I had been thinking about getting a hydration belt for some time, but was not willing to spend $40 or $45 for one on the chance I didn't like it. Then I won a $40 gift certificate to a local running store and felt like I was playing with house money, so I picked one up. They carried the Amphipod brand and I got the Runlite belt with 4 - 8 oz bottles. I used it for the first time yesterday and liked it. It didn't feel like it was weighing me down, didn't feel bouncy and it had a little pouch for a phone, money, id, etc. The bottles snapped into place securly and were easy to remove and put back. Overall, I am very pleased with this. There is a company called Nathan that sells a similar product.

I plan to use the belt whenever I run over 5 miles or so or if it is extremely hot. I used two of the bottles during an 8.5 mile run yesterday, then finished off the other 2 when I was done. I like the smaller bottles as the weight is distrubuted evenly and, if you choose, you can fill a couple with water and a couple with a sport drink.

There are a wide range of hydration containers out there.  Here are a couple of blog posts that I wrote that might help you select the right one for you.

Are You a Heavy Sweater?

Hate Handheld Water Bottles?

Guy,

I just designed a new water bottle for runners called Simple Hydration - it's a water bottle that hooks to your waistband so that you don't need to carry water or need a bulky hydration belt. The other thing that is cool is that it can simply transform a race belt (like a Spibelt) into a hydration belt by simply hooking the bottle to it. You can check out the video and read more about it on www.simplehydration.com. Hope you check it out.

Good luck with your running.

- Brian

I'm a Fuel Belt fan also.  But I replaced the 8 oz bottles for 10oz bottles and like it better.  I have both the 2 and 4 bottle version depending on the length of the run.  It did take a bit of getting used to but I wouldn't dare run long without it now.  I like the way the contour of the bottles fit your hand and have learned how to pull, open with teeth, drink and put back in the belt without missing a beat. I know, you're thinking "pretty talented...lol".   I drink as often as I feel I need to but not guzzles more medium sips.  I also carry some cash and if I'm on a particularly long and hot run will stop in somewhere along the way for water and drink a bottle on the road.

Hi! I have a Camelbak (not sure which model or size). It doesn't have a chest strap or waist strap and therefore bounced around a lot when I tried to run with it. Give it a shot - you'll probably agree that it moves too much to be comfortable. (Sorry, I don't know squat about running in Texas.)

Joe