Best Running Belts of 2024

Running belts and waist packs offer a way to carry supplies and gear, such as water, snacks, an extra clothing layer, your phone, keys, cards, money, and sometimes even hiking poles, in a hyper-compact setup around your waist. The best running belt will fit comfortably, stay still when you run, and have easily accessible pockets for the items you need.

From minimalist mini-belts just big enough for a smartphone to ultramarathon-worthy running hydration waist packs that can fully substitute for a running vest, the running belt and waist pack market is so large and diverse that deciding what you might need can be challenging.

iRunFar’s gear testing team searched far and wide and logged hundreds of miles in a few dozen products to bring you the best running belts and waist packs today. Our top picks fit into three general categories: tube-style belts, mini-belts, and larger waist packs built for carrying everything you need for an extended period out.

You can learn more about choosing the best running belt by jumping to our how-to-choose section. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about running belts and waist packs and describe our testing methodology for this guide.

Best Running Belts

• Best Overall Running Belt: Naked Running Band
• Best Running Belt — Runner-Up: Nathan Zipster Max Belt
• Best Running Belt for One Hard-Sided Water Bottle: Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pak
• Best Running Belt for Two Hard-Sided Water Bottles: UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Pack
• Best Mini-Belt: Nathan 5K Waist Belt
• Best Running Belt for One Soft Flask: Ultimate Direction Race Belt
• Best Running Belt for Two Soft Flasks: Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt
• Best Budget Running Belt: UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0
• Best Running Belt for Versatility: Janji Multipass Sling Bag

Best Overall Running Belt: Naked Running Band ($55)

Pros:

• Lots of storage
• Open pocket configuration allows you to store stuff exactly where you want to
• Stretchy and stable

Cons:

• You can feel poles on the lower back when held with bands
• Can scrunch up depending on body type

It’s been on the market for years, and many brands have tried their hand at a similar tube-style running belt, yet the Naked Running Band remains the best running belt of its kind.

The stretchy, breathable, tube-style running waist pack has three deep pockets circling the entire belt. While this belt carries three 500-milliliter soft flasks, that amount of weight can feel cumbersome around the waist. The Naked Running Band has large elastic bands for carrying collapsible running poles on the back, which is convenient, though you might be able to feel them in the small of your back.

These bungees can also hold a rain jacket, though a lightweight rain jacket or windbreaker could also scrunch into the stretchy pockets. On the front of the belt, there are two bungee toggles for attaching a race bib, and there is also an internal key clip.

This waist pack has the most precise fit of all the tube-style options, thanks to its 12 available sizes. The Naked website has a size chart, and multiple testers found the belts ran true to the advertised sizes. Notably, some but not all testers found that the tall height of the band caused it to scrunch up a bit around the abdomen, especially if they were not carrying much inside the belt.

Actual weight: 2.3 ounces (67 grams) | Configuration: Three large top-loading pockets encircling the belt

Shop the Naked Running Band

Best Running Belt — Runner-Up: Nathan Zipster Max Belt ($40)

Pros:

• Excellent fit
• Good storage capacity
• Dries quickly

Cons:

• Nothing yet

The Nathan Zipster Max Belt is the brand’s widest-fitted minimalist running belt. Our tester described it as “the perfect running belt,” as it boasts many crucial features. First, and perhaps most importantly, the fit is spot-on. The Zipster stays securely in place with no bounce but is not overly tight and seems to have the right amount of stretch.

We took this out on many long runs while marathon training, sometimes holding a phone, car key, sunglasses, gels, headphones, and gloves, and we were impressed with how still this belt stayed on our waist, even when fully loaded. We were also impressed by the belt’s ability to dry quickly during a few runs in the rain, and the two water-resistant pockets kept our phone and key fob dry, so we didn’t need to carry an extra plastic bag for them when we got caught out in a light sprinkle. However, we can’t say how long they would keep items dry in a downpour.

The nylon and spandex belt can carry up to 1.5 liters spread across four pockets — two on the side, one extra-large zippered water-resistant pocket, and one small zippered water-resistant pocket. The durability of products heavy on elastic always needs to be approached with caution, but after a few months of testing and multiple long runs, the belt continues to hold its shape and fit correctly.

This lightweight mesh running belt comes in six sizes, and we had no issues with it scrunching up on our abdomens.

