How the SPIbelt looks in product shots...

When I was asked to check out a product called the SPIbelt, the Small Personal Item Belt, I really wanted to like this product. After all, I walk/run with my dog on a daily basis and carrying a purse on these occasions doesn't make much sense. Still, I need a place to safely and securing carry my personal items, such as my keys, driver's license and cell phone. That's why I thought the SPIbelt would be perfect for me.

...how the SPIbelt looks in real life.

Unfortunately, maybe I'm not using this thing right, but I found it to be bulky and uncomfortable once I had filled it with the aforementioned items. It also jostled as I ran, no matter how tight I fastened it, and was tough to position so that it didn't look weird. Do I tuck it under my jacket? Over? Push it to my hip or carry it on my lower back? Very awkward. And while the SPIbelt does in fact expand quite readily to fit a lot of stuff, getting things out of that thing is tricky: Because everything is so tightly packed, I'd find my keys falling out when I went to grab my cell phone, and so on.

After taking the SPIbelt out on a couple of test runs, I decided it just wasn't right for me and tossed it aside. However, I can see how this item might work well for someone hitting the gym who just needs a narrow pouch to store, say, a single key. It might work for clubbing, too, as long as you just carried one credit card, one key and one ID. It won't be completely invisible under any tight fitting clothing, though, so keep that in mind. On a positive note, the SPIbelt makes a budget-friendly gift at $19.95. To find out more about the SPIbelt, visit spibelt.com. Want to try one out for yourself? Drop me a comment and I'll pick one reader at random to ship my SPIbelt to.

UPDATE 10/05/09: I used random.org to pick #12 Tanya to test out the SPIbelt. Tanya, look for an email from me soon so I can get your address and ship you your new belt. Thanks, everyone, for your comments!

UPDATE 12/22/09: Tanya, our brave reader-turned-product tester, had nothing but great things to say about her experience using the SPIbelt! I'm grateful for her perspective as it helps each of us draw our own conclusions about this product. Here's what Tanya had to say:

"I just wanted to write (finally) and let you know how much I love the SPIbelt. I've used it all over the place (running, doing errands, going to dinner with friends) and it's been extremely useful. I used to not be able to carry my cellphone while running (why do they never put pockets in womens running clothes) and while I was lucky enough to never need my cell while running, I felt like I was pushing it with my safety as I run in the mornings before work and it's quite dark out most mornings.

I've never liked the 'running belts' as I don't run long enough distances to need water or other things to carry, I just wanted something for my cellphone and the SPIbelt is perfect. I've worn it out to dinner when I didn't need a purse, same thing with running errands.

It hasn't stretched out, the clasp has always secured perfectly and the belt holds a surprising amount of stuff.

I've told all of my friends about it and can't say enough good things about it. Especially now that I feel a lot more secure while running.

Thanks so much for sending this to me!

Tanya

P.S. I did find that the belt stretched as I used it, but I'm a curvy girl, so it didn't bother me."