At the Summer 2012 Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, UltrAspire gave us a sneak peak at an up and coming product – the Quantum – a race inspired waist belt you slip on like shorts, that gives you enough storage for the essentials without the usual hassles of a running belt. I remember liking it enough at the time to want to try and talk them into parting with one of their few demos, but left empty handed yet excited for its upcoming release.
Once Trail and Ultrarunning was able to get our hands on the Quantum, we quickly put them right to work. I immediately tried mine out on a 3 hour run. I filled it with a gel flask, some salt pills, wipes, my phone and keys, along with a couple of extra gels just to load it up. Slipped it on, grabbed a water bottle, and headed out. The real shock came to me about 45 minutes into my run when I realized I hadn’t been paying any attention at all to the Quantum…it was just there, doing it’s job, without the constant waist-strangling reminder employed by so many other belts out there.
Using UltrAspire patent pending “Ethereal Technology”, this stretchable, wide mesh belt, gently hugs your hips and stays where you put it.
- One piece design – no buckles or hardware
UltrAspire Quantum in Purpleocity – Back
- Comes in S, M, L sizes, with a simple tension cord to dial in the fit
- 2 large front zippered pocket, great for a phone, keys, camera, extra gels, map, etc.
- Two elastic rear pockets perfectly sized for a gel flask or about 3 gels each
- Race bib clips that tuck easily out of the way
- Customize your look in 4 colors – Pitch Black, Precipitous Blue, Purpleocity and Steep Green
- Weighs in at 80 grams
For Craig, it was the sleek design of the Quantum that first caught his eye. “I’d been looking around the market for a waist belt that offered the ability to carry a phone plus gels, but not the need to carry water. When I saw the Quantum I knew immediately that this was the belt I was looking for. Additionally, the fact that it had no buckles or significant loose ends I was hooked. The Quantum weighs next to nothing, even fully loaded (it can carry two gel flasks or up to six individual gel packets, plus a cell phone up front)”. He too commented on how quickly he forgot that he even had it on. “I never felt it bounce, even when bombing technical downhills and unlike many other belts it never rode up higher on my waist.”
Craig also gives some good advice on the fit: “I love how the Quantum fits. I would recommend to anyone looking to purchase the belt that they size toward the smaller size. If you feel like you are on the lower end of the fit spectrum, go down a size. I have a 31 waist and found that I was much more comfortable wearing a Small over a Medium.”
Functionality boils down to this: there are no buckles, gels go in and out easy, the cell phone pouch has a water resistant inner liner, you can spin the whole belt on the fly to get at the back pockets easier, if needed, and even on longer runs (up to 20 miles) you can carry pretty much everything you need (except water, this pairs great with a handheld). A personal recommendation: “Carry your gels in the belt and use the pocket in your handheld water bottle (if it has one) for your garbage. Makes it much easier to stow and dump garbage at aid stops.”
UltrAspire Quantum in Precipitous Blue – Front
After a year and thousands of miles running with this belt, it has become a constant companion. Even for shorter runs it keeps my phone, key, and a ‘just in case’ gel (and wipes!) all within reach. It does have some hidden clips for a race number, and I can see the convenience of having your race number on a belt – especially in races where you may be constantly changing clothes and other gear – this keeps all the necessities close at hand regardless of gear changes.The only other thing I would add to make this belt absolutely perfect would be UltrAspire pill pocket – currently I just stuff them in one of the back pouches under a gel.
Final thoughts
Simply put – “This is, hands down, the best belt I’ve ever used.”
It is my pick for the best new gear from 2013.
Whether running a half marathon, Iron-man or trail race/ultra, this belt can serve your needs. Since you can put as little as you want in it or load it full, it is always comfortable and easy to wear. I would even consider this a “must have” piece of gear for every runners bag.
For a limited time, visit the Trail and Ultra Running store to pick up your UltrAspire Quantum and get a Free Retro Isometric Pocket Handheld free!
Thanks for the review guys; definitely looks like a good option when a vest/pack is too much.