Actual weight: 2.1 ounces (60 ounces) | Configuration: Two side pockets, one extra-large zippered water-resistant pocket, and one small zippered water-resistant

Shop the Nathan Zipster Max Belt

Best Running Belt for Hard-Sided Water Bottles: Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack ($40)

Pros:

• Carries a hard-sided water bottle better than any other waist pack we tested
• Included water bottle slips in and out easily
• No bounce

Cons:

• Limited storage beyond carrying water
• It doesn’t come in multiple sizes to accommodate the widest array of body types
• No key clip

If you prefer to drink out of a hard-sided bottle rather than a soft flask, the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack sits at the top of our list. The included hard-sided Nathan Speed Draw Flask with the push/pull Race Cap holds 535 milliliters (18 ounces) of liquid, which is an excellent amount for a variety of situations, including races with frequent aid stations or city runs where you pass by water fountains occasionally. The bottle is easy to fill and drink out of.

The included flask is ergonomically shaped and flat on one side, allowing it to sit nicely against the small of your back. Its curved sides and bump on the outer face make it comfortable for hands of many sizes to hold. Finally, pulling out and replacing the flask in its designated holster while running feels easy and smooth.

This pack offers just one zippered pocket that wraps around the left back side for storage. It’s big enough for your phone, key, and a couple of snacks. To the right side of the water bottle holster is an adjustable bungee cord that allows you to stow a small jacket, hat, or gloves. Overall, the storage is pretty minimal.

This running belt has no bounce — none at all — courtesy of its wide webbing and overall shape meant to fill much of the surface area on the small of your back. One of our testers even found the wide webbing to be overkill for this small pack, though others appreciated it for the stability it offers.

This single-size belt connects at the front with a buckle and adjusts to fit most body sizes. And in case you’re wondering, a few other hard-sided water bottles do fit into this waist pack, but not with the precision fit of the included Nathan Speed Draw Flask.

Actual weight: 6.3 ounces with the included hard-sided water bottle (178 grams) | Configuration: Water bottle holster and one zippered pocket on the back

Shop the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack

Best Running Belt for Two Hard-Sided Water Bottles: UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Belt ($90)

Pros:

• Stays secure without bouncing
• Lots of storage
• Insulated holsters keep water cool

Cons:

• Bottles a little big and bulky
• The front pole storage system is not our favorite
• Expensive

If you like the structure and feel of hard-sided water bottles and want enough water capacity to cover some ground, the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Belt can easily and comfortably carry more than a liter of liquid. We loved how securely the belt fit even when loaded to capacity.

Associated with Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, this long-distance waist pack has more water and snack capacity than other options in this guide. The two UltraFlask 550 Hybrid Bottles may feel a bit bulky and big to handle, but there’s no denying that their capacity has allowed us to go long distances without stopping for a refill. We’ve named these bottles the best multiuse bottles in our Best Water Bottles for Running guide, and we used them for various applications besides just with this belt.

We were impressed with how comfortably this waist best carried such a significant amount of water and how secure the bottles felt in the insulated holsters. Even when we added nutrition products or other small pieces of gear to the zippered pocket, it never felt cumbersome. The clever holster design keeps the bottles from working their way out while still being easy to access and grab on the go. The bottles sit far enough back on the hips to stay out of the way of swinging arms.

We appreciated this waist belt’s many storage options. Phones fit easily in the front mesh pocket, and two side pockets can also carry snacks we want easy access to. We could fit gels and bars in these pockets while we stuffed slightly larger items in the back zip pocket.

Two bungee cords on the front of the pack can hold a pair of folded trekking poles. We’re not huge fans of carrying poles on the front of our body due to the increased risk of injury during a fall. There’s no denying this waist pack is expensive, but if you consider that it comes with a pair of bottles that you can use for other purposes and carry a large volume of water and gear, the price can be worth it.

This belt only comes in a one-size-fits-most and can be adjusted with a single wide strap on the side.

Actual weight: 17.6 ounces (500 grams) with two included bottles | Configuration: Two bottle holsters, zippered back pocket, two side pockets, front phone pocket

Shop the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Pack

Best Mini-Belt: Nathan 5K Waist Belt ($30)

Pros:

• Minimal bounce
• Easy to take on and off
• Excellent price

Cons:

• Thick material will get sweaty in warmer weather
• No key clip

The Nathan 5K Waist Belt is the running belt to use if you’re seeking no-bounce minimalism. The back sits flush and securely against the body, offering excellent reflective detail for those early morning, evening, or night runs. The front closes easily with a click of the plastic buckle. We could store a phone and an ultralight windbreaker in this waist pack, which far exceeded our expectations for storage capacity. And it carried the weight and mass without bouncing at all.

