You can adjust the straps on either side to ensure you’ve got a snug fit that doesn’t constrict your breathing. Overall, you can’t go wrong with running with a weighted vest a couple of times a week, but of course, it's down to you if you want to increase or decrease this. I’ve carried on using the V1 Vest long after completing enough testing for this review, which is a reliable sign that it’s a solid product overall. However, it’s a streamlined product that offers a practical solution for anyone who wants to bring their phone on a run or workout. I contacted FreeTrain who offered to either replace or repair the vest, or keep the vest and get a partial refund.

I hate an armband and didn’t fancy having something around my waist so this is perfect, especially as now I don’t have to wear clothing with pockets for my phone. We often get asked how often to run with a weighted vest, and the truth is - it's all down to personal preference. You pull the Freetrain on over your head and then adjust it to fit, placing the phone in a pouch in the middle of your chest. I don’t really use the phone while running as I prefer to run without music but I do take my phone just in case. I was able to access my running app within seconds or conveniently skip a song on my playlist without grinding to a halt.This isn't a completely new tactic, as a vital part of boot camp training has long been to run loaded with heavy items. It has allowed me to running hands free whilst listening to my favourite tunes not only to motivate me whilst running but to improve the all round experience. I've been rucking with this and was able to keep a solid pace of around 8km/h on some hilly terrain. I’m not accepting the notion Freetrain puts forward that this is a stylish product, and the veteran club runners I ran with certainly had a good laugh when I showed up wearing it.

I am a UK size 8, the fit was perfect for me and I love the small panels of breathable mesh, perfect for airflow during training. If you answered yes to any of the above, it’s probably wise to not go straight in for a run with a weighted vest. However, do remember that a weighted vest is an increased strain on your body so it’s important to build up your distance gradually to avoid injury.

Main purpose will be to do more trail running with it but I'd like to do some calisthenics training wearing it too. Each vest comes with adjustable straps to ensure it is the right fit for you and doesn’t look too tight or loose. I’ve been using every day for two / three months with 25kgs, no signs of wear, very robust and I highly recommend. Whatever they’ve made this sheet from, it works well, and I had no trouble using the iPhone’s touchscreen.

So when the runner is no longer wearing the weighted vest, the body still exerts the same amount of force.The best product I have ever bought for running and training, no more sagging bum bags, no more full pockets, everything is in one place with the freetrain vest, and so comfortable to wear, living in wales I usually get caught in heavy rain down pours, and everything is bone dry when you take it out. He is also the chief tester for fitness trackers and running watches, treadmills and exercise bikes, and workout headphones. If you’re looking for a fitness accessory that gives you the freedom to bring your smartphone, keys, credit cards and other valuables on a run, Freetrain V1 Vest could be the solution for you. It’s not easy to control the phone and keep running at the same time, because you have to crook your neck and look quite sharply downwards; it would make sense to at least slow down significantly while selecting your next podcast to avoid bumping into someone or something. I had to adjust the straps so I felt like the vest was tight enough to provide comfort and security without suffocating me.

Armbands usually don’t provide a space to include your keys or credit cards if you’re going for a run during a lunch break at work. I explained that I was mid marathon training so a new vest would be better for me - to which once I posted I received within 2 working days! Running without your weighted vest at the main event, you will want to be careful when tackling the descent of hills.Once the harness is on it’s pleasingly snug and barely moves; there is virtually no bouncing around and precisely zero danger of it falling off. The sticky plastic on the window of the pouch makes it a nightmare to get your phone in and out, even at the end of a run, and it’s certainly not something I’d want to do repeatedly during one. So not only do you get the benefits of cardiovascular/ endurance, you also get weight training thrown in too. Whilst it can help accelerate your weight loss efforts, it should be combined with adequate nutrition and other exercise. The V1 comprises a flexible V of perforated material on your back, and another on your front with a pouch for your phone, all connected together by two straps over your shoulders and a stretchy belt.