Help please. I know people have posted before on this but can't find them, sorry.
I'm looking for a hip belt with water bottles as I don't really want a backpack type - only need about 300mls. I've read that some belts slip (obv depends on one's size etc) or the bottles are extremely smelly. I also worry about water pouches, rather than bottles - how are they cleaned? Can you get replacement bottles?
So, what do you use?! 😊
I have a hydration backpack for longer runs, plus Decathlon soft bottles which can be shoved into a pocket. Don't really like hip or waist belts. Decathlon accessories here: decathlon.co.uk/sports/runn...
Can't imagine why bottles would get extremely smelly! I usually just wash them immediately after use in hot soapy water as I would crockery, and occasionally bung them in the dishwasher.
Thanks! I meant a plastic or chemical smell on purchase that is hard to get rid of.. 🤣(mentioned by reviewers on some items)...
Will look at Decathlon soft bottles .... Maybe they come small enough if you can get into a pocket. 😊 Thanks.
I've had three different running belts, a 'marathon' belt from Decathlon (D) and a very snazzy Salomon (S) belt (which was a Christmas present), both are stretchy pull on ones. I started with a cheapie from Amazon, elastic about an inch wide that closes with an adjustable clasp with a pocket on the front. You couldn't fit a water bottle in the Amazon one but it's very easy to take on and off.
The D belt has lots of different pouches and pockets so it's dead easy to squidge my 250ml flexible bottle in, along with a phone, sweeties, tissues, keys etc.
The S belt is prettier, no doubt but only has two pockets plus some loops. I think the loop is designed for holding a bottle but mine fell out as it was too small. One pocket is zipped, one isn't, so the phone goes in the zipped one and the bottle into the unzipped one. There's a lot less space in the S belt and it can be a bit of a fight to get things out of the pockets when you're running.
I am chubby enough that the belts don't slip but slim enough that I can pull them up over my hips (UK size 12). You can choose where to position them, I prefer over my hips (and over my shorts/leggings) but I think they are actually designed for tall men to wear next to their skin on their long waists (I'm 5'4").
I've had my flexible bottle for nearly 2 years. I'm not particularly finicky looking after it, try to remember to empty it after use and rinse the mouthpiece. I don't use detergent and it doesn't smell. When the bottle fell out of my belt I retrieved it from the path 2 days later and sterilised it with Milton. I haven't caught any lurgies from this and the water doesn't taste of bleach.
PS I forgot to take my running bra on holiday once and the Decathlon belt did reasonably well as an improvised running bra!!! Multitasking 😂
I was bought a flip belt for Christmas a few years ago which works well for me. They also do water bottles that fit in (2 different sizes) flipbelt.co.uk . I put the bottles in the dishwasher but I only use them for water.
I use this one from Decathlon, 2 x 250ml bottles & a pocket, decathlon.co.uk/p/unisex-ru...
I find belts annoying but I can confirm that my ronhill 250ml soft water bottle neither leaks nor smells bad
Thank you!
I’m a flipbelt fan too apatsyf. It has slots to store a phone , nibbles and a drink bottle and has a clip to secure your keys. Make sure it’s not too tight though. I’m also loving my Ronhill shorts which have a thigh pocket for a phone or drink bottle.
Flipbelt looks great; just got to work out size and get bottle too. May have to get those as Xmas present and go with one if the other options now! 😊 Thanks.
Water Water Everywhere and Not a Drop To Drink
New purchase for longer runs
Running vest
Water when running 
What’s the furthest you would run without carrying water with you?
