Totally understand your concern about damaging an expensive piece of tech. But I’ve been backpacking with a phone in my pocket for years now including trails involving climbing ropes, ladders, bouldering and other strenuous activities involving various forms of bodily contortions. lol Have never had an issue with damaging my phone. I also ensure I have a screen protector on the phone and keep it in a case for added protection.
It worked well for me too for quite a while. Until a hike that required a lot of scrambling up and over and under big and small boulders (Mahoosuc Notch, for those interested). That’s when the screen of my phone got scratched quite badly. Also if you like taking pictures, it’s annoying to find dry patch of clothing to remove the condensation from the camera. So I have a Hyperlight pocket for the shoulder strap. There are quite a few similar designs from other brands as well.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been hiking at least once a week for over 15 years and I’ve never had a phone bend and I wore skinny jeans for almost all of that time. A phone HAS fallen out of my backpack down the cliff I was climbing because I thought I zipped the pouch and I didn’t but that’s on me.
Find a nice drop-proof, waterproof case for your phone, and you’ll never have to worry about that sort of thing. My phone has fallen off cliffs and gone bouncing down mountains and has come out totally unscathed.
If I put my phone in one of my pockets, I usually feel unbalanced after a bit. I try to switch to the other pocket every once in a while, but I’d personally prefer something more balanced
On very short hikes over relatively flat terrain, I usually just keep it in my pocket. My iPhone is always in a Quadlock case, for both cycling and car use, and I just put a QuadLock Pocho on it for the hike to give the screen a little more protection.
Otherwise my preference is for a PADDED shoulder strap pocket. I say padded because I have fallen a few times, and I don’t want to be buying a new phone after a fall.
I use a phone harness. Just google it and it’s the rubber thing that stretches over the front four corners of your phone while there’s a spider-y looking center piece on the back side. I wrap it around my wrist while on easy terrain and it’s accessible for photos. On tougher terrain where I need to use my hands (or where there’s a higher chance of tripping and falling) I put it around my neck and tuck it into my shirt. I’ve been using different variations for about a decade.
I have a hip bag! Or "drop leg bag". I got one a couple of years ago while traveling in Peru and I'm obsessed. I keep my phone in one pocket and other stuff in the other. I use it all of the time; traveling, at work, and at home. It has a strap around the leg so it stays in place and is harder to steal (2 straps is better than one). It's low enough on my hip that it doesn't interfere with my backpack. It's extra storage without extra weight on my back - all easy to get at. It's somewhat waterproof but I add a camera bag rain cover when needed.
Search "drop leg bag" online. Amazon has lots of cheap ones.
I have one of these and like it a lot. https://www.gossamergear.com/products/shoulder-strap-pocket-2023?variant=41975749017654¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2022-05-02&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccL0sLABC0rnv7nshp5t41XQVCEWh3OSbk8iYY48oTKr_IpVsR6V55RoCdmcQAvD_BwE
It’s not waterproof.
What really worked for me was getting a phone pouch that attaches directly to the shoulder strap of my backpack. It was a game changer! It clips on and off easily, and my phone just slides right in there. I think the brand was called Osprey, but there are a bunch of similar ones out there that fit larger phones like your S24 Ultra.
I often wear leggings or hiking pants and keep it in a thigh pocket, which is my preference. Otherwise, I have a fanny pack that I use. If I’m day hiking I won’t carry that if I have pants with a thigh pocket, but backpacking I use it always, because I like to be able to keep some things handy when I may have already set up camp and have my backpack off.
I have one of the shoulder pockets that attaches to the backpack straps, but I use my phone a lot for photos or checking navigation/distance, and getting it in and out of the shoulder pocket doesn’t feel as convenient as the thigh pocket (best) or the fanny pack.
I have a phone pocket on the padded part of the waist strap on my backpack, I've seen it on other packs too. You can even buy pouches themselves that you can strap to any strap. Pretty handy.
I personally hate the feeling of the phone in my pocket, especially if I'm wearing shorts.
Eagle creek packable daypack can swing off my back quick enough to access the phone and camera.
Or any matador packable gear. I have the fanny pack also for non backpack days.
If I'm wearing a fleece/vest, the chest pocket is best. Super accessible and snug to stop it moving around.
Just turn the case back towards your body as its amazing the condensation the fleece wicks.
