Through the last lockdown I started running more and longer and am in need of a small (maybe 3l) bag to carry phone, keys and, if needed, stash a windproof/gloves/sunglasses/food etc. I don't go out for mammoth runs but it'd be nice to be able to stop and have a coffee. I'd also use it for easy rides where I don't have Jersey pockets or don't want to take a bag.
I've tried some of the cheap offerings and got frustrated with slipping straps and bounce. Before I stump up £30ish it'd be nice to hear your thoughts.
I've got an old OMM waist pack which is really comfy to run with, it sits nicely in the small of my back. It's a reasonable size, but has bungee and hooks which mean you can cinch it down small, or have enough space for a drink and a windproof. Even with a drink in there I find it stays nicely in place and doesn't move around too much.
It looks like they have changed the design, but the new ones still look good.
I've got a couple of Montane fanny packs, one's the Trailblazer 3 and one's what's now called the Gecko WP 1. They're both good. The Trailblazer doesn't bounce much but does need to be cinched down well, though the stretchy mesh side pockets are brilliant for a small soft flask or some snacks. The Gecko is ace but very small capacity, just fits my pertex wind shell jacket and phone, keys and maybe a bar or two. I've used a Salomon running belt as well that basically just takes phone and keys.
I'll often run with my cycling gilet - pockets on the back are for dog poo bags, gloves etc. Phone in zipped breast pocket.
Been looking also for similar, the Compressport free belt is the one I like the look off and get good reveiws.
I bought one of these while in the US - needed to stash wallet, rental car keys, hotel room key. It's so comfy I don't know I'm wearing it and other than the zip getting a bit sticky is still going strong after more than 10 years of use in all weathers.
https://www.nathansports.com/products/5k-waist-belt-black
Might not be big enough for what you need, but it looks like the brand makes other sizes and they are available on Amazon.
I've used one of these before. It is bigger than many but has useful compression straps.
I'm not a runner, but I have the OMM waist pouch 3l. I use it for walking the dog and it carries all the bits in one place. Can easily stash a layer or two in it, drink, buff/gloves, keys etc.
The bungee is a very useful feature and would stop the bouncing. I used to use it on the bike ages back and it worked pretty well for that
Flipbelt if it's just keys and a phone as it's compact and doesn't jiggle about. If I need a jacket I'll generally start off wearing it, or go without if it's marginal. Haven't needed anything else so far.
i've recently got one of these :
just enough space for a few bits and bobs + light jacket + snacks + water (small bottles, not the usual 'cycling' size)
it's great as a cycling pack, and doesn't bob around too much while i'm running either
(guessing : possibly because the weight is stacked vertically, rather than horizontally, so it can't roll up and down? maybe?)
there's also the 'nijmegen', which has a smaller number (6litre), but seemed bigger...
Waist packs like to bounce and chaife when running. It doesn't make too much difference what the model is. It becomes a problem when there is too much weight in them.
The elasticated waist bands type are much better at resisting bounce than traditional bum bags and a good option for say just a phone. (I have one from a firm called naked)
The problem I have found with the bad type is the sizing and elasticity has to be perfect, or they end up either too tight or too loose. They also get tighter as you add gear.
For carrying anything more than a few 100g or as soon as you add fluids, a race vest is the best option for running IMO.
Leave the phone, shove debit card in your pocket, and tie jacket round your waist. The amount of runners I see around here that look as if they're on the marathon des sables!
Another vote for SPI belts - might be a bit small for what you want/need, but for a phone and a set of keys (or similar) they are superb and you forget you are even wearing it within a couple of minutes.
Waist packs like to bounce and chaife when running. It doesn’t make too much difference what the model is. It becomes a problem when there is too much weight in them.
I never found one which sat still with anything in it. I think the running vest style rucksacks look a much better solution.
Ultimate Direction Mountain belt, and get the optional front pocket accessory if you want easy access to your phone. its all you will ever need for trail runs up to around 2-3 hours.
I never found one which sat still with anything in it. I think the running vest style rucksacks look a much better solution.
This.
Leave the phone, shove debit card in your pocket, and tie jacket round your waist. The amount of runners I see around here that look as if they’re on the marathon des sables!
And also this. I won't carry anything for up to a half. Beyond that, I have a few pairs of shorts that have a small pocket on the waist band. Just big enough for a mask, a gel and a credit card.
If you're in the wilds then get a pack or a race vest, if you're not then travel light.
Leave the phone, shove debit card in your pocket, and tie jacket round your waist. The amount of runners I see around here that look as if they’re on the marathon des sables!
My brother got me running shorts with pockets for Xmas 2019. Phone (incl. apple pay) in one pocket, a single key for the door of the building or vehicle that contains the rest of my possessions in the other.
I've since added a facemask, and they were probably my most worn item of clothing in lockdown1.
Roll up the body of the jacket (with it zipped up) so you have a long tube, and tie around waist, or bandolier style over one shoulder.
