It was time for me to get a new fluid belt as the one I originally purchased no longer fit me (I have shed about 30 lbs with all my running). I started to use my wife’s belt but got tired of fumbling around trying to keep the bottles in. I had three long slow runs in a row where I dropped the bottles. I lost one as I didn’t hear it fall out, and the other two sent me searching as one I kicked by accident into the bushes. Not fun!
Now that I had some more experience under my belt (pun intended). I knew what was important for me. I wanted something that could carry 4 decent sized bottles, had a pouch for my gels, and room to fit other things I might need from time to time like an i-Pod or keys. I wanted a belt that had a good ability to adjust in size and fit wherever I strapped it to myself. Most importantly, I wanted something that was quality and wouldn’t keep me running after dropped bottles. The answer…Nathan Speedbelt 4R.
I tried on a few sizes and decided to go with the smaller of the sizes that fit me. This is something I would remind beginners. If you are just starting to run, the odds are you are going to lose some fat around your mid section. Don’t just purchase a belt that fits you now, get something that will fit you when you start getting smaller. The Nathan Speedbelt 4R has a large contact area where the velcro overlaps. The velcro they use is also very strong. The design of the Nathan Speedbelt 4R allows you to even wear it on your hips if you would prefer. My wife has tried it and it even worked for her. I don’t have big hips but for fun have moved the location of the belt all around and it really does stay where you put it! With their design you can get the belt in a position so that it doesn’t bounce around. Too often I see people running with their belt flopping and bouncing all over the place. It doesn’t have to be that way!
The 4R comes with four 8 oz bottles. Two of the bottles have race cap spouts and the other two are a standard pull out and suck tops. If I had one recommendation to improve the Nathan Speedbelt 4R, that would be to have all 4 bottles with the race cap. I found myself taking the race cap off my Nathan Speedster so that 3 of 4 bottles had the race cap. I sometimes end up switching the caps as I run along during a long slow run to get the race caps. The race caps allow for high-flow and feature a one-way valve that opens and closes automatically. I haven’t tried it, but I am told that the race caps even work well if you put gel in them. The four bottles fit nicely in the molded hoisters and allow for easy flask removal and replacement. You don’t even have to look at what you are doing! Since purchasing the Nathan Speedbelt 4R, I have yet to have issues putting a bottle in or out.
The belt itself is comfortable to wear. It has a bit of stretch to it, but not too much. It is built of material that wicks away moisture so is comfortable on longer runs in warm weather. The large back pouch has room for up to 4 gels and is divided into two sections. There is a hook in it where you can clip your keys which is a handy feature. The front pouch is zippered so you can store smaller items such as salt pills which I put in a small bag to protect from sweat.
In summary, I think this is an ideal belt for training and longer runs, much better than others on the market. Make sure you decide how much fluid you want to take when deciding which belt to choose. If you are unsure, it is always better to have a belt that can carry more. After all, you don’t have to take all the bottles.
