Best Hydration Running Belts for Ultrarunning

Last updated on April 14th, 2021 at 05:11 pm

We're an Affiliate! We hope you love the products we recommend. Just so you know, we may earn commission off the purchase of items we mention in this post. Thank you if you use our links!

For ultramarathon runners, hydration is key to successful training and racing. Not only is hydration important for performance, but approaching an ultrarace without a clear hydration plan is out right dangerous. In this post, we compare the best hydration running belts for ultrarunning in order to help ensure your long distance runs are safe and productive.

If you are in a hurry and don’t have time to read through the analysis in this entire post, here are our picks for the best hydration running belts for ultrarunners:

Best overall hydration belt for ultrarunning: Ultimate Direction Mountain Belt 4.0

Best for those on a budget: Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix

How We Compared Hydration Running Belts?

The ability to carry water on the trail is not to be underappreciated. For this reason, running belts aren’t just an accessory, they can be your best friend during an ultramarathon. For this reason, there were some specific attributes we were looking for in a hydration running belt.

1. Carrying Capacity

A good running belt will be able to hold a fairly substantial amount of water. This doesn’t mean a belt will be able to carry a gallon, but it does mean it will be able to hold a water bottle (or two) with ease.

2. Does The Running Belt Bounce

While a good running belt can hold a good amount of water, that added weight can sometimes cause bouncing. This can be a distraction during an ultra, and can also slowly cause additional fatigue. A good hydration belt helps limit bouncing.

3. How Lightweight is the Belt

Typically, a running belt will be relatively lightweight when it isn’t holding water. Since water will increase the weight of any belt it is important that the starting weight for the running belt is low.

Comparison Table of Best Hydration Running Belts

Below we provide a table of the best hydration running belts of ultrarunning so you can see them compared in one place.

Name / Link	Price Rating	Water Capacity	Empty Weight
Ultimate Direction Mountain Belt 4.0	$$	20 oz.	7.2 oz
Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure	$	23.6 oz	7.81 oz
Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix	$	20 oz	9.1 oz
Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated	$$$	20 oz	10.2 oz
Ultimate Direction Access 600	$$	20 oz	6.9 oz

Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix - Adjustable - Includes 2 Bottles

The Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix provides nearly everything an ultrarunner could want in a belt.

Weight with empty bottles: 9.1 oz.
Water Capacity: Two 10 oz flasks
Adjustable waist: Yes

The Nathan Hydration Running belt can be worn on your front or rear waistline. This allows you to tailor the positioning of this belt for your running style. Positioning the belt for your style of running will help reduce belt bouncing.

While having a lot of hydration capacity is a good thing there are major benefits to the smaller 10 oz flasks that come with the Nathan Hydration Belt Trail Mix; primarily, a smaller carrying capacity reduces bouncing as well. Since the water bottles can be re-filled at aid stations we don’t necessarily perceive this as a major drawback for the belt.

Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix PROS

Lightweight
Minimal Bounce
Additional storage capacity
Can be worn on front or rear
Easily adjusted

Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix CONS

Holds less water than other models

Whether running a local 50 mile route on a Saturday, or taking on the Steamboat Springs 50 & 100 miler you will be happy with the versatility this belt provides. Check out all of the available colors (there are a lot), pictures, and pricing on Amazon here: Nathan Sports Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix

Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt

The main benefit of the Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt is its insulation and its reflective design. Running through the night is a part of almost any ultramarathon, and this vest provides some reflectivity so others can see you on the trail.

Weight with empty bottles: 10.2 oz.
Water Capacity: Two 10 oz flasks
Adjustable Waist: Yes

The 10 oz flasks for this model of running belt fit perfectly in their holsters, and the design for grabbing hold keeps them from bouncing out better than other models out there.

