Salomon Active Insulated Belt

A great hydration option for a light trip in the backcountry.

The Salomon Active Insulated Belt is my go-to for hydration on short winter excursions. I bought it for nordic  skiing, but have found that I also use it backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. I love having a belt in the winter, as opposed to a small pack, as it keeps my shoulders free from fatigue. They become tired enough from poling as it is. It was a new purchase for me this winter season, and I am looking forward to giving it a try on day hikes in the summer. 

The Sensifit belt adjusts easily to any size, which is helpful in New England when the number of layers I'm wearing can change drastically over the course of a day. It fits comfortably and securely — the material has some flexibility, which allows for unrestricted movement, yet I've had no issues with unwanted shifting or chafing. This is a big deal for me as my waist is much smaller than my hips, and as a result, I often have trouble with products riding up. Not the case here...hurray!

It comes with a water bottle contained in an Active Insulated sleeve. This prevents the water from freezing, even in very cold temperatures. There is an elastic band over the opening of the 4D bottle holder to secure the bottle in place. However, the first time I wore it out, the bottle slipped from the holder while I was nordic skiing! Fortunately, it was recovered by others on the trail and returned to me. As the bottle holder sits on the lower back out of view, I'm assuming I had not tucked the bottle away securely.

Since then, I have purchased a small carabiner that clips the water bottle to the holder, just to be safe. The 45 degree incline of the bottle holder makes it easy to access without moving the belt, even in the winter when wearing gloves. 

I should note that the first time I used the water bottle, I couldn't get the spout to open! My husband had to pry it open using a knife. Since then, it has worked just fine, and I imagine this was just a defect in the specific bottle that was sent to me. Just know that it would be a good idea to test the bottle before you venture outdoors as it is an easy fix that would be a greater inconvenience if you were outside in the cold, and super thirsty!

There is a small zipper pouch, which is the perfect size for carrying a trail map, keys, and a snack. It provides for necessary storage without being too bulky.

Overall, I love this hydration belt and use it often. It is so lightweight and comfortable that I often forget I am wearing it. This is what I look for in outdoor gear- products that allow me to focus upon the beauty of the backcountry, rather than the belongings I carry with me.