Phone and GPS locator on the shoulder strap

[JustOneGuy]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

 

[Tincatinker]

I use pockets, usually available with trousers. Though I have noted that my Osprey has a stretchy mesh pocket built into the left hand shoulder strap I’d always imagined that that was for a packet of fags or one of those emergency sized miniatures you get issued on airplanes.

I’m absolutely confident that your phone and gps locator will work wherever they are about your person. I’ve also just discovered that my Osprey has a similar web pocket on the hip belt which would also render my phone immediately accessible. What scenario are you envisioning where having your phone on your shoulder strap would be helpful?

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Has your backpack got a loop or two on the shoulder straps? Most hikers hang their GPs device with a simple carabiner from that, the other side generally has a mesh pouch or similar for the phone. (Mine simply goes in one of my belt pouches or in my waist belt if I'm wearing one).
There are lots of different aftermarket devices do you have a sports shop nearby that you could go to? Or is it something that you could potentially make yourself?

 

[trecile]

I use a lanyard like this for my phone.
I keep mine attached to my crossbody bag, but you can clip it to anything.

 

[Tincatinker]

My concern with attaching my phone to my backpack is that sometimes I walk away from my backpack. On Camino everything of value is on my person. The assortment of underwear, tins of tuna and my slightly whiffy sleeping bag in my backpack can easily be replaced. My phone, passport and sovereigns I keep close

 

[Grousedoctor]

I’m a bit at a loss to think of too many if any times that I needed my phone or gps quickly while walking except to take photos. Even then, it was usually a quick retrieval from my pants pocket or the hip strap pouch on my Osprey (although I too am hesitant to leave anything of real value in or attached to my pack). With regard to the signage, the frequent yellow arrows on the CF make having a device with a gps feature almost unnecessary. However, an app like maps.cz can be of help navigating through a city or, easier yet, just follow the pilgrim in front of you. I just can‘t imagine many situations where you have to quickly grab for your phone (maybe a rainbow?). Buen Camino.

 

[JustOneGuy]

Thanks for the hints,@Tincatinker and @Grousedoctor

Three problems, unfortunately...

1) sometime I would like to use very light running shorts: no pockets.
2) my phone doesn't fit into the shoulder straps of my Osprey Stratos
3) the GPS locator actually doesn't pick the signal if inside my pockets. It must be hanging outside, but if I attach it on the top of my Osprey after some time it has the bad habit of felling on my neck...

The main reason I want the two devices promptly available is for safety in case I fell, and to take a picture whenever I like withouth having to stop. Moreover, having the pocket empty helps to avoid chafing and additional effort.

Please consider I am not going to the Camino Frances but to the pretty obscure GR130 in La Palma, Canary Islands.

 

[JustOneGuy]

I use a lanyard like this for my phone.
I keep mine attached to my crossbody bag, but you can clip it to anything.

View attachment 176063

Interesting, but isn't annoying that it swings all the time? Or do you put it in your pocket?

 

[JustOneGuy]

Has your backpack got a loop or two on the shoulder straps? Most hikers hang their GPs device with a simple carabiner from that, the other side generally has a mesh pouch or similar for the phone. (Mine simply goes in one of my belt pouches or in my waist belt if I'm wearing one).
There are lots of different aftermarket devices do you have a sports shop nearby that you could go to? Or is it something that you could potentially make yourself?

Thanks as usual, @Peterexpatkiwi! Actually I was thinking to make it by myself, using maybe velcro and some contraption...

Not many items and shops around in the island. And I like that.

 

[JustOneGuy]

My concern with attaching my phone to my backpack is that sometimes I walk away from my backpack. On Camino everything of value is on my person. The assortment of underwear, tins of tuna and my slightly whiffy sleeping bag in my backpack can easily be replaced. My phone, passport and sovereigns I keep close

Thanks again @Tincatinker

People reports that you may spend a full day on the GR130 without meeting anyone, except maybe a sheperd. And this is one of the reason I want to do it... Moreover, the place is extremely safe....

 

[Tincatinker]

Thanks for the hints,@Tincatinker and @Grousedoctor

Three problems, unfortunately...

1) sometime I would like to use very light running shorts: no pockets.
2) my phone doesn't fit into the shoulder straps of my Osprey Stratos
3) the GPS locator actually doesn't pick the signal if inside my pockets. It must be hanging outside, but if I attach it on the top of my Osprey after some time it has the bad habit of felling on my neck...

