Best Hydration Belts for Long-Distance Running in 2026
There is a specific kind of misery that comes from being 15 miles into a 20-mile training run with no water. I learned this the hard way on a scorching July morning in the Peaks, and I have been religious about carrying hydration ever since. After two years of testing various hydration belts across hundreds of training miles, here is what actually works.
Why a Hydration Belt Instead of a Vest or Handheld?
Hydration belts sit in a sweet spot between handhelds and vests. They carry more water than a handheld bottle without the bulk and heat of a full vest. For runs between 10 and 20 miles where you need 500ml to a litre of water, a belt is often the most practical option. They also leave your hands free, which matters more than you think over long distances.
The Belts I Have Actually Tested
Naked Running Band — Best Overall
This has been my daily driver for over a year now. The Naked Running Band uses a wide, stretchy fabric that sits flat against your waist without any bounce. You slide your phone, gels, keys, and a soft flask into the open pocket, and everything stays put. It sounds too simple to work well, but it genuinely does. The lack of buckles, clips, or rigid bottles makes it the most comfortable option I have tested. It works for everything from 5K parkruns to 30-mile ultra training.
Nathan Peak Hydration Waist Pack — Best for Dedicated Water Carrying
If your primary concern is carrying water rather than general storage, the Nathan Peak is hard to beat. It holds an 18oz flask that sits snugly against your lower back without bouncing. The fit is adjustable and secure, and there is a small pocket for essentials. The downside is that 18oz is not enough for runs over 90 minutes in warm weather, but for most UK training runs, it does the job.
Camelbak Flash Belt — Best for Hot Weather
The Camelbak Flash Belt comes with a 17oz insulated bottle that keeps water noticeably cooler than uninsulated alternatives. The adjustable straps provide a secure fit, and the belt accommodates a phone and a couple of gels. If you run in summer heat or are training for a warm-weather race, the insulation makes a real difference. Cold water at mile 12 is a small luxury that keeps you going.
Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt — Best for Ultra Distance
For anything over marathon distance, the Ultimate Direction Ultra Belt earns its name. It holds two soft flasks securely on your hips without bouncing, giving you up to a litre of carrying capacity. The secure rear pocket handles a phone and nutrition without any movement. It is bulkier than the other options here, but when you need serious hydration for serious distance, this is the belt to reach for.
Nathan Zipster Lite — Best Budget Option
At around £25, the Zipster Lite is a solid entry point. It is lightweight, comfortable, and holds your essentials with minimal bounce. It does not carry water, so you will need a separate handheld or plan routes past water fountains. But as a storage belt for gels, phone, and keys, it punches well above its price.
What to Consider When Choosing a Hydration Belt
- Bounce: This is the number one complaint with hydration belts. A belt that bounces at mile 2 will drive you mad by mile 15. Look for wide waistbands and adjustable straps.
- Capacity: Match the belt to your typical run distance and conditions. Under 90 minutes in mild weather? 500ml is fine. Training for an ultra in summer? You will want a litre minimum.
- Storage beyond water: Can it hold your phone, gels, and keys without adding bulk? Pockets that are accessible on the move save you stopping.
- Material: Quick-drying, sweat-wicking fabric prevents chafing on long runs. Mesh backing helps with ventilation.
- Weight when loaded: Fill the belt completely and run with it before committing. Some belts feel fine empty but heavy and awkward at full capacity.
A Note on Hydration Strategy
The belt is only part of the equation. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 400 to 800ml per hour during exercise, depending on sweat rate and conditions. In practice, I aim for small sips every 15 to 20 minutes rather than large gulps, which sits better in my stomach at pace. Start hydrating before you feel thirsty — by the time thirst kicks in, you are already mildly dehydrated.
For runs over two hours, consider adding electrolyte tablets to your water. Plain water alone does not replace the sodium and potassium lost through sweat, and hyponatremia (over-dilution of blood sodium) is a real risk in endurance events.
The right hydration belt removes one more excuse not to get out the door. Find one that fits, fill it up, and run.