The black version has strap keepers for the adjustable strap, while the other colors don’t, which is a bummer but an issue we fixed by trimming excess belt material. This running waist pack is one-size-fits- most, and the strap provides plenty of adjustability to fit many body types. The buckle was big enough that it didn’t feel uncomfortable or dig into our abdomen when we snugged it up.

Some testers said they got pretty warm wearing it, as the belt is made largely of neoprene, which isn’t the most breathable material. That said, it’s great for shoulder season when you start cold and need to stash gloves and a headlamp as the day warms. While it isn’t the most innovative waist pack, it’s an excellent choice for an affordable and easy-to-use belt.

Actual weight: 4 ounces (113 grams) | Configuration: One large and one small zippered pocket on the back

Shop the Nathan 5K Waist Belt

Best Running Belt for One Soft Flask: Ultimate Direction Race Belt ($55)

Pros:

• It is super easy to access and stow the included soft flask
• No hanging straps thanks to Velcro closure
• No bounce and a very comfortable ride

Cons:

• You must add on Ultimate Direction Adventure Pocket if you want extensive storage in addition to carrying water
• Velcro catches on some clothing materials and gloves
• High price

The Ultimate Direction Race Belt is a traditional-style running waist pack perfect for carrying a full-sized soft flask. This belt closes in the front with a Velcro layover rather than a buckle clasp, meaning no extra strap material hangs over the side. The system allows for plenty of adjustability for this one-size-fits-all waist pack.

This waist pack has three pockets — a tiny pocket on the front right side to hold a key and two pockets on the back. The main back pocket is for carrying a soft flask that loads from the top and has a snap closure, and the internal zipper pocket securely holds your phone or other items. That internal zipper pocket also has a key clip.

Finally, adjustable bungee cords on the back allow you to attach poles or an extra layer. Even with a full soft flask, the poles attach easily and comfortably. Should you desire more storage than what’s here, this waist belt is made to pair with the Ultimate Direction Adventure Pocket, which can attach to the front.

This running carries soft flasks well. Unlike other waist packs, where the soft flask can stretch the mesh or bounce around a bit, the Ultimate Direction Race Belt design is such that the soft flask in the back sits nicely, slides out and in easily, and does not bounce. Handling soft flasks can be a wiggly experience, and this belt offers a streamlined solution. On that note, this waist pack comes with one Ultimate Direction Body Bottle II 500-milliliter soft flask.

Actual weight: 3.6 ounces with the included soft flask (104 grams) | Configuration: One large top-loading pocket and one zippered pocket on the back; one tiny Velcro pocket on the front

Shop the Ultimate Direction Race Belt

Best Running Belt for Two Soft Flasks: Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt ($75)

Pros:

• Massive carrying capacity
• There is no bounce as it sits low and secure on the back

Cons:

• The highest price of any waist pack in this guide
• Velcro catches on some clothing materials and gloves

If you’re looking for a running belt that can carry as much as a small running vest, you’ll appreciate the massive storage capacity of the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt. While this belt is expensive, its ability to comfortably carry a lot of weight and volume makes it worth the investment.

It has the largest carrying capacity of any belt on this list and can fit two full soft flasks at angles on the lower back in dedicated pockets with bungee closure tops. The waist pack includes two Ultimate Direction Body Bottle II 500-milliliter soft flasks. Note that these hydration pockets store other gear well if you’re not carrying two soft flasks.

A zippered pocket between the bottles can fit your phone, a wind jacket, snacks, and anything else you might want, though some testers stated they struggled to get the largest of phones inside when carrying two full soft flasks. Within this zippered pocket, a hidden pocket with a hook-and-loop closure lets you securely stow a key and credit cards. Finally, an adjustable bungee cord overlays the zipper pocket to hold an extra layer.

Like the Ultimate Direction Race Belt above, this one has a tiny pocket just for your key with a Velcro closure in the front. You can pair this waist belt with the Adventure Pocket for even more storage.

On an all-day adventure, we took this waist pack, carrying one soft flask, running fuel for seven hours, a rain jacket, gloves, a water filter, a phone, and a small headlamp. It comfortably and easily held all we would have carried in a hydration pack.

