A tethered chest pouch assembly for carrying a personal electronic device comprises a pouch having a closable opening configured to receive a personal electronic device. The assembly additionally comprises a base panel configured to be worn by a user in or around the user's chest area. The pouch is postionable with respect to the panel in at least: a closed position in which the pouch is releasably fastened substantially flat against the panel; an open position in which a top of the pouch is rotated outwardly from the panel while the pouch remains attached to the panel near a lower edge of the pouch; and a tethered position in which the pouch is tethered to the panel. The pouch may additionally be completely decoupled from the base panel.