Waistband phone holders may be your best option if you’re planning on carrying more than just your phone. They often have ample room for keys, cards, nutrition, and other small items. Some styles also have dedicated spots for water bottles, which are great for long, hot runs. lululemon’s Fast and Free Run Belt is a sleek and lightweight belt that can keep your smartphone safe and secure during your run. Dehydration can give you a headache and ruin your run at best, and can cause some very severe health conditions, such as heatstroke or seizures, at worst.

When it comes to choosing the right phone holder for you, your primary consideration is where on your body you want it to go. While armbands are the most common, there are also benefits to attaching your phone to your wrist, waist, or bra. Here are your options. Armbands The Freetrain V1 Vest elevated my running experience. It felt comfortable to wear and makes you feel like an athlete. It’s the traditional format used by joggers but there are some alternatives that could provide an even more convenient option for hardcore runners. However, if it's hot outside, you sweat a lot, or if you're just going for a lengthier run, carrying water is a very sensible thing to do. 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.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. If you wear a sports bra while running, bra clips are a great way to hold your phone without the movement and potential chafing associated with armbands and waistbands. We found it comfortable on bare skin and despite a little wobbling it stayed firmly in place. Over clothing we found it average, though, as it was more prone to sliding down during use. Some joggers don’t like to be without their phone despite the opportunity to take a break from your screen to work on your fitness and wellbeing. It's not a good idea to drink your fluids all at once, though, as over-hydrating is bad for your health and your body will most likely reject most of the liquid instead of using it to hydrate you.

If the weather isn't too hot and your run is less than 30 to 45 minutes, you probably don't need to carry water provided you're well hydrated ahead of your run. If you’re like me, you may use your phone so you can listen to some adrenalin-inducing tunes or an inspiring audiobook or podcast. Fluffy Velcro doesn't mean weaker Velcro – after detaching and reattaching the straps 100 times some became fluffy, but this didn't always mean they were becoming weaker. Some armbands were just as strong despite the fluffiness, making it more of a cosmetic issue rather than a serious practical one. Armbands are usually pretty comfortable, but you may experience some chafing if your arm tends to rub against the side of your body while you run. Many armbands also make it difficult to access your phone on the fly. Not all screen windows are touch-friendly – there was a big mix in how responsive our phone touchscreen was through the screen window. With some armbands it was as responsive as when holding the phone in your hand, and for others the touchscreen wasn't responsive at all.

We take a look at some of the most convenient options for runners who like to have their phone with them

They can get in the way – as running belts are larger and you'll likely be carrying more items in them, they can prove more cumbersome, especially if you're sprinting or running on inclines. We sprayed each armband 15 times with a spray bottle to simulate the sort of water exposure you might face when out in the rain and were pleased to find that almost all of them protected the phone from getting wet. For the traditionalists reading this article, we’ve included an armband option in our roundup on the best phone holders for runners. Spacing out your hydration equally over a longer period is a good way to ensure you get the most out of the water you're drinking. 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 LifeProof LifeActiv armband solves the problem of having to change your armband every time you upgrade your phone. Armband phone holders are generally the most lightweight options of the bunch, and can hold your phone and sometimes essentials like credit cards, keys, and possibly an energy gel.The rate you lose fluid during exercise can vary, so if you want to be precise it's worth reweighing yourself every now and again to see how you should adjust your hydration. While you won’t experience the asymmetrical feeling you can get with an armband, these do tend to be heavier, more expensive, and some can have a bit of a bounce when running. The key is to find one that fits as snugly as possible against your torso. Bra Clips

Chest phone holder – these are all about minimalism and easy access. Your phone is right there on your chest. Like arm holders, they don’t hold much else though – keys and a gel or two is about the limit. 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. Armbands worn over clothing are less secure – although some armbands stayed in place both on skin and over clothing, we found they were generally more prone to sliding down when worn over the top of a sleeve.There are limits on what you can carry – your arm can only fit so much, so if you're keen to take extra items like water bottles or energy gels you'll find armbands limiting. If you use your phone semi-regularly during your runs—whether to change the music, respond to messages, or take photos of your favorite scenic running route—wristbands often provide easier access than armbands. The downside is that they can feel fairly lopsided, and it might take some getting used to. They also tend to slip and bounce on narrow wrists. Waistbands For example, if you'd lose one litre of fluid during a 60-minute run, you should aim to drink around 250ml every 15 minutes to keep optimally hydrated.