Norda x Raide LF 2L Running Belt
Two large storage pockets, 3 mm foam cushion, 650mL Hydrapak flask
Collab culture has hit a dangerous hay day, with many collabs either underwhelming, overdone, or forced. In a world where collabs cover the spectrum, it’s refreshing when two brands jive so fundamentally that it brings the culture back to its roots, where respect for each other’s work prompts a genuine product and design.
That’s precisely what the Norda x Raide LF 2L Belt represents. It’s a merger of two of the best in the outdoor biz that share a similar ethos of function, quality, and simplicity.
Norda, a Canadian footwear brand, routinely puts on a masterclass in footwear and style that warrants the “boutique” tag. All of us at Believe in the Run can vouch for the performance and beauty of its premiere model, the 001, from the start. We continue to do so. We also herald one of their latest releases, the Norda 005. I’ve toyed with the phrase “pound-for-pound best trail shoe ever made” about that one.
Raide Equipment, likewise, is an award-winning brand that offers some of the best pieces of wearable gear the outdoor world has ever experienced. That’s why when they chose to step into the running realm, it made sense that the Raide LF 2L belt would be an instant banger.
It is one of those pieces of gear that carved its way into my permanent wardrobe for most trail runs. I often say it’s the second-best piece of trail running equipment I have ever owned — the first is a portable water filter that fits directly into it.
Both brands launched with the same motivation. Kyle (Raide Equipment), Nick, and Willa (Norda) all saw a hole in the market. The equipment they had wasn’t cutting it, so they chose to solve the issue by developing their own.
While a full performance review of the original Raide Equipment LF 2L Belt can be found here, its premise is worth repeating.
The goal of the belt is to let runners ditch the pack and have the full carrying capacity of one at the same time. Of course, that also comes with a zero-bounce clause, no matter how much junk you throw in the trunk. You better believe I maxed that thing out. Two bottles, a water filter cap, a phone, nutrition, and a jacket all fit without bouncing. Yes, even on the downhills. External pole loops truly do give the capacity for bringing everything one would need on a long run or trail racing adventure.
Combining the practicality of the Raide LF SL Belt with Norda’s pure aesthetic is drool-worthy. Because of the quality, there’s no reason I need this collab belt, but I NEED this belt. If you know what I mean?
If you’re unfamiliar with Norda’s design philosophy, the words simple and subtle describe it. It doesn’t need much branding because the clean colors, design, and, most importantly, performance will do all the talking. The belt also takes on the eye-catching off-centered logos of both brands.
Previously, the belt was only made in black. For the Norda collaboration, though, it now comes in an exclusive sage colorway with pink accents. Maybe I’m looking too much into it, but sage is a common mountain plant found in Quebec and Colorado. I like that the color connects the two places geographically as well.
I can vouch for the Raide LF 2L Belt’s performance and agree with Norda’s beautiful design. Both can be yours in this one package.
This might be dreaming, but wouldn’t it be something to see an inverse collab? I think a run of the 001, 002, 003, 005, and 008 all need the coloring of the Norda X Raide collab.
At any rate. All this talk of some of the most influential and quality gear of the modern age of trail running is getting me antsy to surf some dirt.
Peace y’all.
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As soon as I saw it I bought it. It’s damn expensive and I have zero regret. Awesome piece of kit