The Speed 2 Hydration Belt by Nathan Sports: Product Review

For distance athletes, the Camelbak isn't just an accessory: It's a must-have for mountain bikers everywhere. It's so successful that it spawned a crop of imitators. But frankly, the Camelbak just isn't very good for running. It's too hot, too bulky and too bouncy. So what's a runner to do? Well, many companies latched onto the Camelbak's running liabilities and created flask-holding hip belts. The Nathan Sports Speed 2 ($30) is my favorite of the crop. I liked the layout and features, which stood apart from several other brands. The Speed 2 holds two 10-ounce flasks and features a back pocket that can hold keys, ID, some cash and a few energy gel packages. Nathan Sports also offers several other models, including the Speed 4 ($34), which carries four of the flasks. But that sort of weight is a bit too distracting. Each model comes with flasks, and more flasks are about $3 each.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that Speed 2 has changed the way I train and race. It's far easier to carry water - I've always gotten annoyed with holding a bottle when I run.

The two flasks hold enough fluid to get me about halfway through a half-marathon during the winter months. That means I don't have to give up time slowing down at the water stations. For a 10K, they negate the need to use the water stations at all.

For summer training, I freeze four of the bottles. I start my run with two of them. The other two I leave in a cooler in my car. I create a 10-mile route that brings me back to my car at the halfway point, and I can exchange my empty flasks for two full (and frozen!) flasks. I usually split the flasks between frozen water and frozen energy drink to lessen the dehydration danger of training during July in Arizona.

Whenever I finish a run, I just throw the bottles back into the freezer. Later, I'll refill with water and energy drinks so they're ready for the next run.

As good as the Speed 2 works for me, I can still think of one improvement: Two small mesh pockets further toward the front would really help. They would be perfect for stowing an energy gel within easy reach, along with an MP3 player. I've noticed a lot of running products put their MP3 pockets in the back - not all of us use freakishly long headphone cords.

But that's a minor quibble among many great qualities. I still think the Speed 2 is about the best $30 or so you can spend on running. It's also been durable, with no signs of wear over eight months of use. Finally, it's available in three colors: gray/blue, gray/pink and gray/darker gray.