The FlipBelt: Review for Walking and Exercise

It can be hard to find a way to carry your mobile phone, identification, cash, and other essentials when you walk, run, or exercise. The FlipBelt is an excellent solution that first popped up at marathon expos. You slip on this soft belt and you can tuck your mobile phone and other items into the slits to carry them in the continuous pocket of the tube-like belt. For a little more security, you flip it over so the openings are against your body, or even add a twist. It has a clip to secure your keys.

The FlipBelt doesn't have any buckles, buttons or Velcro hook-and-loop to put it on. You put it on over your head to sit at your waist or hips, and you tuck stuff into the slit pockets. The pocket space is continuous around the belt, broken only by the one seam. There is also a FlipBelt Zipper version that has one space that has a zippered pocket in addition to the three quick-access slits to the rest of the space in the belt. The zippered pocket is big enough for a cell phone or a passport, a great option for workouts or travel security. Buy FlipBelt Zipper on Amazon.com

Unisex Polyester/Spandex Tubular Belt

The FlipBelt is made of a tube of soft, sweat-wicking polyester and spandex. It has a unisex design, with only a reflective logo. It's available in several colors, from basic black to neon. The belt is not waterproof, but it is machine washable/dryable, so you can get the sweat out. FlipBelt recommends carrying phones in a plastic Ziploc bag if protection from the elements is needed, or trying the Aloksak waterproof storage bag, which is available for purchase on its website.

The belts are all 3.75 inches wide, which is wide enough for almost any mobile phone to fit into the pockets. They come in sizes from extra extra small to extra extra large. The XXS size would be for a woman's size 00 or man's size 20 to 23, with a belt circumference from 21 to 28 inches (when stretched). The XXL fits women size 18 to 24 or men 42 to 48 with belt circumference from 40 to 58 inches (when stretched).

Some people will want the belt to fit tightly, while others may want a looser fit. FlipBelt claims a "no bounce" design that has proven true to its word, even during a half marathon with a mobile phone and some snacks in the belt.

Walking and Running With the FlipBelt

While it may seem that fanny packs are slowly coming back in style, they are still a bother to put on just to carry your gear while walking, and even worse for gym workouts. Meanwhile, many times you don't have pockets where you want them when you are walking or running, especially if you have a large mobile phone.

It is easy to access your cell phone with the FlipBelt, and it is carried securely. You may also want to place small items in a little baggie or pouch to put into the FlipBelt, as it is possible for things to fall out of the slits, according to some reviewers. For extra security, FlipBelt recommends turning the belt so the slits are against your waist. However, after wearing the belt for several years on numerous half marathons, no items were ever lost during the making of this review.

The FlipBelt is practical for your cell phone and keys, but is also ideal for quick access to energy gel packets and bars, tissues, identification, cash, and any other small items. You can even carry a bottle of water in the FlipBelt. A typical disposable bottle fits just fine. The drawback would be that it will be next to your body and will warm up. FlipBelt also sells flat water bottles in 6 oz. and 11 oz. sizes on its website that fit into the belt easily.

The FlipBelt is a convenient place to pin your race bib number, or you can buy their bib attacher cords if you don't want to use pins.

FlipBelt vs. Similar Products

The idea of FlipBelt has caught on and there are many similar belts on the market. Some of them have Velcro closure to put on and take off. Others do not have a continuous pocket but have a couple of pockets. These include HipS-Sister, The Tube, SPIbelt, and Nathan Sport's Zipster. Check any competitors to ensure they have the features you may want. One drawback of any item with Velcro is that it can snag your clothing or irritate your skin when you brush against it.

You may also compare FlipBelt with a magnetic pocket such as the RooSport magnetic sport pocket or the Running Buddy. However the FlipBelt can carry more items than these belt-less options.

Bottom Line on FlipBelt

After more than five years of wear on more than 25 half marathons, the FlipBelt remains a go-to choice for this reviewer and shows no signs of wear. You can wear it on a 15-minute walk, a long run, or while traveling the world.