8 Best Hydration Belts Reviewed & Tested
Lack of electrolytes and stored energy can create unpleasant feelings in the body and even be hazardous if overlooked. A hydration belt will help prepare you for that marathon distance while still being lightweight and ergonomic.
We spent hours researching and came up with a sure lineup of the 8 best hydration belts for you to choose from. Check out the FAQS to see what consumers were asking and our criteria to get some answers on what makes the best hydration belt fit for you.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weight
No one wants to be weighed down, but it's very important to stay hydrated.
Finding a belt that is lightweight with all the right features is essential. You need a belt that won't weigh you down, and one that will carry your water effectively. We’ve gone through and found the ones that are as light as a feather so you can run comfortably.
Size
This is more of a preferential choice but still important.
Do you need a huge pouch to store a huge phone and other running essentials, or are you okay with a small one to just tuck your keys and ID in? Some of these even have a touchscreen window where you can still use your phone without having to take it out of the pocket. We went through and found ones with enough storage to fit most running accessories if you chose to carry them with you.
Style
We went through and found ones that are adjustable and comfortable.
The best ones are adjustable. We are trying to avoid ones that are too big, or too small in size. We want to focus on ones that will be comfortable as well. We’ve researched and found the ones that won’t slip or chafe while you run.
Use
Figuring out how much water you need for the length of your run is important to know, you don't want to run out of water midway through your run.
How much water you need to intake is quite important. Will you need enough for a small, moderate, or a lengthy run? We will let you know how much fluid these bottles can hold so you can find the right sized bottle for you.
Durability
We went through and made sure that the belts on this list are strong, and will hold up during your run.
Nobody wants one that’s not going to hold up that’s for sure! Some have pretty amazing features such as no-rip material which makes for great durability.
8 Best Hydration Belts
1. URPOWER
This running belt is made from neoprene materials that keep it lightweight, and waterproof. It has a pocket to hold your phone and accessories with a spot to put your headphones through so you can listen to music during your run.
Read moreWeight
This is extremely lightweight weighing about 4.5 ounces.
Storage
The URPOWER running belt comes with a zipper pocket that can hold most smartphones with a spot to put your headphones in so you can listen to your headphones while you run. It is 5.7 inches wide.
Fit
It has a fully adjustable strap that fits from an 18-inch waist to 58-inch waist. It can even be used as a shoulder bag. It is gender-neutral so it can be worn by anyone.
Bottle Capacity
This belt comes with two six-ounce bottles that won't bounce or leak during your run. The six-ounce bottles are a perfect size and won't weigh you down.
Durability
It has tear-resistant technology so it will last throughout the seasons. It also comes with a lifetime warranty, so if you do come upon any problems they will replace your belt.
2. Osprey Dyna Solo
For many users, this option worked really well on more demanding, trail running with more bumpy terrain. It may be a great option for those who prefer to wear one bottle instead of two as it’s much more lightweight. You can also use the smartphone without removing it from the pocket as there’s a special window for it.
Read moreWeight
The weight is 5.3 ounces.
Storage
In the pocket, you can carry all the necessities you have like a phone, wallet or keys. The bottle is kept in a special sleeve.
Fit
The hip belt is very elastic and flexible. Its women-specific design provides wide hip belt. To make the fit more secure, the hip belt features hook and loop hear.
Bottle Capacity
The bottle capacity is 570 ml. This is totally BPA free product.
Durability
Users say that the product lasts for a long time even when used on trails.
3. Nathan Trail Mix
Users liked how easily these slip in and out, they can be grabbed one-handed without breaking stride. This belt was built to race and has prefabricated clips to make attaching race numbers simple and easy. This is a hydration solution that will stand the test of time, and one that we can recommend without reservation.
Read moreWeight
The material is quite light, and it wicks away sweat like a charm. It's 15-percent lighter weight than its previous iteration.
Storage
There is a small pocket to help you leave no trace or to stash whatever it is that you need to be stashed. It has one external pocket and one zippered pocket to keep your essentials and valuables secure. It also features two shock cords with an easy-pull tension lock.
Fit
Its monofilament belt stretches around your body for the perfect bounce-free ride. It fits sizes 26"-42" waists and some think it should hug the hip better as it tends to slide a bit while you run.
Bottle Capacity
The Trail Mix allows extreme ease of access to water with holster style holders for two 10 oz water bottles. Its ergonomic, tension-molded holsters complete the ensemble and keep your bottles both easy to access and in place.
Durability
This option is quite durable and made with quality materials, there haven't been any reports of wear and tear that we could locate.
4. Fitletic
The Fitletic offers a 12oz and 16oz version, for this review we focused on the 12 oz bottles. It's definitely time to get fit with the Fitletic since it has raving reviews of comfort.
Read moreWeight
It weighs in at 7 ounces. They've added a pouch and a bottle and you don't seem to notice a weight difference from the previous version.
Storage
The pouch has been upgraded and enlarged to now fit all large phones. It also has an interior pocket that provides storage.
Fit
The Dura-Comfort Technology is included to make sure that it won't be riding up, bouncing, or chafing while you run. It's an ultra soft dual-adjustable waist belt. It has silicone grippers that help prevent bounce.
Bottle Capacity
It is equipped with two flasks (each 6oz) in their quick-draw holsters. The flasks have quick flow race caps, but carbonated liquids may still leak. They are BPA free and dishwasher safe.
Durability
It is extremely durable and we couldn't find any complaints about the where and tear of the fabric.
5. Adalid Gear
This lightweight pack is perfect for your runs with its storage areas, adjustable fit and leak-proof bottles.
