PRODUCT REVIEW: FUEL BELT HELIUM

I won't be using my new Fuel Belt on any more trail marathons. In hindsight, the Fuel Belt worked as well as could be expected. Four 4-ounce bottles may sound like a lot, but in reality, it wasn't nearly enough for the Dances With Dirt trail marathon.

For a trail 10K or half marathon, the 16-ounce capacity is probably enough. A marathon? I'll never try THAT again. Rick from MI had a large backpack-style hydration pack made by Nathan. The capacity was 70-80 ounces, if I recall correctly. THAT'S the way to go! I might have to refill it once and still supplement my intake at the aid stations, but I know I would have consumed a lot more water with it.

As far as comfort goes, the Fuel Belt performed well. I hardly knew it was there and only had to tighten once, in the waning miles of the marathon.

The tops of the water bottles had two detents on them, allowing them to permit partial or full flow through the cap. I found I would forget this feature and struggle to get fluid through the partially-opened cap or I wouldn't get the cap completely closed and I'd be reminded by water splashing everywhere.

The bottleholders on the belt held the bottles snuggly ... If you placed them in properly, which is nearly impossible to do one-handed. The bottles could easily fall through holders if not placed properly. Also, when I tripped over a large tree root and fell late in the race, the bottles went everywhere.

So, for trail 10Ks and half-marathons held on days without a lot of heat, the Fuel Belt 4x4-oz. Helium model will likely perform well. On a trail marathon, there's just not enough water for me to recommend it.

-- Posted From My iPhone