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9 Best Hydration Belts for Runners

Nathan

Whether you’re training for a marathon, hitting the local trails or running around your neighborhood in warm weather, a hydration belt provides quick and easy access to essential fluids. Most belts feature several small bottles and convenient storage slots for your smartphone, keys and valuables.

Not a fan of belts? Check out our convenient handheld water bottles for runners.

What Are the Best Hydration Belts for Runners Available Right Now?

running hydration belt Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Bounce-free design
  • Fits men and women
  • Includes a running eBook
Price: $29.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running hydration packs Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Large storage pocket
  • Fits any size iPhone
  • Available in several colors
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running hydration pack Amazon Customer Reviews
  • No-bounce design
  • Large bottle pouch
  • Built-in headphone hole
Price: $20.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
hydration belt Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Larger phone storage pocket
  • Zero bounce
  • Insulated pouch
Price: $36.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
nathan trail mix plus Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Comes in many colors
  • Zip storage pocket
  • Fully adjustable
Price: $69.00 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
osprey dyna solo running belt Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Designed specifically for women
  • Angled sleeve offers easy access to fluids
  • Retaining strap secures bottle during runs
Price: $39.95 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
CamelBak running belt Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Collapsible flask
  • Ventilated mesh
  • Zippered phone pocket
Price: $65.39 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running hydration pack Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Lightweight
  • Removable storage pouch
  • Available in women's and men's versions
Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
running hydration packs Amazon Customer Reviews
  • Quick access to water bottle
  • Reflective details
  • Minimalist design
Price: $38.73 Shop at Amazon Shop now Read our review
Our Unbiased Reviews
  1. 1. Runtasty Running Fuel Belt

    Pros:
    • Spacious storage pocket holds the largest phones
    • Waterproof pocket keeps phones and snacks dry
    • Comes with two 20-ounce water bottles
    Cons:
    • Bottles can be slippery when wet
    • Race caps aren't available for hydration bottles
    • Tight fit for phones with bulky cases

    Stay connected during workouts with the Runtasty Running Fuel Belt. This belt has a generous amount of storage space for phones and essentials. The roomy phone pocket fits the largest smartphones and is touchscreen compatible. You can answer calls, listen to music and check messages without removing your phone from its storage slot. A sweatproof pocket keeps your phone safe and secure as you log miles in your sustainable running shoes.

    There’s plenty of room to store snacks and other essentials inside the belt’s extra-large pockets. Stash energy chews, your ID, cash and anything else you might need to bring with you. Want some entertainment? Listen to music and podcasts as you run with our favorite running watches with music.

    Two 20-ounce BPA-free bottles are included with the belt. Each bottle is ergonomically designed for fast access to your water or sports drink.

    This running hydration belt fits men and women. It’s designed for bounce-free use on hips from 27 to 37 inches to reduce the risk of chafing, especially on longer runs. 

    Runtasy includes its own running eBook with each belt. You’ll receive a link once you place your order.

  2. 2. G-RUN Hydration Running Belt

    Pros:
    • Hands-free design
    • Tie-down straps keep contents secure
    • Bounce-free design
    Cons:
    • Only comes in one size
    • Unisex design
    • Some say the belt slides a bit when running

    If you’re looking for a running hydration pack with ample storage, consider the G-RUN Hydration Running Belt. The belt features a spacious inner pocket with enough room to stash your smartphone, ID, keys, credit cards and more. You can even store energy bars and anything else you might want to snack on to keep yourself going strong.

    This belt comes in one size and is designed for men and women. You’ll find this running hydration pack in three different colors.

  3. 3. AiRunTech No-Bounce Hydration Belt

    Pros:
    • Belt strap can be cut for a secure fit
    • Spacious storage pouch can hold a smartphone and other essentials
    • Reflective tab on pocket
    Cons:
    • Some larger phones don't fit in the storage pouch
    • Velcro strap opening isn't the most convenient
    • Water bottle isn't included

    If you’re looking for a belt that won’t bounce as you run, consider the AiRunTech No-Bounce Hydration Belt. This hydration belt moves with you and is worn lower down on the hips to help minimize friction. As an added bonus, you can simply cut the belt to size to ensure a secure fit.

    The belt is designed to fit waist sizes from 20 to 47 inches. There’s only one bottle slot, but you can fit a bottle that holds up to 33 ounces. The storage pouch has plenty of room for your essentials and more, including a credit card, ID, keys, energy bars and more. There’s enough space to store many of the latest iPhones and other smartphones.

    A built-in headphone hole makes it easier to listen to your favorite music on the go. A reflective tab along the pocket makes you more visible to others, especially at night. A double bottle version of this hydration belt is also available.

  4. 4. Fitletic Hydration Belt

    Pros:
    • Interior pocket for safely storing cash and other essentials
    • Reflective elements for low light safety
    • Front pouch designed to fit larger phones
    Cons:
    • Small flask bottles
    • Bottles may leak when full
    • Tight phone storage pocket

    This Fitletic hydration belt comes with two quick-draw 6-ounce flasks along with reflective accents to make you more visible during early morning and evening runs. Each bottle has a racing-inspired cap for fast access to fluids. Instead of logging miles on your running treadmill, you can stay properly hydrated and enjoy your time outdoors.

    The front pouch is large enough to fit larger phones such as the iPhone 8+ and Samsung Galaxy S8+. Silicone grippers help hold the belt in place and prevent bouncing during a run.

    Other highlights include two exterior loops to hold energy gels along with an interior pocket for safely storing cash and other essentials.

