11 Best hydration belts for marathon training & racing

What are hydration belts, and why do you need to carry them along during a marathon?

Drinking water and energy drinks during a marathon race keeps you energized, your body joints cushioned, and your body temperature at the right level to maintain top performance.

The benefits of using a hydration belt as a marathon runner

The importance of staying hydrated during long runs like a marathon cannot be overemphasized.

You might have simply been carrying a water bottle in your hands while running in order to rehydrate during your race in order to prevent dehydration. 

However, not only does it become uncomfortable to carry a water bottle in your hands it also prevents you from freely swinging your arms which is pivotal while running or racing. 

This is where hydration belts come in.

With hydration belts, you can carry water or your energy drink to rehydrate with during the marathon without having to wait at aid stations like your counterparts, and this can give you an edge to get ahead of them while they wait in line perhaps for a cup.

Also, you might need to rehydrate urgently at various times along the race course. (If you have been through the Eat Like a Marathoner Nutrition Course then you know when you need to be intaking fuel in order to maximize your performance!), and at that point, you might not be close to where an aid station is located, or the aid station might be filled with other runners when you get there. 

In addition, wearing a hydration belt allows you to carry energy gels, snacks, energy bars, and other items you will need during the marathon.

So, it is safe to say having a hydration belt is an excellent addition to your tool kit while preparing for a marathon.

However, countless hydration belts are available in the market in different sizes, styles, and designs.

Hence choosing the right one for you amid these numerous options can be a hard nut to crack.

So, in this article, I have made things easier for you by selecting the best hydration belts available on the market and cutting the list down to 11 hydrations belts in the hopes of making it easier for you to find the best pick for your preferences! 

Best Hydration Belts For Marathon Overview

11 Best Hydration Belts For Marathon Training & Racing

 1. G-Run Hydration Running Belt With Bottles

The G-Run Hydration Running Belt is a unisex running belt built with two 10 oz water bottles you can fill up and use to rehydrate while running a marathon.

This belt has a no-bounce design that holds the belt and the water bottles firmly in place to prevent them from causing discomfort or distraction while you run.

It also has a snug fit.

In addition, it has large pockets and a large pouch, which your cell phone and items such as your energy gels, credit cards, and snack bars can fit into.

It also has side strings to attach your marathon race number tag and an elastic structure that allows you to adjust its waist size from 30 to 60 inches.

This hydration belt from the G-run brand is undoubtedly one of the best running belts available in the market, and it comes as no surprise that it is ranked as the Number 1 best-selling hydration pack on Amazon.

Pros 

• It is elastic, and its waist size is adjustable.
• It is built with a no-bounce design.  
• It is built with anti-slip technology.
• It is lightweight.
• It has a large pocket.
• It is affordable.
• It has a 1-year warranty attached to it.

Cons 

• You cannot cut off the extra strap attached to it and make it smaller.
• It won't fit a waist less than 30 inches.

Key Features 

• Two 10 oz water bottles.
• A large Pocket.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.9/5.

Features: 4.7/5.

Value for Money: 4.8/5.

See Price On Amazon

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2. Runtasty Running Fuel Belt

If you are looking for a comfortable hydration belt with large water bottles to keep you hydrated for long distances, then the Runtasty running fuel belt is the one for you.

This comfy belt has two bottles containing 10 ounces of water each or sports drinks, depending on what you feel will keep you energized as you run.  

This belt has sweatproof neoprene material that protects any item you put in the front pocket from getting soaked from the sweat your body generates.

It is built with anti-slip technology and a no-bounce design to enhance its comfort.

It has a snug fit and an adjustable waist size, which can fit you if your waist size is between 27 to 47 inches.

It also has two large zip pockets, which can accommodate a large phone and still have enough room to fit other items you will need during the marathon.

It also has a touchscreen cover that allows you to answer calls and change music without stopping.

Pros

• It has race number bib toggles.
• It has large pockets.
• Its pockets are sweatproof.
• It has a touchscreen-ready window.
• It is unisex.

Cons 

• The belt's pockets aren't waterproof, and the rain affects the items in them.
• It is only available in one color.

Key Features 

• A Transparent Touchscreen Window.
• Large Sweatproof Pockets.
• No-bounce Design.
• Anti-slip Technology.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.8/5.

Features: 4.8/5.

Value for Money: 4.7/5.

See Price On Amazon

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3.  Fitletic - Hydra 16 Hydration Belt

The Fitletic - Hydra 16 Hydration Belt is a belt built with full functionality in view. 

