I''ve struggled with many different hydration packs over the years and have never found one that is right. Prior to purchasing the Nathan Speed 2, I was using the Fuel Belt Endurance 4 Bottle Fuel Belt, which was a pain because the bottles sloshed around and the belt wasn''t a true fit. Additionally, it required the use of two hands to remove a bottle. That might not sound like a big deal, but the sloshing (the bottles bouncing around) can be incredibly annoying on a 1 mile run, much less after 14. And using two hands to grab a water bottle that is behind your back throws your balance off and tires you out much more quickly. A good analogy would be to say it was like stopping and doing a jumping jack every half mile. While a single jumping jack is no big deal, any endurance runner realizes that a change in your natural running motion after such a long distance will really throw you off.
The Nathan Speed 2 is designed to be worn so that the bottles are on the front of the belt (although you can wear it reversed with no problems). It holds two 10 oz flasks for a total of 20 oz of water. The front pouch has ample room for cell phone, energy gels, keys, etc. Additionally, the pouch is compartmentalized, so you can put your sticky energy gel trash in one pocket and your cell phone in the other. There''s also a clip on the inside pouch so you can secure your key ring. While it''s very unlikely anything will come out of the velcro-secured pouch, this gives added peace of mind for those who may be doing rigorous trail running or wading through a stream for some reason (I am always checking my keys to make sure they haven''t fallen out).
As to the flasks, it would be nice if they could carry more water, but 20oz is usually enough to get me through a 13 mile run. If you''re looking for more, try the Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack with Four 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks. The flask holsters are made of molded plastic, which means they are strong and don''t move. They sit slightly away from my hips, so I don''t have to deal with them banging against my hips and thighs the entire run. The flasks fit securely in the holsters, so no additional securing is needed. With my old Fuel Belt I had to use two hands to remove a flask, one to remove the elastic band holding the flask in place, and the other to take out the flask. The Nathan holster is just tight enough where the flask will not come out accidentally, but isn''t too tight to slide right into the holster. The lip of the flask is easy to open with your mouth. Unlike the Fuel Belt, which I had to pull open with my teeth, the Nathan lip easily opens up with gentle pressure from my lips, and closes just as easily to form a tight seal.
The belt is one of the best parts about this product. It is stretchable elastic, which is a must for me after trying to use nylon belts with clips. The velcro forms a strong connection, and the belt fits snugly against my hips. I''ve found the belt is more comfortable if I wear it very low on my hips, right over the hip flexor muscle. This may seem weird at first, but I suggest anyone to try it for a couple miles and see what you think. The belt will not ride up easily, and it will not slide down your legs either. Try to put it as low as possible, and right on top of your butt. Lastly, the belt is made of breathable moisture-wicking material, so it will not hold sweat easily and is easy to clean. A great product.
Update January 2012 I''ve tested several other water belts since writing this review, not because I have problems with it, but just to see if anything better has come out since. The Nathan Speed 2 is still the best in my opinion. Also, I have changed my running form so that I lean forward now when I run, which makes the water bottles on the front a much better option for me.
After much research (including trying on 2 different brands) I finally decided to go with the Nathan and am very happy with my choice. Here''s a summary of what I found (via the internet and from road testing):
1) The Nathan Speed 2 gets consistently great reviews.
There are three 3-star reviews on amazon (2 are critical of the sizing recommendations and one thought it should hold more water....go figure). The rest are 4 and 5 star. If you google Nathan 2 reviews, you will find some independent reviews that are all positive. Also, it seems to be the concensus choice on running forums (see Slow twitch and others).
2)Its closest competitor (Fuel Belt) doesn''t have as many positive reviews. The main issues seem to be difficulty in getting the flask back into the holster with one hand and a leaky cap. When I tried the Fuel Belt at the store, I verified that it is extremely difficult to replace the flask with one hand because the elastic bands that hold it secure collapse (they don''t stay open). This is not the case with the Nathan, which has a plastic holster. It is very easy to put the flask back in the holster with one hand.
3)There is no bounce, even with the bottles full. This was my main worry about hydration belts. I wear it just below my navel so that it doesn''t migrate up as I run. If you wear it low, I think it may slide upwards during your run. Also, I tighten it so that it is snug (yet still comfprtable).
