I've struggled with many different hydration packs over the years and have never found one that is right. Prior to purchasing the Nathan Speed 2, I was using the Fuel Belt Endurance 4 Bottle Fuel Belt, which was a pain because the bottles sloshed around and the belt wasn't a true fit. Additionally, it required the use of two hands to remove a bottle. That might not sound like a big deal, but the sloshing (the bottles bouncing around) can be incredibly annoying on a 1 mile run, much less after 14. And using two hands to grab a water bottle that is behind your back throws your balance off and tires you out much more quickly. A good analogy would be to say it was like stopping and doing a jumping jack every half mile. While a single jumping jack is no big deal, any endurance runner realizes that a change in your natural running motion after such a long distance will really throw you off.
The Nathan Speed 2 is designed to be worn so that the bottles are on the front of the belt (although you can wear it reversed with no problems). It holds two 10 oz flasks for a total of 20 oz of water. The front pouch has ample room for cell phone, energy gels, keys, etc. Additionally, the pouch is compartmentalized, so you can put your sticky energy gel trash in one pocket and your cell phone in the other. There's also a clip on the inside pouch so you can secure your key ring. While it's very unlikely anything will come out of the velcro-secured pouch, this gives added peace of mind for those who may be doing rigorous trail running or wading through a stream for some reason (I am always checking my keys to make sure they haven't fallen out).
As to the flasks, it would be nice if they could carry more water, but 20oz is usually enough to get me through a 13 mile run. If you're looking for more, try the
Nathan Speed 4 Waist Pack with Four 10-Ounce Nutrition Flasks. The flask holsters are made of molded plastic, which means they are strong and don't move. They sit slightly away from my hips, so I don't have to deal with them banging against my hips and thighs the entire run. The flasks fit securely in the holsters, so no additional securing is needed. With my old Fuel Belt I had to use two hands to remove a flask, one to remove the elastic band holding the flask in place, and the other to take out the flask. The Nathan holster is just tight enough where the flask will not come out accidentally, but isn't too tight to slide right into the holster. The lip of the flask is easy to open with your mouth. Unlike the Fuel Belt, which I had to pull open with my teeth, the Nathan lip easily opens up with gentle pressure from my lips, and closes just as easily to form a tight seal.
The belt is one of the best parts about this product. It is stretchable elastic, which is a must for me after trying to use nylon belts with clips. The velcro forms a strong connection, and the belt fits snugly against my hips. I've found the belt is more comfortable if I wear it very low on my hips, right over the hip flexor muscle. This may seem weird at first, but I suggest anyone to try it for a couple miles and see what you think. The belt will not ride up easily, and it will not slide down your legs either. Try to put it as low as possible, and right on top of your butt. Lastly, the belt is made of breathable moisture-wicking material, so it will not hold sweat easily and is easy to clean. A great product.
Update - January 2012 - I've tested several other water belts since writing this review, not because I have problems with it, but just to see if anything better has come out since. The Nathan Speed 2 is still the best in my opinion. Also, I have changed my running form so that I lean forward now when I run, which makes the water bottles on the front a much better option for me.
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