With top-quality materials that will ensure that you use it for a long time but still maintains a lightweight construction.

Hydra has silicone grippers that hold it firmly and prevent it from bouncing and a double belt buckle to adjust it to fit your waist size.

It also comes with two BPA-free 8 oz water bottles that do not leak and only release liquid when you squeeze them.

To make these bottles easy to insert and remove, the belt is built with quick-draw holsters and loops into which you can fit energy gels.

In addition, this belt has a water and weather-resistant pouch which you can put your phone into and separate inner pockets into which you can put other items.

It also has reflective accents for safety while running at night and toggles to hold your race bibs in place.

Pros 

• It doesn't bounce.
• It is lightweight.
• It stays in place.
• It is durable.

Cons 

• The capacity of its water bottles is less than those of most hydration belts.  
• Its water bottles have questionable durability.

Key Features 

• Reflective Accents.
• 2 8 oz water bottles.
• Silicone Grippers.
• A Water-Resistant Phone Pocket.

Ratings

Ease of Use: 4.8/5.

Features: 4.7/5.

Value for Money: 4.7/5.

See Price On Amazon

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4. Nathan Hydration Insulated Running Belt

This hydration belt from the Nathan brand is made with a modern design for comfort and ease.

It is designed with two 300 ml bottles with a push-pull cap which you can easily open and rehydrate from during the race.

It also has a zippered pocket with plenty of room to put the items you will need during the race to help keep your arms free to swing.

In addition, it has built to hold the belt and flasks firmly in place to prevent them from bouncing during the race and distracting you.

This belt is available in different colors, which you can choose from.

Pros 

• It has no-bounce technology.
• Its water flasks are leakproof.
• It has a good fit.
• It is available in a variety of colors.

Cons 

• It can only be washed using your hands.
• It isn't as durable as other hydration belts.

Key Features 

• No-bounce Technology
• Leak proof Water Flasks.
• A Zippered Pocket with Enough Room.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.8/5.

Features: 4.6/5.

Value for Money: 4.5/5.

See Price On Amazon

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5. AiRunTech Hydration Running Belt

Considering the complaints laid by those who used the previous version of this hydration belt, the AiRunTech brand released this belt with an improvement in every area that complaints were made on to give you the best value for the money you paid for it.

This belt is built with an elastic strap that you can adjust to fit your waist size perfectly. And unlike other belts, it can be adjusted to fit children and adults.

It has two bib toggles to hold the running number in place and silicone grippers to hold the belt firmly while you run and prevent it from bouncing.

It also has 2 BPA-free and dishwasher-safe 6 oz water bottles and elastic loops to keep the bottles in place and make it easy to remove and fix them back.

Also, it has a large phone pouch that can accommodate large phones even if they have a phone case and an outlet in case you want to use your earphone as you run.  

And if you are going to be running at night, you do not need to worry. This belt has a reflective strap to ensure your safety when it is dark.  

Pros 

• Its strap is adjustable.
• It is comfortable.
• You can use it while running at night.
• It is bounce-free.
• It has an earphone outlet.
• Its bottles are dishwasher safe.
• It has a lifetime warranty.

Cons 

• The capacity of its water bottles is less than those of most hydration belts.  
• Its water bottle holder can't contain bigger bottles.

Key Features 

• Adjustable Strap Design.
• Bounce-Free Design.
• Anti-Slip Technology.
• Earphone Outlet.
• Reflective Strap.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.8/5.

Features: 4.7/5.

Value for Money: 4.8/5.

See Price On Amazon

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6. CamelBak Flash Belt 17oz

This flash belt from the renowned CamelBak brand is a belt you should consider for your marathon race.

Its one-bottle design is compensated by the 17-ounce capacity of its insulated bottle, which is bigger than the capacity of two bottles on some hydration belts.

Aside from its water bottle, it also has a zip pocket that can accommodate other items you will need during the race.

In addition, it has an adjustable waist strap which you can optimize to secure a snug fit and prevent it from bouncing while you run, and a reflective design to enhance your visibility in dark places.

Pros 

• It is comfortable.
• It doesn't bounce.
• It has a large water bottle.
• Its air mesh is breathable.
• Its waist size is adjustable.
• It is machine washable.

Cons 

• Its pocket can't contain some large phones with their case on.
• It doesn't have space to connect corded headphones to your phone while in the pocket.  

