Since then the FuelBelt has evolved and diversified, and with that in mind I was keen to try the new H2o style and so without shame I contacted them and asked if they would send me one…and they did! WOOT!
So here’s the review…this thing rocks! Why? Well first some info from their website:
“The H2O Collection is one of our biggest announcements for 2010! We took our popular Helium 2-Bottle Belt and turned it into a lightweight, multi-functional one size fits all design. With 7 new colorways to choose from, we have many options for runners of all abilities. Mix and match different colored accessory bottles to get a custom look, add extra 8oz or 10oz bottles for more volume, or add race number attachments or LED lights for higher visibility. Our customers have been asking for a scalable yet stylish hydration belt and H2O hits on all cylinders. Who says you can’t have it all?”
Total Volume: 16oz
Colors: Silver/Black, Hibiscus Pink/Cocoa, Royal Blue/Silver, Yellow/Black, Tangerine/Cocoa, Surf Blue/ Silver and Kiwi Green/Black.
Size: One size fits all. Belt adjusts for waist sizes 24" to 44"
So onto the review. As you can see from the photos below this belt comes with two eight ounces bottles that slot into elasticized holders; the bottles are easy to reseat in the holders while running and the elastic is enough to hold them snuggly but not so tight you have to fight to get them out. Twin bottles also allows you to mix up your drinks. Their size and distribution means that they are not slapping you in the kidneys every step you take. There is a small removable pouch, I have managed to jam three gels and a small baggie with a couple of Nuun tablets in it and that’s about it.
The belt is made up of two sections, the sculpted area at the bag which is designed to fit the contours of your back, which it does very well, the padding is slight but effective, wicking and not overly warm. At the sides the the belt switches to an elasticized section which is easily adjusted on either side and secures at the front which a massive piece of velcro. There is some reflective trim to tidy off the package.
As mentioned the belt is accessorizable; (yeah it’s not a word…whatev’!) you can add bigger pouches, a race number attachment (requested by Ironman World Champ Craig Alexander!) mix up the color of your bottles, use bigger 10oz bottles and even another bottle holder…it’s like the Swiss Army knife of hydration belts.
The only downside is the overall capacity, upgraded this belt can carry up to 28oz. which when your runs are long and unsupported 28oz runs out pretty quickly but there is always room for a $5 bill.
All in all this belt is, form fitting, functional and with multiple color options and accessories fun. Available through multiple outlets online, the best price I saw was $27.95, the typical price is around $40.00.
You can read my other Hydration product reviews here:
- Ultimate Direction FastDraw Extreme
- Ultimate Direction Wasp
- HydraPak GelBot
- Salomon XT Wings 5 Running Pack
- Nathan X Trainer Mutation
This Belt was provided free of charge by the good folks at FuelBelt. See previous gear reviews in the sidebar on the right. If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at quadrathon@gmail.com.
