Kidney belts - what for?

[stolzy]

Though not popular in the UK, kidney belts seem to almost ubiquitous in germanic countries.

What are they for? Warmth, protection, comfort?

I have a heated kidney belt which very effectively transfers heat from itself to the body core, but the great majority of them are not heated, so why?

 

[earthmover]

Stops your kidneys from bouncing about, which is not good for them.
Mark

 

[LOLGEOFF]

Stops your kidneys from bouncing about, which is not good for them.
Mark

No that's what the suet puddings for, it also to helps to keep your steak under control too.

 

[Mav]

linky

 

[bmwrover]

Though not popular in the UK, kidney belts seem to almost ubiquitous in germanic countries.

What are they for? Warmth, protection, comfort?

I have a heated kidney belt which very effectively transfers heat from itself to the body core, but the great majority of them are not heated, so why?

1. I am German
2. + overweight = so the belt helps to cover the belly
3. Keeps me back warm, despite "non heated"
4. Supports kidney and back
5. Would never ride without, even in hottest weather.

The thin Rukka Outlast velcro one is absolutely the best belt I ve ever had.

 

[Simon_h]

I ride with a weight lifting lower back support (6"-7" velcro elastic belt) which is effectly the same as a kidney belt but dramatically cheaper. For me, it is the best bit of kit I use. It takes all the strain out of your lower back caused by poor posture when you slump on long distances.

 

[Ogmios]

30 years ago - tried one / didn't work out / kept wanting to have a pee and if tight enough to support / too tight - i couldn't breathe! .

now i have to wear moto X body armour jacket all the time. with two 'belts' - one built in and one my physio gave me. between us we velcroed the physio's one into the jacket.

total change of mind;
great bit of kit. warm, good support in the right places and a great aid on long runs.
oh - helps keep me back straight and rigid too.... which was the entire purpose of all that faffing about.

 

[Neil W]

Wear one all the time on the bike and find that for some reason having it on keeps your kidneys warm and stops you having to stop for the otherwise compulsory 45 minute pee breaks (ah the joys of gettting old)

 

[Twotter]

Lower back support for me

 

[Mysticwind]

stops the draughts up your back or down your trews