PRODUCT REVIEW: PR Hydration 3 bottle Running Belt by SLS3

I received a SLS3 fuel belt for free from the manufacturer in exchange for an honest review.
This in no way affected my opinion of the belt, or the content of my review.

Fuel belts.  It wasn’t until recently that I could understand the need for one.  The majority of my races have been road races, where water stops are plentiful.  And while marathon training, I usually just plan my long runs so I pass by my house numerous times so I can get a drink.  

But lately, I feel like I can’t “trust” that some of my races will provide me with what I need.  After one too many events where water/cups have run out, Gatorade has not been mixed correctly, or water stops have been miles apart and the temperature has been 90 degrees, I decided I needed a better solution.

I now own numerous hydration devices.  I have a used Nathan belt I was given off of Freecycle, an Amphipod Hydration Pack that sits on my lower back, a handheld bottle and a newly purchased vest, which I plan to use for my fall ultra (yet to be tested).  The Nathan belt is old and bounces like crazy when I run.  The Amphipod bottle sits oddly on my lower back and has a tendency to leak, which makes it look like I couldn’t find a port-o-potty in time.   Since I hold my iPhone when I run, the handheld bottle is relatively useless for me.  

I was excited when I had the opportunity to try the
​PR Hydration 3 bottle Running Belt by SLS3. 
When it arrived, one of the first things I noted was that instead of the typical belt fastener, this one was Velcro.  I liked that feature, as I find that as I run, I often need to adjust the waist size of fuel belts, and this method would make that a cinch.  It contains 3 7 ounce BPA free bottles, all of which are dishwasher safe.  There’s a nice zipper pouch, which would be great for keys or a GU packet, especially if you were running in shorts or pants that didn’t have pockets. 
​

I tested the belt on a 6 mile easy run. (Since the run was so short, I cannot comment if this belt causes chafing or rubbing on longer runs.)  It felt lightweight; so lightweight that I quickly realized I no longer felt the belt.  Because of the location of the bottles, I didn’t have the dreaded hitting of the bottles every time I swung my arms. The bottles did not leak and there was ZERO bounce of the belt.  

During my run, I tried taking each of the 3 bottles out.  Both end bottles went in and out rather easily (I didn’t need to stop running to accomplish this).  The middle bottle wasn’t as easy, but still doable while running.  The only other concern I had regarding the bottle holders is the plastic that holds the bottles.  I wonder if over time, will they break or stretch so much that the bottles are no longer able to be held as firmly as they currently are. (Time will tell!)

Overall Summary:  
For the price/100% money back guarantee, I would highly recommend this fuel belt.

Pros: 

• No leaks
• Lightweight
• No bounce/stayed in place
• Easy on/off with Velcro attachment
• Bottles are BPA free and dishwasher safe
• Don’t hit bottles when swinging arms
• Zipper pouch for keys or fuel

Cons:

• Middle bottle a bit more tricky to take out (although still rather easy)
• Wonder if plastic that holds bottles will last long term
• Excessive back sweat (although described as “Breathable backing wicks moisture away and keeps you cool”)

I Would Use It For:

• Mid/long training runs 
• Short runs in hot weather 
• Well supported races as a back-up (half marathon or less)

I Would Not Use It For:

• Marathon or further (due to only providing 21 ounces)

---