After searching far and wide for the best option in regards to running with an iPod/iPhone/Droid/Walkman (only some of our audience will get that reference), we came across one of our best investments to date.  I know most people would tell you to just go for the first armband you can find at your local Apple Store, but I’m here to tell you something wildly different: fanny packs are back and are better than ever!  For those of you who have run with an armband you can probably relate when I say, “Armbands suck”!

Most armbands are uncomfortable, awkward, ugly, heavier than they should be, and never seem to stay put.  I have tried my fair share of armbands, including the ones listed on Apple’s site (both of which have 2 stars or less) and have yet to find one that gets anywhere close to meeting my standards.  The other issue I have with armbands is that most of them are cheaply made, but for some ridiculous reason, they cost anywhere between $25 – $50. My first armband effectively ruined the front of my iPod Classic because the plastic cover scratched the face of my iPod after only one use.  That being said, I’m not someone who is cheap when it relates to my athletic gear, or my electronics, but if I am going to pay $50 for a product that is designed specifically to help hold my iPhone, then I expect it to perform well.

Now THAT is an awesome look!

Anyway, back to my original point, fanny packs are back!  The SpiBelt is simply a stretchy, collapsible zipper pocket between two adjustable straps with a buckle.  Meagan actually came across the SpiBelt while searching Google for “the best armband” relative to all of the other flawed armbands of the world, and, at first glance, I was turned off.  I couldn’t decide if it was something I was willing to wear considering it really is just a runner’s version of the ever-popular fanny pack from the mid 90s.  Once I had it around my waist and loaded up with my iPhone, I was extremely pleased with my purchase and upset that I was too chicken to get it in a more exciting color scheme (I went with black with a black zipper).  Truthfully it is nothing like a fanny pack; it’s not bulky and is easily hidden underneath a t-shirt if it is something you’re worried about. The only problem we encountered with the Spibelt is that the color will bleed a little if it gets damp from rain or sweat, leaving a brown stain on your iPhone case, so you should make sure to (hand) wash it once before use.

The base model SpiBelt is available for $20 and comes in multiple colors, sizes, and varieties from Spibelt.com.

Classic/Original SpiBelt

• Fits waist size 25″ through 50″
• Pocket length is 7.5″ and expands to 3″D x 4.5″H
• Available in over 20 different colors/styles/designs

55″ SpiBelt

• Fits waist size 55″ through 75″
• Pocket length is 7.5″ and expands to 3″D x 4.5″H
• Available in 5 different colors/styles/designs

Large Pocket SpiBelt

• Fits waist size 25″ through 50″
• Pocket length is 8.9″ and expands to 3.5″D x 5″H
• Available in 4 different colors/styles/designs

Speciality SpiBelts

• Shielded Pocket SpiBelt
• Water-resistant SpiBelt
• Inner-pocket SpiBelt
• Diabetic SpiBelt

Steve Ankney

Steve is an Executive Recruiter at Robert Half Executive Search in Madison, WI with a business degree in Information Systems and E-Commerce from the University of Toledo. Steve loves spending his time away from work; running, gaming, watching movies, checking out new social networking tools/sites/start-ups and blogging.