Belts are cheap, usually have space for keys and a gel alongside my phone, and provide easier access while running than an armband. I’m not accepting the notion Freetrain puts forward that this is a stylish product, and the veteran club runners I ran with certainly had a good laugh when I showed up wearing it. 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. So you’re left with a slightly oppressive chest strap with no more storage space than a running belt that makes it harder to use your phone. It’s also less comfortable than a lightweight running backpack which would let you store your phone in the strap pocket while giving you loads of room to carry stuff.
Freetrain V1 Vest Review: Phone Harness For runners
And once you leave the TV-filled gym, you’re heavily dependent on your phone and a set of running headphones to keep the bad thoughts at bay. One option is an armband, although that can make it difficult to operate the phone in transit; a more advanced albeit costlier alternative is a full-torso harness, like the Freetrain V1 Vest. The V1 comprises a flexible V of perforated material on your back, and another on your front with a pouch for your phone, all connected together by two straps over your shoulders and a stretchy belt.
I quite like the way that looks (it faintly evokes those mini training tops you sometimes see worn by sportspeople before a big game), but it brings the phone a little closer to your face than is perhaps desirable; more on ease of use in the next section.
Oddly enough the hardware buttons were considerably more of an issue, because the black-and-grey pouch surround conceals them and makes it difficult to get tactile feedback. Simply turning up the volume on a podcast was far more of a hassle than usual (I recommend controlling this via an Apple Watch or similar if you can), and at one point I got confused and hit the power button so many times that I contacted emergency services by mistake. It’s not easy to control the phone and keep running at the same time, because you have to crook your neck and look quite sharply downwards; it would make sense to at least slow down significantly while selecting your next podcast to avoid bumping into someone or something. In hot weather, the pouch covering gets damp from sweat, and this moisture can cause bumps against the runner’s chest to be interpreted as taps on the screen.
I’ve found that songs and podcasts occasionally jump unexpectedly, which is annoying, but far more seriously my iPhone has locked up on more than one occasion because it thought I was trying (and failing) to put in the passcode. The fix largely solves the problem, although it remains a mild faff having to turn those two features off before every run and back on again afterwards, and makes the phone itself slightly more awkward to use while you’re out.
But it looks smart (in a slightly dorky sort of way), feels robust and breathable, and is the most convenient solution I’ve so far found to the problem of using a phone while running.
Frequently Asked Questions
We can confidently say that the pouch will accommodate all cell phones with the dimensions of 6.5″’ x 3.7” or smaller. It’s smart materials allow the Freetrain V1 Vest to expand generously and mould to the individual’s body shape whilst giving a comfortable & supported fit. The materials may feel tight to start with but will loosen slightly after 2-3 training sessions. All Standard orders placed before 5:30pm Monday – Friday will be dispatched the next working day.
*Orders placed after this time or on Saturday’s & Sunday’s will be dispatched the next business day. The Freetrain V1 Vest has a unique patented design allowing both males and females to enjoy the benefits of the product.
Hand wash in warm water with a mild detergent.
Freetrain V1 Vest Review: Phone Harness For runners
And once you leave the TV-filled gym, you’re heavily dependent on your phone and a set of running headphones to keep the bad thoughts at bay. One option is an armband, although that can make it difficult to operate the phone in transit; a more advanced albeit costlier alternative is a full-torso harness, like the Freetrain V1 Vest. The V1 comprises a flexible V of perforated material on your back, and another on your front with a pouch for your phone, all connected together by two straps over your shoulders and a stretchy belt. I quite like the way that looks (it faintly evokes those mini training tops you sometimes see worn by sportspeople before a big game), but it brings the phone a little closer to your face than is perhaps desirable; more on ease of use in the next section.
Oddly enough the hardware buttons were considerably more of an issue, because the black-and-grey pouch surround conceals them and makes it difficult to get tactile feedback. Simply turning up the volume on a podcast was far more of a hassle than usual (I recommend controlling this via an Apple Watch or similar if you can), and at one point I got confused and hit the power button so many times that I contacted emergency services by mistake.
