Solutions for big phones while running?

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elzeus

[H]ard|Gawd
Joined
Jul 22, 2008
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Warning: Running belt & audio waistpack are code words for a fanny pack. The 80's will never die.

I currently use a Nike audio waistpack (link) that works great when I'm lifting or running. It has separate compartments for my keys and phone so I don't have to worry about the keys scratching anything. Arm bands are not an option as they seem to get in the way way too much for my liking. I'm looking to move up in phone size from what I'm currently using (iPhone 5) and if I put in a phone that's even just a little bigger I feel that the phone will break if I bend even slightly.

I'm curious to see how others go about carrying their phone's with them while exercising. I'm interested either in a slightly larger pack or some kind of chest or back carrying system that is light but that can carry a phone the size of a Galaxy Note 3 and a set of keys separately.
 
Have you considered a necklace phone case? If it flops around too much keep it under your shirt.
 
Why do you need your phone while you are running or working out? I leave mine in the car or locker. Assuming you have a legitimate reason, or are just that damn addicted, check out http://www.spibelt.com/
 
If it is just for music get a Sansa Clip. If you need apps I would suggest a camelbak (you always need water) with a pocket.
 
For running I never really had a problem just putting it in a pocket and keys in the other. Actually the keys were more annoying because of the noise they'd make and movement. Although this was with Nexus sized phones and not phones the size of the Note.

HeavensCloud said:
Why do you need your phone while you are running or working out? I leave mine in the car or locker. Assuming you have a legitimate reason, or are just that damn addicted, check out http://www.spibelt.com/
Click to expand...

Personally I use it as a music player when exercising in general, and for tracking when running.
 
Grab an ipod nano, or something small for music, and get a workout watch like a Suunto Ambit or something. I gave up trying to bring my Note 3 anywhere where Jeans weren't involved.
 
D-Wiz said:
If it is just for music get a Sansa Clip. If you need apps I would suggest a camelbak (you always need water) with a pocket.
Click to expand...

Do Sansa Clips do Spotify now? Cause that would be cool.
 
BladeVenom said:
Have you considered a necklace phone case? If it flops around too much keep it under your shirt.
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Something like this I don't think will work well with a phone that big flopping around even under a shirt. http://i.imgur.com/gUi7grw.jpg

HeavensCloud said:
Why do you need your phone while you are running or working out? I leave mine in the car or locker. Assuming you have a legitimate reason, or are just that damn addicted, check out http://www.spibelt.com/
Click to expand...
I already use something similar to a spibelt but it won't fit a note 3 comfortably. I go running out in the wilderness so it's my only lifeline if I get stuck out on the trail, I get surprisingly good cell coverage out there. I also use it for music and gps/running stats. I don't have it out while doing different activities or anything like that... It's just tucked away doing its thing in the background.

BiH115 said:
Grab an ipod nano, or something small for music, and get a workout watch like a Suunto Ambit or something. I gave up trying to bring my Note 3 anywhere where Jeans weren't involved.
Click to expand...
This is basically my only reason for not going with a bigger smartphone as I don't want to buy 2-3 more devices to replace my current setup of just 1 device. I already have to pay full price for the phone upgrade :D.

D-Wiz said:
If it is just for music get a Sansa Clip. If you need apps I would suggest a camelbak (you always need water) with a pocket.
Click to expand...
I already have a camelbak for cycling it works great but I find it awkward to carry while running. Maybe it's because I have have the 3L version and smaller ones are better suited for that.
 
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I like the fitness watch idea because I don't like the idea of having expensive gear on me unless I'm on wheels.
 
I have another person run alongside me with my phone and take voice commands. Works pretty well! :p
 
I run almost every day (if weather permits it), I tried everything from fanny packs to armbands, armbands seem to work best. I use my phone to track my run, time, speed, laps, gps, twit pod casts. I log all my runs, currently have a Samsung Galaxy S3 with an armband, sometimes after 3miles, I switch it to my opposite arm to relieve me of any discomfort.

