, it must be built with strong materials and tear-resistant seams.

UNISEX MODELS AND WOMEN’S MODELS

Although some hydration belts are available in a women’s version, most are unisex. Unisex models use elastic fabrics and adjustable straps to perfectly adapt to most types of waists.