The Best Running Belts – Carry Your Phone and Keys

Every runner looking to improve their skills and performance knows the importance of running accessories. One of those things is a running belt.

Running belts are popular among runners, triathletes, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

These best running belts provide you convenience as you run and exercise.

It is only fair to say that not all of them will be suitable for everyone, no matter what manufacturers say in their product descriptions. For this reason, this article will provide the necessary information for you to choose the best belt.

Running waist packs are popular among runners, triathletes, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Some of them are suitable for travellers also.

What Can You Carry in a Running Belt?

A running belt, or a waist pack, has a similar function to an armband. Both are designed to hold your smartphones while running or working out. However, this accessory is more multifunctional.

It allows you to carry your valuable belongings so that you can exercise without worrying. One kind of running waist pack is a hydration belt where you can also put water bottles on both sides. This way, you can stay hydrated during a race or a workout.

Running waist packs are designed to stay fit on you even when loaded with lots of running accessories and big smartphones. Many armbands and traditional fanny packs do tend to bounce.

Factors to Consider in Buying a Running Belt

We look at these 5 factors more closely when figuring out the best running waist pack:

1. Comfort: most important factor is how the belt feels on you.
2. Storage: what kind of stuff you need to carry with you determines how much space you need.
3. Hydration: do you need to carry water bottles to stay hydrated?
4. Quality: what kind of materials are used, and does it last?
5. Color: color is not just for looks, it is also for safety reasons.

1.  Comfort

The last thing you want is a running waist belt that is not comfortable to wear or is not snug enough for you to move with ease.

Thus, comfort level is the number-one factor that you should consider. Wearing a waist pouch may be awkward during the first try, but you should eventually be able to run normally.

Look for a brand that will make you feel as if you are not wearing it at all. Aside from this, carrying a running pack filled with important items should not cause discomfort. It should remain secure so that it will not bounce as you move.

2.  Storage

The next characteristic that you should check is the number of pockets in the belt. Your running case should have enough space for valuables such as an ID, headphones, money, wallet, or keys.

Aside from this, it should also be big enough to hold your smartphone, even one with a large screen, to keep it free from damage and scratches.

Before buying, you should make a list of the things that you have to bring to give you an idea of storage space. Furthermore, if you are choosing a hydration water belt with bottle holders, make sure to test their strength and their ability to keep the bottles in place.

Make a list of things that you are going to carry with you to get an idea of the storage space.

3.  Hydration Belt

If you are someone who often needs to carry water bottles while running, the best belt to choose is one with a hydration belt feature.

This should give you quick access to liquids or water as you go about your intense activities. Look for a brand that allows you to access it using only one hand.

In other words, you should not have to stop running while pulling it out from the holder or taking off the whole waistband. There are a lot of hydration waistbands on the market that have brackets while others have clips so that the bottles are firmly held in place.

4.  Quality

Since running is part of a fitness enthusiast’s lifestyle, you should choose running equipment that is made of high-quality material.

Do not settle for cheap ones that are made to last only for a couple of weeks. Pick a running pouch that has quick-drying, washable, durable, and moisture-wicking features so that maintenance is easy.

For this factor, you should do further research and review customer feedback so that you are sure about what you are buying. Most running waist packs are made of synthetic materials, but it is still nice to check out other types that are more durable and comfortable to wear.

5.  Color

Yes, the color of your running accessory is an important factor to consider not only because of aesthetic purposes but also for safety reasons.

For those who enjoy running at night, it is strongly recommended to buy a reflective belt. The reflective belts should provide an extra layer of safety in low-light conditions.

List of 10 Popular Running Belts

Here is the list of popular products with images, names, and price ranges on Amazon.

Under the table, we look more closely at five of the best products.

5 Recommended Best Running Belts

The following running belts are some of the best brands on Amazon that are highly rated. All of them got more than 4.2/5 stars of satisfaction rating, making them some of the favorites of fitness enthusiasts.

Read their short reviews and see if you will find the best belt that suits your style, needs, and budget.

1. Running Belt Max

Running Belt Max is a high-rated running waist pack on Amazon (4.5 stars out of 5).

It is made of soft Lycra material which is softer than the neoprene on many other brands. It is easy to use whether you are running or traveling.

Just snap it around your waist, adjust the size, and you are ready to go. It fits with waist sizes of 28 to 42 inches (71 to 106 cm).

It has 3 zippered pockets and the main pocket is big enough (7.75″ x 4.25″) for larger phones. The smaller side pockets (4″ x 3.5″) are great for carrying keys, and credit cards, for example.

Meanwhile, there is also a rubberized earphone hole, so you can listen to your jams as you work out. There are a metal key ring holder and a spot to store sunglasses, too.

All the zippers on this sleek pack are light-reflective. This adds a level of safety if you are walking or jogging at night while wearing this belt.

This running waist pack turns out to be the perfect travel belt. It has a shallow profile, so you can hide it under your shirt or jacket. You can safely carry a passport, plane ticket printout, hotel key, credit cards, driver’s license, money, and phone.

Or you can use it when you go to the amusement park or festivals. Even though the pouch is water-resistant, we recommend putting your phone in a Ziploc bag if you might get completely soaked (such as on water rides).

Pros:

• It measures only 1/4″ thick when empty, so it can be tucked under clothing.
• Three zippered pockets provide plenty of space for your valuables.
• Lifetime guarantee from the manufacturer

Cons:

• So soft that it can be slinky
• A phone with a bigger case might not fit in.

Read the full review of Running Belt Max

Buy Now on Amazon

2. E Tronic Edge Running Belt

Another fashionable waist pack worth having is the E Tronic Edge Running Belt. This brand ranked on the top in the waist packs category on Amazon with 4.5/5 stars.

