Last updated on November 2nd, 2022 at 02:55 pm
While running is a peaceful break from technology, there are many very practical reasons why we should bring our phones on every run. In fact, if you add up all of the pros and cons for bringing your phone on a run, and decide it makes sense to bring, you are not alone. And if you’re wondering how to hold a phone while running we cover the tried and true ways to do it safely in this post.
Different Categories of Mobile Phone Holders
As the prevalence of awesome phones has grown over the last decade so have the options for keeping them safe. We touched on the main categories for this task in the very beginning of this post, but lets dig a little deeper
- Wearing clothing that has safe pockets: Seems obvious, but not all running gear has pockets. Even less running gear has pockets safe for your phone. The Clothin Elastic-Waist Pants are a good example of adequate pockets for phone safety.
- Armbands (store bought and DIY): These are very popular, and can work for a wide array or runners. Armbands hold your phone securely. For instance, the OtterBox Defender is a great option if you’re looking to purchase one…we cover DIY armbands further down in this post.
- Running Belts and Waist Bands: These go around your waist, not to be confused with a fanny pack. These are tighter fitting to fight bounce and feature secure pockets and hydration options. The Bringit Running Belt is an example of one that holds pretty much any phone size.
- Running Vests and Backpacks: Running with a backpack or vest sounds difficult, but there are many options specifically for running. For instance, running vests keep the contents of pockets closer to your center of gravity. As a result, you may actually find them much more comfortable than other phone holding options. The Nathan VaporAir Running Vest is a perfect example of something you can wear on your chest that can also hold your phone (and water).
Below we go into more detail on each of the above options, and provide pictures as well as things you should consider if you’re running with your phone.
Clothing with Safe Pockets for a Phone
Not all clothing has pockets. Safe pockets are even more rare, as most tight fitting gear often feature smaller pockets that don’t come close to the space required for modern smart phones, they’re more suited for a single goo or key. However, options are out there. See our post 7 Best Running Pants for Women or 6 Best Waterproof Running Jackets for Trail Running for great options. But first, we go over some options below.
RELATED: Best Headlamps for Trail Running
Additionally, even if you aren’t using the pockets to carry your phone in, you’ll still benefit from the item in other ways. For example, rain gear provides protection against precipitation and long running pants protect you from brambles and bugs.
Running Pants with Safe Pockets
Running pants tend to either have pockets or not. More and more brands have started to include a safe place for your mobile phone.
Below is one of our favorite zippered pants option that can hold a phone.
Clothin Elastic-Waist with Zippered Pockets
In fact, the Clothin athletic pants is a great option for those wanting zippered pockets. Zippers are a great way to keep your phone from bouncing out on the trail and Clothin features reliable zipper hardware and deep pockets.
Check out additional colors and price on Amazon here.
Running Pants With Pockets Better Than Shorts
Additionally, some shorts do have pockets, but many do not. In fact, the shorter they get, the less likely you are to find pockets in them, let alone pockets that could fit an iPhone X.
Plus, even if a pair or running shorts could hold a phone, would you want it to? For this reason, if you are going to try to find clothing that holds a phone well, pants are a good bet.
If you are interested in exploring some of the best running pants out there, we have a post for women that outlines some of the best running pants for women. A number of the options in that post could work for holding your phone.
Running Jackets with Pockets
Now, while running pant pockets may or may not be secure enough, running jackets might just be perfect. In fact, more and more brands have started to include a safe place for mobile phone. If you think a jacket is your best bet, check out our post 6 Best Waterproof Running Jackets for Trail Running.
Armbands that Hold your Phone
Not everyone can stand the idea of a tight band wrapped around their upper arm. Additionally, modern phones tend to be fairly large and heavy, which might be another deterrent for those considering which option is right for them.
While having a pound of electronics on your upper arm might be a Con, there are a lot of arm bands on the market that make carrying your phone during a run easy.
Two Great Phone Armbands
There are a ton of options for standard armbands that hold your phone.
However, there are two models of armband that stick out as being perfect for running below.
Tribe Water Resistant Armband
First, the Tribe Water Resistant Armband is a great option for anyone wanting a lightweight armband that fits snugly during a run.
Check out pricing on Amazon here.
Otterbox Defender
Additionally, for those runners out there looking for a slightly higher quality armband the Otterbox Defender seems to be a great option.
Designed with a softer outer covering the Ottorbox Defender is easy to wear.
In other words, this phone holder does not cause issues with chaffing. It is a great water resistant phone protector.
Check out pricing on Amazon here.
