A Phone Case Inspired by Space Walks, Built for Trail Runs
Two Shark Tank contestants created the Phoozy to shield smartphones during outdoor adventures in the elements. (If you follow the show, you'll remember it sparked a three-way bidding war among the Sharks for a portion of the company.) The Phoozy-yes, like a beer coozy for your phone-is a five-layer thermal capsule made from spacesuit-inspired materials. Designers adapted the tech from NASA's radiant barrier insulation, which was developed for the Apollo Space program.
THE CLAIMS
• Drop-proof up to 9 feet
• Sinkproof
• Water-resistant
• Triples phone battery life
• Exceeds military impact standards
THE RESULTS
The XP3 protected a raw egg from breaking when dropped vertically from four feet, a little more than waist height. After 30 minutes inside a freezer at 11°F, the case's internal temperature remained just above freezing at 36°F. Phone batteries still drain fast in these temps. But the XP3 will help you squeeze out a little extra juice, as well as prevent roasting your fingers on a hot phone screen this summer. The biggest negative is that, like an astronaut's space suit, the XP3 is big and bulky. On the run, it was cumbersome to hold without a hydration pack or vest to stash it in.
POLAR PACER PRO
This story is from the Issue 04, 2022 edition of Runner's World US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 04, 2022 edition of Runner's World US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PARENTING THROUGH RUNNING
I GRAB MY headlamp and run down the driveway, heading out for the quiet streets an hour before sunrise.
STOP LISTENING TO MUSIC WHILE YOU RUN! (TRY AUDIOBOOKS INSTEAD)
I'VE RUN MORE than 30 marathons over the past 20 years, but I recently found one hack that has made my last two training cycles the most fun I've ever had logging a ton of miles: audiobooks.
RISE OF THE "ILLEGAL" RUNNING SHOES
Banned shoes emerged courtside long before they found their way onto a marathon course.
THE SECRET TO SPEED IS IN YOUR BLOOD
Some of the world's best runners credit this unorthodox Norwegian training method for their success. Is it right for you?
TEAM BONDING AND AMATEUR FILMMAKING
I WENT TO my first high-school cross-country practice freshman year in jean shorts, mostly walking as I heaved and huffed.
I NEED A DRINK RUN
TO KEEP THE cold at bay one December night in 2022, my friend Justine and I got together for some mulled wine, a hot drink as delicious as it is sentimental to me, reminding me of holiday gatherings and Christmas markets back home in the Czech Republic.
HOW TO START A RUN WHEN YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE IT
I'VE ALWAYS FELT validation when reading a story about writers and their love of procrastination.
THE CASE FOR NOT RUNNING
I HAVE TO let you in on a little secret: I haven't been running much these last few months, and it's the best decision I've made.
THANKS, SPECTATORS!
IN THE EARLY MORNING hours of Marathon Sunday, the nerves hit me even before I donned the shirt I made for the race, with \"ALY\" across my chest in hot-pink glittery letters.
HOW FAR CAN RUNNING LAKEYOU AFTER A DECADE OF ADDICTION!
WHEN MITCH AMMONS FINALLY GOT CLEAN, HE COULD BARELY JOG A HALF MILE. NOW HE'S LINING UP WITH SOME OF THE COUNTRY'S TOP DISTANCE RUNNERS AT THE 2024 OLYMPIC MARATHON TRIALS.