what’s the best way to hold my phone while trail running?

I’m a woman so carry a phone for safety as well as because I’m new to trails and don’t want to end up lost. I use a Fitletic belt. Doesn’t bounce. I pull it out on trails when I get to an unmarked intersection if I’m not familiar with the area.

Ask Lizzo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zZzn-KxeRI

Being able to hold a phone and minimalist wallet is part of what I consider when getting new athletic wear. My phone goes in the front zipped pocket of my pants or shorts. I've moved away from pocketed shorts designed specifically for running and go more for generic athletic pants and shorts with zipped pockets. My current favorite running pants is the adidas trackstand cycling pants, which has four pockets, three of them zipped. My dog chew up my favorite shorts (adidas aeroready 3-stripes slim, which seems to not be on the adidas site anymore), but I won't be needing shorts until next year.

After some experimenting, I think a lightweight belt that holds keys and a phone is the best option. Not the kind that hold water bottles. It's on my backside and no flopping so I don't even notice it when I'm running, unlike when it is in pocket. Palming it is a bad idea, it's more of a distraction, plus if you faceplant there is always the change it can break or it will end up in a creek or something.

Shorts with a pocket, as already stated, or belt. You do not have to have a fancy belt. There are cheap belts out there that will do the job. I typically use a belt when I take my phone. It can hold my phone and maybe 1 gel and that is it. I don't even think it was even designed for running specifically. Small fanny pack would be another option.

The best way to hold your phone is in your car or home. If you get lost, you run more, its that simple. Because you are doing 15 mile and not 30 mile trail runs you can afford to run more from time to time. Don't be a (cat) and train like you're serious.

Kvothe wrote:

The best way to hold your phone is in your car or home. If you get lost, you run more, its that simple. Because you are doing 15 mile and not 30 mile trail runs you can afford to run more from time to time. Don't be a (cat) and train like you're serious.

I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to rely on someone else to tell me which way to go. Or need to hitch hike if I end up on the other side of the forest. The trails can be like a maze out here.

I was just on vacation in California, and purchased this belt actually. Fits an iPhone 12 pro max . Phone is oriented to the small of my back. It does hold water and key although I don't have those fancy silicone bottles, I use one or two tiny 8oz juice bottles. I did a trail run in Pacifica and some long road running at UC Davis. Worked fine, better than flip belt.

https://www.decathlon.com/products/kiprun-hydration-flask-carrying-running-belt-333176

The next time you poke fun at not running with water or a belt to hold essentials, think of the runner in San Francisco who died of heat stroke.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.sfchronicle.com/eastbay/amp/Missing-runner-case-Autopsy-results-rule-out-16370374.php

If you can’t finish a run without water it’s to far for you. Focus on getting faster instead.

And hydrate before, I will give exceptions for people who live in the south east.

Flipbelt... Nothing more to say

I bought an iPhone armband on Amazon. Once running I don't even notice it's there.

https://www.amazon.com/iPhone-Running-Armband-Sports-Runners/dp/B0825897DY/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=iPhone+12+%2F+12+Pro+Running+Armband.+Sports+Phone+Case+Holder+for+Runners&qid=1633313904&sr=8-1

Just palm it.

I run with a cellular plan on my Apple Watch for emergency calling purposes, especially in winter when I’m paranoid of being stuck with a mid-run injury and not being able to run back and dying of hypothermia. I run in the city or suburbs but occasionally do use navigation on the watch not for running itself, but to locate a store or something on my way back. I also wear a Coros watch for tracking my running itself, but you can get all of the combined features including calling and nav in a single running watch.

On rare occasions, when I do carry a phone nevertheless, I put it in the tight back pocket of my 5” shorts or thigh sleeve pocket of my 7” shorts. With good shorts, the phone doesn’t bounce.

If safety (calls, nav) is primarily why you carry a phone, a decent watch with enough battery to last a couple hours of running is most convenient.

plenty of shorts (and tights) have pockets large enough to hold a phone while running trails - that's what i do. nike, rabbit, the north face, patagonia, etc. all have shorts that fit the bill.

Just study your maps and leave it at home.

wher my phone go? wrote:

Because of this, I do not know how to carry my phone with me on a 15 mile trail run. So I just palm it. I’m not a wuss ultra runner so I don’t carry water on a belt, so I can’t put it on a belt or vest. I cherish the feeling of flying through the woods in my short shorts and no shirt. I don’t want to feel like I’m weighed down.

The obvious solution is to bite down on your phone, then both hands are free. If you cannot clench your jaws for a full trail run or need to breathe through your mouth while running you should stick to laps in your local park anyway.

wher my phone go? wrote:

If you can’t finish a run without water it’s to far for you. Focus on getting faster instead.

Don't be so dumb, fastest runners in the world don't hydrate during a run do they ? Can't believe some of the low IQ stuff here sometimes.