Key Features

• A 17-ounce Insulated Water Bottle.
• An Adjustable Waist Strap.
• No-Bounce Design.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.6/5.

Features: 4.5/5.

Value for Money: 4.6/5.

Check It Out On Amazon

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7. LotFancy Hydration Running Belt with Bottle Holder

This belt is built with all the features a good running belt should have.

It is so lightweight that you might forget that you have it around your waist as you run. It gives you maximum comfort and functionality.

All thanks to its strong buckle clip, it stays in place and doesn't bounce or slip while you run. It also has an adjustable waist strap that can fit waist sizes between 29 to 41 inches.

To ensure you don't get thirsty while you run, it comes with 2 BPA-free and leak-proof 6-ounce water bottles, which you can fill with water or sports drinks to keep you energized and hydrated on the road.

It is also built with a waterproof pouch to fit your phone and other items without fear of getting wet.

Other features of this affordable hydration belt include a reflective strip for enhanced visibility.  

A key loop on which you can hang your key, toggles for your race number, and a cable hole for your headphone in case you want to listen to music while you run.

Pros 

• It stays in place.
• Its waist strap is adjustable.
• It is unisex.
• It is affordable.
• It is lightweight.
• It doesn't bounce.
• It is breathable.
• It doesn't slip.
• The pouch in front of the belt is waterproof.
• It is available in different colors.

Cons 

• It cannot be washed with a machine.
• The capacity of its water bottles is less than those of most hydration belts.

Key Features

• An Adjustable Waist Strap.
• A Key Loop.
• Reflective Strips.
• A Waterproof Pouch.
• Toggles For Race Numbers.
• 2 Leak-proof 6-ounce Water Bottles.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.6/5.

Features: 4.6/5.

Value for Money: 4.7/5.

See Price On Amazon

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8. Nathan Peak Hydration Belt

The Nathan Peak Hydration Belt is a lightweight belt built with an 18 oz bottle that you can fill with water or sports drinks to keep you hydrated while you run.

This bottle is built so you can easily access it and has a push-pull cap that you can easily open and close.

It comfortably fits on your body and doesn't bounce while you run.

This unisex belt can fit waists between 26 to 40 inches and has a small pocket where you can fit some items — which you will need during the race — into.

Pros 

• It has a snug fit.
• It doesn't bounce.
• Its bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
• It is unisex.

Cons 

• It doesn't provide where to attach a race bib.
• Its pocket doesn't have as much storage space as other hydration belts.
• Sometimes, its lid can be hard to use, and water doesn't flow out of the bottle freely.

Key Features

• An 18 oz bottle
• No-bounce Design.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.4/5.

Features: 4.5/5.

Value for Money: 4.6/5.

See Price On Amazon

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9.  Amphipod RunLite AirStretch 10K Hydration Belt

This airstretch hydration belt from Amphiphod is designed for male and female use.

It is durable, breathable, and has pockets to fit different things you need during the race.

It also has an adjustable buildup to customize it to your waist size and secure a good fit and firm hold to prevent it from bouncing during your run.

In addition, it is built with two leak-free 10 oz water bottles, which are easy to access and release water at a high flow rate once you remove their caps and squeeze them. These bottles are also BPA-free and can be washed in the dishwasher.

Pros 

• It can be adjusted to hold more than 2 water bottles.
• It is lightweight
• It is very comfortable.
• It stays in place.

Cons 

• Its water bottles aren't durable.
• If you fit large phones such as iPhone 13 pro max into the pocket, you won't have enough extra space to fit other items.

Key Features 

• Elastic Waist Size.
• Breathable Construction.
• 2 10-ounce Water Bottles.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.5/5.

Features: 4.4/5.

Value for Money: 4.5/5.

See Price On Rei

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10. PYFK Upgraded Running Hydration Belt with Water Bottles

If you are looking for a fully functional hydration belt for an affordable rate, consider this product from the PYFK brand.

Aside from its double 10 oz water bottles and bounce-free design, it has additional features like an effect that makes it reflects and aids your visibility at night and a large main pocket which a large phone and other items can fit into.

It also has an adjustable waist strap and can fit waist sizes between 25 to 55 inches.

This unisex belt is available in different colors, which you can choose from.

Pros 

• It is affordable.
• It can fit waist sizes between 25 to 55 inches.
• It has a large main pocket.
• It is versatile.

Cons 

• Sometimes, the size of the bottles that come with the belt is 9 oz and not 10 oz.
• Fitting the bottle back into its holder while running is difficult.