Actual weight: 5.3 ounces with the two included soft flasks (150 grams) | Configuration: Two soft flask holsters, one large zippered pocket, and one small Velcro pocket on the back; one tiny Velcro pocket on the front

Shop the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt

Best Budget Running Belt: UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0 ($33)

Pros:

• The curved shape fits ergonomically on the hips
• The zippered pocket allows secure storage for keys, cards, and trash
• Best price in the tube-style running belt category

Cons:

• It can bunch up if not carrying much in the pockets

In the case of the UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0, a lower price doesn’t equate with fewer features or less performance. This tube-style running belt has a shape that’s taller in the front and shorter in the back, thanks to curves on the bottom edge of the waist pack. This distributes pressure across a wider area across the abdomen and minimizes the chance of bunching around the back.

This belt has three large pockets that will hold your phone, hydration, nutrition, and anything else you may want to carry. One of the pockets closes with a vertical zipper. While the zipper will keep your keys or whatever else you put in the pocket secure when zipped, its verticalness increases the chance of losing an item if you forget to zip it. The other two pockets are open at the top, making slipping items in and out easy.

Bungee cords on the back securely carry your poles or an extra layer of clothing. The largest pocket on the front will comfortably hold a full-size soft flask. If you wear this belt in a race, there are two bungee toggles to attach to your bib. While this is an excellent design for an everyday running belt and is a great value, some testers noticed it bunched up if they weren’t carrying much.

Actual weight: 2.4 ounces (68 grams) | Configuration: Two large top-loading pockets and one pocket with a vertical zipper encircling the belt

Shop the UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0

Best Running Belt for Versatility: Janji Multipass Sling Bag ($56)

Pros:

• Functional design
• Multiply carry configurations
• Great value

Cons:

• It will not carry hydration
• No easy way to carry running poles

While not necessarily a waist belt designed just for running, the Janji Multipass Sling is a unique design that packs a lot of functionality into a relatively lightweight and technical design. You can wear this part-sling, part-belt design multiple ways, and it has many applications outside of running. It has one primary pocket on the outside that zips closed and can hold anything from a soft flask to snacks, a jacket, or gloves.

Inside this main pocket, you’ll also find a key clip and a smaller mesh pocket perfectly sized for cards or cash. Behind this larger primary pocket is another zippered pocket that sits against the body and has plenty of room for a few more snacks or your phone. A pass-through pocket between these two pockets is perfect for stashing a lightweight jacket; however, it’s not quite big enough to easily fit poles.

This belt features technical, water-resistant fabric and just enough lightweight, perforated foam to give it a little structure without making it feel heavy and hot. The material on the back is breathable mesh, which works together with the foam to allow airflow between the pack and your body.

All that said, what sets this pack apart is that you can wear it either as a waist pack or as a sling around your shoulders. If you opt for the latter, a small hidden strap in the back zippered pocket pulls out and clips to the main strap for added stability (and no bouncing). Both configurations are comfortable, depending on your activity.

We liked the traditional waist pack for running and the sling for bike commuting. On that note, this is a highly functional and technical pack, but it’s best for commuting, traveling, and general on-the-go activities. It wouldn’t be our first pick, say, in a race or long run where you’re mainly carrying fuel and hydration.

You can read more at our full Janji Multipass Sling Bag review.

Actual weight: 6.5 ounces (183 grams) | Configuration: Two large zippered pockets, one with an internal mesh pocket and key ring, and one additional pass-through pocket for a lightweight windbreaker or rain jacket

Shop the Janji Multipass Sling Bag

Comparing the Best Running Belts

NAME	PRICE	WEIGHT	CAPACITY
Naked Running Band	$55	2.3 ounces	2+ liters
Nathan Zipster Max Belt	$40	2.1 ounces	1.5 liters
Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack	$40	6.3 ounces	0.65 liters
UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Belt	$90	17.6 ounces	1.75 liters
Nathan 5K Waist Belt	$40	4 ounces	18 ounces
Ultimate Direction Race Belt	$55	3.6 ounces	1 liter
Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt	$75	5.3 ounces	2.9 liters
UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0	$33	2.4 ounces	0.74 liters
Janji Multipass Sling Bag	$56	6.5 ounces	2 liters