There is no question about the positive feedback it receives since the product is made by a manufacturer with a good reputation. The product is affordable, fashionable, and multifunctional, so you would want to wear this even during your travels.

It is available in six colors and is stylish enough to go with your exercise and casual outfits. What’s more, is that it is not bulky but easy to conceal under your clothing when you need to.

This waist pouch has two pockets with a zipper, a bigger (9″ x 3.75″) pocket for the phone, and a smaller (4″ x 3.75) pocket for keys and credit cards.

In fact, the phone pocket is one of the widest we have seen, so it really is made to carry larger smartphones, too.

Of course, you can bring your money, credit card, and other important items with you while wearing this. That is why it is ideal for trekking, traveling, and other activities.

Fits waists 22″ to 46″. It is made of neoprene which is soft but durable.

Pros:

• A big phone pocket that can fit larger phones
• Lightweight so it is easy to wear all day

Cons:

• Issues with the buckle opening accidentally (for example, when you lean against something due to the quick release mechanism)

Buy Now on Amazon

3. FlipBelt Zipper

Coming third on the list is the FlipBelt Zipper, which is actually the upgraded version of the classic FlipBelt. While the manufacturer maintained many of the original features, this one comes with an extra zipper pocket to provide more security for your valuables. The belt includes four openings.

Two you will find in the front, and the other two are in the back. These openings or pockets may not have zippers, but they are secure enough for your money, keys, and other items.

If you want to be sure, you should put those you don’t want to lose inside the zipper pocket. While this tubular belt is designed for fitness enthusiasts, there is no stopping you from using it as a travel belt.

It has so much room for your passport, credit cards, and room keys, too. Moreover, it is also made to carry larger smartphones like the iPhone 7 and 8 Plus and Samsung Note.

To wear this waistband with tubular form, you just have to step into it like how you wear pants, place it in your preferred position on your hips, and then you are good to go.

With the right sizing, it will fit so well that it will not bounce or shift as you walk, jog, or sprint. Sliding your belongings through the access points is seamless, too.

Aside from that, you can also secure your keys on the sewn-in clip. Lastly, it has a 3M reflective safety logo. With all these features, you are sure to feel more secure wherever you are going.

Pros:

• Better zipper features compared to the original FlipBelt
• Comfortable, easy to wear, and easy to use
• Sliding your belongings in and out is easy
• A great travel belt that is also ideal for walking, hiking, biking, and more
• Lightweight and easily fits the body so that it won’t bounce or shift while moving
• Stretchy, machine washable, great for air drying
• The product has a one-year warranty from the manufacturer

Cons:

• The size of the tubular belt is not adjustable
• More expensive than the other leading brands
• Not waterproof

Read the full review of Flipbelt Zipper

Buy Now on Amazon

4. Runtasty Running Fuel Belt

A hydration running belt is a must-have for every running enthusiast, and one of the best ones on the market is made by Runtasty.

It is made of neoprene that is durable and waterproof, able to withstand your everyday running schedule. Aside from this, the material is also lightweight so that you can jog or move with more ease.

The unique feature is that it has two separate pockets on top of each other. The front pocket has a touchscreen-compatible cover, so you can see and use your phone without taking it out of the pocket (as you would typically need to do).

The product is ideal for both men and women and for most sizes because it is fully adjustable (27″ to 37″). It does not easily slip or bounce as you run or move. Another good feature of this product is that the material does not cause itching or skin irritation.

The running hydration belt does not only integrate bottle holders but also includes two 10-ounce (0.3 liters), BPA-Free, leakproof water bottles. This way, you can stay hydrated throughout the course.

Further, it also has light-reflective parts that make you visible and safe along the trail. Lastly, this running water belt also offers a 100% risk-free satisfaction guarantee, allowing you to buy with confidence.

Pros:

• Made of neoprene that is lightweight and waterproof
• Features two 10-ounce (0.3 liters) water bottles to keep you hydrated wherever you are
• Features light-reflective parts to keep you visible and safe on the trail

Cons:

• Issues with the water bottle pouches (it needs some focus to put bottles back in them).
• Not ideal for small waists

Buy Now on Amazon

5. AiRunTech Water Bottle Belt

Another hydration belt for running on the list is made by AiRunTech. Unlike the other brands, this one can hold your regular water bottle up to a 3.2-inch diameter.

And it still has room for a large pocket to carry a phone with screen sizes up to 6.6 inches (iPhone Pro Max has a 6.7-inch screen so fitting it in can be tight).

The product fits waist sizes from 20 inches (50 cm) up to 47 inches (120 cm), which makes it ideal for both men and women. The trap allows you to adjust the fit, so it will sit on your waist perfectly. By adjusting the belt to the right fit, it won’t bounce or shift while you move.

You can carry a standard 24 or 35 oz water bottle in a holder.

Note that this belt doesn’t come with a bottle. You just use the water bottle that you already have.

The waist pack is easy to use, lightweight, and snug, so you will hardly notice you are wearing it. It fits the body and does not weigh you down.

You can wear the bottle in the front for easy access when you are hiking. You can remove the water bottle one-handed while keeping your other hand on the hiking stick. You can wear the bottle on your back when running, or on the side (but the bottle might be hitting in your arm).

Pros:

• You can use whatever water bottle you already have
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Bigger water bottle can drag the belt down a bit
• More on the bulky side

Buy Now on Amazon

Conclusion

All five products listed above are considered the best running belts, but they do not go without any disadvantages. Some of them are bulkier while others might bounce a bit when running.

Overall, these waist packs are better than armbands since you can put more items inside them, easing your worries about your important belongings getting lost. Aside from this, they are good alternatives for a travel belt, too.

Running waist packs are not only secure but fashionable as well, and it is a must-have for runners and sporty individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors.