CAMELBAK Ultra Belt Trinkgürtel

Thin light weight and comfortable on the long run

Looks good... but unfortunately, if you are wanting to take a drink with you the belt moves around and sags with the weight of the bottle. Was fine with just a few light things in..

I started half marathon training two months ago. I have always held a bottle of water on my runs but on longer distances I find carrying a bottle makes my fingers ache, and is just a bit annoying. I didn't want a running vest/backpack as I didn't want the extra layer on my back, so decided a belt is the best option for me.After some research on running belts that are on the market I realised that to buy a well-reviewed belt with a softflask would cost between £40 - £50. I didn't want to pay that much so decided to buy this one.For the money, this is good value. I bought the size '1' which is extra small/small. I have a 27 inch waist and the size is perfect for me. This size would accommodate up to around a 34 inch waist comfortably.The first time I ran with the belt I wanted to wear it around my hips however when I tried this it bounced around due to the weight of the bottle. I fiddled with it a lot whilst on my run but couldn't make it sit comfortably, so I moved it to my waist. I had a crop top on so it sat against my skin. Part of the plastic fastener doesn't have any fabric behind it, which meant it sat against my skin. This chafed over the course of my run and when I got home my skin was red (the redness went after a couple of hours).I ran with the belt again today on an 8 km run, with much more success. I wore a long top and wore the belt over the top around my waist. It was very comfortable, didn't move much at all and was definitely better than carrying a bottle. I think it will take a while to get used to the extra weight around my waist, but it wasn't at all uncomfortable.The water from the bottle does have a plastic taste which I'm hoping will go after it has been used a few times. I am not used to the bite valve on the bottle yet so getting used to that, I have never used one before. I don't know if other softflask bottles are easier to drink from, but it does take some force to get the water out!The belt includes a pocket for the bottle, and a second loose pocket (you can move it around the belt to sit comfortably for you or take it off completely if you wish). It includes a velcro close pocket where I keep my tissues and a zip pocket where I keep my keys. I have a Samsung phone and this doesn't fit the pocket on the belt, however I wear an arm band to carry my phone so this isn't a problem for me.Overall I think this belt is very good value for money however it does have flaws. I found it much better than carrying a bottle and am happy that this gives me more freedom and able to carry a bit more on my runs. Looking at reviews, it seems the updated Camelbak Ultra belt is an improvement on this belt, however it costs twice as much. If money isn't a problem, I would definitely go for the new version of Camelbak Ultra however if like me you don't want/can't afford to spend that much then I would recommend this belt. I am very happy with my purchase and am looking forward to testing it on my longer runs.

You do realize how important and confy it is only when you try it! run over 5 miles in hot Florida are not a problem anymoreStrongly raccomanded

Doesn't stay on hips well while running - rides up a lot... but gets the job done.