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A good hydration belt carries all your long-run necessities—fluids, nutrition and smartphone—for the long haul. A great hydration belt, however, does so without weighing you down. Choose one of these four hydration belts, and you’ll never run on empty.
FuelBelt Helium H3O
$45, Fuelbelt.com
Bottom line: Light as a feather
Every element on FuelBelt’s Helium line, from the breathable cushioning used on the waistband to the soft-touch Velcro, was designed to save grams. This three-bottle option allows runners to carry up to 21 ounces of fluid without hassle, and well-designed holsters keep bottles secure while allowing the runner to retrieve and return bottles without fumbling. A removable zippered pocket adds extra storage when needed.
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Ultimate Direction Groove Stereo
$100, Ultimatedirection.com
Bottom line: Ample stow space
Thoughtful touches abound on the newest offering from Ultimate Direction: a mesh waistband provides a secure, yet breathable fit, while pockets on both the front and back of the belt allow for easy organization of gear. The brand’s new soft flask design conforms easily to the contours of the waist, making for a bounce-free, slosh-free run. The 14-ounce collapsible bottles also feature a high-flow bite valve to ensure every drop goes to your mouth—not the ground.
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Amphipod Profile-Lite High Five-K
$35, Amphipod.com
Bottom line: Simple and utilitarian
If bells and whistles aren’t your thing, don the streamlined Amphipod waistpack. The design is simple—only one 16-ounce bottle and one zippered pocket—yet strategic. The low-profile bottle is carried at an angle for quick and easy access, and designed to minimize sloshing on the run. The 4-by-6 inch pocket doesn’t look like much at first glance, yet super-stretchy fabric expands to accommodate a fistful of gels and chews.
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Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated
$65, Nathansports.com
Bottom line: Insulated bottles keep their cool
The ergonomically designed belt offers multidirectional stretch to eliminate bounce, while an ultra-soft binding along the hem prevents chafing. The Trail Mix belt touts a stretchy, zippered storage pocket with more than enough room for three gels, an iPhone 6 Plus and a set of keys. The real stars of the show, however, are the bottles—the 10-ounce vessels are insulated with a patented double-wall flask construction that keeps fluids cooler 20 percent longer than other insulated flasks.
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