Further on in this post we have a video on how a DIY Armband can be made. While it is a great economy option, there are four major Pros to purchasing one.
For instance, with a store bought armband:
You can easily check your favorite running app
Firstly, many armbands come with clear plastic coverings for viewing the phone face.
Additionally, they keep the phone protected from rain and inclement weather, but also allow the screen to be accessed and touched.
Both of the armbands above fall into this category.
You can still use headphones with wires
Furthermore, if you still use headphones with wires, you will likely find that the distance from your pants pocket to your ears is a bit awkward.
While we would recommend a wireless blue tooth option, this is another argument for the armband phone holder.
You can more easily see if someone is trying to reach you
This is one we may not think of since a lot of us, myself included, consider running as a good escape from everyday technology and communication.
Family emergencies don’t work around a running schedule. So having it easily accessible will give both you and your family peace of mind.
Even if your phone is on silent, an armband with a clear plastic covering might be just what you need for catching an important call or text.
There are tons of armband options on the market, and below is a rundown of some of the options I really like.
DIY Phone Armband
For those of you that like to try and save money, and do something a little unique we stumbled upon the video below that outlines how to make your own phone armband.
However, there is still some liability here since anything that goes wrong with the band is on you. If your DIY band fails, and your phone breaks you have nobody to blame.
But, if you’re still interested in a budget option, check out the video below:
Running Belts and Waistbands
However, if you aren’t interested in having a bulky strap on your arm during runs, we don’t blame you. So, for you it may make the most sense to look into running belts and waistbands.
Running belts and waistbands are great because they can easily hold items in addition to your phone.
Plus, many also double as hydration holders.
Bringit Hydration Running Belt
The Bringit Running Belt provides a ton of functionality because it doubles as a hydration belt.
Check out pricing for the Bringit on Amazon here.
Running Vests and Backpacks
Running vests, also referred to as hydration vests, are becoming increasingly popular among trail runners. Not surprisingly, these vests are also perfect places to hold your phone during a run.
Nathan VaporAir Hydration Vest
In addition, the Nathan VaporAir Hydration Vest is made for hydration, but there are pockets on the front that can remain tight.
These pockets would work well to hold your phone while running.
Check out pricing for the VaporAir on Amazon here.
What Could Go Wrong Carrying Your Phone While Running
You took a four hour flight, and a three hour drive through some mountains, and you’ve finally made it to that National Park you’ve been dying to visit. Then, you head out for a brisk trail run through one of the many amazing trails first thing, before hiking with friends.
And like millions of other travelers you may decide in this moment to run with your phone directly in hand. In fact, this will be a perfect way to quickly snap pics of the surroundings with your phone’s camera.
In fact, being able to take pictures of the scenery will pay off big time on social media.
However, fast forward to mile four of your run; you’re focusing so much on the horizon that you don’t see the thick root jutting into the middle of the trail.
Your foot makes contact with the root, and… WHAM! Your phone goes flying. It smashes the side of a rock, or slides into the shallows of a rapidly moving river.
Or, maybe your phone is okay, but your hand wasn’t free to help catch your fall, which resulted in a busted shoulder.
And this is just the first day of your four day National Park vacation. Not a bad start.
The above story is a little sensationalized, but it is a narrative that millions of people each year actually experience. Ouch.
How to Not Carry Your Phone While Running
If you like running trails it becomes increasingly important to consider taking a phone on your runs. After all, running trails can be tumultuous and sometimes dangerous. For this reason, it makes sense to have your phone with you for emergencies. Some things are NOT great for holding your phone during a run. I outline the least ideal option below.
Running While Simply Holding your Phone in Your Hand
Admittedly, I am all too often the character in the story I outline earlier in this post. I often run with my phone in one hand a Goo Pack in the other.
Now, I like to think I manage pretty well with this strategy. However, I have personally experienced a range of mishaps.
For instance, running while holding your phone:
- exposes it to rain
- makes it easier to drop it
- increases the risk of distraction
In fact, fellow runners, aid station volunteers, and my significant other have pointed out to me that holding my phone is not ideal. Furthermore, you only get so many close calls before your phone is destroyed or you get injured.
What Kind of Runner Are You
While it is certifiably a bad idea to literally hold your phone while running, not to mention unsafe, not all runners should have the same type of phone holding apparatus.
For example, if you are running on a treadmill you probably don’t need, or want, the same type of phone holder as someone running a half marathon distance in the middle of a wet forest.
Hopefully this post has helped you figure out what type of gear would work best for you and your phone.
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Image Credit: Mon Œil | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) –reduced file size
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