SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belt Review + GIVEAWAY
Happy Hump Day!
Since I haven’t posted any reviews or giveaways in a little while, I thought today would be as good a day as any to do both!
As I mentioned yesterday, I’m ready to run, and ready to really kick my running season into high gear! I signed up for yet another race today, and I’m very much looking forward to running it with my family and friends. Last year, I ran The Wipeout Run. This year, it’s called the Ridiculous Obstacle Course (ROC) Race, and I’ll be running it with the DMV Superstars once again. Last year, I went as Lex Lightning. This year I might come up with a totally different made-up superhero. (You can sign up to join our team by registering here.)
But enough about my upcoming races. Let me tell you all about this sweet running belt!
Earlier this winter (when it was still really winter and not magically 70+ degrees in the DC Area), I was contacted by SLS3 and was sent one of their new SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belts in exchange for an honest review. Since it was still snowing and all that wintry stuff, I was not all about that running-outdoors life (despite some decent intentions). Eventually, of course, it warmed up, so I got a chance to take the belt for a few runs and put it through the test.
What Do I Look for in a Running Belt?
I am a sucker for a good running belt. The more I can fit into a belt without it affecting my run, the better. Moisture wicking is a plus, as are reflective accents. I like to not have to fiddle with my belt while I’m running, and I usually listening to my jams while I run, so I need to be able to pop my headphone cable through the belt. Can the belt store snacks/gels/waffles? Is the belt comfortable? Does it bounce when I run? Does it have a slot for water? Will it hold my phone? Will I have to remove my Otterbox case before putting my phone in the belt? These are all important questions I ask when I try out a new running belt.
Does the SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belt Meet My Expectations?
Overall, I would say yes, I recommend the belt, and it meets or exceeds most of my expectations. I really don’t like running with a water bottle in my hand, so it was a bit of a bummer that this one didn’t allow me to carry a water bottle on the belt. (My hands get clammy, which is not ideal for carrying a water bottle!) It’s not the end of the world, but it’s a nice-to-have. I don’t typically carry water on short runs, so this would be really great for that.
Without a doubt, the size of the items the belt can hold really surprised me! I thought it was just this flimsy little belt that could maybe hold some gels or chews, but I was definitely wrong! I read a couple of other reviews and saw that people were fitting their cell phones in their belts. I decided to give my big ol’ phone a try, and it worked! The best part was that I didn’t have to remove my Otterbox cover before shoving it in there! The material is super stretchy, and I strategically positioned my phone so that I could have my headphones plugged into the jack and still have my phone secured. Now, I don’t know what some of the Amazon reviewers are talking about, because I had no problem taking my phone out to snap a few pictures, which I usually don’t even do when I’m out for a run. I was able to remove my phone while I was running, find a good spot for a photo, stop, take the photo, continue running, and stick the phone back in the pocket.
Since the two pockets are so stretchy, I decided to stick all kinds of things in there. I was able to fit a Honey Stinger Waffle in that bad boy, along with some gels and even my car key. Even though I got sweaty on the run, nothing inside the pockets saw a drop of sweat! The pockets are lined, on top of being moisture wicking, so they just handled my sweat like a boss!
The belts come in four different colors, but I stuck to black. I know that sounds boring, but I have a couple of ridiculously-colored belts, so this was just fine. It’ll be great for camouflaging during race day photos. 🙂
The funniest thing about trying out this belt was that I actually forgot I was wearing it the first time I took it for a run. Really! Once I adjusted the belt, I didn’t have to mess with it again, and it was so comfortable, even when I was driving (whoops), I forgot it was on!
I definitely recommend this running belt, and l cannot wait to put it to good use this race season!
Now, on to the giveaway, which I’ll be linking up with Running with SD Mom and Erica Finds as part of their Wednesday Giveaway Roundup.
Fill out the Rafflecopter widget below to enter for your chance to win your own SLS3 Dual Pocket Run Belt. Hurry! The giveaway closes next week when SLS3 will pick a random winner!
Can’t wait for the giveaway results, and need to buy your own? For a limited time, you can purchase an SLS3 dual pocket belt on super sale! The belts normally retail for $29.90, but the Amazon store has it listed for $12.90 with Amazon Prime as of my writing this post!
If you’re interested in other SLS3 goodies, such as those super cute compression sleeves I was giving away a few months back, check out their website, and be sure to use the code BLOG40 to receive 40% off on their website.
Did I miss any running belt requirements? What do you want out of a running belt? Do you like to carry water while you run?