A runner’s shopping dreams: phone holsters / belts

[CBDB]

Hi everyone running out there, specifically those running with help of their phones. I’d just would love your thoughts.

I’m (still) a newbie runner and have not yet given in to my shopping urges, although my list of essential (and not so essential) running gear, gadgets and clothes is ever growing.

I started C25k with my iPhone, the C25k app and an old pair of tennis trainers that I had not taken out of the cupboard for probably 5 years!

7 months later, I have added a number of items to my running collection, but not many of them bought in a shop! I was fortunate to have a runner husband who was nice enough to give me thumbs up for having taken up running and encourage me when I stole his running cap, his headband, his foam roller (although he subsequently surprised me with one from Aldi, although I like his better 😉!), his yoga mat, his resistance bands. We share - of course - but they live on my side of the room! 🤣

In the last 7 months I actually bought only two items, a pair of running shoes and a running belt.

The running belt was an essential to keep my rather large iPhone secure. I use Runkeeper and NRC a lot nowadays, so having a convenient way to store the phone in a non jiggling manner is important. But it is annoying when you have to take out your phone to restart Spotify, or when you want to take a picture.

Last week I came across the Freetrain V1 Vest, and have seen some fantastic reviews even from full-bodied women!

So this had jumped to the top of my wish list but before I buy it am wondering what experiences other runners have had when finding a good solution of

- carrying their phone

- wanting to easily be able to take it out on the run (to take pics once in a while, or restart Spotify or other apps)

Would love to hear your thoughts.

Happy running everyone.

[Jellylegs20]

I don’t have any advise for you but I am following to also obtain some advice, I have been toying with rehydration vest for a while and various phone carriers, I have an I watch but worried it won’t save my workout in the same way as phone does so don’t trust it yet! First world problems...I’m sure twenty years ago it was just a case of put your trainers on and people just got out and ran but I feel like if it’s not recorded somewhere it didn’t happen 🤪

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Jellylegs20]

Yeah, I know the feeling! It’s the same reason why I like Runkeeper so much as it has pocket track. So even when I run with NRC or Zombies Run, all my data is still on run keeper and looking at that data is also motivating.

[Cmoi Graduate10]

At the moment I'm sticking with my cheapy version of the Flipbelt. Yes, it's not ideal for

getting at my phone but it's light and comfy.

What I will need to think about post-lockdown is carrying water. Might look at hydration vests once shops re-open and I'm allowed to run further again!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

Yeah, it’s something to think about. Just started with the magic plan, and as I’m a super slow runner, 10k will probably take me up to 2 hours and in that case I might have to think about hydration. At the moment, I don’t carry any water with me. Thanks!

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I've never yet carried water with me, and as I'd always assumed I'd prefer short runs I'd never thought much about hydrating while running. However, I seem to be developing a taste for longer runs and after a couple of unplanned runs past the two-hour mark, I'm thinking I need to be a bit better organised!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

Distance does seem to creep up on you! I know that runs I did just after graduating C25k seem now laughably short to me, and it’s been only 6mo the since I ran them!

Hope your faring well, I realise your in a 1km lockdown zone, I think. So have been thinking about you and sending you my wishes and patience. And I’m sure you got this and finding ways to run. 🙏👍🏽👏💪

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks @CBDB, really appreciate your kindness. It really does make a difference I've managed 4k-8k lockdown runs so far, now that I've accepted I'll have to double back, which I usually avoid!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

💪🙏

[TallTeal2020 Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

Oh no I'm so sorry to hear this 😢 must be tough! Sending strength and positivity your way 🙏

[Cmoi Graduate10 in reply to TallTeal2020]

Thanks TallTeal2020 for your kind words. Things could be a lot worse, and I managed another 8k this morning, though I broke the law in the process by being out for longer than an hour!

[TallTeal2020 Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

My kind of rebel 😁

[TallTeal2020 Graduate10 in reply to Cmoi]

I was about to reply but yours is exactly the same as I was about to write! Well apart from the fact I've just had to order a slightly more expensive belt as the zip on my first, under a tenner, cheaper one, burst yday!