Read moreWeight
It is in the lightweight category and ergonomically designed.
Storage
It has a large zippered pouch that can fit your phone, music or other accessories within the dimensions of 6.7" x 3.5", and it comes complete with separate inner pockets for storing smaller items.
Fit
The fit is soft, lightweight and adjustable. It fits snug without moving around too much or causing discomfort.
Bottle Capacity
It comes complete with two 10oz water bottles to fuel your run.
Durability
It is water-resistant, and can withstand light rain, but not recommended for downpours. There haven't been any complaints of wear and tear and this item should be quite durable lasting a long time.
6. Nathan VaporKrar
Nathan is a favorite brand among hydration belt users and the VaporKrar proves why. This minimalist design offers a larger, collapsible water bottle and space to hold a phone and gels. Furthermore, it is super light and ergonomic, fitting the hips without slippage and irritation.
Read moreWeight
At 3.4 oz with the water bottle, Nathan VaporKrar slips snug so no added water or other stored weight will feel like it is all you are holding. The side pockets expand to add gels or other energy supplements.
This is a minimalist designed hydration belt so the weight is going to be light. However, it is fit to strategically carry a lot more than one would think.
Storage
That 20 oz collapsible flask sits to the back f the belt in a compression pocket. This is also there to hold small jackets or other running essentials. Another front zipper pocket holds regular-sized phones and cards as well.
We also mentioned the side stash pockets. These are great for when you're smashing that marathon and need a quick reach for an energy gel or super hydration supplements. Sometimes your body needs more than water to get refueled.
Fit
Vaporkrar hydration belt is engineered with elastic around the top to give the most secure fit. Being shy of just 4 oz also makes it fits light and comfortable.
This hydration belt is also a step-through design. You tighten it to customize your form and the bounce-free ride make sure your items don’t bounce the belt away.
Bottle Capacity
Nathan made this hydration belt with a larger flask. The compression pocket also helps collapse the 20 oz bottle. It also has a bite valve to prevent leakage and easy access to your water.
Durability
VaporKrar is made by a runner for serious runners. The Nathan brand is known for its durability and its minimalist styles. This one is no different.
The material and elastic combine to make a bounce and slip-free hydration belt. This alone helps keep wear and tear down on the belt. Furthermore, consumers wouldn’t be giving Nathan all the hype if it didn't last ultra-long.
7. Amphipod
The Amphipod hydration belt gives even the most minimalist runners the option to bring the bare necessities with them. It is made to prevent sweat build-up and hot spots around the waist while being light and bounce-free. Unless you’re pulling out one of the BPA free water bottles to get refreshed, you won’t even know it is there.
Read moreWeight
The Amphipod is a heavier option on our list but it doesn't take away from the stellar engineering. It offers a lot of water and extra space so this isn't a surprise that it weighs just short of 9 oz.
This is the best option for those that do not mind a little weight. It offers more space as well with just short of a minimalist design.
Storage
Fitting plus size phones and offering that lightweight ripstop zipper design, you’ll run confidently with what you need to stay hydrated. The zip pack has an inner divider to keep organized while the outer main packet is easily accessed and holds just what you need to keep connected.
Fit
Fully customizable and ergonomic, the Amphipod stays put and doesn't make you sweat. This is due to the built-in air-flow mesh lining that lets the airflow through. The Airstretch Grypton silicone built-in makes sure it doesn't rub either.
Furthermore, taking the best on and off is a breeze. The buckle is a quick release and doesn't stick out.
Bottle Capacity
It’s is a surprise how well packed this hydration belt is as it also comes with two 10.5 oz Jett-Squeeze cap water bottles. They are ergonomic, dishwasher safe and BPA Free.
Amphipod customized the bottle pockets to allow easy access to the runner. Furthermore, those side bungee pockets we mentioned give you added space to add any sort of extra hydration supplements and energy bars you need as well. There is plenty of space in this super light and compact hydration belt.
Durability
Everything built into the Amphipod design works with making the hydration belt last. The mesh linings keep the sweat away, which keeps the fabric from breaking down. Moreover, the fact it doesn’t bounce around prevents stress from added weight in the pockets and bungees.
Furthermore, That ripstop zip pack we mentioned keeps the hydration belt light and sealed without snags. And just to add, the BPA free bottles are dishwasher safe, which means they can handle more users.
8. FitTech Gear
This hydration bet will be definitely a great option for beginners and for those who can’t afford more expensive belts. A lot of women are satisfied with this product as it’s easy to adjust it to the smaller waist. The funny thing about this belt is that when you purchase it on some sites, it comes with a jump rope.
Read moreWeight
The packaged weight is 7.2 ounces.
Storage
There is one large pocket where you can keep your phone, wallet or other smaller items. Many users also praised the pocket for being really waterproof. This product is featured with a reflective band that aims to make you more visible.
Fit
The great thing about this belt is reduced bouncing. Even if you run on more bumpy terrain, you will still very comfortable. The belt is fully adjustable. It fits most waist sizes.
Bottle Capacity
There are two 10oz water bottles included. These are also BPA free. The spout is made of plastic and it’s very easy to use.
Durability
While users marked the belt durability as good, when it comes to the bottles, there were people that didn’t like it. According to some users, the bottles aren’t very durable and they don’t last for a long time.
Sources
- , How to Stay Hydrated Before, During, and After Your Runs, Health information website
- , Running 101: Hydration During Running, Running informational website
- , Q&A: How Much Water Should I REALLY Drink on a Long Run?, Women's Health
