How do you carry your gadgets?

[JoOnTheRun]

Hi there, I’ve been running for around a year and use my smart phone to listen to music and to record my runs but I can’t find a comfortable way to carry it. I’ve tried a number of those arm band straps but these make using the phone practically impossible (I once lost my Strava data when I inadvertently hit the wrong button because the phone was wedged in the case 🙈). Iso I’ve just been holding my phone in my hand but it’s not ideal. I recently spotted another runner wearing a waist belt which looked much better. When I googled I was a bit bamboozled by the choices and wondered if anybody could recommend anything? I have toyed with the idea of getting some sort of watch to record runs but would still need to carry my phone to listen to music. I just wondered how everybody else sets themselves up. Any tips or recommendations greatly appreciated 😊 many thanks for your time. Jo

[MarkyD Graduate]

The popular brand of running belt is FlipBelt - you'll find this on Amazon for about £20 but there are plenty of similar, non-branded running belts. You want something quite snug so that whatever you have in the pocket doesn't bounce up and down, and ideally 2 pockets so that you can have your phone in one and keys etc in another (prevent scratches on your phone). Also, before you buy make ask a question to make sure that your make/model/size of phone will fit.

My setup is iPhone6 playing podcasts to MPOW Magneto in-ear bluetooth headphones, Garmin Forerunner 235 running watch for time/distance/pace/heart-rate and either a non-branded belt like the FlipBelt or the back pocket of my running tights (depends what I'm wearing). The belt is very similar to this:

amazon.co.uk/RAINYEAR-Runni...

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

This is all really helpful advice - thanks so much for taking the time to reply 👍🏼

[MutleyShuffle Graduate]

I use a cheapo running belt from Sports Direct sportsdirect.com/karrimor-x... It's good if you need to carry drinks too, or you can take the bottles out if not needed. You can get much more streamlined ones though - I think it's worth going to a shop to try them on rather than ordering online.

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to MutleyShuffle]

This is really good to know, thanks for replying 👍🏼

[Jell6 Graduate]

Flip belt is what I use in the warmer weather. At this time of year I have a running jacket with a zip pocket that has a media outlet.😊

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to Jell6]

I hadn’t even considered a jacket - thank you for taking the time to reply 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I run in 3/4 pants and I buy ones with pockets and they are always deep enough for my phone not to fall out. Hope this helps😊

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I never knew you could get pockets in them - thanks for the tip, will be heading to the shops this weekend 👍🏼

[Rainbow2019 Graduate]

I just bought an armband from £ shop and use wireless headphones. The 1 I’ve got has a tiny pocket for my key and I slide my bank card behind my phone just in case I want anything while I’m out. First few times I tried putting it on my arm under my hoodie but was a bit faffy trying to change tracks so I put it on top now. I like the idea of a belt but I couldn’t decide which to go for. The armband works for me so I’m sticking to it for now.

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to Rainbow2019]

I struggled with my arm bands but I think if you can make it work they are great 👍🏼

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I have a freetoo running belt from Amazon. It cost about £7, has 2 pockets (I can fit in phone, keys & tissues) and it is super comfy because the belt section is robust broad elastic instead of webbing, but has the usual size adjustability and clip fastnener that you would find on a bum bag/ cycle waist pack. I use the belt whenever I don’t need a jacket. ( My jacket has a convenient pocket.) 😀

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you for replying , I’ll take a look online 👍🏼

[RunRunRun13 Graduate]

I use a Karrimor running belt which fits my keys, iphone and also use a cheap Garmin 10 watch which was purchased from Ebay...think I may purchase some wireless headphones next 🎧

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to RunRunRun13]

Thank you, this is helpful to hear 👍🏼

[Nicky_F Graduate]

I also use the Karrimor belt from Sports Direct. They do some that hold water bottles and some that don’t; I have the latter. I can fit my iPhone SE and my keys in it, although it is a bit of a snug fit. But it does the job and is comfortable to wear.

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to Nicky_F]

This is really helpful, thank you 👍🏼

[Bookbizlady Graduate]

Great post! I currently wear a light fleece and pop the phone in my pocket but I was wondering what to use when it's warmer!

[JoOnTheRun Graduate in reply to Bookbizlady]

There’s some good advice here, thanks for replying 😊