The quest for the perfect compromise between lightness, carrying capacity, and support is a constant challenge for trail running enthusiasts. An ill-fitting or unstable carrying system can quickly turn a trail run into a laborious experience. To get a clearer view amidst the numerous options available on the market, the Free Belt Pro 2.0 belt from the brand Compressport was put to the test. For several weeks, this equipment faced varied conditions, from summer heat to the most demanding trails. Lilian Calmejane took charge of evaluating this belt on the ground during the MCC where he finished in a magnificent 24th place. Here is his full feedback.
First impressions: a minimalist Free Belt Pro 2.0 with big ambitions
Right out of the box, I immediately felt the promise of the Swiss brand. With a featherweight I barely felt in my hands – the scale shows only sixty-seven grams – I discovered a sleek but impressively well-thought-out construction. The fabric, made mostly of polyamide combined with elastane and a touch of polypropylene, offered me an elasticity that immediately inspired confidence in its durability.
What struck me the most at first glance was the ambition of its useful volume. I noticed that the belt offered a single compartment running all around the waist, with an announced capacity of three and a half liters. For me, that's considerable for equipment of this type and it led me to expect great possibilities to carry my mandatory gear. Looking more closely, I appreciated the small technical details that make a difference in racing, such as the diagonally positioned pole holder system and the integrated bib attachment. Offered at the retail price of forty-five euros, I consider it to be positioned in a premium segment, but the perceived quality quickly justified this investment in my eyes.
Getting Started: Amazing Comfort for a Belt You Forget About
Putting on a carrying belt is for me the first real truth test even before running a single meter. Thanks to its unisex design and the choice of sizes ranging from S to XL, I was able to find the perfect fit for my body shape without any difficulty. Once in place, I found the comfort simply stunning. I was struck by the great softness of the material, which makes the contact on my skin extremely pleasant, even when I decide to run shirtless in the middle of summer.
Even during my longest outings, I did not feel any discomfort at all, nor the slightest irritation due to friction. I felt the belt naturally cling against my body, to the point of completely forgetting it from the first minutes of my stride. It is a real advantage for me who likes to run light and free in my movements. I also took the time to test wearing it combined with my classic hydration vest for my ultra distances, and I noticed no discomfort or unpleasant bulkiness in my lower back. The integration is very natural.
Real-Condition Test: 40 km Between Technical Trails and Intense Heat
To push this Free Belt Pro 2.0 to its limits, I took it over a wide variety of terrains during my training. I ran on very rolling Gravel paths, but also on particularly steep technical trails that demand a lot of agility. My most conclusive test took place during a demanding forty-kilometer outing with two thousand five hundred meters of positive elevation, under weather dominated by very high heat.
In motion, I found the stability of this belt absolutely superb. Honestly, I was afraid that with such a large single compartment, my gear would start bouncing around on the first rough descent. Yet, I felt the load distribution balance itself very smoothly around my waist. Even when I loaded it to the max with my full flasks, nutrition, and packable jacket, I felt nothing move. This reassuring support allowed me to focus one hundred percent on my stride, my foot placements, and my analysis of the terrain.
What About the Performance and Practicality of This Free Belt Pro 2.0?
The functional aspect is what matters most to me mid-run to fuel myself without losing time. On this point, I found the accessibility while running absolutely remarkable. I loved the brand’s idea to integrate small elastics at the openings of the central compartment. I was able to spread the fabric with one hand and easily grab what I needed without ever breaking my rhythm. Regarding the hold of objects, I am overall very satisfied. However, I noticed that with repeated jolts on rough terrain, my small gear sometimes had a slight tendency to slide gently toward my hips. This is not a dealbreaker for me, I just had to make a small automatic repositioning on the way.
The pole holder, with its diagonal positioning, is for me a clear ergonomic success. It offered flawless support, and I was able to grab and stow my poles on my back without ever having to stop running. As for the bib attachment with its secure locks, it worked perfectly. Although personally, I always prefer to attach my bib directly to my t-shirt, I admit that it’s a very practical option that saves my favorite textiles from damage.
If I had to highlight my only area for improvement on this model, it would lie in moisture management. Although I suffered no overheating despite sessions above thirty degrees, I found it drained my sweat rather moderately. At the end of outings, I felt a slight spongy effect in the material, which lacks a bit of protection for the sensitive items I slip inside. Its drying time also seemed improvable to me.
Durability: How Does the Material Hold Up Over the Kilometers?
After multiple intense uses on trails, under dust and sun, as well as many washes in my washing machine, I draw a very positive durability assessment. I observed that the material resisted abrasion perfectly and I found no premature wear, even after passing through dense and aggressive vegetation areas.
The fiber’s elasticity did not move a millimeter according to my observations. I saw it return perfectly to place after each intense stretch to store my flasks. The product ages very well despite my regular washes. The only small concession I had to make concerns the black and white color, which tended to fade and lighten very slightly over time, due to my sweat salt and sun rays. But this did not alter its excellent technical qualities on the trail at all.
What to remember from this test of the Compressport Free Belt Pro 2.0?
Ultimately, I place this Compressport Free Belt Pro 2.0 very high in my personal ranking of carrying equipment. I believe its bulk-to-volume ratio is masterful and its incredible lightness allowed me to forget it completely during effort, becoming a true second skin.
It has become for me an ideal belt for almost all of my outings. I use it alone in total autonomy on efforts lasting up to four hours. Beyond that, it becomes my perfect complement to a hydration pack for my ultra-trail formats. I particularly recommend it to all those who, like me, prefer to carry the weight of their gear around their waist rather than on their shoulders or back. Despite a fabric that I think could be a bit more absorbent to better manage my sweat, I advise you without the slightest hesitation. Its ease of setup and incredible value for money make it an investment I consider essential for trail enthusiasts.
Summary Table: Pros and Cons
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Exceptional stability downhill, even when loaded | Evacuation of my sweat could be improved (slightly damp feeling at the end of the outing) |
| Remarkable comfort on the skin, with no irritation felt | The color tended to fade slightly over my washes |
| Large useful volume (3.5L) with easy access thanks to elastic bands | Protection of my objects against body moisture is limited |
| Formidable effectiveness of the diagonal pole holder system | |
| Ideal bulk/volume ratio (I completely forgot I was wearing it) |
Redac
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The Alltricks editorial team: passionate experts sharing blog tests and advice on running (10k to marathon), trail, outdoor activities, and of course, all types of cycling.
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