Review on 🏋️ Optimized Fitness Smart Hydro Flask and Phone Holder by Chris Norman

While the materials and construction are solid (neoprene and vinyl), I have serious doubts about this product. Designed to be held in the hand while running, it also means one hand is always busy. The wraparound design prevents you from attaching it to your hydration belt without having to undo the velcro to get a drink. The tank is fully enclosed in the harness and doesn't really need to be secured tightly. Considering the price, the bottle is of lower quality than I expected, like the free companies that give out at event booths, not the premium bottle. Made from Type 4 plastic (LDPE), it's small (holds just 8 ounces) and smells like the gardening department at Home Depot. It doesn't contain BPA, but is it food-grade plastic? Of course, judging by the smell, it's unappetizing. I have other LDPE bottles and food containers. None of them come with that smell. My hand now smells like a bottle after just holding this thing for a few minutes. Two hours later I can still smell it on my hands. The clear window size is perfect for iPhone 5/5S/5C (and the latest iPods) with or without a case. It also fits the smaller 4/4S and any iPhone below. It doesn't fit 6. I tested it on an iPod (latest generation) and the volume buttons and power button are hard to reach because you can't see them. You have to push the area where the button is located through the thick vinyl casing. It works and you get used to it after a while, but it's very uncomfortable. You can still use your phone/iPod while in the holder to type, scroll and text as per the product specs, but it also becomes an uncomfortable tactile experience when you hit the thick plastic layer type when precision is required. Thankfully, this is mitigated with predictive text input in iOS 8, and again, once you get used to using your phone through a dome, it's not too bad. The headphone cable hole is poorly designed. It's tiny and hard to get through the bushing without stretching it. Rectangular sockets like the mt Jabra will have an awkward fit and may need to be keyed on the back. You may need to use a headphone jack extender. Mine barely made it through the hole. I don't know which cable is included. Mine didn't have any. Instead, use Bluetooth headphones if you have them to avoid wires entirely. On the plus side, the front of the holder offers a waterproof barrier against sweat and splashes. Neoprene is slightly hydrophobic but still absorbs liquids and there are many pockets for water to enter. So don't take it out in the rain and wipe it with sprinkler. This product is far from perfect. There are a number of better options available to you, including: a hydration belt (some are minimalistic and only carry water, others have a pocket, like this hydration belt from Nathan Trail Mix), an armband, and a separate belt. Water bottle or camelbak hydration pack for large volumes and hands-free hydration.