How to carry your phone while cycling

In your jersey pocket or on the bike: four ways that keep your phone dry, unscratched and within reach.

The best way to carry a phone on a ride is in a padded, water-repellent case in your jersey pocket, or in a small bag on the bike if you want it within reach. A bare phone in a back pocket gets sweaty, slides out when you grab a gel and gets scratched by your keys.

We started The Pack with exactly this problem. Below are the four ways we use ourselves, with what each one is good at. If you just want to see the cases, go to all cases.

This guide is written by Maikel, founder of The Pack and a rider himself. Last updated on 11 November 2026.

The four options at a glance

Phone Case, from €29.99: a padded, waterproof case for your jersey pocket, in two sizes. For riders who carry a phone, cards, cash and keys and nothing else.
Essentials Case, from €20.99: water-resistant, 19 by 8 cm, with a sturdy elastic phone pocket and room for a tube and tools. For riders who want everything in one pocket.
Snack Bag top tube bag, from €34.99: a padded bag on the top tube with a hole for a charging cable. For long rides where you want the phone in front of you.
AWG Handlebar Bag, from €64.99: waterproof, 2.5 litres, with a separate phone compartment. For riding in any weather.

In your jersey pocket

A jersey pocket is the simplest place: nothing on the bike, and the phone stays with you when you walk into a café. The problem is everything else in that pocket. Keys scratch the screen, and sweat and rain get in from both sides.

The Phone Case solves that with waterproof material, padded sides and a soft lining, so the phone does not rub when you take it out. It has separate compartments for your phone, cards, cash and keys, and a hidden waterproof zipper.

The Essentials Case is the choice if you also want to leave the saddle bag at home. The phone sits in an extra sturdy, elastic pocket, and the other inside pocket closes without a zipper, so no zipper can touch your phone.

On the bike

On a long ride or a navigation day you want the phone where you can reach it without stopping.

A top tube bag sits right behind the stem. The Snack Bag top tube bag has a padded main pouch and a small hole to route a charger cable through, which is handy when the bike computer runs low before you do. It mounts with straps, or with two bolts if your frame has mounts. The AWG Top Tube Bag does the same in waterproof material with a magnetic flap.

A handlebar bag gives more room. The AWG Handlebar Bag has a special compartment for your phone, so it does not lie between your snacks and your inner tubes.

Rain, sweat and scratches: what to look for

Three things decide whether a phone survives a season of riding:

Water from both sides. Rain comes from outside, sweat from your back. Look for waterproof or water-resistant material and a covered zipper.
Padding. A phone in a pocket takes every bump in the road. Padded sides and a soft lining prevent pressure marks and scratches.
Separation. Keys, coins and a multi-tool do the damage. Separate compartments matter more than the outer shell.

Which one fits you?

Short rides and races: a Phone Case in the jersey pocket.
Training rides without a saddle bag: an Essentials Case with phone, tube and tools.
Long days with navigation: a top tube bag, with a power bank if needed.
Wet rides and commuting: something from the AWG collection.

Frequently asked questions

Is a phone safe in a jersey pocket?

Yes, if it sits in a case. A bare phone gets wet from sweat and rain and can be scratched by keys. A padded, water-repellent case such as the Phone Case prevents both.

Which size Phone Case do I need?

The Phone Case comes in two sizes, for large and smaller smartphones. Check the sizes on the product page against your phone, including its cover.

Can I charge my phone while riding?

Yes. The Snack Bag top tube bag has a small hole for a charger cable, so a power bank in the bag can charge the phone or bike computer.

Are the cases waterproof?

The Phone Case is made from waterproof materials with a waterproof zipper. The Essentials Case is water-resistant. The AWG bags are waterproof, with taped seams.