Review - Koala Clip

Sometimes I totally agree with the blue-haired septuagenarians of the world, social media can be a frustration and a complete waste of time. Oh, and rot your eyeballs.

But, other times, scrolling through a blog or Instagram can dump some helpful information into your blue-light-ravaged optical nerves.

Pre-text: I run alone, in the woods, a lot. And sometimes at dark. I know, it’s basically the start of a horror movie. My husband implores me to run with my phone (which is just too much for me to deal with during a workout), which has led to a lot of struggles with finding the right set-up.

            If I wear specifically these shorts, it will fit in that pocket, SH*T they’re all dirty.

            If I wear this one, expensive sports bra that has the back pocket, it will fit there, SHI*T that’s dirty too.

            Wait, I’ll just hold it in my hand - nope that’s not going to happen, I did NOT get the insurance…

            Well - I guess, I’ll strap into my hydration vest for no other reason than using it as a cellphone holster.

This minor issue becomes infuriating, especially in the middle of the Alabama summer, when one.more.layer is just not enticing. That all said, having my phone has saved my ass a few times post-trail-wipeout and for letting hubs know if things are running slower than usual (ha!).

So back to social media - I enjoy scrolling through Janae’s blog (www.hungryrunnergirl.com), especially for beautiful pictures of Utah sunrises. And she recently mentioned the Koala Clip (www.koalaclip.com). A phone-sized-waterproof pouch that uses a strong magnet to fit in the space between your shoulder blades between your skin and sports bra straps.

This somehow sounds like a perfect solution - and a chafe-inducing nightmare, right?

WRONG

I reached out to Kristina who started the company to ask if I could review her product - at least from the perspective of a long distance trail runner who doesn’t always want to wear her hydration vest. [And she is very kind and understanding because this took me absolutely FOREVER between race schedules and traveling]. Check it out below:

With a little manuevering - this little piece of waterproof fabric fit perfect on my back and was barely noticeable - and definitely did not cause a single chafe mark. Even on some sweaty, double-digit, marathon-paced runs.

Between crazy schedules my time for a photo shoot came down to me - with my phone mounted on my treadmill - at 6 AM

I made sure to try it with the two types of bras that I run in - standard racerback types (above) and a Oiselle bra (that is no longer made) that meets a lot lower on my back. This one takes a little more acrobatics, but same result - bounceless, phone-holding magic.

I tried one other bra - actually the same one shown in the picture below - and I will note, I found that the strappier the bra, the more I struggled with getting the Koala Clip situated. Eventually I quit on that bra (I only own one, so it wasn't a deal breaker for me), but this image makes it look possible. Maybe someone with more patience?

I do regret I don't have any pictures of me running in the clip to show you, but, running alone with my phone out to take the picture - was complicated. In fact in the pictures above, I used an older phone that was hanging around in our junk draw.

On to some Pros and Cons!

Pros:
1. Versatile - instead of relying on a bulk vest/waistbelt, the Koala Clip made something you're already wearing even more useful.

2. Cost - Where one new bra with this shoulder blade pocket might run you $50-$60, the Koala Clip is under $30 and is much more cost efficient (See Pro #1)

3. Customizable - With three sizes available for all different phones, you can make sure you get the right fit. Disclaimer: The price does increase slightly for the larger sizes.

4. Sweatproof - Legit. Sweat. Proof. Even on a run where I soaked through my socks, the Koala Clip kept my phone dry and the wet outer material didn't become itchy, it just stayed soft.

Cons:
1. As I mentioned above - I struggled with a stappier bra configuration. With a little help and some patience I'm sure it can be done - I lack in both of those at 5:00 AM haha.

2. Phone cases/wallets etc - Although it is noted in the size chart above - if you have phone that has a large case or a silicone wallet attached you may need to size up to get the right fit. I have a Samsung Galaxy S9 and the size Medium Koala Clip. I use a low profile case with my phone that still fits in the Koala Clip - but I can feel the strain on the material and don't like having to force the zipper. No bother, I trust the fit in my sports bra, so I just take the phone out of the case for my run.

3. Phone Usage - Once I'm all strapped in and running (especially if I have a shirt over the Koala Clip) getting back there to mess with your phone is a little difficult. I try to make sure I'm all set-up with a banging playlist - but occassionally I run longer than my music queue.  Getting your phone out and back in takes a little practice in the middle of a run without a mirror, but it only ever cause a few minute delay. I would just recommend making sure you have plenty of your favorite tunes ready!

All in all - this is a great little gadget. I'll probably grab another one (so many pretty colors and designs!) and size up so I have a little room to slip a gel or some cash in with my phone. Check them out!!

www.koalaclip.com