If you’re like me, at one time or another you have tried running while juggling at least three things in hand…and not like one of those cool running juggler people either. More than likely, you probably look uncomfortable and not to mention inefficient. Which is why I was stoked to learn about the SPIbelt!
So what is a SPIbelt, you ask? Well the name says it all! A SPIbelt is a “small personal item” belt designed to hold all of your essentials while on the run…and you also kind of look like a rad secret agent with your handy belt. 😉
I’m gonna go ahead and state the obvious…yes, it kind of looks like a glorified fanny pack at first…but I assure you…they are much cuter and less bulky than a fanny pack. And if by chance you DO love fanny packs, then I am confident that you will also love this SPIbelt.
There are several SPIbelt options to choose from. I had the chance to review the SPIbelt Performance Series in pink! Here are a few quick facts about the SPIbelt:
- It holds most smartphones
- It’s bounce-free
- It has 4 loops for energy gels
- It fits waist sizes up to 52″
- It’s weather-resistant, but NOT waterproof
And it came with some SWAG! Yippee!
These stickers are great to spice up boring hydration bottles! 🙂
It also came with some instructions, which is perfect for us visual learners.
So before I tell you about my experience with the SPIbelt, let me tell you how I lived life without one. Now, I usually push a stroller on my runs which normally blows cause of the extra weight, uneven terrains, hills, etc. However, the one great thing about pushing a stroller is that you always have a place to store your things. My Bob Revolution has cup holders, zippered pockets, and a huge storage basket. It’s basically like the Cadillac of strollers. But a couple of times a week, I do have the opportunity to run stroller-free and this is where I run into logistical problems. Where do I put my keys, cash, phone, etc.? Most running shorts don’t have pockets. At best, there is a tiny inside pocket that will hold one key and maybe some cash. I’ve had to run many races with my key tied to my shoelaces, money hidden in my shoe, all while holding my phone. It’s awkward and annoying. Which by the way, phones are getting bigger so they aren’t as easy to hold for 3+ miles anymore.
So I was overjoyed to finally try a SPIbelt! It was perfect timing since I am training for the upcoming Carlsbad Half Marathon and I have been adding in some longer runs. I couldn’t wait to ditch the kiddos so I could try this puppy out.
It was super easy to put on and adjust before heading out for an afternoon run. It took a little time to get used to running with it the first time. It almost felt like trying to run when your six months pregnant. The extra weight on the lower part of your stomach feels awkward at first, but then you get used it after a mile or so. I was really surprised at how well if conformed to my body and didn’t bounce throughout my runs. Even when climbing some pretty steep stairs!
I also liked that I had place to store my pepper spray!
Another one of my running adventures was to Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach. This is also a very hilly and windy area and I liked being able to store my keys and phone without the worry of my things falling off scary cliffs.
Another great time to use your SPIbelt is when taking your dog on the run! It’s a great place to store baggies so you can quickly clean up after your dog and continue on with your activity!
And if your dog is big enough, they can rock the SPIbelt too! 😉
So let’s talk about the functionality of the pocket and the loops. I’m not a huge energy gel person just because I’m not a fan of most of the tastes and textures, but I like the energy blocks or anything that has more of a “gummy bear” texture. The loops were kind of tight and I had to work to get anything in there. Design wise, I imagine it’s to keep the SPIbelt as small and flexible as possible…but function wise, I wasn’t a huge fan mostly because I don’t have a ton of patience for that type of stuff. Not a big deal though, because I can easily throw the energy supplements into the zippered pocket part.
And speaking of the zippered pocket, I thought it was great except for one thing – Getting the phone in and out was kind of a hassle. I think if I had taken the case off (I have an iPhone 6S), it would have fit a little better. However, due to my children I never take the case off. I also run with Bluetooth headphones sometimes and I felt that at certain points during the run (mostly if I had to stop), the phone and the headphones didn’t sync as well – meaning the song would go in and out or completely stop. But it was only if I stopped in certain spots and wasn’t a complete deal breaker. The other issue is if you want to change a song or if you needed to pause your run (like when using a running app). I typically run with a Garmin so pausing or stopping wasn’t an issue, but changing a song or declining a call was kind of a pain. If you are going to keep your phone in there with a few other things, I suggest trying to keep it in there for the duration of the run. Or else you will be spending extra time trying to squeeze it back in the pocket.
I think the SPIbelt Performance Series comes at a reasonable price as well – $25.99 with free shipping on U.S. orders. And you can save 20% using code “BibChat2016” until November 18th, 2016. There are also come nifty accessories that you can add, like a race bib holder (so you don’t put holes in your fancy race day shirts) and an H20 companion.
Overall, I really liked the SPIbelt and I know I will be using it more as the half marathon draws closer and my runs become longer. I think it’s a great tool that all runners should check out and they make great gifts for a runner in your life! I know I’m grateful for mine!
Don’t forget to catch #BibChat this Tuesday on Twitter at 6pm PST. You will have the chance to learn more about the SPibelt and maybe even win one of your own! Chat with you then! 😉
You can also read what some other BibRave Pros thought of the SPIbelt Performance series:
*Disclaimer: I received the SPIbelt Performance Series for free to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!
Can’t wait to review the next product!
~SM
The Swag Mama 
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