Freetrain vest keeps your phone secure and dry while you run

For many (mostly female) runners who welcomed the invention of tights and shorts with phone pockets on the side, how to carry your phone on a run can be a major challenge. Some may scoff at the idea of carrying your phone on a run, but it gives many runners a feeling of safety (especially when running alone in a new location) – not to mention being indispensable for music listening and the chance to take scenic selfies along the way. Enter the Freetrain vest, which is essentially a phone holder, but also more. 

At first glance, the Freetrain vest seems like an odd hybrid: it looks like a hydration vest, but it doesn’t carry water. (It’s really for recreational road runners who would be unlikely to use a hydration vest.) It’s designed to carry your phone, secure from excessive jiggling, in the centre of your body, so you’re not loading one leg unevenly (yes, even the weight of your phone on one side can cause gait imbalances). The pocket, which has a velcro flap closure, is water resistant and will protect your phone if you’re running in rain or snow.

Do you need your cellphone to go on a run?

The vest, which is unisex and can be adjusted to fit any size, goes on easily over your head – there is no clasp to break or malfunction – and the stretchy side straps are adjustable. It’s designed to fit snugly against your body, and it does not bounce up and down as you run (a major plus over belt-type phone holders). There are also small pockets on the shoulders for a key, transit pass, credit card, lip balm or gel.

You can unsnap the top closure to check notifications through the clear window at the back of the pocket without removing your phone. 

The vest comes in two colours: plain black (the V1), and a highly reflective material (the VR) that’s great for running in the dark.

There are holes in the bottom of the pocket for threading headphone wires.

Pros

The vest is quite comfortable, and can be worn over your bare skin (guys) or a sports bra, shirt or windbreaker. It goes on and off easily and is great for carrying your phone comfortably and protecting it from the elements.

Cons

Our tester did occasionally find it was hard to remove their iPhone 11 for picture-taking on the trail (it would definitely be easier without a phone case, or with a smaller phone). In hot weather, when running far enough that you’d need water, you’d be more likely to opt for a hydration vest with a secure pocket for your phone. Also, we tested it in winter; it’s hard to imagine it wouldn’t be uncomfortably warm in summer, given that the construction is thick neoprene.

The company also makes phone holders for gym use and cycling, as well as lightweight gloves, rechargeable LED lights and hats.

The Freetrain vest retails for USD $53 but is currently on sale for USD $33. For more information on the Freetrain vest and other products, visit their website, here.