Hate to say it but for us runners, armbands are kind of the only option :(
 
Don't know how sensitive you are to bounce, cord slap and farmer's tan (from armband) but from experience the least annoying and the most transparent is a tiny PMP like a Sony NW-E507 stuffed in a cap or visor with a pouch.
 
If you're looking for a bigger fanny pack I've used products from Amphipod. It contours to the small of your back so it shifts less. There's a version with and without water bottle.

http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/airflow-waistpacks
http://www.amphipod.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/200_225_lg_0.jpg[/I

[URL="http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/runlite-hydration"]http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/runlite-hydration[/URL]
[URL="http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/bottle-waistpacks"]http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/bottle-waistpacks[/URL]
[IMG]http://www.amphipod.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/product/811_lg.jpg[/I
 
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Have your dog carry it. :)
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Get an armband holder that goes around your upper arm. Best solution in my experience, and won't flop around. Also in a good spot in case you need to take hold of it for any reason (versus having to stop what you're doing to open a pack).

EDIT: Missed that part of OP. I have pretty big arms and they never get in my way half as much as shit dangling/flopping all over the place. Maybe it's just me though?
 
Here's the Nathan 5K I got. I'm able to fit some cash, knife and keys in the small front pocket. The big pocket can fit the largest phone on the market. The glowing is from the flash.

nathan5k1.jpg

nathan5k2.jpg
 
Thanks for all of your suggestions and jokes :D. I was going to check out the amphipod at my local running store but they went out of business :S. I'll see if I can find another store that has them to see how well phones fit in there.

Is that nathans 5k belt all mesh or is there another closed sealed compartment in the back?
 
elzeus said:
Is that nathans 5k belt all mesh or is there another closed sealed compartment in the back?
Click to expand...

The back compartment is sealed. That's the one the phone goes into. I got my iPhone 6+ and have gone on a few runs with it. It really works great. Fits in with room to spare and is easy to access. The belt doesn't jostle at all either. Sits nice and tight.
 
HeavensCloud said:
Why do you need your phone while you are running or working out? I leave mine in the car or locker. Assuming you have a legitimate reason, or are just that damn addicted, check out http://www.spibelt.com/
Click to expand...
Especially if you're running by yourself or go off the beaten track, you need to be able to call for help in the event of an emergency or you become injured.

It's not a matter of being "addicted," it's about being safe. :)
 
my new setup for my LG G3 phone is....

Nathan 5k runners belt
motorola S305 headset

WIN!
 
felt said:
my new setup for my LG G3 phone is....

Nathan 5k runners belt
motorola S305 headset

WIN!
Click to expand...

How well does that headset work? I bought a BT headset that works great indoors but doesn't do shit outside. It'll work if you hold it up to the right ear but that's it.
 
Maximus825 said:
How well does that headset work? I bought a BT headset that works great indoors but doesn't do shit outside. It'll work if you hold it up to the right ear but that's it.
Click to expand...


I haven't had a single issue with my Motorola S305. They were $40 from bestbuy and have better audio quality and signal strength than the more expensive bluetooth headphones designed for "running outdoors" that I have purchased and returned. The audio quality is great and the audio have not skipped/crackled or popped while running outdoors.

I run with my LG G3 in the Nathans 5k runners waist pack under my shirt and the wireless signal is as good as my wired sennheiser headphones.
 
Maximus825 said:
How well does that headset work? I bought a BT headset that works great indoors but doesn't do shit outside. It'll work if you hold it up to the right ear but that's it.
Click to expand...

If you're willing to spend a little more, the Jaybird Bluebuds X headphones are fantastic. The sound quality is great, the battery lasts for ~8 hours, and they don't fall out when I run, rock climb, or otherwise work out. I've used other IEMs in the past (e.g. Shure e2) but the Bluebuds are a lot better at staying put and sound just as good.
 
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