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Running Belt

Choosing From the Various Styles

The best running belts and waist packs generally fall into three general categories:

1. Tube-style belts: Ultralight, minimalistic, and adaptable to what you’d like to carry in them
2. Mini-belts: Small waist packs meant only to hold your keys, card, and phone
3. Larger waist packs built around carrying specific water bottles: Besides hydration, these can additionally hold snacks, extra layers, poles, and more

The best running belt will depends on your run. For a quick three miles around the block with shorts that don’t have pockets to carry your keys, the Nathan 5K Waist Belt will do the trick. A trail marathon with lots of aid stations for refilling water bottles or a remote high-altitude adventure where you’re primarily self-reliant will each warrant a different style of running belt. If you need more than a waist belt can handle, check our Best Running Vests guide for more storage options.

The style you use is also a matter of personal preference and comfort. For example, the best running belt for a minimalist differs from someone who loves to drink out of hard-sided water bottles. Whatever you desire, this guide has a waist pack for you.

Fit

Many people choose running belts and waist packs over hydration packs because they place more weight on the hips and waist rather than the shoulders. This lowers your overall center of gravity, and some feel like this makes them more stable compared to carrying weight high on their back in a hydration vest. Belts also reduce chest and back coverage, which can minimize sweat buildup on your shirt.

Each runner’s body type will partly dictate the best running belt for them, both from a body shape and composition standpoint. The right belt or waist pack will sit snugly around the body without being too tight, riding up, or falling down while moving. Some brands do this better than others, and a style that works for one person may not work for another.

We’ve found that men and women wear waist belts differently. Men have a much straighter line from the waist to the hips, and women tend to taper at the waist and widen at the hips. As a result, men tend to wear waist belts at their natural hips, and women tend to want them at the narrowest point on their bodies.

It’s always best to try a waist belt on before you purchase to ensure you get the correct size. When buying online, follow each brand’s sizing charts and instructions. Many of the belts in this guide, including the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Belt, Ultimate Direction Race Belt, and Nathan 5K Waist Belt, are one-size-fits-most and have a good level of adjustment. The Janji Multipass Sling Bag also has a lot of adjustability and two ways to wear it. Meanwhile, the Naked Running Band, which is a tube-style waist belt, has 12 different size options.

Storage and Size

Even within the three categories of running belts, there are a variety of storage capacities among different designs and styles. The best running belt for you may be a simple, solid belt that can hold water, such as the Naked Running Band, or a maximal waist pack with lots of capacity, like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt. Or you may prefer a wider-width belt that feels better on your abdomen than a thin one, even though you’re not carrying as much. The UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0 is thicker around the front than the back in order to reduce pressure on the abdomen.

You may also consider how easy it is to access the items you are storing: Are there zipper pockets, magnetic closures, or fabric overlays? Do the things you’re carrying feel solid and secure while running? The list we’ve compiled above includes an option to suit the needs and preferences of just about anyone.

Sweat Factor

Like other running gear, we look for running belts and waist packs with good wicking and breathability to keep wet waists to a minimum. Running belts are a great alternative to running vests if you’re a heavy sweater and want to keep your back and chest area as dry as possible.

Belts can help with thermoregulation and reduce overheating when it’s hot out. A running belt that breathes well will also minimize the chance of chafing. A pack like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt will hold almost as much as a running vest and may work better for warm-weather training and racing than a traditional vest for some people.

Stomach Comfort

A waist belt might not be the right solution for some people who are sensitive to pressure or material around their stomachs while running. If you’re concerned about pressure, consider a running belt like the Naked Running Band, which comes in various sizes and has a good amount of stretch. You might also consider one with an adjustable strap, such as the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack.

We found that all the running belts we included in this guide stayed securely in place without being too tight. The UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0 is broader around the front than the back to distribute pressure on the stomach, reducing force on the abdomen while still allowing the pack to stay in place.

Why You Should Trust Us

iRunFar’s robust testing process ensures you get the best gear for your needs. We consider quality, durability, cost, and a host of other elements when choosing which models of gear to test.

Based on decades of experience as runners and gear reviewers in this space, we extensively researched the running belts and waist packs marketplace before choosing roughly 20 top candidates for extensive testing in our first iteration of this guide. We then tested the products on mountains and singletrack through rocks, mud, rain, and a few genuinely epic storms. Additionally, we tested these running waist belts in all four seasons. Eventually, we identified the best running hydration belts to include in this guide.

