The UltrAspire Speedgoat Hydration Belt is an excellent option in the lightweight waist carrying hydration market. Inspired by the speedgoat himself, Karl Meltzer has teamed with UltrAspire to create a quality product that any runner can benefit from. Boasting 37 ounces of hydration split in two 18.5-ounce lightweight bottles, this belt is perfect for runners looking to carry both water and their favorite carbohydrate drink.
UltraSpire Speedgoat Features
- Angled holsters for easy access 18.5 ounce lightweight water bottles
- Mesh zippered back pocket for stowing a small jacket
- Elastic/mesh side pocket for used gel wrappers
- Zippered side pocket
- Quick access front straps that can be used for stashing a layer of clothing or Z-poles
- Adjustable sizing that pulls as tight as you need it for minimal bouncing
UltrAspire Speedgoat Usage
I received this belt a few weeks ago from the guys at ORM before an 18-mile trail run, on the Long Path with ORM writer Dario, just outside of New York City. I put it on as soon as we hit the trailhead and immediately noticed the secure fit. The front connecting mechanism is different than most belts I’ve used in that there is no clip, just a hook-through system that actually works really well. The seatbelt-style material pulls extremely tight and stays in place nicely. With the two 18.5-ounce bottles filled to the brim, I noticed very little bouncing, which is a significant factor when running fast on some gnarly trail, which is what I was about to do. As with all waist belts there is always going to be some bouncing, but at no point was it a hindrance as I made my way along this technical trail at paces up to 6:45 per mile.
I’ve since taken this pack to Breakneck Ridge, another great trail we New Yorkers like to escape to. Breakneck is one of the most technical climbs in the country in fact, and I did 10 miles and 2 ascents of the famous Breakneck Ridge hike which gains 1,200 feet in under a mile! This belt was perfect for this kind of running, because it allowed me to have my hands free for scrambling up the rock face, while offering me quick access to both my water and my carbohydrate mix.
During my Breakneck run, the temperature warmed up and I was able to take off my windbreaker. I tried to stuff it into the back pocket that UltrAspire claims fits a small jacket, and even though I was wearing the lightest windbreaker I’ve ever owned, I couldn’t fit it into the back pocket. Fortunately the convenient little straps on the front belt worked out nicely as I just hooked my jacket through them and ran unhindered for the rest of the afternoon.
My biggest gripe about this product is that there is nowhere to stash my iPhone 6. In fact I couldn’t even fit an iPhone 4.
UltrAspire Speedgoat Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lots of hydration! 37 ounces is about as good as it gets for waist belt hydration.
- Two separate bottles allows for mixing nutrition in one and water in the other.
- Secure fit that is barely noticed even at fast speeds.
- Zippered side pocket for gels is a nice touch that many waist belts don’t have.
Cons
- Difficulty getting bottles in and out
- Back pocket is too small for a jacket, or an iPhone.
- Bright teal colors a bit loud for my liking with no other color options
- Push/pull nozzle takes some getting used to, as the amount of water sprayed is very inconsistent.
UltrAspire Speedgoat Conclusion
For me personally, the lack of iPhone storage is too significant of a factor as I do most of my long trail runs with my phone, but other than that I loved the product for its utilitarian purposes of carrying a lot of water efficiently. I would, however, use the UltrAspire Speedgoat in a well-supported race environment.
Joe Murphy
On weekends he will be in his natural habitat running up and over the mountain of the day, eating turkey sandwiches and Jujyfruits to fuel his wild adventures.
Latest posts by Joe Murphy (see all)
- BattleFrog Tri-State: Mandatory Obstacle Completion … And Getting Lost - June 24, 2016
- UltrAspire Speedgoat Hydration Belt - May 18, 2016
- Spartan Race Tri-State Beast — Sunday Mud Day - May 6, 2016
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