The main reason I want the two devices promptly available is for safety in case I fell, and to take a picture whenever I like withouth having to stop. Moreover, having the pocket empty helps to avoid chafind and additional effort.

Please consider I am not going to the Camino Frances but to the pretty obscure GR130 in La Palma, Canary Islands.

1: you’re planning on running? Otherwise shorts with a pocket or two would meet that need.
2: try an iPhone SE, or just try. I find those mesh pockets pretty stretchy and it’ll be worth working some give into the mesh
3: ???? Even my Fitbit will pick up and reflect gps through three thermal layers and a heavy waxed cotton coat when I’m wildfowling in deep marsh in deep winter

Unless you’re planning a very obscure Camino in deep winter I think you’re overthinking the risks

 

[trecile]

Interesting, but isn't annoying that it swings all the time? Or do you put it in your pocket?

As I said, I keep mine attached to my crossbody bag, and it goes in a back slip pocket of the bag.

 

[Tincatinker]

OK, I’ve finally twigged that you’re heading at the GR130 across Las Palmas.

I still think you’re overthinking the risks. You might also want to check whether your locator is licensed for use there. And, frankly, a PL that doesn’t work through fabric is going to be totally useless at the bottom of a gully or in dense scrub.

Enjoy your trip

 

[JustOneGuy]

1: you’re planning on running? Otherwise shorts with a pocket or two would meet that need.
2: try an iPhone SE, or just try. I find those mesh pockets pretty stretchy and it’ll be worth working some give into the mesh
3: ???? Even my Fitbit will pick up and reflect gps through three thermal layers and a heavy waxed cotton coat when I’m wildfowling in deep marsh in deep winter

Unless you’re planning a very obscure Camino in deep winter I think you’re overthinking the risks

1. No no! Unfortunately I cannot anymore...
2. Thanks for the suggestion but I would like to avoid any further expense: i live with the principle of one phone, one laptop, one backpack, one car, one bycicle etc... untile they (or me) die.
3. The GPS locator can receive the signal maybe under a layer of cotton, but it cannot transmit my position to relay satellites.

However, I think that a simple carabiner may works actually for it. Thanks again for your time and hints.

 

[JustOneGuy]

OK, I’ve finally twigged that you’re heading at the GR130 across Las Palmas.

I still think you’re overthinking the risks. You might also want to check whether your locator is licensed for use there. And, frankly, a PL that doesn’t work through fabric is going to be totally useless at the bottom of a gully or in dense scrub.

Enjoy your trip

Thanks, but no, is not, because it trasmits my position every 5 minutes. So if I fall into a ravine (there are some quite exposed paths in the north), or break a leg and I am unable to move, people immediately know where I am and when it stopped sending messages.

Consider that I am used to working and driving alone - not for leisure, at least in the recent years - in the high mountains of the Atacama desert, or in Antarctica, and I have gotten used to letting my wife and my son know where I am at all times.

I've survived to near-fatal accidents a couple of time in the past, and I want to make sure my wife knows it's not time yet to find someone else...

p.s. Please note that the island of La Palma is different from Las Palmas, a city in Gran Canaria (and also from Palma di Maiorca) But don't worry, you're in good company: I heard about people who ended up at the wrong airport...

 

[Tincatinker]

La Palma. Thanks. I’ll re-refer my auto correct.

I take it you turn the thing off whenever you stop for a beer

 

[JustOneGuy]

As I said, I keep mine attached to my crossbody bag, and it goes in a back slip pocket of the bag.

ops... sorry, I understand now. Thanks, good idea.

 

[dbier]

Bought it on Amazon...came with the backpack.

 

[JustOneGuy]

La Palma. Thanks. I’ll re-refer my auto correct.

I take it you turn the thing off whenever you stop for a beer

I get your joke, but... just to clarify (there are some misunderstandings about this): if I stop for a beer, I can be contacted by phone. The GPS locator is useful if:

1) I have a serious injury, am still conscious, but need to be rescued in an area with no phone service.

OR

2) I have lost consciousness in an accident. In this case, it limits the area in which to search for me after I have been out of contact for an unexpected amount of time.