Nearly bought the original flipbelt but at £35 I couldn't justify it ... mind you my new alternative was £22!

Hydration packs will be high on my my 2021 wish list as I also seem to be developing a liking for longer runs (3x unplanned 10ks with my 1st on 10.10.20 - which I think is a rather cool date to have for marking this achievement 😁

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to TallTeal2020]

10.10.20 😃👍🏽🤣

[Overweightandunfit]

That looks good, I bought a (cheap) armband for my iPhone when I started C25K BUT once in it is very inaccesible and when you try to get it in or out it is easy to accidentally stop Strava or whatever you are using so I do not recommend. I have thought about a running belt for when I start running again but wasn't sure how comfortable it would be so am interested in jumping on this thread for everyones opinions - I am currently compiling a list of Christmas present "suggestions" for my husband and children!!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Overweightandunfit]

Yeah, I really like my running belt. It has a clip, is comfy and stretchy. Only thing is that taking the phone in and out (especially if you still have wired headphones) is fiddly.

[TallTeal2020 Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I found some cheap cordless headphones on Amazon (I think around £20) and they've made a big difference!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Ooh CBDB....I like the look of that! A lot. I always feel like I’ve got too much stuff. Even though I haven’t. I’m definitely going to check it out!! 😃😃❤️

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Just wait until you see their promotional movie 🎥! 🤩 it’s really hard to resist!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Ooh...I’m going in....! 🤩❤️

[dijep Graduate10]

Sorry no idea about the running vests, they do look acconvenient way to carry several things, I'd be worried that they'd make me too hot. I'll be interested to see the rest of your replies.

At the moment I've got a cheap small bum bag type belt that just fits my phone plus keys with a bit of space left over. But mainly I've just been using the zipped pocket in my leggings. Not ideal when you need to check something though.

Hope you get some more helpful responses.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

Thank you! They have a stretchy-holey material, so seem very breathable. The patterns are also reflective, so also good. But I know what you mean, another thing to wear on top.

[RunWillie Graduate10]

I use a hydration vest all the time even for short runs. It has a pocket for my phone with easy assess, smaller pockets for keys and poo bags ( not for me yet just for the dog 😜 )

For longer runs it fits a bottle of water and would carry a gel. It also has space for a water bladder at the back should I decide to run really long.

I started with a cheap running belt but it wrecked all my running tights which is why I now use my hydration vest. I’m in Australia and it’s not too hot to run in 🏃‍♀️

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Yeah, before reading all these replies I had never thought of comparing this vest with hydration vests rather than with running belts. I’ll have to look into this. Thanks! 🙏

[Jellylegs20]

I have got a pair of Fabletics leggings with the pocket on the side so I have used them quite successfully a few times bit pricey full price but if you join up you can get two pairs of leggings for £24.99 I did this then cancelled membership once they had arrived, doesn’t solve the hydration issue but does safely carry phone

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Jellylegs20]

Yes, just looked 👀 and they do look good. The membership thing would put me off, though. Do the pockets have zips? I can’t tell from their website.

[CherryCore Graduate10]

I use zipped pockets. I took my phone for a run probably three times and never used it, so I tend not to carry it around.

I made sure I've got a pair of trousers with a pair of zipped pockets and jackets with zipped pockets. I've got a belt-pocket, too, large enough to fit phone and a key, if needed.

If there is no pocket, I normally get creative and use something like a hairband to attach my key to something like a bra strap.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to CherryCore]

Love the hair band idea! 😃 I fear even my bosom is not ‘strong’ enough to hold the size of my iPhone, though. 🤣🤣 thanks! 🙏

[OrbitABit]

I get this problem CBDB, i’ve used a flip belt but was hot, heavy it doesn’t stay put. On a long run hydration vest much better. However, my absolute best solution for carrying a big phone was a ‘buff’ that was far far too big for any human neck (not sure what they were thinking lol!) but it just fits the waist, folded in half the phone fits in perfectly, no way anything would fall out of it and lots of storage space, wasn’t too hot or heavy.