4) The pouch isn''t huge but it''s big enough to carry my cell phone, keys (there''s a clip for the keys so that it is very secure), a gel pack, ID, and a little cash. Plus the puch cover closes securely with velcro.
5) As far as sizing, I think it is a good idea to go to the store and try on the different sizes. I am about 5''8" and 153 lbs (male) and my pants/shorts are usually about 30-31". I tried both the medium and the small. Believe it or not, the small fit a lot better. I know everyone is saying that this item runs small and to get one size up, but this advice would not have worked for me. When deciding which size to get, some important points to consider are what is your TRUE waist size (not what can you squeeze into or what do you wish your size was). But it would be best to just go and try them on. Also, consider the possibility that your waist will decrease is size (especially if you just started running) and/or that the elastic may stretch a little over time.
6) Two 10 oz flasks might not sound like much but it''s more than enough for me (my longest runs are about 7-8 miles....for now). I think most would agree that it should be fine for the 10k range. Also, having two smaller flasks as opposed to one large bottle is preferable because it''s more balanced, less sloshy, and you can have 2 different drinks (eg one with water and the other with sports drink).
7) Easy to clean. The opening is about 1 3/8" wide which easily fits a regular bottle brush (i have an oxo bottle brush I bought at the grocery store).
This is an excellent product that I highly recommend. Just make sure you screw the cap on tight. Happy running!
Buy Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack with Two 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks Now
I just bought this belt and love it. I decided to go with the 2 water bottle because I usually don''t go over 15 miles, so I figured two was enough. The belt is so comfortable and very breathable. I love the bottles and they slip in easily in the holder. The pocket is perfect for keys and a gel pack. The sizing seems a little off. I picked a medium and it fits perfect, although on the sizing chart I should have been a small. I think the small would have not fit right. So you may need to go up a size.
Read Best Reviews of Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack with Two 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks Here
I purchased this Nathan Speed 2 Waistpack several months ago and have been using it on long training runs for a marathon in December. I definitely agree with the others who have commented here about these packs running small. Mine fits very snugly and I would recommend that anyone buying one consider sizing up. The design of the pack is great and the bottles fit nicely in the two plastic holders. The small storage area in the pack works well for a phone, ID, keys and gels.
My biggest complaint is that the nozzles on the bottles constantly leak. This is incredibly annoying on a run and is a problem that should be looked at by Nathan. I have carefully hand washed the bottles/nozzles and have also experimented putting them in the dishwasher (manufacturer says it is okay). The seals on the bottle nozzles simply do not work well. I also went to 3 very knowledgeable and reputable running shops in our area (which are also Nathan dealers) looking for alternative nozzles and everyone acknowledged the problem (one even said that future Nathan bottles would have different nozzles). What was funny were the unsolicited comments I received from runner/customers who shared my frustration over the leaky nozzles.
Good luck!!
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I can''t add a lot more than what has already been said. The belt works great, doesn''t slide up or down and keeps the bottles from bouncing. My bottles don''t leak like some others have said so maybe mine got the upgraded tops, who knows. The pouch is quite small and my Droid X phone won''t fit in it securely. It is wide enough at the top of the pouch, but it angles in making it too narrow at the bottom. I just use it for goo or gummies. It is quite comfortable and I forget it is on after about 2 minutes of running.
Maybe this will help someone trying to decide on what size to get:
I am a male and wear a size 32 waist pants. After reading lots of reviews recommending they tend to run small I went with the Medium sized belt. It fits perfectly and a small would have definitely been too small. I decided to actually measure the belt to let readers know what the belt size really is. Mine is a medium which is for sizes 32-36. The belt unstretched is exactly 37" long from end to end. The velcro is 4 1/2" on one end and 6 1/2" on the other end, and it starts right at the end of the belt. It was hard to stretch and measure the belt but I was able to stretch it out to 40" so there is quite a bit of elastic to it.
Anyway, hopefully this will help someone with their sizing decision. I am glad I went to the medium as I would most likely would be returning a small.
It works well, is convenient to hang using the D-ring, and looks good. The stainless steel seems to be rust free so far and the drinking portion is well made for a dog to drink out of.