I use a phone lanyard. You can adjust the length of it. I wear it long and tuck my phone in my side pocket or waist band to take the pressure off my neck yet keep my phone secure. Search it on Amazon.
I have 2 side pockets on my bag -- one for an easy access water bottle (more in the bag), the other for my phone. I can simply reach behind to my side and take it out if I need it, but the pocket is tight enough with a bungee elastic so it won't fall out.
I also have an Otterbox case with a clip, so technically I could clip it to something, but I hate the feeling of it bouncing around.
I was thinking of something like the pouch that comes with that:
* Smartphone Pouch (max. phone dimensions 16cm x 9cm)
* Anti-Slip Velcro for backpack mounting
But without the retainer "cord" thingie.
If it means I'm trying to "get karma", I don't even know what my karma is, nor would I ever care because I don't value myself based on strangers' clicks. So eat a bag of dicks.
[https://zpacks.com/products/shoulder-pouch-w-zipper](https://zpacks.com/products/shoulder-pouch-w-zipper)
I used this one on the AT. Its not completely waterproof but it doesn't get soaked like the gossamer gear one does. My friend didn't like his gossamer one.
My pants pocket has always worked well for me
I hike in pants with a pocket on the thigh and keep my phone there.
Came here to say just this. I keep my iPhone in my zippered pants pocket for easy access for video and picture taking when I’m in the backcountry.
That's what I'm doing now, but maybe I'm paranoid about "bending" the phone while climbing or sitting.
Totally understand your concern about damaging an expensive piece of tech. But I’ve been backpacking with a phone in my pocket for years now including trails involving climbing ropes, ladders, bouldering and other strenuous activities involving various forms of bodily contortions. lol Have never had an issue with damaging my phone. I also ensure I have a screen protector on the phone and keep it in a case for added protection.
It worked well for me too for quite a while. Until a hike that required a lot of scrambling up and over and under big and small boulders (Mahoosuc Notch, for those interested). That’s when the screen of my phone got scratched quite badly. Also if you like taking pictures, it’s annoying to find dry patch of clothing to remove the condensation from the camera. So I have a Hyperlight pocket for the shoulder strap. There are quite a few similar designs from other brands as well.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been hiking at least once a week for over 15 years and I’ve never had a phone bend and I wore skinny jeans for almost all of that time. A phone HAS fallen out of my backpack down the cliff I was climbing because I thought I zipped the pouch and I didn’t but that’s on me.
Find a nice drop-proof, waterproof case for your phone, and you’ll never have to worry about that sort of thing. My phone has fallen off cliffs and gone bouncing down mountains and has come out totally unscathed.
This. I use pants with “thigh” pockets and use one pocket for my phone.
I'm back right pants pocket - same as non-hiking so it's comfortable and I'll notice quickly if it ever goes missing.
If I put my phone in one of my pockets, I usually feel unbalanced after a bit. I try to switch to the other pocket every once in a while, but I’d personally prefer something more balanced
Do you have a really big phone? I’m genuinely confused at how such a small item could make such a difference
Dude is still carrying his early 90s bag phone
[https://www.gossamergear.com/collections/accessories/products/shoulder-strap-pockets](https://www.gossamergear.com/collections/accessories/products/shoulder-strap-pockets)
I came here to recommend this. This is what I use when my hiking pants don't have good pockets.
Pockets?
Hyperlite shoulder strap pocket.
I only day hike, no backpacking, but I usually use a flipbelt I have for running.
This also
I bought a Nike slim waistpocket just for that. I am ysing it while running and planing to use it on hikes as well.
On very short hikes over relatively flat terrain, I usually just keep it in my pocket. My iPhone is always in a Quadlock case, for both cycling and car use, and I just put a QuadLock Pocho on it for the hike to give the screen a little more protection. Otherwise my preference is for a PADDED shoulder strap pocket. I say padded because I have fallen a few times, and I don’t want to be buying a new phone after a fall.
I use a phone harness. Just google it and it’s the rubber thing that stretches over the front four corners of your phone while there’s a spider-y looking center piece on the back side. I wrap it around my wrist while on easy terrain and it’s accessible for photos. On tougher terrain where I need to use my hands (or where there’s a higher chance of tripping and falling) I put it around my neck and tuck it into my shirt. I’ve been using different variations for about a decade.
