I'm a very thirsty runner, especially once spring and summertime come around. My mouth gets dry super easy (perhaps from my allergy/asthma meds) and I usually don't like to leave the house without any water and/or electrolytes, even on short runs as short as 3 miles. ESPECIALLY once the temps are above 80. I NEED that stuff badly.
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| How the SPI H2O Venture comes packaged. |
So, finding a way to carry the water can be tricky. For runs as short as 6 miles, I don't really need my vest, because I don't need ALL the things. I really just need my phone, keys, some cash and ID (though I also wear my Road ID). And water. I really don't want to have to carry my phone or a water bottle in my hands. I like to have my hands free - helps keep me balanced and on my feet. Also, when I do fall, I'm not dropping anything/landing on anything and breaking it.
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| What the back clip looks like. |
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| Check out that reflective trim! Safety first. |
I was interested in trying The SPI H2O Venture Belt for this reason. I know a lot of people that like using the original SPIbelt, so figured this would probably be something worthwhile to to have in my (ever growing) stack of must-have running gear. It was even awarded 'Winner of Best of Active.com Running'. That's pretty cool.
The SPI H2O Venture Belt, comes with two 8-oz water bottles that you can position anywhere on the belt. Through a variety of placements, I found that I preferred to balance them out, one on each side near my hips.
I found that it took a little bit of adjustment before I found my perfect fit of the belt as well as the best position on my body to wear it (a little higher on the hips meant no fixing the belt when it started to slide down). You need the right amount of tightness to create that no-bounce or slipping effect. I found the sweet-zone for the belt and placement on my second run with it. It's like most products I find – give it a few tests before judging it. Just because it bounces or rides up/down the first try doesn't mean it won't the next time if you make just a few minor adjustments.
I wore The SPI H2O Venture with me on walks and on runs up to 6 miles. The belt pockes holds my iPhone 6 (which is in a Lifeproof case, which makes it probably the size of a 6 Plus... but maybe even fatter), my keys, and ID. Honestly, the first few times it took a bit of work to get my phone into the belt pocket, but once I figured out the best way to do it (and the pocket stretched out a smidge), it was easy. The pocket looks so small when you first see it, but on further inspection, on the reverse side, you can see the extra material that allows for the expansion to fit your phone. When I first opened up the box I was all 'how is my phone going to fit?' - no worries. It will. I personally wasn't able to squeeze much else in there, since my phone with the case is so ginormous, but on the shorter runs, I don't need anything else. I can manage as long as I have my phone and some water.
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| I don't have the luxury of having someone else to take a photo of me wearing it, and I'm horrible with the self timer stuff haha. Sorry! |
I loved having the option to use no water bottles, one, or two. They are super easy to get on and off, even during the run. Each bottle has it's own clip that once you have your SPI H2O Venture Belt on, you put the bottles on. I didn't have trouble with the bottles/clips staying on the belt while running – when it was one bottle or two. Having two bottles also means I can fill one with water and one with an electrolyte. I just switched my electrolyte drink of choice to a powder, which half a scoop (one serving) is for 8oz of water. How perfect.
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| Without any water bottles. Can't take a photo of my phone in the pocket... because I need the phone to take the photo, but it fits in there! |
I had no bouncing or adjusting that needed to be done once I got the belt to the correct tightness. I found that having a wider elastic helped keep the belt stable as well. I really liked that feature - it helped make the belt feel more secure. I never experienced any leaking and I do enjoy when a product is dishwasher safe so it can get a good cleaning.
Belt features:
- Bounce-free
- WeatherGuard™ design keeps out the elements (however, the product is NOT waterproof. Items may be exposed to moisture and they recommend using a waterproof OKSAK® re-sealable bag if using with electronics. They also suggest turning off said electronics to prevent internal heat and moisture-build up.)
- Two loops for energy gels
- Reflective trim
- Includes a pair of Race Bib Toggles
- 2" elastic for increased comfort and stability
- Fits waist
Water Bottle features:
- Bounce-free
- Easily clips onto The SPI H2O Venture Belt
- Two 8-oz BPA-free bottles
- Wide mouth fits ice cubes
- Ergonomic shape contours to your body
- Leak-free Jet Nozzle™
- Dishwasher safe on top rack
I would definitely recommend this to any runner that is looking for an easy way to bring hydration on the go (running!). I think it would suit the minimalist runners (those that don't bring a ton of stuff along... I know a lot of these) for their long runs. No need to worry about tons of extra weight, since the 8oz bottles aren't very heavy even when full, and the SPI H2O Venture Series Belt is very lightweight.
Since I am not a minimalist runner, and on my long runs need all the things (as mentioned above), I think a 6 mile run or shorter is my best time for using The SPI H2O Venture Series Belt. Once I get into the longer miles, I need chapstick, my inhaler, kleenex, Shot Blox, snack bars, and I'm sure other things I'm forgetting, which unfortunately wouldn't all fit in the pocket. I do love having it for the shorter runs though, because now I won't feel so silly having to take a pack just to hold my phone and keys haha. I feel so much lighter! It's a great solution for being around town and not needing to bring a lot with me.
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Since I am not a minimalist runner, and on my long runs need all the things (as mentioned above), I think a 6 mile run or shorter is my best time for using The SPI H2O Venture Series Belt. Once I get into the longer miles, I need chapstick, my inhaler, kleenex, Shot Blox, snack bars, and I'm sure other things I'm forgetting, which unfortunately wouldn't all fit in the pocket. I do love having it for the shorter runs though, because now I won't feel so silly having to take a pack just to hold my phone and keys haha. I feel so much lighter! It's a great solution for being around town and not needing to bring a lot with me.
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Interested in giving this product a go? Use code heather10 for a 10% discount + free shipping. Retail price is $44.99. All four options are black with subtle color on the trim – black with silver trim, black with yellow trim, black with hot pink trim, and black with turquoise trim. I debated between the pink and turquoise and went with turquoise, but they all look nice.
I also like that it comes with the bib toggles, so if you wear your belt for a race, you don't also need a bib belt or those pesky safety pins. Three birds, one stone (hydration, storage, and bib belt!).
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I also like that it comes with the bib toggles, so if you wear your belt for a race, you don't also need a bib belt or those pesky safety pins. Three birds, one stone (hydration, storage, and bib belt!).
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They have a ton of different products (running/fitness, medical, travel), so even if this might not suit your needs, I have a feeling you'll find something else over there that will.
If you read a bit about the company, you'll find that it's a company for runners, by runners. I love knowing that runners are involved, because they get it. They see the problems we see, and try to come up with solutions that work. I found The SPI H2O Venture Belt to be one of these solutions and am happy I was able to test it out to review. It'll be getting a lot of use in the upcoming weeks as marathon training has officially begun! Also, if you are curious, SPI stands for small personal item.
Make sure to head over to Twitter on Tuesday, May 24 at 8pm CT to chat with host BibRave, the BibRavePros, an awesome group of runners, and sponsor SPIbelt. I bet there might even be a giveaway of The SPI H2O Venture Belt for one lucky winner or two.
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