 

[JustOneGuy]

View attachment 176078View attachment 176078View attachment 176079
Bought it on Amazon...came with the backpack.

can you tell me please the name of the product? Amazon.es doesn't deliver to the Canary Island, but Amazon.com , .co.uk, .de do, although at an additional cost.

I think I will go for something like this: https://thetrek.co/appalachian-trail/diy-simple-shoulder-pouch-for-backpacks/ (with some changes). Not enough time for safe delivery here from another country's amazon...

And I like recycling...

 

[dbier]

LOCAL LION Hiking Backpack,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DF9T4NT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

[JustOneGuy]

LOCAL LION Hiking Backpack,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09DF9T4NT?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Yeah, you said it came with your backpack.... Sorry but I need to attach it to my own backpack. Thanks again for your time, anyway @dbier !

 

[dougfitz]

When I carry a GPS, I use a small pouch (berghaus at present, but I have used others) which clips onto a cheststrap or the like. For my phone I use a waterproof pouch with a neckstrap. The neck strap generally goes under my pack cheststrap to stop the pouch and phone swinging around, or I slip it under my shirt. I understand that your GPS locater needs as clear a path to the sky as possible to send its messages. I think something like this might work if you leave the antenna poking out of the top of the pouch. It won't be quite so secure, but that's the trade-off I see you would have to make with this approach.

 

[OZAJ]

WOW!!??

 

[Anhalter]

No idea where you live, but if its in the UK you can have a look at https://www.treadlitegear.co.uk/
I purchased a phone pocket and bottle holder from them to attach to my shoulder straps (back when shipping from UK to EU wasnt such a problem) and the quality is really good. They offer different varieties, and i guess with some talent (that i lack) one could easily make something similar themself.

 

[JustOneGuy]

Interesting: this guy has the very same GPS Locator I have, a SPOT Gen 3, and it seem to work on that open pocket:

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

You could also make the pocket from mesh?
Personally I think I would just use the cloth belt that the Gen 3 comes with, shorten it and connect a carabiner to it. Then put a couple of velcro dots on the back and backpack strap to stop it swinging around.
A waist pack, or a homemade pouch for the phone.

 

[JustOneGuy]

another solution, the smartest actually for the GPS locator:



from https://shop.maprogress.com/products/bedrock-spot-harness-for-spot-gen3-trackers

Unfortunately they cannot deliver here but easy to replicate with a little effort...

 

[t2andreo]

My concern with attaching my phone to my backpack is that sometimes I walk away from my backpack. On Camino everything of value is on my person. The assortment of underwear, tins of tuna and my slightly whiffy sleeping bag in my backpack can easily be replaced. My phone, passport and sovereigns I keep close

I'm with Tink on this one. My iPhone rides in one of the cargo pockets of my hiking pants. It never leaves my possession.

On a very rainy day, I might move it to an inner upper pocket of a fleece or parka. If I think it might possibly get very wet - like when crossing a stream - I put it in a ziplock bag, then back in my pocket.

Stuff happens. But, I would never leave it attached to a rucksack shoulder strap on in a rucksack pocket if I stopped for any reason.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

[babikeski]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

I have walked two Caminos with this and it works great. My phone is too big to fit in the waist pockets. On Amazon,

Nite Ize Squeeze Clippable Phone Holder​

 

[RangerRick]

Keeping your phone in your pants pocket has some risk. I keep mine in my left front pants pocket and fell descending a wet steep degraded slope and landed on my left hip. The hip did fine, but there was a huge impact on my phone destroying it. I am not sure if the phone saved my hip, but the phone was easier to replace than my hip.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

On a recent non-camino hike I wore Patagonia Baggies shorts... I started with the phone in the front pockets of the shorts but after about a month I switched to a shoulder strap holder, mainly because the shorts developed holes in their light weight mesh pockets. My Garmin in-reach mini was attached to the other shoulder strap using a carabiner.

I will not, and have not employed this system on a camino.

My camino shorts are more of the cargo variety. I like the Khuls.

When you are out in the woods it is no big deal to keep your phone attached to your backpack because there is nobody around who wants to steal it. On the camino though, when I drop a pack off outside a bakery to get one of those tasty pastries, there are other non-walkers around. I'd rather have it in the pocket of my not so lightweight but wonderful shorts. Note that I have NEVER experienced any theft on the Camino. But still tho, it's your phone! When people ask me about the most important piece of gear I carry... it is my phone!

