Smartphone on a separate neck strap?

[Rex Sanders]

Pursuing a weird idea that someone else might have tried.

Ever gone backpacking with your smartphone hanging on a separate neck strap?

Good idea, bad idea? Why? Tips?

Thanks.

— Rex

[Philip Tschersich]

I sewed a little drop-in pouch for my phone that I hang around my neck so I could wear it inside my jacket when it gets really cold. Not many base layers have good chest pockets, so I use it depending on my layering system that day. I’ll take a pic later.

[Michael Sirofchuck]

I use an Early Winters (remember them?) neck pouch designed for cameras/avalanche beacons, etc.  It has a torso strap, so it’s quite secure.

Similar to this, but with the distinctive Early Winters logo on the flap.  Also smaller – just the right size for my iPhone 6

[MJ H]

That’s an interesting idea. I’m finding that my phone doesn’t hold a charge in the cold when in my trouser pocket. I never had that trouble with previous phones.

[Philip Tschersich]

Here it is. A single layer of Robic. The back panel is about a half inch taller than the front so that the slot to drop the phone in is easier to navigate. The phone is fully inserted; I purposely made it stick out the top so that it would be easy to grab. I did not add any sort of closure. I wanted to maximize ease of in-out, but once when bending down the phone slid out of the pouch and out of my jacket’s neck opening onto the ground.

[Brad W]

Too much banging around if left outside of garments. Too much of a hassle to retrieve if left inside. Through much trial and error-front right pocket is easiest access with the least bother. Zippered front pocket a plus for technical sections.

[Axel J]

I had a Seal Line pouch for awhile but not really worth it. My objective was to have a clear water proof case to house the smart phone and be able to utilize the flashlight accessory on it as well.

[kevperro .]

The new REI Flash has a pocket on the shoulder belt for one.   I scoffed at the idea until I owned one.   Now I kind of like that little pocket with the magnetic clasp.

[Dale Wambaugh]

The Gossamer Gear packs with shoulder strap pockets will hold my iPhone 8, but that leaves it out in the cold too. A sternum strap pouch would have the same issues I think.

This sort of sternum strap pouch is good for phone, glasses, etc

https://etsy.me/2G50KDf

There are lots of small pouches made for such things. The trick is to wear them crossbody/bandolier style rather than around the back of your neck. Put it on before your backpack.

The Tom Bihn Everyday Cublet will hold your phone and a lot more.

https://www.tombihn.com/collections/accessories/products/travel-cubelet?variant=31671397908543

 

[Rick Reno]

Zpacks makes a cool ouch designed for passports. I use it for my phone when it’s wicked cold so the battery doesn’t drain; usually hang it over one shoulder so it sits kind of under my armpit and stays warm. it’s not super easy to reach but no big deal.

[SIMULACRA]

I could imagine it would start to strain the neck by the weight. I tried wearing a neck knife before and even though only a few ounces, it started to strain. Wearing the strap across the body sounds like it would take this weight off

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