Gear Guide

The crag is better without the anxiety. Keep your phone close.

Every climber has a story about a dropped phone. Off a ledge, out of a chalk bag, bounced down a talus field. Or it's buried so deep in your pack that pulling it out mid-pitch means downclimbing to a ledge and digging through gear. The KOALA 2.0 by HANGTIME was designed by a climber who got tired of the same problem.

Climber on rock face with KOALA phone harness

Why It Matters

What climbers actually need from a phone solution

Security that holds Your phone needs to survive falls, overhangs, and unexpected whippers. A pocket doesn't cut it. The KOALA's bungee tether and grip pad keep it locked in through any movement.
One-handed access Pull up a topo, snap a photo, or check your GPS without stopping. No digging through layers, no removing gloves, no fumbling at the belay.
Works with your harness Fits over a harness, a puffy, or a base layer. No case required. Compatible with virtually all smartphones. Doesn't interfere with your gear loops or belay device.

The Honest Comparison

KOALA 2.0 vs. every other option climbers use

Option Security Accessibility Verdict
KOALA 2.0 Harness Bungee tether + grip pad — phone stays on your body even on a fall Chest-mounted, one-handed access, works with chalk-covered hands Best overall for climbing
Jacket pocket Falls out on overhangs, bulges uncomfortably under a harness Buried under layers, impossible to reach mid-pitch The most common way phones get dropped on the wall
Arm band Slides on sweaty arms, not designed for vertical movement Hard to see, blocks arm movement on technical terrain Built for running, not climbing
Chalk bag clip Exposed and unprotected — one swing and it's gone Awkward angle, requires two hands to access Risky on anything above the ground
Leave it at the base Safe from drops, not safe from theft or weather Zero access mid-route — no beta, no photos, no emergency calls Fine for the gym, not for the crag
Climber on rock face with KOALA phone harness

How It Works

Built for the wall. Not the gym.

The KOALA 2.0 uses a Super-Grip silicone pad and bungee tether system to keep your phone locked against your chest. It works with virtually any smartphone — no case required — and fits over a harness, a puffy, or a base layer.

One-handed access means you can pull up a topo, snap a summit photo, or check your GPS without stopping, removing gloves, or digging through layers. It's the difference between capturing the moment and missing it.

KOALA phone harness on trad climbing rack on rock face

Where It Works

Sport climbing. Trad. Multipitch. All of it.

Sport climbers use it to film beta and track sends. Trad climbers use it to pull up topos mid-pitch without fumbling. Multipitch teams use it for navigation and emergency communication on long routes where leaving your phone at the base isn't an option.

It's also the go-to for approach hikes, scrambles, and via ferrata — anywhere you need your hands free but your phone close. 2,040+ reviews from climbers, hikers, and skiers who've put it through real conditions.

As seen in
The New York Times NYT Wirecutter Backpacker Magazine Esquire Henry Ford Innovation Nation

Common Questions

Everything climbers ask before buying

Yes — the KOALA 2.0 is compatible with virtually all smartphones. The Super-Grip silicone pad works without a case. Check our phone fit guide for a full compatibility list.
Yes. The KOALA is designed to be worn over a harness, a puffy jacket, or a base layer. The bungee tether keeps the phone secure regardless of what you're wearing underneath.
The KOALA keeps your phone tethered to your body, so it won't fall if you drop it or take a fall. It's not a rated safety device, but it's the most secure way to carry your phone on a climb short of leaving it at the base.
Absolutely. Multipitch climbers use it for topo access, navigation, and emergency communication on long routes. It's one of the most common use cases we hear about.
Every KOALA comes with our 100% no-worries warranty. If something goes wrong, we make it right. No questions asked.

Ready to Climb Smarter

Stop worrying about your phone. Start climbing.

The KOALA 2.0 ships free on orders over $50. 100% no-worries warranty. 2,040+ five-star reviews from climbers, skiers, and hikers who've put it through real conditions.

Shop KOALA 2.0