While the main function of any hydration belt is hydration it should be stated that the storage pocket is another awesome aspect of this belt. Able to fit iPhones 6/7/8 you will be able to keep your phone on you through the duration of your long run. Running an ultramarathon with your phone might be cumbersome, but the pocket can hold other items as well. Nutrition for mid-run refuelings, such as gu-packs, protein bars, and more can all easily fit within the zipper top pouch.

Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt PROS

Storage pouch fits a lot
Minimal Bounce
Adjustable for various body types
Good water carrying capacity

Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt CONS

A little heavier empty weight

There are plenty of hydration running packs on the market, but the Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt among the best on the market for those wanting hydration and access to energy refills. Take a look at more pictures, current pricing, and specs on Amazon here: Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt

Ultimate Direction Mountain Running Belt 4.0

The Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0 is a bit different than most of the other hydration belts we review in this post. The awesome carrying capacity and single water bottle design are what makes this belt different than the rest. These two features also happen to be the main reason the Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0 is our choice for the best hydration running belt for ultramarathoners.

Weight with empty bottle: 7.2 oz
Water Capacity: 20 oz bottle
Adjustable: Yes
Space in Pouch: A lot

The most obvious characteristic of this belt vs others we review is that it only has a single 20 oz. water bottle. The capacity is largely the same as most other belts offering two 10 oz water containers, and for that reason, we don’t see the single bottle as a negative. In fact, the water bottle can be positioned in the rear center of your back, which may be less of a hindrance to running form than a two bottle hydration belt.

This Hydration Running Belt Hardly Bounces

With a low profile adjustable belt, the Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0 is designed to keep bounce to an absolute minimum. This is extremely important when taking on ultra-level distances, as even the slightest amount of excessive bounce will need to be minimized to prevent any potential chafing and fatigue.

No More Hydration Bottles Bouncing Out of Your Belt

The flexible elastic strapping that goes over top the water bottle holds it in place firmly during any distance, and whether full or empty. Anyone that has run with a hydration belt where empty hydration flasks bounce out knows how frustrating it can be. The Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0 eliminates that completely.

Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0 PROS

Single bottle design
VERY large carrying capacity
Mid-range pricing (check on Amazon)
Very lightweight empty weight
Minimal Bounce – very stable

Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0 CONS

The pouch is size-able and isn’t likely for everyone

The Larger Carrying Capacity Pouch

The pouch on this running belt is large…and we love it. The Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0’s pouch provides 73.2 cubic inches of space, which is perfect for ultrarunning. The pouch is better suited to hold all of the items at the same time:

- Running fuel and gels
- A large-screen smartphone
- A course/park map
- Your car keys and personal ID

At the end of the day, this running belt is the best for providing comfort, water capacity, and space for other essentials. Because let’s face it, you will need more than water when running 50 to 100 miles. Without a doubt, the larger carrying capacity is a huge win for this running belt.

Extra Exterior Storage via Front Pouch Bungee

Running with gloves, and want to take them off during the race? No problem. The pressurized bungee cord on the exterior of the pouch can hold a variety of items on the exterior of the belt for easy fast access. Unzippering a pouch may sound easy now, but wait until you are at mile 75; you may want to skip the zipper and just stuff your gloves into the bungee cord.

Ultimate Direction Mountain Belt 4.0 Will be Your Closest Running Companion

Whether seeking a hydration belt with minimal bounce, or one with tons of storage this belt should be your top choice.

We find the single bottle design to be more ergonomic over long distances, the hydration bottle is kept firmly in place, and adjustment is easy. Check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: Ultimate Direction Running Belt 4.0

Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure

Ultimate Direction has become a popular brand among ultrarunners for a reason, and the Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure is a perfect example of why. It’s breathable design, and focus on reduced bouncing will make this a comfortable hydration belt for even the longest distances.

Weight with empty bottles: 7.81 oz
Water Capacity: Two 11.8 oz bottles
Adjustable Waist: Yes
Space in Pouch: Okay but not great

What Makes the Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure Unique

The main difference between this vest and the others we review is water carrying capacity.