Key Features 

• 6'7 inch Pocket Size.
• Bounce-Free Design.
• Reflective Strip Design.
• Elastic Waist Size.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.6/5.

Features: 4.6/5.

Value for Money: 4.6/5.

See Price On Amazon

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11. YUOTO Hydration Belt and Waist Pack With Water Bottle Holder

This running hydration pack is a definition of efficiency and comfort.

Despite being built with a minimal design, it has two zippered pockets, a phone pouch which you can fit a 6'5 inch cell phone into, and a pocket that can hold a water bottle with a 27-ounce capacity.

It is built with a water-resistant nylon material which will keep the items in it dry even during rainy days.

The waist size of this affordable hydration belt is adjustable and can fit waists ranging from 25 to 50 inches.

Pros

• It is water-resistant.
• It is affordable.
• It is available in different colors.
• It comes with a 1-year warranty.

Cons 

• It has just one water bottle.

Key Features 

• Water Resistance.
• 2 Zippered Pockets.
• A 27-ounce capacity Water Bottle.

Ratings 

Ease of Use: 4.6/5.

Features: 4.5/5.

Value for Money: 4.6/5.

Check It Out On Amazon

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Factors To Consider Before Choosing The Best Hydration Belt For Marathons

Here are the few factors you should consider before choosing a hydration belt for a marathon:

Design

One key factor you should always consider before choosing a hydration belt is its design. 

A critical design aspect you should consider is the storage space or capacity.

Some hydration belts have spaces for water bottles and nothing more. You might be okay with this if you are a runner who only goes for a short run.

However, if you are the kind of runner who does marathons or slightly shorter runs like a half marathon, then you will need a belt with a large pocket that can carry things you will need throughout the race. 

Also, ensure that it has a no-bounce design so it won't cause discomfort, slow you down, or distract you during the rain.

Water-Resistance and Breathability

Other key features you should look for in a hydration belt are its breathability and water-resistant ability. 

Trail runners compete in different weather conditions, so if you are competing in a marathon during the rainy season, you will need a bag made with water-resistant material to keep the items you kept in the bag from getting soaked by the rain. 

Also, if you are running a marathon or a half marathon in a season that isn't rainy, then you are bound to sweat a lot while you race, so you need to ensure that the sweat on your body doesn't affect any items in the bag.

You can be assured of this when you use a hydration belt with good breathability.

The Material 

The material a hydration belt is made of plays a key role in determining its breathability and durability.

So, before choosing a hydration belt, check the material and ensure it is breathable and can last for a long time.

How It Fits 

Putting on a hydration belt that doesn't fit perfectly can cause discomfort during a marathon and slow you down or stop you from delivering your top performance. It is best to purchase one that fits you well. 

If you find it difficult to get a waist belt that fits your waist size perfectly, you can go for one with an adjustable strap that you can regulate to give yourself a tight fit.

Remember, tighter is better than loose in the case of a hydration belt. 

Water Storage Capacity 

Hydration belts are built with water bottles in different sizes, so you will have to choose depending on the length of the race you are running.

If you are going for a short run, you can go with a belt with small water bottles, but if you go the marathon distance, you will need a lot more water or energy drink and will likely need to go for belts with bigger capacity. 

How The Water Bottles Are Placed 

Also, check to see where the water bottles on the hydration belt are located and how they are held in place and whether it is easy to remove and fix them back into their position. 

Using a hydration belt with water bottles that aren't properly held in place might make these bottles loose or leak during the race, which could distract you and cause discomfort.

How Easy It Is To Access And Use 

During a marathon, ensure you use a hydration pack with easy access. 

And in this case, I recommend a hydration waist belt over a running backpack. This is because, with a waist belt, you have quick access to a water bottle which you can use to rehydrate.

However, with a backpack, you will have to go through the stress of stretching your hand backward or bringing the backpack in front of you before you can access water or any item you wish to use to rehydrate. 

Best Hydration Belts For Marathon Summary

As a runner, I know how important it is to stay hydrated during long runs, and I always run with my hydration belt. 

Now you have my list of the 11 best hydration belts available in the market, with highlighted key factors you should consider before choosing a hydration belt.

After reading this review, you can choose the best running belt for your marathon races.

Good luck! 

P.S. If you are trying to find the best energy drink to carry in your hydration belt, here's a guide on the best energy drinks for long distance runners! 

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