LF 2L

This belt takes things next level. A little snug to get on but once you get the steps adjusted and in place it does not move. Yet to try it with two bottles but initial impressions are excellent. Will be my go to from here on out.

Hands down the best belt I’ve used. Carries a full flask, layers, poles, and calories for a full day. Super high quality and comfort. Adjustability and support is second to none. 10/10!

Hands down the best running belt I've had the pleasure of using… I’ve got a couple hundred miles in it and often forget that it's on until I need something and voila!! You’ve got an extra layer, a phone, nutrition and hydration. The brilliance is that it just disappears!! MAGIC!! The LF 2L also comes with a flask that has a flow control valve. No more sticky back and legs from the bite valve getting compressed by the belt. I loved the flask so much that I bought an another one. Plot twist… you can cram the second bottle in the back for longer excursions. No bounce. No problems. The laser cut interior pockets are unnecessary and difficult to access because they are between you and the belt suspension system… so I just don’t use them. The overall construction is sturdy and the material choice is quite breathable and durable. I’m looking forward to many many many more miles of forgetting I'm wearing the LF 2L.

I love the LF 2L for training runs, but for racing, I question if it's really the best option: I use poles, and the ability to quickly stow and retrieve my poles is paramount. While the LF 2L is great for quickly stowing and removing poles, it's difficult/impossible to rapidly access water bottle+ any additional gear while the poles are stowed. Accessing water while the poles are in my hands presents a different problem. Adding some sort of "quiver" type accessory could maybe solve this?

Regardless, I use this product 4-7 times per week, on runs up to 2.5hrs. It's ideal for daily training use, and shorter races where one doesn't use poles, and fast water access is not paramount. It's extremely secure, durable, and I've had no chafing.

Overall: Superb. I prefer belts to vests whenever possible, and I've used it for running, hiking, and for extra storage while cycling on days where I didn't wear a jersey. No chafing in either sport, and more comfortable than a regular bike waist pack. Yes, it's expensive, but the materials and quality of construction are better than any equally expensive vest I've seen, and I am willing to pay a premium to support a small Colorado company.

Sizing: Carefully follow the size guide, and if in doubt, size up. I was between sizes and went with a medium initially, and had to exchange for a large. There is a lot of tightening available with the adjustment straps, which are quick and easy to use.

Bounce: no noticeable bounce, even with two flasks. Previously I was using a UD two-bottle belt that was only made for one season about 10 years ago and had less bounce than anything else I've tried prior to Raide. It finally wore out about a week before Raide pre-orders started, and the Raide belt is MUCH better. Note that you will need to use the adjustment straps to accomodate loads of different sizes.

Capacity: it holds a lot! With some careful stuffing I managed to carry 4 large gels, two 650ml flasks, an ultralight (4oz) jacket, iPhone, and an inReach beacon. With a single flask you can store more gear or clothing. Note that this is a size large, and the capacity will vary slightly between sizes. If you're carrying two flasks and finish off one, make sure to stow the empty one underneath the fuller one. When I failed to do this the empty flask fell out and I had to go back and find it. The small inner pockets are a nice detail and perfect for separating trash. I think the design is so good that Raide could make a 2.5L or even 3L size with only a little compromise on bounce. I'd buy one.

Pole storage: the pole attachment system works well and doesn't bounce, but it's difficult to access the flask with the poles attached. The sliders on the bungies are small and difficult to use with my limited shoulder mobility, so stowing and re-stowing poles frequently isn't something I'm going to do. A more flexible person may have better luck. I don't consider this a negative because I always carry my poles in my hands unless I'm scrambling.

Areas for improvement: 1) The zippered key pocket is very small. I'd like to see either a slightly larger one or a second one, along with a key leash. 2) The snap system on the rear pocket needs some kind of small adjustability. It doesn't need to be much, but as is, it's too short to close with two full 650ml flasks. Maybe a slightly longer tail with two snaps instead of one? I think that would be more secure than a slider that is going to slip. 3) Relatedly, a way to securely attach an extra layer to the outside would be nice. The pole bungies are too widely spaced to use for secure clothing storage unless the middle strap is a little longer. Alternatively, a 3rd smaller bungie in the middle (attached only to the pocket) might work.