Raide Research LF 2L Running Belt Review
For avid Trail Runners, the Raide Research LF 2L Running Belt is a premium piece of gear that quietly changes your habits. While the price tag is steep, the zero-bounce, carry capacity, and overall versatility provide a great experience for trail runners who want to ditch the vest.
The Verdict:
Running in the hot summer months, I’m always looking for ways to stay light, stay cool, and skip the full vest unless I truly need it. The Raide Research LF 2L caught my eye for how well it keeps everything secured without bouncing around. I’ve used multiple running belts, and my biggest annoyance was the bounce, on top of my bottle or gels falling out on descents. After 100+ miles with the Raide LF 2L (mostly in the heat), this belt has become my go-to option for long-ish trail days when I want good carry capacity without sweating out in a vest.
+What We Like
Truly zero-bounce, even when loaded up
Big capacity for a belt, you can get a lightweight packable wind jacket in the belt with a bottle and many gels for reference.
Includes a 650mL HydraPak soft flask.
Filter-cap compatible, which makes refill stops ridiculously convenient
Durable fabric that feels designed for real trail use
-What We Don't Like
Price is a premium ($149)
Slightly more structured and “substantial” than minimalist belts (a pro or con, depending on what you want)
Break-in is real, but it’s worth it
Nitty Gritty:
Volume: 2L (122 cu in)
Claimed weight: 144g (XS) to 166g (XL) | 156g (M)
Materials: 150gsm 70D stretch woven with 3mm x 3mm UHMWPE ripstop (78% nylon, 16% Lycra, 6% UHMWPE)
Flask included: 650mL HydraPak soft flask with low-profile locking cap
Pocketing: 6 pockets total.
Structure: 3mm perforated foam + flexible plastic stays to keep the belt close and stable
Price: $149
Warranty: 5-year
Sizing: Raide offers this belt from XS to XL
Fit: Anatomical fit.
Extra: Pole carry system on the back
Comfort and Bounce Control:
If you’ve ever tried to run technical trail with a belt that starts bouncing around, you already know why Raide created the belt. The way Raide constructed the belt firmly holds down anything you pack in it without bouncing. I’ve noticed that when drinking from the HydraPak bottle, the belt slightly relaxes its grip and can slide around (still doesn’t bounce). However, the inner tension straps are very easy to use, even on the fly. The tension straps really help keep the belt glued exactly where you want it.
For me, that translates to a better experience out on the trails. I can load it with water and food, lock the fit, and stop thinking about it. Over time, the fabric has softened and relaxed slightly, and for me, it’s been a positive change.
Storage and Organization:
This is where the LF 2L separates itself from most running belts. It’s not just a tube of stretchy mesh. It’s a very thought-out carry system with two large primary pockets up front. I put things I want easy access to in these pockets. Two additional front pockets sit on the interior of the belt. I place items here that I need to keep secure or separate from my gels. Around back, there’s a big pouch that holds your water bottle(s). Within that pocket, there’s a small zipper pocket.
The greatest advantage on the trail is the feeling of absolute security. On some very early runs, I’ve taken a headlamp and Ketl’s Break wind jacket with me, along with 5 gels and a bag of salt pills. After the sun rose and the temps rose, the headlamp and the windbreaker weren’t needed; there was no issue with packing the headlamp and the windbreaker in the belt. I was very pleased with how secure everything feels, eliminating the need for constant adjustment, regardless of load.
Hydration Setup:
The belt ships with a 650mL HydraPak soft flask, and it feels like the right call for the runs this belt is made for. Raide’s reasoning is solid: 500mL can be a little short for medium to long runs, but jumping straight to two flasks isn’t always necessary. The included flask also has a locking cap, which is a small detail that matters when you’re stuffing it into a tight pocket and moving fast.
Everything I had in the bouncing video demonstration.
The flask is compatible with Katadyn BeFree and HydraPak filter tops, which makes this belt ridiculously practical for long summer runs. If you have a filter cap and run on trails near water, this belt replaces the need for a vest and checks the box for staying light. My longest run so far in this belt was 16 miles with the 650ml bottle with the filter cap. I was pumped with the freedom of staying light and cool.
Durability and Long-Term Impressions:
The LF 2L is built with a UHMWPE ripstop integrated into the stretch woven fabric, aimed at being exceptionally cut-resistant for a running belt. That durability focus shows up in how the belt feels in the hand, too. It’s more substantial than the average minimalist belt. The belt is thicker than a typical belt because it needs to be more structured to achieve the no-bounce goal. The foam padding on the back has laser-cut holes to allow for heat to escape. So it’s not a total sweat box. In my opinion, it is still a better alternative to a vest during hot days.
After 100+ miles, my main long-term takeaway is that the belt gets better with use. The fabric relaxes a touch, the fit becomes more natural, and the whole system feels dialed for movement. I’ve also put the belt through the washer a dozen times and hung it up to dry; I’ve found no issues with running the belt in the washer. I refrained from putting it in the dryer as I don’t want to damage the flexible plastic stays. I wouldn’t be surprised if the belt would do just fine in the dryer. I do want to keep the belt for a long time, so I don’t want to take any chances.
The Trade-Offs:
There’s no way around it: the belt is expensive for a running belt. But it also comes with a 5-year warranty and materials that are clearly chosen for longevity, not just weight savings.
The other trade-off is feel: if you’re used to ultra-minimal belts, the LF 2L will feel wider and more structured at first. Personally, I think that structure is the reason it works, especially once you start carrying a little more water and food.
Versatility:
Raide includes details you don’t see on most running belts: pole carry, reflective hits, and a more anatomical, performance-oriented shape. Even if you don’t use poles often, the straps for the pole carry are still useful when you need to stow away a shirt or jacket.
As mentioned above, if you run in areas where bodies of water or streams are plentiful and with a filter cap on the bottle, long runs like 50k-50mi are very capable with this belt. I haven’t tested that out just yet, but knowing how much this belt can carry, it doesn’t seem overwhelming. The times I’ve taken a Vest over the belt are during colder months, where the extra layer the vest provides is nice to have. The only time I grabbed the vest in the summer was during a self-supported long run, and the route doesn’t go near any water to refill. I want to say it is worth every penny with this belt. I’m very pleased with the experience the belt provides.
Final Thoughts:
The Raide Research LF 2L is one of those pieces of gear that quietly changes your habits. It’s the belt I grab when it’s hot, when I don’t want a vest, and when I still need enough capacity to stay self-sufficient on trail. The stability is the star, but the real long-term win is how complete the system feels: smart pocketing, legit hydration options, filter compatibility, and durability that’s meant to go the distance.
If you’re a trail runner who wants to stay light in summer and avoid the vest unless the run truly demands it, this belt is absolutely worth a hard look.
