In short: a running belt is enough for short to medium runs (up to about 2 hours, depending on the heat) and for races with no mandatory gear. It carries up to two 500 ml flasks, your nutrition and your phone, with nothing on your shoulders. As soon as the race rules require a jacket and safety gear, it becomes a complement to a trail running pack.
Find all our models in the running hydration belts collection.
What is a running belt for?
A running belt is worn around your hips. It holds your hydration, nutrition and small items (phone, keys). The weight stays close to your centre of gravity. Your shoulders are free, your back breathes better than with a pack and you feel light. It's the most minimalist way to run with partial self-sufficiency: the essentials with you, as close to your body as possible.
Running belt or trail running pack: when should you choose the belt?
It all depends on the run ahead of you. The belt is the right choice when:
- the run lasts less than about 2 hours, or you can refill with water along the way;
- you're doing fast sessions (intervals, tempo) where a pack would get in the way;
- the race doesn't require mandatory gear (jacket, survival blanket, warm layer);
- it's hot and you want to keep your back ventilated.
A waterproof jacket, a warm layer, safety gear to carry: as soon as the run calls for it, a pack is the way to go. To compare the three options in detail, read our guide trail running pack, hydration vest or belt: which one to choose?, and check out our trail running packs from 6 to 24 L.
How to choose the right running belt
1. A secure hold with no bounce.
This is the number one criterion. With every stride, your flasks need to stay in place. A belt that bounces soon makes itself felt: the fabric must hold them flat against your body, even at high intensity.
At the heart of our waist-carry solutions, Möbius Belt™ technology combines lightweight, highly elastic materials that follow the shape of your hips. The goal: keep the load close to your body while leaving you free to move.
2. Capacity. Water first, then room for the rest. Two 500 ml flasks, i.e. 1 L of water, cover most short to medium runs. You also need room to stow whatever else you bring along.
3. Access on the move. Grab a flask, take something to eat, put everything away and keep striding. Flasks and nutrition must stay within reach without stopping or taking the belt off.
4. Comfort on your stomach. On long runs, this is where comfort is also won or lost. A belt that is too narrow or too tight compresses your abdomen and can upset your digestion. Go for a wide, soft, flat belt.
5. Weight. A minimalist belt should be forgotten as the kilometres go by. The Portage Belt weighs 30 g empty.
Our running belts compared
| Model | Hydration | Storage | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portage Belt | 2 × 500 ml flasks (front and back pockets) | Phone, nutrition; 1.3 L total capacity; 30 g | Fast runs, complement to a pack or shorts |
| Belt 500 + Soft Flask | Up to 2 × 500 ml flasks (1 Soft Flask included) | Nutrition, keys; stretch fabric that hugs your hips | Long runs without a pack, lasting comfort |
| Portage Belt | Belt 500 |
|---|---|
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Both models take our soft flasks Soft Flask RMX 500 ml, easy to fill and clean, also sold individually.
What about shorts with a built-in belt?
With shorts, the carrying belt is part of your outfit. Nothing to adjust, nothing riding up. The weight is spread across the full width of the waistband. One less accessory to get ready before you head out.
- Short 522: 6 pockets for 2 × 500 ml flasks, nutrition and your phone, with an airy mesh boxer liner.
- Short 532: same capacity, with a built-in liner short to prevent chafing.
- Short 312 and Tight 330: one 500 ml flask and nutrition, for lighter carrying.
To find your way around, the first digit of our shorts' names shows the carrying capacity of the waistband, from 0 to 5. All models are in our men's trail shorts and tights and women's trail shorts and bottoms collections.
Belt and pack: the ultra combo
On an ultra, the belt complements the pack. Each has its role: water and nutrition for the next hour in the belt, mandatory gear in the pack. Your shoulders carry less, what you need along the way stays within reach and the pack stays compact. Find the list of what to bring in our mandatory gear checklist.
How much water should you carry in your belt?
Needs vary a lot with the heat, the intensity and how much you sweat. As a rough guide, many runners drink between 400 and 800 ml per hour. A belt with 2 flasks (1 L) therefore covers a run of about one to two hours, longer if you can refill along the way. In hot weather, needs rise sharply: see our guide running in the heat.
How to choose your size and adjust it properly
A good fit starts before your first run. Measure your hips where you'll wear the belt, then check the belt size guide. Our belts come in sizes XS to XL. Once on, the belt should stay put without slipping or squeezing your stomach. Spread the load between front and back: that's also what keeps it stable while you run.
Frequently asked questions about running belts
Does a running belt bounce when you run?
Not if it fits well and the fabric holds the flasks against your body. Choose the right size, spread the load front and back, and avoid half-empty flasks that slosh around: a soft flask shrinks as you drink.
Can you run a trail race with just a belt?
Yes, for short formats or races with no mandatory gear. As soon as the rules require a jacket, a survival blanket or a warm layer, you need a pack, and the belt becomes a complement.
Belt or handheld flask?
A handheld flask works for very short runs. Beyond one flask, a belt frees your hands, which is more comfortable and safer on descents or with poles.
Can you carry a phone in it?
Yes. The Portage Belt holds a phone in its pockets, in place of a flask or alongside your nutrition.
Running belt or carrying shorts: which should you choose?
A belt goes with any outfit and can be added or left behind depending on the run. Carrying shorts have everything built in, with no accessory to adjust. Many runners use both: the shorts for everyday runs, the belt alongside a pack on ultras.
Gear up: discover our running hydration belts, to wear on their own or with a pack.