It's a modern-day predicament: if you're going for a run, where do you store your phone, keys, earbud case, ID, snack, and water? Even if you're not bringing all of these items with you, chances are, you'd like to bring some of them. Pockets aren't ideal because, as many of us have experienced, they don't prevent phones and keys from flopping about. Holding your phone or keys in your hand might seem like the next best solution, but, over the course of the run, this can be fatiguing and uncomfortable. The running belt is the modern solution to this modern problem. Whether you're looking to effectively carry your essentials while going for a brief jog or running a marathon, we've researched some of the best options the internet has to offer you so that you can run with everything you need. E Tronic Edge Waist Pack One belt to bring it allThis belt has the capacity to carry all of your essentialsBest OverallFind on Amazon E Tronic Edge has designed this waist pack to accommodate the everyday necessities you might bring on your run. With its one-size-fits-all, neoprene construction, this running belt buckles, expands, and shrinks to conform to your physique. It’s both water-resistant and sweat-proof, ensuring that your valuables will remain dry during your run. However, this belt’s real appeal is its two pockets — one Velcro pocket and one large zippered pocket — and a small water bottle holster. Between these three compartments, this belt can carry everything you need it to for your basic run, all while staying slim. Pros: Water-resistant and sweat-proof Water bottle holster Ultra-reflective logo and strip Variety of colorways Cons: Zipper pocket has quality control issues E Tronic Running Belt For convenient comfortFeaturing a lightweight construction, this comfy belt offers that "just right" fit.Most ComfortableFind on Amazon E Tronic’s running belt is all about balancing two things: convenience and comfort. They’ve accomplished this by constructing this belt from 98% neoprene and 2% spandex with an adjustable buckle, all for a fast-drying, flexible fit. The belt offers two zippered pockets — a four-inch and a nine-inch pocket — and an interior key and coin pouch, all so that you have sufficient space for your essentials. E Tronic even specially designed the larger pocket to securely store plus-sized phones. All these features in such a trim design make this belt the ideal fit for you. Pros: Full-stretch fabric construction Two zippered pockets Key and coin pouch Reflective logo and strip Cons: No water bottle holster Dimok Running Belt For the wind and rainThis belt is designed to endure the elements.Best Water-ResistantFind on Amazon Dimok has constructed this running belt with the weather in mind. Although their design offers one large zippered pocket and one small Velcro pocket, both pockets are water-resistant thanks to the belt’s material. Dimok has opted for a complete neoprene construction, resulting in the belt being water-resistant and almost waterproof. The texture of the belt is similar to a wetsuit, and this means that it will ensure that your accessories remain dry in the rain, sleet, and snow. If you’re more than a fair-weather runner, then this belt’s for you. Pros: Buckle and stretch fit Neoprene construction Water-resistant Cons: No water bottle holster Nathan Hydration Running Belt Trail Mix Plus Nathan is renowned for their exceptional running gear, and this running belt demonstrates why. The ergonomically-shaped soft monofilament belt offers multi-directional stretch while simultaneously eliminating bounce. This, combined with a buckle closure and elastic keepers, means that the Trail Mix Plus will snugly fit around your figure without bouncing, shifting, chafing, or rubbing. This belt features two compartments: a front stash pouch for smaller items, such as snacks and keys, and a zip pocket for larger items, such as a smartphone. In addition to the compartments, the Trail Mix Plus comes with two water bottle holsters and even includes two ten-ounce flasks for when you need extra hydration. This running belt is designed for the serious runner, so if that’s you, pick it up and put it on. Pros: Ergonomic belt design Two water bottle holsters Includes two ten-ounce flasks Two shock cords for extra storage Cons: Expensive Water bottle holsters have quality control issues Back Bay Fitness Slim Belt For stable simplicityThis belt won't shift and move around, not even when your body does.Most SecureFind on Amazon Back Bay Fitness has designed a running belt for those who prefer their accessories to be simple. Available in a one- or two-pocket model, their slim belt is made from spandex and lycra in order to be both flexible and waterproof. The stretchy waistband and ultra-thin buckle closure enable the belt to fit snugly, while the waterproof, sealed pocket keeps your essentials both dry and secure in all types of weather conditions. Finally, the slim belt features a proprietary RunGrip anti-slip material that ensures this belt won’t bounce or slide around your body while you run. If you want to keep things simple, this is your running belt. Pros: Constructed from spandex and lycra Waterproof pocket Anti-slip material Cons: No water bottle holster Frequently Asked Questions Why should I use a running belt? You should use a running belt for a few reasons. First, a running belt is an easy solution to the problem of storing essentials, such as your keys, smartphone, and earphone case, while you run. Second, a running belt commonly offers storage for snacks and water that you might want on your run. Third, a running belt helps you develop a feel for what it’s like to run while carrying some weight. Carrying essentials is an inevitable reality if you’re aiming to run longer distances, in harsher climates, or on more difficult terrain where you will need to bring some source of calories and hydration. What should I carry in my running belt? This depends on the distance and intensity of your run. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, the general principle should be to carry as little as possible in order to reduce the impact of the extra weight on your speed and the effects of the additional strain on your body. Related posts: The 5 Best Belts for Women The Best Pregnancy Belts The Best Belts for Men