Hydration running belt
Product 2018
Woman, Man
We were looking for a hydration solution during triathlons for the running section, the lightest possible we could find. Wearing a hydration vest was not an option, all that’s available was a hydration belt. Often, the solitary hard bottle belt is too big, and the belt is too wide and heavy. Nathan have this all season model, the Speed Demon which has two little flasks and a lightweight belt: 173g + 89g flasks (empty).
Even if Nathan don’t have the Speed Demon in the catalogue you can still find it on the Internet at a bargain price. The other option is the recent Nathan hydration belt: the Switchblade 24oz, TrailMix Plus Insulated 2, the TrailMix Plus 2 or the Mercury 2.
Why are we interested in the Speed Demon and why recommend it? Because, it is very close to being the perfect product: compact, lightweight, very well-designed, practical and durable.
Nathan made this belt so that the two water flasks sit on the back of the pelvis, and so you don’t feel the weight of the flasks, they are stable and easy to access due to the angle in which they are sitting (well-studied to be able to grasp them whilst running). The rear of the belt is articulated with a metallic ring which helps it move with you. It is exceptionally comfortable thanks to this and the dense, thin, hydrophobic foam padding.
The two 7oz flasks (207ml each) sit in the anti-slip compartments (we never lost a flask, even whilst trail running fast). They are judiciously positioned to not interfere with arm movements.
The rigid flasks are very nice to handle due to the anti-slip covering and their ergonomic shape. The flask opening is wide enough to add powdered energy drink. The teat opens up easily with your fingers, not quite so easy with your teeth.
They don’t hold a lot of liquid (less than 500ml in all) but sufficient for when you don’t need a lot to drink, or when the aid stations, or water sources are frequent. The flasks don’t give the water a nasty taste, if you fill them with only water.
The belt fastening is simple and efficient. If you adjust it correctly, the belt stays in place and you soon forget you are wearing it. We particularly appreciated the two storage pockets. The first is wide and you can fit an iPhone X and/or gels. The second a smaller pocket with magnet closing, is safe for putting car keys. Both these pockets are detachable.
Over all the belt is well-made and tough.
This Nathan Speed Demon is an excellent hydration belt, that is lightweight, performant and tough. It has a limited water carrying capacity to corresponding races. This product definitely deserves our FIRST Award.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
Receive your answers by mail. Do you have a particular question concerning the design, use, durability or other about a tested product? We will answer your question personally.
