Hydration Belts: What to Know Before You Buy

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Whether you’re just beginning your running journey or a seasoned ultra marathon runner, chances are you’ve run across an issue where staying hydrated during your workout has become a challenge. You’re not alone. There’s tons of hydration options available to carry your water or drink mix with you during those training miles. But which one is best…running backpacks, hydration vests, or hydration belts? Regardless of what you choose, this is one accessory that is essential for all levels.

Hydration Belts

For those shorter runs, less than an hour, which don’t require more than 250-500 ml of fluid, hydration belts may be the best option for you. It’s the lightest and most compact of the three wearables. How the fluid is stored is really a personal preference here whether with one or two bottles attached to the belt (sometimes more). 

The Nathan Trail Mix Plus is a great option providing easy, one-handed access to your nutrition on the fly. Each flask is insulated and holds 10 oz / 300 mL of fluid. See more details on this as well as other hydration belts options by clicking the Nathan Trail Mix Plus image.

Hydration Vests

When heading out for longer runs, over an hour, which require more fluid, hydration vests are a good option. These vests are usually equipped with two bottle sleeves which sit high up on the chest for minimal movement. The bottles themselves usually house around 500 ml of fluid each and oftentimes runners will use one for good old fashioned H2O and the other for a powered mix such as Tailwind, UCAN, Nuun, etc. Most well designed hydration vests will also feature several pockets or compartments which can be used to store additional nutrition (gels, gus, and blocks) as well as your phone, keys, credit cards, etc.  

The Nathan Pinnacle is one of our favorites in this category as it tends to be very lightweight and breathable and fits like a second skin, snug to your body to avoid chafing. Click the Nathan Pinnacle image to view more details on this particular model.

Running Backpacks

Need a bit more fluid than hydration belts or vests can hold? Going out for a super long run or planning to be on the trail for a couple hours? Running Backpacks are designed for just that and instead of bottles, use a fluid bladder to house your water. Most running backpack fluid bladders will hold between 1 – 3 liters. While these running backpacks will certainly weigh more than vests or hydration belts, they do have some additional benefits. 

For ultra running or hiking, there is usually a list of necessities that you need to carry with you including additional clothing, phone, first aid gear, hiking poles, etc. Most well constructed running backpacks will accommodate these things with additional pockets and sleeves. The other advantage is that running backpacks are versatile enough to be used for more than just running as they have additional storage. 

The Nathan Quick Start, featured below, is a good running backpack option featuring a 6 liter hydration reservoir on the center of the back and allows you to cinch in the fit with dual straps under the arms. Click the image below to see more details on this particular running backpack.