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womens fuel belt recommendations?

asked 4 months ago | Report

Finally breaking down and considering a fuel belt now that I'm training for a half marathon.
I've resisted thus far because I don't want something bulky bouncing around on my waist/hips.

Can anyone recommend a belt that stays put and isn't bulky?
I'd sure appreciate a head start on choosing from all of the different brands and varieties.

Thanks! :)

7 answers

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  • The amphipod seem to get good reviews. I personally run with a 70 oz camelback on my long runs that I love. It also has pockets for cell phone, GU's or anything else on long runs. I am getting ready to get into my 16 and 18 mile runs, and i wouldnt do them without my Camelback

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • Hi Jillian,
    The fuel belt I have and love is "Ultimate Direction Access 2X" it is a bit bulky but it does exactly what I need.
    It is snug and does not bounce, I can carry two bottles and best of all I can use store bought water / Gatorade bottles in it. This gives me the ability to carry 8/ 12 /16.7 /20 /24 oz bottles and I can toss them if needed.
    That being said, you need to find a belt that allows you to remove and return the bottle easily. Also identify how much fluid you want to carry and if you want different types of fluid. I find the bottles with soft bite type nipples to be bothersome.
    Hope this helps,
    Glenn

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • I have two - one that has two bottles for fluids only (no room for gu, etc) and is literally Fuel Belt brand. It doesn't stay put as well but is better for runs in hot weather that aren't long enough to need more than water. My other one has slightly larger water bottles and a pouch to fit keys, gu, phone, etc - it's a Nathan. That one is adjustable and stays put really well, and though it's slightly bulkier it worked great for long runs and really doesn't get in my way. If you don't want to wear a belt style, there's a hand held style by Ultimate Direction that my husband loves - it has a carrier that slips over your hand and has a small pouch to stash gu, key, etc. I also have a friend who pre-determines her routes and stashes bottles of water along the route so she doesn't have to carry any; she makes sure to have pockets to store her gu or whatever. Good luck with your choice, and with your training!

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • I have two 4-bottle Fuel Belts (Helium and Endurance models I think) and a Nathan one that holds a 20 oz bottle. All of them stay in place pretty darn well. I can't wear them around my hips because it just slides up, so I end up wearing it at the smallest part of my waist. I think the Nathan one is a bit easier for me to run in, because sometimes my arms will bang up against the bottles on the Fuel Belt ones. The Nathan belt's bottle is on the small of my back so it's not in the way at all.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • I have the Nathan with the 20 oz bottle as well. It's very comfortable and I like the extra pocket.
    I also just got a CamelBak Annadel and it is comfortable and holds 50 oz.

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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  • I personally love my pink Nathan fuel belt. It's perfect for holding my keys, sports beans, mp3 player, etc. on my long runs. http://www.nathansports.com/our-products/hydrationnutrition/racespeed-series/trail-mix

    answered 4 months ago |edited 4 months ago |Report

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  • I've had a belt and didn't like it. It didn't bounce but my lower back got sore after an our or so from the weight I guess. I prefer running with running bottles. I like the ones from Ultimate Direction, however the Amphipod and Nathan bottles are nice too. If you do get a running bottle I highly recommend that you get one with a neoprene sleeve. It keeps water cold longer in the summer and when it's cooler you hand won't get cold.

    I think a bottle is better because you are more likely to keep hydrated. It's easier to drink when it is in your hand then messing with getting it out of your belt. If you wait to pull it off your belt when you are thirsty then you have already waited too long to drink because you are partially dehydrated. I take a sip ever 3-4 minutes maybe from my bottle. The sloshing takes a little while to get used to but the same goes for the belt setup.

    Good luck!

    answered 4 months ago |Report

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