Raide LF 2L Running Belt Review

I’ve tested many running belts over the years, and I often find that each one stands out (or sometimes falls short) in different ways.

The Raide LF 2L Running Belt sits on the premium side of the spectrum, and is totally different to a traditional running belt.

It comes with promises of more durability, very high storage capacity, and a design that aims to reduce bounce.

Below, I’ll walk through its key specifications, share a bit about the Raide brand, highlight what sets it apart, and offer my personal take on its performance, and overall value.

Key specifications

• Price: $149 at raideresearch.com
• Capacity: Seven pockets (5 internal), including a two-layer pocket for items like a 500ml soft flask or a light jacket
• Materials: Elastic ripstop fabric and reinforced seams
• Fit: Low-bounce design with internal suspension system
• Weight: 5–5.8 oz (144–166 g), depending on size
• Included Accessory: 650ml soft flask, sized to fit in the rear pocket
• Pole Loops: Integrated for securing trail running poles
• Warranty: 5-year coverage against manufacturing defects

A brief look at the Raide brand

Founded in Carbondale, Colorado, Raide specializes in high-quality mountain and trail running gear, focusing on thoughtful design and premium materials.

If you’re interested in seeing how Raide belts compare to other options, you can check out my other running belt reviews on trailandkale.com.

What makes this product stand out

One of the first things I noticed is the reinforced construction, a feature that no other running belt I have tested has had.

Its construction uses a 70d stretch, woven with a 3mm x 3mm UHMWPE ripstop elastic which gives the belt a sturdier feel compared to more minimalist belts elasticated belt which can be more prone to getting cut / snagged.

It’s also refreshing to see a design that caters to folks who want to carry more than just a phone, some gels, and a set of keys. Sure many traditional running belts can do this but the more you load them up, the more prone they are to bouncing as you run.

This belt has a two-layer rear pocket, dedicated loops for your LEKI running poles, and enough space for energy gels, an extra layer or running jacket, and the soft flask that comes with it.

This robust build does mean it weighs around the 5–5.8 oz range, depending on the size belt you go for, which is considerably heavier than a traditional, more minimal stretchy runnign belt.

What’s good

I’m impressed by how the Raide LF 2L Running Belt feels once it has a few runs under its belt, no pun intended.

It’s snug at first, but the wide belt design and thicker materials break in nicely after a bit of use, creating a solid fit that doesn’t bounce around, so long as you dial the adjustment in and wear it more around your waist, rather than over your hips, otherwise it will slide upwards when you run.

Even when fully loaded with a flask, phone, nutrition, and a packable windbreaker, it remains secure thanks to the built-in suspension system.

The pockets are logically placed too. Being able to store heavier items (like a soft flask) in the rear pocket helps distribute weight more evenly, as all the gel pockets, and phone pocket are at the front.

This distribution, combined with the belt’s overall construction, reduces the side-to-side swaying you can get in slimmer belts. It’s also great to see trekking pole loops, which isn’t always common in some cheaper running belts.

Adding in a 5-year warranty also signals that Raide expects the belt to handle plenty of mileage.

Areas for improvement

The belt does run quite tight initially, and you may need to give it a bit of time to stretch out, or take extra time trying out different adjustments, using the built in adjusters, especially if you’re between sizes.

It’s not the most breathable runnign belt, and because it takes up alot of surface area on my back, I really noticed it heating up during long climbs under the sun.

I also noticed the side gel pockets can feel cramped with larger gel packets, leaving visible bulges. This might not bother everyone, but it can be tricky to yank those larger gels out mid-run.

Finally, at $150, it’s very expensive, when you compare it to other running belts on the market – that said, there’s nothing quite the same out there, but there are other great running belts, like the Arcteryx Norvan Belt and the Naked Running Band.

Whether that’s worth it can depend on how heavily you rely on your belt for long, gear-heavy runs – and whether or not a more traditional running belt or running hydration pack already have enough storage capacity for your long runs.

My verdict

The Raide LF 2L Running Belt is worth considering if you prioritize durability, storage, and a secure fit – remember you need to wear this tight, and higher than a traditional belt to get a super secure fit.

It does come with a higher cost, and it’s initially a bit snug, but the trade-off is a belt that feels built for years of mountain adventures, very much in the same way a hydration pack is – traditional running belts just don’t have quite the same durability, after washing them over and over.

If you’re looking for a running belt that can handle long, technical trail runs, where you want to carry a bit more without committing to a vest, this one fits the bill.

It’s a dependable option to have in your trail gear rotation, especially if you appreciate the confidence that comes from a more robust construction.

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