Runners, which hydration belt do you use?

[chanson2]

DH really needs a new belt, so I'm going to get him one for Christmas. So far, I like the looks of the Ifitness 2-bottle belt, or maybe the Nathan Speed 2. Any recommendations? How about sizing? DH is about a 33 inch waist - that seems to be right inbetween...

 

[cewait]

Wow, that's kind of like asking boxers or briefs....

There are many great systems out there and each has its good points and bad. The hard thing to do is make a recommendation to someone who may have differing preferences. If he is happy with the system he is currently running with, then get one that is close to that. Though, he may be looking for a change.

I can make a quick review of the two belts, though I have not used either of these exact products

The iFitness belt looks like a great design. It is race ready with a small pouch, two bottles, loops for gels and toggles for the race bib. iFitness has a great reputation with their pouches and helped create a new niche market for small fanny packs. The 16 oz capacity of the bottles is typical of a 2 bottle rig. The negatives of this style bottle are that they do not accept ice cubes. You can work around this by freezing the bottle while half full then filling just before the run with cool liquid. The slant of the bottles is an improvement from the competitors who place their bottles upright. iFitness has a good reputation for quality.

The Nathan Speed 2 is a similar rig, though has fewer bells and whistles. It does not come with the bib toggles or gel loops. Note that if he is not a gel user, the gel loops are not important. The bottles are 10 oz giving the runner a 20 oz capacity on the run. Nathan’s expertise came from hydration systems; improving designs above long time players such as CamelBack. The molded holsters in this rig are a great add as reinserting a flask on the run is difficult in many systems.

Of these two rigs, the iFitness belt is the choice I wold make due to its ability to go from training run to race. Again, I have not used either product but iFitness is the new kid on the block with the fresh ideas.

 

[LSUfan4444]

My personal preference is the Fuel Belt Helium 4-bottle belt.

I often only run with two bottles instead of four, but do like the option of four when I want/need all four bottles.

http://www.6pm.com/fuel-belt-helium-4-bottle-belt-black?zfcTest=mat%3A1

 

[John VN]

I have a 2 and 4 bottle Fuel Belt. I think the iFitness 2 bottle belt might be a better choice since the belt has gel loops, bib toggles, large pouch and the bottles seem to be positioned in a runner friendly angle.

If he runs at a faster pace, the bottle positioning for ease of removal and insertion is more important.

 

[chanson2]

Decided to order the Ifitness for DH - anything will be an improvement over his 1980's fanny pack http://www.disboards.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

Thanks for all the opinions!