Compared to some rival products that I’ve tested, the Freetrain Hydro 1 Vest is the best option on the market for athletes who want a versatile workout vest. What Are Customers Saying? I went in skeptical thinking it wouldn’t make all that much difference to my current solution of a waistband. I was wrong. It makes a huge different to making you feel you have a bit more freedom to move, whist keeping your phone safe, but easily accessible. The Hydro 1 Vest – made from the same comfortable, high-stretch fabric as the V1 – aims to step the practicality up a notch, with the addition of a water bottle holder, sitting to the right of the phone pouch. All of which would be fine if the Freetrain succeeded at its main purpose, which is to make your phone easier to access on the run than any other product, but it doesn’t. While it might be better than an armband, I certainly found it less easy than using a belt. The idea is that you slip your phone into the pouch at the front, which protects it from the elements but still allows you to use it normally. This works to a degree.

lululemon’s Fast and Free Run Belt is a sleek and lightweight belt that can keep your smartphone safe and secure during your run. In fact, the bottle holder is so big that I was able to store a small face towel along with my bottle so I could dry off when I took some respite during my run. I was really impressed with Freetrain’s latest running vest – the addition of a water bottle holder makes this an even more versatile product. Of course, there’s also personal safety to consider. Having your phone with you on your run allows you to call for help in the case of emergency. The addition of a bottle holder sounds good, but actually it serves to reduce the efficiency of phone access. And that’s not to mention the complementary water bottle, which – unlike the rest of the vest – feels like it’s made from fairly cheap plastic.For the traditionalists reading this article, we’ve included an armband option in our roundup on the best phone holders for runners. The vest has straps on either side so you can adjust it to meet your personal preferences, whether you like a tight fit like me or a slightly looser fit. Running in the countryside means I have to stop frequently to allow the occasional car or tractor go past.

I found armbands and running belts frustrating because it would take 10-20 seconds to access my phone and pause my live workout on my fitness app. If you’re looking for a phone holder for your daily or weekly jog in the park, you may have considered a running belt as an option for you.It’s the traditional format used by joggers but there are some alternatives that could provide an even more convenient option for hardcore runners.

The LifeProof LifeActiv armband solves the problem of having to change your armband every time you upgrade your phone. The all reflective print and material adds the element of safety so that you may be seen in the dark. The appeal of the V1 (which, we should say, is still available at freetrain.co.uk) is its minimal design. It’s so lightweight you barely notice it’s there, and the central location of the phone pouch (rather than just to the right, as with the Hydro 1) is more convenient, especially when you’re on the move. First of all, I found it unexpectedly difficult to get the phone in. The makers boast that they “can confidently say that the pouch will fit 99% of modern phones”, but my iPhone 12 Pro was a tight fit even after removing itsIf you’re like me, you may use your phone so you can listen to some adrenalin-inducing tunes or an inspiring audiobook or podcast. The Freetrain V1 Vest elevated my running experience. It felt comfortable to wear and makes you feel like an athlete. But what is it like to use? The basic concept is Freetrain V1 holds your phone by your chest, in a pouch with a plastic window that lets you use it when you undo the popper clasp that keeps it in place. But there’s no chance of then dropping it, as it’s still attached.