  5. 5. Nathan Trail Mix Plus Hydration Running Belt

    Pros:
    • Includes storage pocket for essentials
    • Multi-directional stretch helps eliminate bouncing
    • Comes with two 10-ounce flasks
    Cons:
    • A handful of runners complain that the belt can slide up, especially when the water bottles are full
    • Some struggle to fit larger phones into the storage pocket
    • Several mention the bottles aren’t very well insulated

    The Nathan Trail Mix Plus Hydration Running Belt comes with two insulated 10-ounce flasks. Each flask has a push-pull cap for easy access to fluids. A multi-directional stretch helps eliminate bouncing and chafing during runs.

    Features such as a storage pocket that’s large enough to hold keys, ID, and other essentials, and a zip pocket with a key ring clip add an element of convenience, especially for trail runners. The belt comes in several colors.

  6. 6. Osprey Packs Dyna Solo

    Pros:
    • Includes a BPA-free sports bottle
    • Storage pocket with safety whistle zipper pull
    • Breathable mesh material
    Cons:
    • Limited color options
    • Only comes in one size
    • Need to remove phone flap to access zippered pocket

    The Osprey Dyna Solo is specifically designed for women. An angled padded bottle sleeve provides easy access to fluids during a workout. A retaining strap holds the bottle securely in place and minimizes bouncing.

    This running waist belt holds one larger bottle with approximately 20 ounces of fluid, which should be sufficient for runs of to 3 hours for most runners. A BPA-free sports bottle is included. 

    A minimalist design makes the belt a solid choice for training, especially when any extra weight matters. Additional features include a stash pocket for energy gels and other essentials, along with a smartphone window that provides easy access to your touchscreen. This belt comes in two colors.

  7. 7. CamelBak Ultra Running Hydration Belt

    Pros:
    • Lightweight construction
    • Comes with collapsible 17-ounce flask
    • Reflective components
    Cons:
    • Users need to unzip pocket to access flask
    • Only comes in one color
    • Storage pocket may be a bit small for larger phones

    The CamelBak Ultra Running Hydration Belt stands out for its lightweight construction and convenience, thanks to a collapsible 17-ounce flask. The flask also features a single-piece silicone bite valve that allows for quick and easy access to your favorite sports drinks.

    The belt has a ventilated mesh material to keep skin comfortable and dry even during the hottest runs. Other highlights include reflective components for added safety during early morning or evening runs, along with a zippered pocket that’s large enough to store essentials.

    An extra stretch pocket gives you enough room to store gels, keys, and ID. The belt is available in extra-small/small and medium/large sizes.

  8. 8. FuelBelt Helium Ergo Belt

    Pros:
    • Angled bottles holders for fast access to fluids
    • Included bottles are dishwasher safe
    • Storage pouch is water-resistant
    Cons:
    • Bottle spouts can be tough to open
    • Some find the bottles tricky to remove
    • A few complaints of liquid leaking out of the lids

    The FuelBelt Helium Ergo Belt weighs just 350 grams with empty bottles, ensuring it won’t slow you down as you run. The belt contains a storage pouch along with slots for two eight-ounce water bottles.

    Strategically angled running bottle holders allow fast access to your water or other beverages. Both bottles are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

    There’s also a removable water-resistant storage pouch. The pouch has enough room to fit a smartphone, including standard size iPhones. This belt is designed for men and women and fits waists from 24 to 40 inches.

  9. 9. Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack

    Pros:
    • Comes with an 18-ounce flask
    • Expandable zippered pocket
    • Storage pocket can hold a larger smartphone
    Cons:
    • Straps tend to loosen on the run
    • Some say it's prone to bouncing
    • Water bottle tends to leak

    You can quickly and easily access your water bottle throughout your run with the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack. This hydration pack includes an 18-ounce flask that’s designed to be removed from its holster quickly and easily. In fact, its angled design lets you grab the bottle with one hand. The bottle is also conveniently designed not to bounce as you rum.

    A push-pull cap provides speedy access to the contents inside the bottle. Expandable storage pockets allow you to bring your essentials and more along on the run, from your phone to energy gels to keys and more.

    The pocket is large enough to hold most larger smartphones. A zippered closure keeps contents secure. If you run out of storage space, simply use the external shock cord system.

How Much Should You Hydrate When Running?

According to Boise RunWalk coaches, fluid loss is directly correlated with body size. Drinking smaller amounts at timed intervals, such as every 15 minutes, ensures you stay properly hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty. 

For best results, the source suggests avoiding sports drinks with a carbohydrate concentration greater than 7 percent. Drinks that are carbonated or contain a lot of sugar can cause GI issues.

Certain fitness watches, including the Fitbit Versa models, can remind you to stay hydrated during the day.


How Much Water Should a Distance Runner Drink a Day?

If you're running for at least an hour, Brigham Health recommends drinking 20 to 24 ounces of water to replace each pound of body weight lost during your run.

For best results, the source suggests eating foods with electrolytes and carbohydrates as you rehydrate. This can boost your recovery.

How Do I Stay Hydrated While Running?

For some runners, water is a great way to stay hydrated. If you need to replenish electrolytes, are training for a longer event, or simply don't like the taste of water, there are plenty of options. One of my favorites is the Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets, which worked wonders during my most intense marathon training sessions. They're really easy to digest, taste great and aren't overly sweet.

Hydration belts are pretty convenient and affordable overall, but they're just not the best solution for some runners. A handy alternative is a smaller handheld water bottle, especially for shorter distances.

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