Looks promising! Being on the petite side of the women’s sizing, I have yet to find a waist pack that fits me without bouncing/sliding around during my run. Sounds like the tension cord could be a good solution!
Sounds awesome! Nice review and it has bib clips, nice.
Sounds great for a shorter distance (50kish) race…I would love to try it 🙂
Looks great. Do it have the UltrAspire “magnon” salt pill pocket?
I like it. Sign me up.
looks like a great belt, would love to try it out!
this sounds like the belt of my dreams! ultraspire does nothing but the best… thanks for the review gang!
Great review. I was ready to swear off of belts because of the waist-riding one that I already have, but this sounds like something I would use when I’m running far but don’t need to carry water.
I have been using an Amphipod Race Lite Go for a pocket for a cell and gel and bib holder, but its never been flattering or comfortable to wear. This looks like what I could replace it with.
Great review. Having seen you use it a lot – I want one as it would be a major upgrade from the belt I have now.
Looks interesting — would love to give the Quantum a try!
Love the looks of this! Looks like a winner
I really like the comfort fact. It sounds like it would be a good addition to any distance running endeavor. I will keep an eye out for this
I dig the placement of the pockets! Great review!
I’m not much on vests and belts – usually an old pair of shorts with pockets works fine for me, and I prefer hand-helds, but this belt might be minimal enough to work for me. I will check it out.
These are great comments. Thanks everyone. To follow up on this awesome review both Matt and I ran 18.6 miles in our Quantums this morning and my love for the belt continues to grow. We ran two 9.3 mile loops so all I carried were two gels in one pocket and a 5oz gel flask filled with water in the other (it was a cool morning). Then carried my phone and some wipes in the larger front pocket.
What it boils down to is I never even think about the belt when I’m running. And if I don’t have to think about that then I can think about other stuff, like not falling down.
Thanks again for your comments. I’m sure it’s more than just the free belt, RIGHT? Hahahaha. We love them.
Sounds awesome! You know I trust your judgement. I’d love to try it out!
Thanks for the sizing info. I had to return my SJ Ultra vests because the small was too small and the medium to big. That was a disappointment.
Eric – our random number generator selected comment #19 from the list – that’s you! Congratulations! Someone will contact you from TAUR to get you your Quantum. Enjoy!!
I’ve been training with a larger pack for longer runs, but this looks nice to use for the shorter or well-supported ones.
Nice review Matt. It sounds almost too good to be true.
Looks like a nice option vs. a vest.
this actually looks awesome if for nothing but holding keys, emergency card, and phone. very simple and low key. good work guys.
Looking for something like that for all distances. I always need a swig of h2o to wet my tongue so I can keep panting. I like how light it seems! Thanks for bringing to my attention!
I’ve been looking for a belt with a bigger pocket than my current one, but was afraid I’d have too many moving/bouncing issues like I’ve had in the past. Looks like a great option!
Nice review and an interesting piece of gear. May have to check it out!
looks like a nice belt for middle long trainingsessions (say 30k) I wonder if it fits a small (250ml) (salomon) softbottle
I stopped being able to run with belts a while ago – was using a Nathan bottle/pocket belt last. The bounce on my back/stomach and pressure on my stomach got me to switch to Salomon’s new soft flask system hand carry system, which is great. But I’d like to have a comfortable way to carry more than 2 8oz flasks, and/or a belt just for cell, keys, etc. when fuel/hydration isn’t an issue.
Very cool. I’m looking for something other than my 24 oz hand held…
I’ve never been able to wear hip belts because they always chafe me. I’ll give this one a shot though… sounds like it’d be better than others in that sense.
Good review. Looks like a great product.
Looks awesome!
Wow, that looks like a nice piece of gear. Where can I pick one up?
…. assuming I don’t win this one of course 🙂
I have the Surge, I like this belt! I want to win this belt!
Nice review, thanks for sharing and for the giveaway!
I just love the way it slips on and off; no fuss, no muss. Really innovative idea!
I have always been impressed with the quality of UltraSpire. Would love to have my hands on a race belt.
Looks great. In for one when its available.
Great! love it!
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