A Belt Like No Other

The Raide Research LF 2L running belt thoughts.

For the short while I’ve been running, I’ve always been a vest guy. The running vest is the tried and true option for longer haul runs. The standard dual flasks, lots of storage and pockets, quiver attachment for poles, and good amount of internal storage for things like a shell, first aid kit, extra pair of socks and so on has always been my go to…

Until recently.

Who are these people…

About six months back, I’d been seeing a lot of talk about this company called Raide Research. They had a few ads on Instagram and I kept seeing the belt pop up on my feed. I am a sucker for a minimalist design that boasts a self sufficient approach to running. I started reading about the Raide belt and then some reviews and was convinced I needed one. I’d never worn a running belt, but I was willing to try something different.

I went to the Raide website and they were completely sold out of every size. Noooooooo. But this was supposed to be destiny. I spent a week or more researching and deciding that I was ok pulling the $150 trigger on the belt, and then they didn’t even have any in stock. I was bummed. It was a good sign, meaning the belt had been gaining in popularity, but I guess I was going to be left out of the club.

A couple of days later I pulled up my phone, doomscrolling through Instagram when I saw a post from Raide in my feed. There it was, the belt that got away. An idea crossed my mind. My dad always taught me to ask no matter what, because the worst that’s going to happen is someone might say no, and that’s perfectly ok. I typed up a message to the Raide Research account and fired it off.

What the hell, why not? I set my phone down and forgot about my inquiry…until a few hours later, I popped back into Instagram and saw I had a reply.

Ok, that’s a start, right? Most companies would probably just ignore my message. Or definitely hit me with a bespoke, “What we have is online, sorry.” So, I decided to try my best to patiently wait and see what could come of this, ultimately not expecting too much.

Wow. I couldn’t believe it. My father’s philosophy of “just ask, what’s the harm” paid off. This guy went out of his way, looking for my size in multiple locations and he then shipped the belt out to me. I was officially going to join the Raide club.

If you were expecting a traditional review, I realize I’ve taken a great deal of time sharing this story about my experience just acquiring the belt, but I think it’s equally important. It paints you a picture of the team behind Raide Research. A team that’s willing to go out of their way to supply just an average, super-totally-not-special runner like myself, with one of their products. I was blown away with the customer service I had just received, and so I wanted to start this journal with a look into the people behind the brand. I don’t know them by name, but I’ve told this story to many people over and over. It’s left a lasting impression on me.

So, I got the belt…

Let’s fast forward 6 months and talk about my thoughts today…

The Belt — Thoughts

I’ve had 6 months to gather my thoughts and usage on the belt. The first thing I want to say is that if you’re not a belt person, there’s a “break in” period. Meaning that it takes some getting use to having weight distributed around your waist, rather than an upper body pack as many of us are traditionally familiar with. Once that adjustment period wavers, you begin to experience the true magic.

I’ve been thinking about how I can intentionally shift my review process and content recently. I have ADHD, so I know how cumbersome it can be for certain people to read a lengthy, word-filled review. They just want the juice, the golden nuggets. So, in my per-usual informal and non-professional self, I’m just gonna give you a bulleted list of my thoughts and keep it nice and short!

In full honesty and no filter, here is my “I love list”:

• I love that this pack truly does not bounce at all, not even slightly. It’s secure AF.

• I love that the adjustable straps are easy to use, securing the belt to my waist that contributes to that no-bounce functionality.

• I love that it’s built insanely well — amazing craftsmanship. The materials used could last an apocalypse and have shown zero signs of wear after heavy use.

• I love that this belt can store an insane amount. I went for a run last week where I had the following in my belt with zero issues whatsoever: 2 - 500ml flasks, 1 - 650ml flask, 4 gels, 1 buff, 1 first aid kit, 1 wind shell, and a pair a pair of poles…all in a belt.

• I love that I feel “hands free” with this belt. Meaning my upper body is free and not top heavy if that makes sense.

• I love that this belt forces me to make important decisions about my nutrition and how to optimize what I carry, whereas I used to just throw everything in my pack, most things I never touched.

• I love that this belt is so comfortable. It’s one of those things where once you’re used to wearing it, you don’t really notice it.

• I love the included flask that comes with this belt. Like an unhealthy amount. Not only is it 650ml, so large capacity, but it has the most brilliant locking cap. No spills and gooey drink mix all over your hands or spilled in your pack!

• I love the zipper pocket in the back where I can store my car keys, credit cards and ids so I don’t have to worry about losing them on the run.

• I love that I don’t have anything negative to say about this. Literally. I’m being honest. I’m not anywhere near paid to write this, no ones knows I am even writing this, but I genuinely believe this is my most favorite piece of gear I own.

Vest vs Belt

Going forward, yes, there’s a place still for a vest. Whether it’s public knowledge or not, I heard a rumor that Raide is even developing a vest releasing in the summer time (if you’re from Raide, you can comment and tell me I’m an idiot and don’t know what I’m talking about, but also, I’ll gladly take a vest too!) In truth a vest can store more, but the Raide belt definitely makes you question, “but how much more can it store?” For the runs that I do, the belt suffices beyond belief.

I am about 85% sure that for my Echo Valley 50k in June, I will be rocking the Raide Belt to handle hauling all of my nutrition during the race.

The Raide LF 2L running belt has become my favorite piece of gear in my overwhelming amount of product that I own. If you’re on the fence and reading this to get an idea, I hope it helps. If I were you, I would just do it. It’s made my running adventures easier, streamlined, efficient and more fun.

Thanks for readin!

Until next time,

Ryan from Into the Wild