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

I have a shoulder strap pouch that sounds perfect for what you want. It’s made by a small hiking gear company in the U.S. called Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear. I love their equipment and I imagine they would ship anywhere. It’s two fellows who make their gear personally in a spare room in their home. I have the shoulder strap pouch on one side and a water bottle holder on the other strap. You can browse their gear at chickentrampergear.com.

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

One other comment about this. I greatly prefer the shoulder strap pouch to carrying my phone or other device in my pants pocket because my pants get wet from sweat. I use my hip belt pockets for other items.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

One other comment about this. I greatly prefer the shoulder strap pouch to carrying my phone or other device in my pants pocket because my pants get wet from sweat. I use my hip belt pockets for other items.

Totally agree. If it is raining I switch it to my rain gear pocket. Do those ponchos have pockets?

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

Totally agree. If it is raining I switch it to my rain gear pocket. Do those ponchos have pockets?

The CTUG shoulder strap pouch is water resistant with a zipper closure. I’ve only gotten concerned about rain a time or two. For that, I put it in a LokSac and still carry it in the shoulder strap pouch. In hot weather I don’t wear a rain jacket but in cooler weather the rain jacket pocket is a good idea.

 

[Damien Reynolds]

The CTUG shoulder strap pouch is water resistant with a zipper closure. I’ve only gotten concerned about rain a time or two. For that, I put it in a LokSac and still carry it in the shoulder strap pouch. In hot weather I don’t wear a rain jacket but in cooler weather the rain jacket pocket is a good idea.

Ok. That works. But what do you do when you go into a bakery? Like, I'm lazy I guess, taking out and repositioning the phone sounds like a lot of effort.

 

[Pasdenom]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

Hi, I have a similar request. While waking my previous caminos, I liked to have my phone cum gps handy. After different attemps I'm going to go for a phone pouche that will attach to the stomach belt of my backpack, large enough to incorporate also my power bank

 

[JerryStroebele]

I have two Zpacks shoulder strap pouches on my backpack. One holds my iPhone SE which is larger than normal because it is in a protective case. The other holds a small water bottle which makes it easy to access for frequent sipping. My arms are not flexible enough to reach around to a side pocket. The pouches are pricey but very light. Buen Camino

 

[Damien Reynolds]

The other holds a small water bottle

Never done it myself but seriously considering it... I can't reach the bottle from the side pouches of my pack without taking it off...

 

[BrianLCrabtree]

Ok. That works. But what do you do when you go into a bakery? Like, I'm lazy I guess, taking out and repositioning the phone sounds like a lot of effort.

No effort at all. It’s just there. Unless you take your pack off. I wouldn’t leave my devices unattended.

 

[Pilgrim9]

In my case, my phone is also my [OsmAnd] GPS device.

I consult the OsmAnd screen frequently when navigating. Therefore it must be readily accessible.

I carry it in a mini front-pack that I made from a nylon phone pouch that I bought on Amazon.

This pouch has three spaces and accommodates my phone plus a comb, a pen, about 10 3"x5" cards, some other very small stuff. If I used glasses I suppose I could insert a pair of reading glasses into the smaller of the spaces.

There is a belt loop that I do not use. Instead, I used several textile rivets (smooth, black, no sharp edges, and easy to use) and some 2.5 cm wide black nylon webbing to devise a simple over-the-shoulders-and-across-the-back rigging system. It sort of resembles old-time men's suspenders. One webbing is attached to the top left corner of the pouch, goes over my left shoulder, crosses my back, and is attached to the bottom right corner of the pouch. Mirror image for the other webbing. The webbings do not hang from my neck, therefore, no neck strain. There are no adjustments - I ensured correct fit when I made it.

The velcro-d flap of the pouch tended to pop open at inappropriate times such as when I was bending over, permitting ejection of contents onto the ground, so I used a couple more textile rivets and a small nylon buckle to rig a secure closure for the flap.

This is the name of the pouch that I bought on Amazon:
"Hengwin Nylon Smartphone Holster Fit for iPhone 15 14 13 12Pro Max 11 XR 8 7 6 Plus Belt Clip Loop Case Cell Phone Pouch Samsung Galaxy A15 Note 9 8 S24 S23 S20 Ultra S9 S8 Plus Holder Men Belt Bag".