Aye, agreed ajw, I take my phone if running somewhere new, photo opportunities, in my shorts pocket, doesn't bounce around as I like really properly fitted shorts. Ditto what you do with your jacket.
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OMM Kits ace
I've tried a couple of waist packs for running - apart from a waist belt bottle carrier that I can cinch right up around my hips, I've found everything else just bounces annoyingly, even with cinch straps, bungees or whatever. If I need to carry stuff, give me a vest anyday, plus the stuff is right where I want it so I barely need to slow down.
I never found one which sat still with anything in it. I think the running vest style rucksacks look a much better solution.
I don't run anymore but I use a Raidlight XP8 vest as my summer commute bag.It sits high up and never moves,has enough room for a light jacket,bit of lunch and all the usual bits and bobs.
I’ve tried a couple of waist packs for running – apart from a waist belt bottle carrier that I can cinch right up around my hips, I’ve found everything else just bounces annoyingly, even with cinch straps, bungees or whatever. If I need to carry stuff, give me a vest anyday, plus the stuff is right where I want it so I barely need to slow down.
The only time I'll run with a waist pack is hill races for mandatory kit. You're not going fast enough on the way up for it to bounce, and on the way down your eyes are watering, teeth chattering and you're constantly on the edge of death, a bouncing bag is way down the list. 🙂
I have a Salomon running belt which has space for phone, keys, small snack and a soft flask. If I need a waterproof I just tie it around my waist, its just big enough to cover the half marathon distance / 2 hour run.
If I need something bigger I have a Salomon sense backpack, think its the 5 or 8l. Has a bladder and space for all the food and water you need for a day out. The fit is very different to the camelback bike backpacks and is designed to be worn very tight so it doesn't move and rub.
I always take the belt with me just for phone and food, I prefer the backpack if I need to take water with me.
Both are really stretchy and don't rub or cause discomfort over many miles.
My wife has a flip belt which she likes but it doesn't have a zip pocket for keys.
Thanks everyone. Taking my phone is because I often listen to podcasts whilst running and I've not quite got to a fancy watch with Spotify yet. 90% of the time I take little other than phone and keys so I use a cheap elastic belt to carry them.
But if I'm going out for longer and the weather is changeable then it's more pleasant to be able to stash a windproof somewhere or take off gloves rather than just cope. Equally I often run and stop now and again so being able to take a warm layer can make it more pleasant.
I've bought one of the OMM ones so will see how I get on.
In the finest STW traditions, I will praise OMM gear for being really good, but also offer an alternative... Saloman do some minimalist vest-type things that should fit the bill, with 4L and bigger and also a minimalist one called the Nocturne.
I've used belts before and they only annoy me a bit, but if you are taking water, that may rise to "a fair bit" as things slop around. I've found a vest more or les stays in one place. Better/smaller than taking a small daysack out as well.
With that said, the best small, light running backpack I have ever used was a Karrimor X-lite from SportsDirect. The old model was a blatant copy of the Saloman/OMM/Innov-8 style minimalist ultra kit, but it was surprisingly decent. And reflective.
I tend to be a minimalist when I run. I hardly ever where a jacket unless it’s sub zero as I tend to run hot and if it’s raining I’ll still be in shorts and vest.
Generally the most I run with is my house/car keys which go in a shorts pocket.
Occasionally I use a flip belt if I need to take my phone or a gel which works quite well and I barely notice them.
I like a race vest too. Just a really comfortable convenient way to carry stuff running. Especially in the summer when I take a bit of water on all runs. Not really bothered if that makes me look like i'm on the marathon des sables for a 10km.
I also use a spi belt for phone / keys for shorter runs. A lot of running jackets now have 'stuffable' pockets with a strap on, which is excellent for UK running! (New Balance if anyones interested).
I have one of THESE from ASICS.
It’d take a small-pack-size jacket or gilet in place of one of the bottles, pouch in the middle is useful size too.
Best thing is that you can cinch it right around your hips so even with full bottles it doesn’t bounce.
I wear Decathlon running shorts which have pockets front and rear. Front is big enough for car key/house key + a gel, rear takes my phone
That’s enough for 2hr ish runs/ 14ish miles
If I’m going big hills/bad weather I just use a cheap fanny pack with top and emergency Bivvy bag. If it’s a longish very hot run I will Cary a small soft pack water bladder in my hand, drink it then shove it in the fanny pack.
Chafing can be an issue but if I put it on right it’s not.
These shorts have shot up in price, last I’m bought they were only £20!
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/men-s-lightweight-trail-running-shorts-black/_/R-p-312211
Those Decathlon trail shorts are good but the first time I ran with a phone in the back pocket, realised painfully in the shower afterwards that it'd rubbed the skin raw.
Hill runs and commutes, I run with a PB bumbag. It doesn't bounce if loaded with approx the mandatory FRA kit it was designed for, but if it's just phone, keys and a bottle, it's horrible.