Article by Reed Breuer
Bare HC Excessive Capability Working Band Overview ($95)
The Bare Working Band has been a staple within the entrance pack of path races for almost a decade. The brand new excessive capability 5L (HC) model is the most recent and largest belt possibility, finishing the trifecta of belts from Bare.
The 2 different choices are the SL for roads or shorter distances and the usual model for all-purpose.
I admire the consistency of all three variations (every coming in 12 sizes) in that they use the identical supplies and primary design. Easy as it might be, they’re mainly simply totally different capacities with some tweaks right here and there.
Options:
Should you’re new to the Bare Working Band, the design is straightforward and efficient for minimal to average storage wants on any terrain. The belts are all two bands of breathable and sturdy 4-way stretch mesh sewn collectively on the backside with three vertical seams to create separate compartments.
All variations of the Bare belt are very stretchy however do an ideal job minimizing bounce. Each Bare belts I’ve now owned have begun to wrestle once they’re packed to capability, however the capability of the HC is so excessive that I haven’t come near maxing it out throughout even 3 hours runs. Observe that Bare is now promoting a 1L bladder with a tube attachment that’s designed to suit into this HC belt however I didn’t obtain that bladder nor any ingesting tubes to check that setup.
A foam rectangle was added throughout the decrease again panel presumably to cut back bunching whereas making it extra comfy to retailer items. This addition is minimally invasive however it’s completely useful and hasn’t brought about any abrasion but.
As a result of presence of this non-flex panel, you do have to orient the belt with this part within the again which suggests the two different pockets sit in your left and proper with a seam down out of your navel, which for me modified how I exploit the belt as a result of I’d beforehand been configuring the unique Bare belt with one pocket squarely within the entrance. Particulars and Options:
Execs:
Simple to insert and take away objects even whereas operating quick.
Objects really feel safe in my testing with as much as 1.5L water plus 6 bigger gels (200g of carbs)
Comparatively simple to placed on and take off
Stays in place on physique
Cons:
Orientation of belt is now restricted to 2 choices on account of addition of rear foam panel for construction
Value is excessive at $95 (however now features a 500ml mushy flask)
Width of belt means you seemingly lose quick access to your shorts pockets
Should you’re used to sporting the unique, it will likely be a straightforward transition to modify to this or so as to add it for longer runs rather than a vest. Should you haven’t worn the unique Bare belt, both possibility suits equally in that they’re a bit cosy however not constricting. For my physique there’s a pure spot on my waist the place the belt settles and I not often, if ever, discover myself needing to regulate the belt or pull it again into place, which has been a difficulty for me with different belts I’ve worn. With 12 obtainable sizes it’s simple to get the precise match!
I’m 5’9”, about 145 lbs with a 30 inch waist (pant measurement, not measurement). My navel truly measures 34 inches which might be a measurement 7 Bare band (which you 100% want to make use of – don’t use your pant measurement!) however my pattern was measurement 5 which is just a little tight on me however completely useful. I’ve worn a measurement 6 beforehand and that’s what I might buy regardless of measuring a measurement 7. Efficiency:
The HC has instantly develop into my go-to selection for runs of two hours or extra as a result of comparatively excessive capability with no bounce or chafing. I wouldn’t select to load greater than about 1.5L of fluid in it, however I wouldn’t load that a lot in any vest I personal both. I’d nonetheless select a vest if I had a number of further additional layers to retailer along with a full load of water and gels.
The one expertise that wasn’t excellent was a long term starting with a descent whereas carrying a fairly full load of huge gels and 1.3L of fluid. The belt didn’t bounce however it did really feel prefer it wished to slip down my hips just a little. I drank a pair ounces of water and the issue was instantly resolved.Storage check: HC Bare belt vs Salomon Sense Professional 6 vs Raide Belt LF 2L
I did a fast check to see how every pack might deal with about 2-3hrs price of things, which on this case was 2x500L flasks and 6 bigger gel packets. I used to be particularly interested by how lengthy it might take to load and unload every pack with the identical objects, provided that the load was fairly comfy for every pack.
The Salomon 6L vest took 48 seconds to pack and 21 seconds to unpack. There was loads of additional house obtainable and the objects had been neatly organized.
Subsequent, the HC belt took simply 24 seconds to pack and 11 seconds to unpack. I had some remaining house however not as a lot as within the 6L vest.
Lastly, the Raide LF 2L took 55 seconds to pack and 24 to unpack. The Raide belt was mainly overflowing with this many gels plus the 2 flasks and I might threat dropping gels by even making an attempt to take away a flask. It’s price noting that I’ve a small Raide belt however most likely ought to put on a medium, which could make my expertise smoother. I even have one measurement too small within the HC belt however it doesn’t appear to trigger any points.
Conclusions:
The Bare HC Belt is a good possibility for runners searching for a operating belt that holds a liter or extra of fluid comfortably. It’s additionally not overkill in case you like operating with a single flask or perhaps only a telephone and a few equipment. For me, this HC stretches the potential of a belt to deal with most race eventualities I would encounter with out making any sacrifices in consolation or capability. It could not compete in opposition to larger capability vests in storage however it might complement a light-duty vest to provide the better of each worlds.
Bare Sports activities Improvements
Bare HC Working Band
Tester Profile
Reed, 32 years previous from Auburn, CA. Reed started operating at age 18 and did the traditional monitor/cross nation route by way of faculty. After faculty he ran a pair street marathons and began racing on trails in 2017. He moved from Sacramento to Auburn in 2023 to stay nearer to the historic Western States 100 course and he primarily trains and races on trails from 50k to 100mi. He has run a 15:28 5k and a pair of:28 marathon and is domestically aggressive in races of any floor or distance. He beforehand labored at a neighborhood operating shoe retailer and is beginning a training enterprise on the aspect (capital-endurance.com). He’s a closeted heel-striker and over-pronator with a really low-volume foot.
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