Any tube of thin stretchy material to fit your waist is cheaper and would work.

(Not as relevant but i thought it was ace - In the end i bought a ‘zoolander’ smallest ever phone like small match box size. Its good in case of emergency, but only does calls and texts. Its by a company called zanco, definitely worth a look for emergency calls if you don’t like to carry a big phone)

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to OrbitABit]

Nice idea!!! Never thought of a buff! Not sure they would fit MY waist though. 🤣 But I’ll keep a lookout.

Zoolander - Yeah smaller phone would be better for running, but I am also a data and app geek. So even a Garmin cannot tempt me, as the smartphone gives me so many different ways of exploring running through discovering some creative apps. And I have only scratched the surface in my discovery of running related apps, podcasts, audio runs, etc. But it sounds perfect for those running naked (= without audio).

Thank you! 🙏

[OrbitABit in reply to CBDB]

The data is good fun i have to agree!! Enjoy appworld 😁👍

[Catwise Graduate10 60minGraduate]

I use a cheap knockoff of the Flipbelt, but I also get frustrated that it isn’t easy to access my phone. I have learned that I must take my phone out of its case, then it slides in and out of the belt pocket much easier. It was scary for me at first because I was positive I’d drop my phone if it wasn’t in a case...it’s so slippery! But that hasn’t happened and I’m just really careful when I’m handling it.

I looked a bit at a review for vest you posted (didn’t see the video though), and noticed one comment about weird appearance issues...like giving a man the appearance of man boobs 🤣🤣 and doing weird cleavage things with women. Now, I’m not out there trying to get attention but I would def be self conscious if this vest caused me weird bulges or anything. But that’s just me. I wear my running belt under my shirt for the same reason...appearance. It shouldn’t matter of course, but it sorta does for me.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Catwise]

Naked phones! 😱

Weird appearance: Yeah, that was actually my biggest worry but I found this review video which persuaded me more than the promotional videos with lean runners. Here the link youtu.be/6rnAieJYyRA(Not working as expected?)

[Over62]

Hi CBDB

I used in the main up to 10k a little waist bag which was ok ish for my phone and tissues - (always have a runny nose!) once I started running further I needed a bit more water so purchased a hydration vest which came with a couple of water bottles. I only needed one bottle at this point so used the other front pocket for my phone with earphone cable wrapped around. There is a phone pocket but I have a case on my phone so it’s a bit tight and a bit of a faff! During the summer and building bigger distances + the heat I purchased a hydration bag which is great for distance. I really like the hydration vest for all my runs short and long it’s lightweight and I can fit all kinds of things from lip balm, flapjack jelly babies and keys etc too.

Hope this helps 😀🏃🏻‍♀️

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Over62]

Nice. 👍🏽 yeah the time will come for me to think about a hydration vest. I’ve done the deed and ordered, so no going back and I’ll let everyone know how it’s working out once it arrives. Thanks!!!🙏👍🏽

[ElleRee Graduate10]

I am a slow runner so what works for me is

5-10K

sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x...

This bottles are rubbish but I can fit normal 500ml bottles in each pocket and the pouch is roomy for phone, tissues, Vaseline tin and sweets

For more than 10K I use this

decathlon.co.uk/p/trail-run...

I still use my running belts as prefer to store my phone there and use back pack to store water proof jacket and snacks if needed.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to ElleRee]

Thanks. For the 5l vest, would a large phone fit to the front where usually a water bottle goes?

Looks great!

[ElleRee Graduate10]

In the front part my iPhone 7 (it has a cover on it too) fit in the two pockets in the front part that would be over my chest - the fabric of vest pockets is v stretchy. Another tip put your phone in plastic sandwich bag so if it rains you can still check the screen through the plastic and not water damage the phone.