The belt comes standard with two 11.8 oz FlexForm Bottles, providing 23.6 oz of total water capacity. While this is among the highest carrying capacity of any belt we review, it should be noted that these 11.8 oz bottles can be switched out easily with the Ultimate Direction FlexForm 600 (21 oz bottles). This means the Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure Unique could supply up to 42 oz of hydration carrying capacity.

This Hydration Belt is Lightweight

While this running belt has massive hydration capacity, it is also very light for a hydration belt with two bottles.

Most hydration belts with two bottles of this size have an empty weight of around 10 oz., but this option weighs in at only 7.81 oz. In other words, this belt is light!

Water is relatively heavy, and to reduce the overall weight when the water bottles are full, the Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure does a great job of providing a lightweight breathable material that helps reduce its weight.

When the water bottles are full you will be happy you started with a lighter weight hydration belt.

Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure PROS

Lightweight
TONS of water carrying capacity
Less costly than most two bottle hydration belts

Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure CONS

Pouch could be larger
Can be heavy when both bottles are filled

If you plan on going long stretches without stopping at an aid station, the massive hydration capacity of this running belt is not to be overlooked.

Lightweight material, two water bottles, and a pouch big enough for a smartphone should put this hydration belt on your shortlist. Check out more pictures, pricing, and specs on Amazon here: Ultimate Direction Jurek Endure

Ultimate Direction Access 600 Hydration Running Belt

This hydration belt is perfect for ultrarunners wanting to maximize their water carrying capacity without adding annoying bulk. Even with its 20 oz. water bottle, the Ultimate Direction Access 600 is the lightest weight hydration belt of all those we reviewed.

Weight with empty bottles: 6.9 oz
Water Capacity: 20 oz bottle
Adjustable Waist: Yes
Space in Pouch: Okay but not great

The Lightest Hydration Belt Reviewed

We have already mentioned that this hydration belt is lightweight, but that doesn’t do it justice. Just for example, the weight of this hydration belt when the bottle is empty is just a little more than half the weight of some of the others we compare.

Weight isn’t everything, but it absolutely needs to be considered if you are going to be running between 50 and 100 miles.

How Does the Water Capacity Hold Up

20 oz is a respectable amount of water for a hydration belt. Moreso than that, the angle of the water bottle is such that it can rest comfortably in nearly any position on your waist.

Ultimate Direction Access 600 Pouch Size

If you are looking for massive compartment space, this hydration belt probably is not for you. The shallow profile, and angle of the fabric ensure that the zippered storage space is minimal. That said, the pouch can hold a smartphone up to the size of an iPhone 7.

While you won’t likely be able to pack the hydration belt with a phone, map, snacks all at the same time, it is still large enough to hold the essentials.

Ultimate Direction Access 600 PROS

VERY lightweight
Good amount of water carrying capacity
Easy insert water bottle holder

Ultimate Direction Access 600 CONS

Zippered storage space could be larger
Belt is thinner than other belts reviewed

The Ultimate Direction Access 600 is the perfect hydration belt for ultrarunners who know exactly what they need on their run. Keeping the weight to a minimum is the most important attribute for some runners. If this describes you then this belt needs to be on your short list. Check out more pictures, specs, and current pricing on Amazon here: Ultimate Direction Access 600

Selecting A Hydration Running Belt

If you are an ultrarunner looking to take on over 50 miles on a relatively consistent basis, it is important to decide which attributes in a belt you value:

Do you value smaller water bottles to reduce weight?
Are you most interested in a hydration belt that doesn’t bounce?
How much water do you really want to bring with you?

If you can develop answers to the questions above you will likely find one or two hydration belts that meet your criteria.

It is important to remember that selecting the best hydration belt for ultrarunning is more about keeping you healthy through the duration of your long distance runs than anything else.

Consuming water during your run will optimize your performance, help prevent cramping, and get you through the finish line.

RELATED POSTS:

Image Credit: Jeff Welch |(source)| Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size and cropped