ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

Sometimes, good bells and whistles are hard to find. We test the extra kit that’s so essential to runners

Alo Slide Running Belt

£60|aloyoga.com|Tester Tina

I’ve been using this on shorter runs and can report it sits neatly on my stomach, with no bounce, and is perfect for when I just want to carry my phone, keys and a gel. The soft mesh backing has a hidden zipped pocket, so you get a bit more storage there, and there’s some reflectivity on the front and back, although not enough to keep you safe by itself. One drawback is that it only goes up to a size medium, so not perfect for everyone. Non-bulky, but sturdy, strong and lightweight. Pricey for what it is, mind.

SPI Belt Original £24.99|spibelt.co.uk|Tester Sarah

How am I going to get my Samsung S20+ in that tiny pouch, I thought... Actually, it was easy! This is a magical running belt; it may be small but it holds all my essentials without banging my lower back, and it’s so comfy I almost forget it’s there. Ordinarily, I don’t need to take much more than a phone and car key with me when I run, so the size of this belt suffices. It’s comfortable to wear and stays put, and it comes in lots of colours, patterns and reflective materials. A winner for running, and so useful for holidays and days out too.

Fractel R-Series Riverine Cap £34 | fractal.co.uk | Tester Emma

I was very happy to slip on this cap for my early morning run in the dark. With its reflective underbill and front logos, I felt visible and safe. It’s quick and easy to adjust and felt comfortable throughout my run. As well as being super lightweight, it has a firm peak that didn’t budge as I moved. It’s reflective for winter months but it’s also a perfect addition to your summer run wardrobe as it has sun protection, breathable mesh and a sweat-absorbing internal headband. A reliable and useful choice.

Tracksmith Insulated Water Bottle £18|tracksmith.com|Tester Emma

Made in a collab between Tracksmith and Camelbak, this navy and ivory bottle looks stylish, fits nicely in your hand and is lightweight. It’s insulated too which means your drink stays at just the right temperature. The selfsealing cap works well, so you avoid any splashes or spills when you drink on the move. It gives an even flow as you drink, which means no anoying choking on the run. It comes apart easily for thorough cleaning and contains no harmful plastic additives like BPA, BPS or BPE. Despite it being a great bottle, it’s a little bit pricey.