I prefer to keep my smartphone on my person at all times. This is for ready access, to prevent loss or theft, and to protect the device from both impact and the elements. Where I go, the phone goes. I could easily carry it on a rucksack strap, but that puts it one "senior moment" away from loss...
To date, I have placed my smartphone in a HD
Lok Sack pouch, then into a cargo pocket, when not in use. This has worked very well. But, when I am using it constantly for route detection or research, or to take photos, etc. it is out of the pouch and stuck in any available pocket. This is not a wise idea.
Most everything in my mochila can easily be replaced by a visit to the nearest Decathlon. But, and as most of you might agree, losing your smartphone would be a crisis of somewhat larger proportions.
This past off-season, I found a line of very durable cargo trousers, without zip offs, made of 80 % poly and 20 % cotton. They are made by '
Tru-Spec.'
Yes, I know they digress from the normal 100 % polyester for very rapid air drying. And if you want shorts you have to buy a second pair as they do not have zips.
But, these pants come out of the washing machine / lavadera spin cycle already starting to dry in places, before they are hung on a line or thrown in the dryer / secadora. So, that may argue in favor of considering these
Tru-Spec Ascent pants for Camino use. Normally, cotton is a 'no-no.' But, it might be worth a try.
The feature that really endears them to me is a separate, purpose-made pocket, immediately behind each lower cargo pocket, specifically sized for a smartphone. The pocket is an open top slot, but is very deep. My iPhone XR rides in there very well, and does not tip or slide out when I sit or drive.
I haven't tried a head-stand yet, nor am I likely to. But, my sense is that is what it would take to allow the phone to come out unintentionally. Each leg has this most excellent pocket.
PLUS, each hip has an additional pocket sized to hold a multi-tool or torch / flashlight, or even a pair of reader eyeglasses for folks of a certain age...
These tool pockets are located just behind and slightly up from the side 'hip' pockets.
This, in addition to 2 (each) cargo pockets, hip pockets, and rear pockets. That is 10 pockets in all, if my fingers don't lie. Don't forget a good belt...or suspenders...to hold them up when you are "geared-up."
I now wear these long pants, or identical shorts (10" inseam), for daily use here in Florida. They have become my go to pants. Also, I am considering using them for my upcoming Camino Primitivo in May this year, instead of my go-to REI Sahara double-zip pants. It depends on the weather. I may wear one long pair and bring a second pair of shorts. We shall see... Still mending from two surgeries... first, I have to get better enough to walk for a few weeks.
If you might be interested in these pants for Camino use, you can find them at
www.truspec.com, or at other vendors. The style is called "Ascent." Here is the direct link for:
Men's:
http://www.truspec.com/24-7-series/pants/mens-ascent-pants
Women's:
https://www.truspec.com/24-7-series/womens-apparel/women-s-ascent-pants
I checked Amazon. They are available there. You might be able to save money on some colors or sizes...
Hope this helps.