Almost every runner wears a waist pack when they go out for a run because they need to carry essential items like phones, keys, earphones, and tissues. Having a good waist pack can make running much more convenient. As someone who runs about 100km a month, I have three different waist packs: one flat belt that's convenient for carrying a phone but not suitable for thicker items like tissues; and two expandable belts that are good for tissues but become bulky when carrying a phone, keys, and tissues, making them inconvenient for running.
My requirements for a waist pack are that it should be easy to store and retrieve items and should not bounce while running.
When I picked up the package, it came in a box, and I wondered if there was a mistake because a waist pack should be small. After unboxing, I realized the seller had put a lot of thought into the packaging: a beautifully designed Flipbelt box and a Flipbelt bag, making it a great gift for friends! Upon opening the box, I found that the Flipbelt shattered my previous impressions of waist packs being unattractive, poorly made, and unable to hold much. The belt is double-layered, thick, elastic, and forms a closed loop that you have to step into and pull up to your waist.
I chose the black color because it is a night reflective version. The entire belt has thick reflective stripes that reflect light from different angles under a lamp, making it a leader in night running! The fabric is thick, soft, and very comfortable to touch. The seams are tightly stitched with no loose threads, and the reflective craftsmanship is beautiful. The lower left corner has a 'FlipBelt' logo that is also reflective. After washing it once, the reflective markings remained intact without any fading or peeling.
The belt has four 'openings,' with larger ones for phones and smaller ones for metro cards, gym cards, tissues, etc. The most surprising feature is that the belt is continuous, allowing you to store many items without limitations, giving a sense of 'freedom'!
(Photo taken in low light, showing high reflectivity)
Items carried: keys, phone (4.7 inches), earphones, a pack of tissues.
Type of run: outdoor road running.
All four items fit easily into the pack. Since this waist pack has no zippers, I was worried: the phone is large and won't fall out, but will the keys fall out during the run? Initially, I had the same concerns as anyone would, but I can now confidently say: they won't! The belt has a special hook for keys, and once the keys are hooked, they won't easily come off. When placed inside the belt, the keys don't bounce or fall out during the run. In fact, it took some effort to unhook the keys after the run, proving the hook is very secure!
I think this hook is designed for people with OCD because the keys won't bounce or fall out even without it. However, having a hook adds extra security! I ran about 5 kilometers with the belt, carrying tissues, keys, and a phone, and there was no bouncing, which I was very satisfied with.
Running in the peak summer heat is the best way to test a waist pack's sweat-wicking and breathability! Previously, I used a red waist pack that only carried a phone, and after the run, the phone screen had noticeable watermarks, as if wiped with a wet tissue. Using the red waist pack as a comparison, the Flipbelt, although double-layered and thick, left no watermarks on the phone screen after the run, proving its breathability passed the summer heat test.
After the run, the outer layer of the belt was relatively dry, while the inner layer was slightly damp but not excessively so. In comparison, my quick-dry T-shirt was completely soaked, indicating that the belt's sweat absorption is effective.
Adding More Items
All items fit into the pack ⬇️
To test the storage capacity of the belt, I prepared a 4.7-inch phone, an air conditioner remote (equivalent to four regular energy gels), a pair of gym gloves, a wristband, a pack of tissues, and a set of keys. I ran 2 kilometers and felt it was a bit heavy, so I adjusted the belt lower to my hips, and the bouncing was almost unnoticeable. This amount of storage is sufficient for gym workouts, as lifting weights doesn't require long-distance movement like running.
1. Since the belt is a closed loop, choosing the right size is crucial. If it's too small, it will be difficult to put on and take off; if it's too large, it may bounce. I recommend carefully checking the size chart or consulting with relevant personnel before purchasing.
2. The belt absorbs sweat first and then dries, which takes some time. It works perfectly in spring, autumn, and winter, but may become damp in summer, especially for runners who sweat a lot. I suggest wrapping your phone or other moisture-sensitive items in a plastic or waterproof bag before placing them in the waist pack.
3. Overall, I really like this belt because it's convenient for carrying items and looks great 😊