Please note that this is a sponsored post and I received this product in exchange for writing this review. All opinions are my own!
At the beginning of the year, I was contacted by SLS3, a compression and triathlon gear company based in Oceanside, CA, asking if I would be interested in testing and reviewing a run belt for them. The brand was started in 2004 by two German pro triathletes who wanted to create triathalon race apparel and compression gear. Bonus: the majority of their products are made in the USA.
I jumped at the offer as I’ve looked at run belts for a while, but couldn’t make my mind up. On long runs where Ruger or I will need water, I wear a hydration pack and carry a collapsible water bowl, but it’s not necessary and too bulky for shorter runs.
Most of my running tights have a pocket that fits a key, gel, or bags for picking up after Ruger, but nothing is big enough for my huge iPhone and it gets too sweaty if I try to put it in my sports bra. The worst part about not being able to carry a phone was that it limited my options for distraction in boring hotel gyms……until now.
Let me introduce you to the SLS3 Dual Pocket Running Belt!
I was a little concerned about the fanny pack aspect, but you can see how narrow the belt is in comparison to how far it opens up to hold my phone. Tempo runs and speed work are going to be a lot more fun if I can bring music along!
I’ve been using the belt for a couple of weeks, mostly on the treadmill to make sure that I won’t have a problem when I’m travelling, and I absolutely love it!
Here’s the product description from the SLS3 site and a picture of items that I have put in the belt:
Features
- 2 POCKETS: carry your iPhone 6+, Samsung Galaxy or other large Smartphone; plus other essentials like keys, ID card, bank cards, energy bars and inhaler. Perfect when running outside, on the treadmill going to the gym or walking your dog.
- COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: the running belt design, with 1.5″ wide elastic belt and expandable pocket, is minimalistic for increased comfort during exercises. You will certainly not be burdened with extra bulk that disturbs your workout.
- COMFORTABLE AND BOUNCE-FREE RUNNING BELT: fits snugly enough to always stay comfortably in place, no matter how hard your workout gets.
- WATER RESISTANT EXERCISE BELT: made with polyester with special stretch mesh pocket. In addition, the running belt has a waterproof zipper for extra all-weather protection and safety for your valuables and essentials.
- FULLY ADJUSTABLE WAIST PACK: features an elastic belt that’s fitted with an adjusting buckle. The waist pack expandable storage belt is a one-size-fits-most for any waist/hip size 24″ through 38″. Ideal for running, jogging, hiking, dog walking and gym workouts. (source)
During warmer runs, my hands warm up and get sweaty after a while and I need to take my gloves off; now I have somewhere to put them!
I have tried the belt with pockets in front and in back and found that I prefer the pockets in front when I don’t want to stop while running or need to access it for things like dog bags or gels. On the treadmill, I prefer it with pockets to the back. Mainly, because it takes up some of the slack from my earbuds and my arm doesn’t get tangled in the cord.
Either way, the belt doesn’t budge!
Now for the GIVEAWAY!!!!!
***One reader will receive a FREE Run Belt from SLS3!!***
Go HERE to enter!
The giveaway will run for the next 6 days – good luck!
Go HERE to purchase the belt on SLS3’s Amazon store where it is on sale for a limited time introductory price for the dual pocket run belt. The belt retails at $29.90 but is listed for $12.90 (57% Off)!!
p.s. I noticed that @SLS3USA has posted a couple of promotions on their Instagram page, so go check those out too!
I’m currently training for my third half and I still haven’t found the perfect way to hold my phone while running and that means I often times don’t bring it on a run and that doesn’t seem safe.
Hi Lindsay! Exciting! How far out is your race? Are you running Steamboat? 😉
I used to carry my phone too until I got one that was just too big. I don’t feel as safe running without mine either and it’s nice to be able to have it now!
I have been seriously considering getting into running once the frozen tundra warms up and I feel like this would be so handy! I finally entered the 21st century and got an iPhone, but wasn’t sure what the best way to run with it would be.
(and yes, you are a major reason I am interested in getting into running – you make it worthwhile!)
Awww, thanks for the kind words. I’m so glad we’re friends, Rachel 🙂
I highly recommend running – it keeps me sane!Throw on some YakTraks and a facemask and go for it! It’s the only time I have away from work and family; and I need my alone time!
*you make it sound worthwhile. I’m sure you make it worthwhile too, but probably not so much for me personally 😉
I too have a giant phone. I got an arm band for running but I have to take my phone completely out of the case to get it to fit, hardly worth it. That belt band would be pretty handy!
I thought about an armband but had the same concern. I was a little worried that it would bounce around on my arm and/or give me worse runner tan lines than the ones I already have! I hope you entered the raffle and good luck!
I don’t have an enormous phone but I could totally find a way to use this 😉
There’s always keys, ID, gels….or maybe some days you just want to rock a fanny pack.
I’ve not bit the bullet on a waist pack d/t the fanny factor–but you’ve inspired me. Also this is the first I’ve visited your blog–well done friend!
Welcome, Mandi! It’s been around for a while, so plenty of material to creep on ;).
I was pleasantly surprised by how “unfanny” the belt feels. That, or I’m just old!