Over the years since we first published this guide, our gear team has continued testing running belts through the same rigorous process and updating the list above so that the best options remain. We also often keep using our top picks in our daily running, allowing us to speak to their durability and longevity over the years

Frequently Asked Questions About Running Belts and Waist Packs

What’s the difference between a running belt, waist pack, and waist belt?

Not a whole lot! These terms are generally used interchangeably by brands marketing their products. All of the names refer to a piece of gear worn around the waist with pockets and holsters for storing water and gear. For ease, we also use these phrases interchangeably in this guide. While the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack and the Nathan 5k Waist Belt use different terminology, in the end, they are essentially the same product in different sizes and with different features.

Why would I use a running belt or waist pack instead of a hydration vest?

In general, it comes down to the length of your run, what you need to carry, and personal preference. If all you’re carrying is a phone and a set of keys and going on a shorter run, you most likely won’t need more than a minimal waist pack like the Nathan 5k Waist Belt. In these scenarios, carrying a full running vest is overkill, but it’s still nice to have your hands free and not have to keep track of multiple items.

Running belts are also great if you don’t want your back to get sweaty. A larger waist pack, like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt, can carry nearly as much as a regular hydration vest, but since it sits around the hips and doesn’t cover your back and part of your chest, your shirt will get less sweaty. This can also help overall thermoregulation and may be a solid option for warmer weather runs.

Some people also like running belts because they allow you to carry weight lower on your body.

Why should I use a running belt instead of pockets on my running shorts or tights?

In reality, a running belt or your running shorts (or tights) can be great options for storing a relatively small volume of gear, so it’s a matter of personal preference and what feels the most comfortable for you. There are several running shorts, several of which are included in our Best Running Shorts for Men and Best Running Shorts for Women guides, that can carry a phone and other small items. Products in our Best Women’s Running Tights and Best Running Tights for Men guides also have storage options.

We will say, after having tested many shorts and tights over the years, few garments hold more than your keys and perhaps one snack without issue, so often, a running belt opens up the opportunity to carry a little more, such as a phone or water bottle. Even a minimalist belt like the Nathan 5k Waist Belt will hold the essentials for a short run, but a slightly larger belt, like our favorite, the Naked Running Band, can carry pretty much everything you need for most runs up to a few hours.

What are the benefits of choosing a running belt that carries water?

This comes down to distance or your personal hydration needs — maybe your run is in the two-hour range in moderate weather, which is long enough that you’d like to hydrate, but short enough that you don’t need the liter or more of water storage capacity a hydration vest offers.

Running hydration waist packs, like the Ultimate Direction Race Belt, carry a single soft flask, or the Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack carries a hard-sided bottle. If you need more water in soft flasks, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt is a great option, while the UltrAspire Speedgoat 3.0 Waist Belt, which can hold two hard-sided water bottles, can carry enough water for extended efforts.

What can I carry in a running belt or waist pack?

You can carry anything you want. The standard is keys, running fuel, a phone, and maybe hydration. For belts with a larger carrying capacity, like the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt, you can add an extra layer, enough calories for a couple of hours on the trail, and even trekking poles. The Janji Multipass Sling Bag is great for activities like biking, hiking, travel, and running, and you can use it for both athletic and casual wear.

How do I keep my stomach comfortable wearing a running belt?

Some people don’t mind the slight compressive feeling around the middle created by a running belt, while others hate any pressure over the abdomen. If you’re in the second camp and still want to find the best running belt for short runs, choose one that stretches very easily, like the Naked Running Band.

If possible, we recommend trying out a few different sizes to see what feels best for you. Wearing them as loosely as possible while still keeping them from shifting around can minimize pressure for adjustable belts. The UltrAspire Fitted Race Belt 2.0 is a bit wider around the front than the back, reducing pressure on the abdomen while allowing for a snug and bunching-free fit.

An alternative is adjusting where you wear the pack on your body. This is a bit easier for men, as their body shape allows them to fit a waist belt on the hips rather than over the stomach, while most women wear running belts more around their true waist than their hips.

Call for Comments

• Do you prefer a running belt or a handheld water bottle when you’re on a shorter mission that doesn’t require a hydration pack?
• What are your favorite running belts, maybe some that we didn’t review in this guide? Let us know, and we’ll consider them for future updates to this article!

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