It’s not easy to control the phone and keep running at the same time, because you have to crook your neck and look quite sharply downwards; it would make sense to at least slow down significantly while selecting your next podcast to avoid bumping into someone or something. In hot weather, the pouch covering gets damp from sweat, and this moisture can cause bumps against the runner’s chest to be interpreted as taps on the screen. I’ve found that songs and podcasts occasionally jump unexpectedly, which is annoying, but far more seriously my iPhone has locked up on more than one occasion because it thought I was trying (and failing) to put in the passcode. The fix largely solves the problem, although it remains a mild faff having to turn those two features off before every run and back on again afterwards, and makes the phone itself slightly more awkward to use while you’re out. But it looks smart (in a slightly dorky sort of way), feels robust and breathable, and is the most convenient solution I’ve so far found to the problem of using a phone while running.
Freetrain V1 Vest Performance Review
It puts your phone at the center of your chest in a secure position and features a clasp mechanism for easy access. Whether it’s basketball, soccer, rowing, disc golf, or any other sport that involves using your arms and legs at the same time, the V1 Vest just gets out of the way and lets you get to work. The V1 Vest’s 3M hits on the front and back are great for visibility during night running.
It looks perfect for multiday relay races like Ragnar and Hood to Coast.
After I removed my phone mid run to take some pictures and videos (my job requires it lol), I had to endure random pauses of my podcast and my phone getting locked due to too many login attempts. End result, taking pictures and videos during a run or training session is difficult.
But for those who do, I hope Freetrain’s next vest allows the smartphone camera to take pics while still ensconced in the protective sleeve. Depending on your body type and the shirts you use, the design of the vest can make your chest look weird.
For some women, not wearing a super tight or supportive sports bra underneath causes some weird cleavage situations. The bottom elastic straps align more with my chest than my rib cage. Freetrain is still a fairly new company so I would expect them to eventually offer more fit options. That’s hard to do with one piece of equipment so I have to commend Freetrain for the versatility of their vest.
This is perfect for training on a field or court but needs more to cater to road and trail runners. Most runners need room for the phone, 2 gels, keys, a card or two, and water.
I would love to see Freetrain create a deluxe vest for long distance and trail runners. Ideally, you’d be able to use a washer and then air dry the vest but that won’t work with these materials.
If you don’t like carrying a phone, wearing it on your arm, in a waist band, or in your pocket, the Freetrain V1 Vest is going to be the best solution for you. The V1 Vest has some flaws but it’s lightweight, easy to forget you’re wearing it, and provides the best phone access of any solution.
If you’re still looking for the perfect phone holder for training and running, the Freetrain V1 Vest deserves strong consideration.
Freetrain V1 Vest Review
But I don’t like the feeling of wearing an armband and when I have in the past, I found it awkward to pause my run or change a song track. Armbands usually don’t provide a space to include your keys or credit cards if you’re going for a run during a lunch break at work. Jack Dyer and James Wren met while playing for League One side Burton Albion in 2011 before they launched the Freetrain brand seven years later. You can adjust the straps on either side to ensure you’ve got a snug fit that doesn’t constrict your breathing.
On the left shoulder, you’ll notice a zip pocket that is large enough to store your keys, credit cards, earphones or even a small snack. There is also a small pouch on your right shoulder that is secured with velcro and it’s big enough to contains additional keys or earphones.
The Freetrain V1 Vest uses reflective print for added safety, while the materials are described as “extremely water resistant”. As someone who detests using an armband, I’ve become accustomed to wearing a running belt over the past couple of years.
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. I was able to access my running app within seconds or conveniently skip a song on my playlist without grinding to a halt. However, it’s a streamlined product that offers a practical solution for anyone who wants to bring their phone on a run or workout.
I hate an armband and didn’t fancy having something around my waist so this is perfect, especially as now I don’t have to wear clothing with pockets for my phone. It’s smart materials allow the Freetrain V1 Vest to expand generously and mould to the individuals body shape whilst giving a comfortable & supported fit.
The V1 Vest was comfortable to wear, and as someone who has a history of losing keys on runs, it was great that I could safely secure my valuables in the shoulder pouch. If you’re looking for a fitness accessory that gives you the freedom to bring your smartphone, keys, credit cards and other valuables on a run, Freetrain V1 Vest could be the solution for you.
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