Textile rivets are also available on Amazon and one seller calls them:
"Nivofu 100 Sets Leather Rivets,Double Cap Rivet Tubular,Metal Round Button Studs,Flat Head Rivets Kit, for Leather DIY Craft Handbag Clothes Shoes Jewelry Accessories"
They are available from several sellers and come in several colours and lengths.
To install the rivets I just push an ice pick through the layers of textiles to push the fibres aside, thus making a through-hole (I do not use a hole punch), then push rivet through the hole, apply cap to rivet, place on anvil, strike once quite sharply with a hammer, and the job is done. It is fast.

The flap-securing buckle is just a 1 cm wide small nylon buckle.

Making this little front-pack took me less than 10 minutes.

 

[Camo]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

As I said before think about one of those wrist strap things (about $5 on ebay) - nice thing is you can view it with both hands still free (eg for walking poles) and as Tincat says it stay WITH you all the time.

 

[Curacion59]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

I recently completed over 1000 miles with Osprey Exos 48 pack (with the brain removed). I used the “Osprey Pack Pocket” which I strapped to the left shoulder strap (it uses 2 wide Velcro straps plus a metal hook at the top which attaches to the shoulder straps. You can alternatively use it horizontally on the waist belt) carried iPhone 13 Pro Max - very convenient. Yes I could fit the phone into the hip pocket but that was more fiddly to access. Enjoy your trip.

 

[JustOneGuy]

I solved this today.

I went to the shop of my past "running equipment pusher" , a little but superfriendly shop nearby and, together with a couple of rubber tips for my trekking pole and some fantastic Hoka ORA Recovery (much lighter and comfortable than traditional flip-flop)...



...I got this small custom pocket, where my phone (and also the backup battery), fit perfectly:





Light, nice and fitting perfectly with the backpack straps. And I got it for free!!!

 

[Dov of the Galilee]

This is my five dollar solution, it's been on sixty six hikes and has not failed.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

When I carry a GPS, I use a small pouch (berghaus at present, but I have used others) which clips onto a cheststrap or the like. For my phone I use a waterproof pouch with a neckstrap. The neck strap generally goes under my pack cheststrap to stop the pouch and phone swinging around, or I slip it under my shirt. I understand that your GPS locater needs as clear a path to the sky as possible to send its messages. I think something like this might work if you leave the antenna poking out of the top of the pouch. It won't be quite so secure, but that's the trade-off I see you would have to make with this approach.

If you have a Garmin like that you can get a "clothes peg" clip that will fasten it to a belt or shoulder strap:



My eTrex 20 has survived many a dunking on the kayak so I wouldn't worry about rain.

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Perhaps a "web dominator"? They now come in a range of sizes:

 

[WGroleau]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

I keep my phone in a shirt pocket. I’ve always been puzzled why so many people want to sit on a breakable phone. I put mine in a case that allegedly makes it unbreakable, but still, having a big lump on one side of my butt when I sit down?
In spite of the case, I’ve trained myself to put a hand on the shirt pocket when I bend over far enough for it to fall out.
When I had a separate GPS device, it stayed clipped to my belt.

 

[dbier]

Speaking as a female, it can be difficult to find shirts with appropriately sized pockets...and for some females, being able to use them.

 

[Camo]

I’ve trained myself to put a hand on the shirt pocket when I bend over far enough for it to fall out.

Yes and I selected a shirt ($2 from the op-shop) that has buttons on the shirt pockets so no need for the hand.

 

[Debra K]

I would like to hang my phone (and possibly my GPS locator) from the shoulder straps of my backpack. Does anyone have first hand experience with a model that:

1) can be purchased online, possibly not just on Amazon.es because they don't ship here.
2) can be quickly removed/attached
3) is lightweight
4) is safe and reliable (the phone won't drop and get lost)

I do not need to take video while walking. Just to quickly reach the phone if required.

Thanks!

I tried this for my last camino, it worked out great.

Shoulder Strap Pocket

This simple easy to use shoulder strap pocket, while designed with our hiking packs in mind, will fit on most any pack. With a wide opening zipper and a wee bit of foam to help it hold it shape make it very easy to access your goods. The plush soft interior liner is protective . This pocket...

www.gossamergear.com