Which <tc>Compressport</tc> <tc>Free Belt</tc> is the most suitable?
When you are walking a bit further and want to carry things with you, it is of course handy to use something for that. That can be very small, for example with a handheld, where you only put your key in and take some drinks with you. The other extreme is a large Running vest where you can carry belongings for more than 24 hours.
Running Belts
However, there is still a handy intermediate form. The running belt, not to be confused with a Hydration belt, which is actually more of a bottle holder. You have very narrow ones, where just a small bar fits and then it's full. Since the invention of the SPIbelt or Flipbelt, a lot of improvements have been implemented in the meantime, and some brands have belts that compete to some extent with the Trail vests. Compressport is one of those brands that has a beautiful collection of belts. Three variants, each with its own purpose.
CompressportFree Belt Mini
This belt weighs only 59 grams and is 8 centimeters high. It opens 360 degrees from the top to store gear. Suitable for shorter runs. Put your Clif Go inside, put your house key in, and maybe a gel pack. At a height of 8 centimeters, it is actually too small for a soft flask or your smartphone. It sits lower than Free Belt and the Free Belt PRO and is designed to avoid compression on the abdominal area during longer distances. The belt does have loops to carry your trekking poles or running poles.
The running belt that started it all. The standard running belt model in this series. This belt weighs 60 grams and is 12.5 centimeters high. With this height, you can easily carry a phone or soft flask take it with you. Even a good foldable jacket fits. For most runners, this will be the most ideal solution.
And then there is the largest of the three belts. The CompressportFree Belt Pro. The alternative to a racing vest or Running vest. If you are going further than the marathon and want to take a lot with you. Food, drink, phone, poles, headlamp, raincoat and maybe even a Emergency blankettje. I have also used it myself with two soft flasks, one in front and one in back. I do notice that when the one at the back is full with 500 or 600 ml, it bounces a bit. However, it sits low enough that you can simply wear a cardigan over it if you go really far. It weighs 70 grams and is 16 centimeters high.
The CompressportFree BeltThey come in three sizes. So measure yourself carefully and choose the right size. It shouldn't pinch while you're walking, but it shouldn't slip down either.
Alternatives
Is this not quite your belt after all? We also have beautiful belts from Camelbak and Nathan. Another alternative is the Postural tops of CompressportThose are shirts with a Free Belt in the shirt. Ideal. Read our review of those shirts here.
Do you still have questions? Then you know where to reach us!
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