When you walk a bit further and want to take things with you, it is useful to use something for that of course. That can be very small, for example, a handheld, where you only put your key in and take something to drink with you. The other extreme is a large running backpack where you can take things with you for more than 24 hours.
Running Belts
However, there is still a useful intermediate form. The running belt, not to be confused with a drinking belt, which is more of a bottle holder. You have very narrow ones, where just a strip can go in and that's it full. Since the invention of the SPIbelt or Flipbelt, a lot of improvements have been made and some brands have belts that partly compete with the trail vests. Compressport is one of those brands that has a nice collection of belts. Three variants, each with their own purpose.
Compressport Free Belt Mini
This belt is only 59 grams and is 8 centimeters high. It can be opened 360 degrees from the top to put stuff in it. Suitable for the shorter runs. Put your Clif Bar in it, your house key and maybe a gel. With a height of 8 centimeters it is actually too small for a soft flask or your smartphone. He sits lower than Free Belt and the Free Belt PRO and is designed to avoid compression on the abdominal area during longer distances. The belt does have loops to carry your poles or running poles.
Compressport Free Belt
The running belt where it all started. The standard model running belt in this series. This belt is 60 grams and 12.5 centimeters high. With this height you can also easily carry a phone or soft flask take with you. Even a good foldable jacket will fit. For most runners this will be the most ideal solution.
Compressport Free Belt Pro
And then there is the largest of the three belts. The Compressport Free Belt Pro. The alternative to a race vest or running backpack. If you are going further than the marathon and want to take a lot with you. Food, drinks, phone, poles, headlamp, rain jacket and maybe even a thermal blanket. I have also used it myself with two soft flasks, one in front and one in the back. Then I notice that when the back is full of 500 or 600 ml, it starts to bounce a bit. It sits so low, that you can still wear a vest on top if you really go far. It weighs 70 grams and is 16 centimeters high.
Free Belts Size Chart
The Compressport Free Belts come in three sizes. So measure yourself well and choose the right size. It should not pinch while on the road, but also not sag.
Alternatives
Is this not quite your belt? We also have beautiful belts from Camelbak and Nathan. Another alternative is the Postural tops by Compressport. These are shirts with a Free Belt in the shirt. Ideal. Read our review of those shirts here.
If you still have questions, you know where to reach us!
