Gear Guide

Run farther. Worry less. Keep your phone where you need it.

Trail runners need their phone for navigation, emergency communication, and capturing the views that make the suffer worth it. The problem is every carrying option either bounces, slides, or buries the phone where you can't reach it. The KOALA 2.0 by HANGTIME was built to solve that.

Trail runner on mountain trail with KOALA phone harness

Why It Matters

What trail runners actually need from a phone solution

Hands-free on the trail Pockets bounce, armbands restrict your stride, and handhelds are a liability on technical terrain. The KOALA keeps your phone locked to your chest — accessible in one motion, out of the way when you don't need it.
Capture every mile Trail running takes you to places worth documenting. Pull up your phone for a summit shot, a Strava segment, or a quick navigation check — without breaking stride or digging through a vest pocket.
Works with any kit Fits over a running vest, a base layer, or a lightweight jacket. No case required. Compatible with virtually all smartphones. Doesn't interfere with your hydration pack straps or vest pockets.

The Honest Comparison

KOALA 2.0 vs. every other option trail runners use

Option Security Accessibility Verdict
KOALA 2.0 Harness Bungee tether keeps phone on your body through every stride and stumble Chest-mounted, one-handed access, no stopping to dig through pockets Best overall for trail running
Running armband Slides on sweaty arms, bounces on technical terrain Hard to see the screen, awkward to operate mid-run Fine for road running, frustrating on trails
Vest pocket Phone can work loose on descents and scrambles Requires stopping and unzipping to access Inconvenient when you need it most
Shorts pocket Bounces constantly, falls out on technical sections Awkward to reach while running, especially on climbs Not built for trail use
Leave it at the trailhead Safe from drops, not safe from emergencies No navigation, no emergency calls, no photos Not an option on serious terrain
KOALA 2.0 phone harness worn by trail runner on mountain trail

How It Works

Built for the trail. Not the treadmill.

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 running vest, a base layer, or a lightweight jacket.

One-handed access means you can pull up a trail map, snap a summit photo, or check your GPS without stopping. It's the difference between capturing the moment and missing it — or worse, getting lost because your phone was buried in a pocket.

Trail runner on technical singletrack with phone accessible

Where It Works

Technical singletrack. Ultras. Fastpacking. All of it.

Trail runners use it to navigate remote routes, document long efforts, and stay connected in the backcountry. Ultra runners rely on it for emergency communication on multi-day efforts where leaving your phone at the trailhead isn't an option.

It's also the go-to for road runners, hikers, and anyone who wants their phone accessible without the bounce. 2,040+ reviews from runners, climbers, 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 trail runners ask before buying

No. The Super-Grip silicone pad and bungee tether system keep the phone locked against your chest. Thousands of trail runners have tested it on technical terrain, long ultras, and everything in between.
Yes. The KOALA is designed to layer over a vest, a base layer, or a lightweight jacket. It won't interfere with your hydration pack straps or vest pockets.
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.
Absolutely. Ultra runners use it for navigation, emergency communication, and documenting long efforts in the backcountry. 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 Run Smarter

Stop fumbling for your phone. Start running.

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

Shop KOALA 2.0