This belt is so lightweight that I soon forget that I am wearing it, so depending on what I am bringing on longer runs, I either use it in addition to my normal Amphipod running waist pack, or else attach my Amphipod rapid access pouch to this belt for additional storage.
One word of caution. The fabric on this pouch is very thin and is not mesh. That means if you sweat, whatever is in the pouch may get sweaty too, so on a really hot and humid day I would use this pouch to carry my gel and electrolyte tablets rather than my BlackBerry or iPod. [But see July 18,2010 update below].
Bottom Line: This is a versatile running accessory and a nice addition to my collection of various running gear. I recommend it.
Update October 10, 2009: Recently I went running in the late afternoon and the sun started going down before I was done. I just took off my sunglasses and easily secured the frame with this belt. My sunglasses stayed nice and snug for the last couple of miles of my run.
Update March 30, 2010: I continue to find new uses for this. I keep my BlackBerry in the pouch; clip my Slacker G2 portable player, gel pouch, and running light to the front strap; clip an over the shoulder water bottle carrier to the back strap to stabilize it; and store my gloves, arm warmers, hat or balaclava on the strap when the temperature rises during my run and it is too warm to wear them. I absolutely love this belt for running.
Update July 18, 2010: I have been running in some really hot and humid weather, which means that my tanktop is drenched in sweat, which in turn makes the pouch on this belt pretty sweaty. However, even after a two hour run, the BlackBerry that I am carrying in the pouch is only a little moist, and not enough to worry about or cause any problems.
Update September 16, 2010: This belt is so lightweight and useful that I automatically take it whether I am doing a short or long run. Next to my Garmin Forerunner 405cx, this belt has become my most important running accessory. I also used it all summer long with my Amphipod rapid access pouch when taking walks at the beach on the boardwalk or on the sand by the ocean to carry various items like my BlackBerry, cash, credit card, etc.
Update August 2, 2011: I recently switched to using the Amphipod AirFlow Microstretch waistpack, which I bought at my local REI store though it is widely available online (though currently not on Amazon). The Amphipod is just as lightweight and fits just as securely as the SPIbelt, but has the following advantages for me:
1. The pocket is 9"x2", which is much larger than that on the SPIbelt, so it can easily hold more items than just my BlackBerry, such as a pair of sunglasses and gel.
2. The pocket is made out of mesh, which lets the air circulate. This summer we have had several heat waves in New Jersey, and with a mesh pocket the contents do not "sweat" at all.
3. There is an internal divider which is handy for keeping items separate.
4. For nighttime running there is a reflective band in the back.
If you prefer the absolute smallest pocket (and some runners do), then the SPIbelt is great. However, if you prefer a larger pocket, as well as mesh that breathes in warm weather, but still want a lightweight and compact unit, then the Amphipod is worth considering. It costs a few dollars less than the SPIbelt.
Finally, the Amphipod nicely holds a passport. My son decided to use it for a trip overseas instead of the "regular" passport holders because it is light, compact, and is easily concealed underneath a shirt.
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I ordered this because of the positive reviews, but am less than impressed. I am relatively new to running/jogging (in the past 3-4 years), and wanted to find a way to carry items when my shorts don't have pockets. This item looked ideal. However, I have a skinny midsection and larger hip area. This belt is stretchy, and when I tried to wear it the way it is depicted on the tag (which is slung WAY low on the hips) it wouldn't stay put and kept inching up higher and higher. It inched up far enough that it wasn't tight anymore and bounced all over. The only way I can wear this and have it stay put is to secure it a little ways below my ribcage, which is not very comfortable. I will continue to give it a try, but very disappointed.