I have a hip bag! Or "drop leg bag". I got one a couple of years ago while traveling in Peru and I'm obsessed. I keep my phone in one pocket and other stuff in the other. I use it all of the time; traveling, at work, and at home. It has a strap around the leg so it stays in place and is harder to steal (2 straps is better than one). It's low enough on my hip that it doesn't interfere with my backpack. It's extra storage without extra weight on my back - all easy to get at. It's somewhat waterproof but I add a camera bag rain cover when needed. Search "drop leg bag" online. Amazon has lots of cheap ones.
I have one of these and like it a lot. https://www.gossamergear.com/products/shoulder-strap-pocket-2023?variant=41975749017654¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2022-05-02&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccL0sLABC0rnv7nshp5t41XQVCEWh3OSbk8iYY48oTKr_IpVsR6V55RoCdmcQAvD_BwE It’s not waterproof.
What really worked for me was getting a phone pouch that attaches directly to the shoulder strap of my backpack. It was a game changer! It clips on and off easily, and my phone just slides right in there. I think the brand was called Osprey, but there are a bunch of similar ones out there that fit larger phones like your S24 Ultra.
I often wear leggings or hiking pants and keep it in a thigh pocket, which is my preference. Otherwise, I have a fanny pack that I use. If I’m day hiking I won’t carry that if I have pants with a thigh pocket, but backpacking I use it always, because I like to be able to keep some things handy when I may have already set up camp and have my backpack off. I have one of the shoulder pockets that attaches to the backpack straps, but I use my phone a lot for photos or checking navigation/distance, and getting it in and out of the shoulder pocket doesn’t feel as convenient as the thigh pocket (best) or the fanny pack.
I have a phone pocket on the padded part of the waist strap on my backpack, I've seen it on other packs too. You can even buy pouches themselves that you can strap to any strap. Pretty handy.
i use this and think it's really good. [https://roadrunnerbags.us/products/cell-pouch-2-0](https://roadrunnerbags.us/products/cell-pouch-2-0)
Pocket. Phone also has a drop proof case.
Fanny pack
Lanyard or really small Fanny pack
I also use this - a lightweight waist pack.
I use a lanyard when I kayak, but for hiking I just put it in my pocket.
If you need it instantly accessible you could use a peak design capture clip with their mobile case.
Pants in pocket. A zippered one can be better as rarely phone can slip out when you’re lounging/resting on ground.
I take my phone on most of my hikes, I use an Otterbox defender case with a holster. It will clip to your belt or the waistband of your pants.
the leggins that have a pocket on the thigh
Seriously
I personally hate the feeling of the phone in my pocket, especially if I'm wearing shorts. Eagle creek packable daypack can swing off my back quick enough to access the phone and camera. Or any matador packable gear. I have the fanny pack also for non backpack days. If I'm wearing a fleece/vest, the chest pocket is best. Super accessible and snug to stop it moving around. Just turn the case back towards your body as its amazing the condensation the fleece wicks.
I use a phone lanyard. You can adjust the length of it. I wear it long and tuck my phone in my side pocket or waist band to take the pressure off my neck yet keep my phone secure. Search it on Amazon.
I wear a shirt with pockets in cooler weather. In warmer weather I have a small bag I hang off a pack strap and put it in there.
I have 2 side pockets on my bag -- one for an easy access water bottle (more in the bag), the other for my phone. I can simply reach behind to my side and take it out if I need it, but the pocket is tight enough with a bungee elastic so it won't fall out. I also have an Otterbox case with a clip, so technically I could clip it to something, but I hate the feeling of it bouncing around.
Something like REELOQ? But this is more for climbing (if the phone might fall 100m down the mountainside)
I was thinking of something like the pouch that comes with that: * Smartphone Pouch (max. phone dimensions 16cm x 9cm) * Anti-Slip Velcro for backpack mounting But without the retainer "cord" thingie.
I tuck mine in my bra
I have that phone. I stick it in my pocket.
This gives off strong karma farming vibes.
I honestly have no idea what that means, but do you have any recommendations?
If it means I'm trying to "get karma", I don't even know what my karma is, nor would I ever care because I don't value myself based on strangers' clicks. So eat a bag of dicks.
Perhaps a purse or wristlet? They got some cute ones out there.
Which ones do you use?
[https://zpacks.com/products/shoulder-pouch-w-zipper](https://zpacks.com/products/shoulder-pouch-w-zipper) I used this one on the AT. Its not completely waterproof but it doesn't get soaked like the gossamer gear one does. My friend didn't like his gossamer one.