TFS Review: Fuel Belt 10K 2-Bottle Belt
Posted May 19th, 2007 at 1:43 PM by Paul Petersen
Section: Gear & Apparel, Miscellaneous, Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews
With summer just around the corner, runners are shedding their gloves and long-sleeved shirts, and replacing them with sunglasses, singlets, and hydration packs. Staying cool and hydrated is important for runners of all speeds and abilities during all seasons, but this fact becomes even more critical during the warmer months. Fortunately, there is a wide array of hydration systems available to meet runners’ specific needs.
I have used Camelbak and Ultimate Direction hydration systems in the past, but had never tried a Fuel Belt product until recently, while field-testing their 10K 2-Bottle Belt during several long runs and hikes.
The Fuel Belt 10K includes a knit-elastic belt with a Velcro closure that sports two 8-oz bottles and a small, rear neoprene pocket. The belt also features reflective material in several locations and bungee cord locks to secure your water bottles. The bottles and the belt itself are contoured to match the form of your body to ensure a better fit and maximum comfort.
During my runs (ranging from 12 to 18 miles in length), several features of the Fuel Belt stood out to me:
- Comfort. I experienced no chaffing or discomfort, even for 2+ hour runs. The belt fit me well thanks to the ergonomic shape of the bottles. The belt comes in four different sizes, promising a good fit regardless of personal dimensions.
- No sloshing or bouncing. The Fuel Belt felt like it was part of my body, and I rarely noticed that I was carrying water, thanks to its good fit and the secure elastic straps that held in the bottles. This is in stark contrast to many of the large bladder-based hydration systems I’ve used in the past that constantly slosh and bounce - reminding me every stride that I’m carrying water. Not only is this annoying, but it also disrupts my running stride and even causes discomfort.
- Light weight. Even with the bottles full and the neoprene pocket packed, the Belt weighs in at less than two pounds. This adds minimal overhead to your running economy.
- Minimalist design. The neoprene pocket is just large enough to carry your keys, a GU packet or two, and maybe a cell phone. In other words: the bare essentials. Similarly, the two 8-oz bottles carry just enough liquid to get you through shorter trail runs, medium-length races (half marathon and shorter), and potentially long runs on cool days. The Fuel Belt 10K allows you to carry enough to meet your needs, but not so much that it slows you down.
Overall, I enjoyed the Fuel Belt 10K 2-Bottle Belt for the reasons outlined above. However, there are a few negatives to note. The bottles dribbled when I drank from them, but I found I could get around this problem by simply squirting the water directly into my mouth. Also, the 16 oz total liquid capacity of the Belt will be a limiting factor for many people. On hot days and longer runs, I needed more water than what the Fuel Belt 10K could provide.
The Fuel Belt 10K is best suited for short- to medium-length runs and hikes (30 to 90 minutes in duration). On cool days, I found it was good for longer runs as well (2+ hours). It would also be optimal for longer runs that have water stops en-route for periodic fill-ups. But, in general, for longer road runs, races, and trail adventures, you will want to look for a larger-capacity hydration system, such as the Fuel Belt 4-Bottle, 6-Bottle, or 8-Bottle belts. Personally, I own several different hydration systems so that I can select the system most appropriate for the activities in which I am engaging.
If you are looking for a low-capacity hydration system that is light, simple, and comfortable, the Fuel Belt 10K 2-Bottle Belt will meet your needs without bogging you down.
***Note: We encourage EVERYONE to see a doctor before altering their diet, taking a supplement and/or performing athletic, fitness or other strenuous physical activity. It is your responsibility to evaluate the accuracy, completeness and usefulness of any information, instruction, opinion or advice contained in the content. Please also see our complete disclaimer.***
Tags: 10k 2 bottle belt, 8 oz, fuel belt, fuelbelt, gear, hydration, hydration device, hydration pack, neoprene, product review, review, trail running
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The Final Sprint
[…] seasons, but this fact becomes even more critical during the warmer months. Fortunately, there is a wide array of hydration systems available to meet runners’ specific needs.Read the full review at The Final Sprint! […]
May 21st, 2007 at 10:31 amI do olympic distance triathlons, and decided to bite the bullet with
fuel-belt’s new helium based on other reviews. I want a belt that
can securely hold 2 to 4 bottles (20-40 oz) plus my phone/mp3
player. The pocket is a bit small, but my nokia clamshell phone does
fit if I stretch it a bit. The bottle locations are fixed, but the
pocket moves so I can position it in the middle of the back and
balance it out. I typically use the front 2 bottles on shorter runs,
and only use all 4 for half-marathon or longer, but either way it’s
great.
The big question which I can answer is “What Size?” I normally wear
a 32/33 waist, and wear it a bit low on the hips so it doesn’t bounce
when I run. The large belt (33-35) works great-I forget that it’s
even there. Basically, their sizes are true, so hopefully it won’t
stretch much over the coming months.
Overall, I’ve had it for a couple weeks now and am very satisfied.
September 11th, 2007 at 2:42 pmGood fit with the velcro adjustment, the soft neoprene doesn’t pinch
like others, balances well with 2 or 4 bottles on board, pocket is
just the right size, and it’s easy to get bottles in and out.
Bottles are easy to drink from, don’t leak, and easy to clean by hand
or in dishwasher. I’m a happy boy.