The Best Hydration Belts

Buying Guide

Hydration is an essential part of staying healthy, but if you’re engaging in aerobic activity, the typical recommended intake likely won’t be enough. You’ll need to bolster your fluid intake during physical activity. Dehydration can cause increased heart rate, headaches and fatigue, potentially leading you to cut your workout short.

But negative effects aren’t the only reason to stay hydrated during exercise. Studies have shown that athletes who are properly hydrated outperform those who aren’t, and they enjoy a more robust bodily response. In other words, simply drinking water or a sports drink during your workout can improve your results.

If your workout confines you to a treadmill or stationary bike, hydration might not be so difficult. You can keep your beverage within reach and even pause occasionally for to take a drink. But what if your workout takes you outdoors? Runners, joggers, hikers and walkers might resist carrying a bottle or sports tumbler in one hand. Runners especially prefer to keep their hands free.

A hydration belt lets you take your water along with you while still keeping your hands free. The belt design fits it snugly to your body to minimize jostling, helping protect the internal contents while you move. Most hydration belts do more than hold your favorite hydrating beverage, though. Many have extra pockets built in for storing valuables like your keys, smartphone, ID and credit card.

There are many options when it comes to hydration belts. They come in a variety of colors and styles, including some that minimize the look of your belt, letting it blend with the waistband of your pants or shorts. This also helps reduce how often it gets in the way of your arm movements.

• Experts recommend starting hydration before your run. Drink six to eight ounces of water prior to starting your run, then stop to take a drink every 15 minutes. The amount you need depends on your perspiration levels. If you sweat heavily, you might need to drink more.
• Water is great, but carbohydrates and electrolytes can help when you’re exerting yourself for longer periods of time. You can add electrolytes to your water or buy sports drinks that have them built in. Dried fruit can help provide the carbohydrates you need.
• Some hydration belts are fitted for one large hydration bottle, but others are built for storing two shorter bottles to keep the profile lower.
• For less jostling, look for a hydration belt with bottle holders that provide a tight fit for your favorite beverage size. Some come with hydration bottles built to work with the belt, while others sell compatible bottles separately.
• By angling the bottle holder at 45 degrees, some hydration belts stabilize the beverage more while also keeping it out of the way of your arm movements.
• While many hydration belts feature pockets for storing your smartphone, be aware that larger phones might not fit. Some promise to fit, but advise you to remove your phone case before inserting it, which can become inconvenient with daily use.
• Storing your phone in the same pockets with other items can be dangerous for its screen. For that reason, some hydration belts build in a separate pocket for storing keys, credit cards, IDs and other items.
• An unexpected rainstorm can happen. Even if you never get caught in the rain, your water bottle might leak or your perspiration could soak through the hydration belt. Most belts are made from neoprene to keep your items safe while also providing the support you need for a bottle full of liquid.
• If you ever walk or run outdoors during low visibility conditions, look for a hydration belt with reflective strips. This can give you a little more protection against passing motorists.