Nothing brings the outdoor vibes to a screeching halt like an unforeseeable phone malfunction due to too much adventure. Hard-hitting splashes, dropping in deep water, infiltration of dirt, droplets in the charge port, and cracking a screen are just some of the scenarios you want to avoid while having your phone on a paddling trip.
Although we all like to unplug outdoors, the truth is a phone is not only a valuable multi-tool with a superb camera, guidebook, and access to weather info, but it has also become an integral part of our safety gear by providing the ability to check in with family or call for a rescue. With all the scenarios mentioned earlier though it is far too easy for our phones to get damaged or sink to the bottom of the drink. This makes a waterproof phone pouch a cheap and incredibly useful piece of gear for all paddlers.
To find out which phone pouches work best for kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, and even river tubing I took a collection of them on a recent volunteer ranger trip down the Wild and Scenic Rogue River to use while running whitewater, fishing, swimming and incidentally, when it rained for 24 hours straight.
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top waterproof phone pouches and cases in the industry, and crash-tested them in the gnarliest, wettest watersport of all.
Best waterproof phone pouch for 2025: Our top picks
- Best waterproof phone pouch overall: CASETiFY Bounce Extreme Pouch
- Runner-up best overall: Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL
- Runner-up best overall: Stash 7 Waterpocket
- Best on a budget: Chums Floating Phone Protector
- Cheapest waterproof phone pouch: AiRun Tech Waterproof Case
Wear A Life Jacket
- Everyone, even strong swimmers, needs to wear a life jacket at all times when on the water. It is extremely difficult to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water. Even a light wind can blow any paddlecraft away from you, faster than you can swim.
- Always wear a USCG-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling.
Best waterproof phone pouches overall
CASETiFY Bounce Extreme Pouch
CASETiFY Bounce Extreme Pouch Specs
Compatibility: most phones
Waterproof rating: Fully submersible up to 2 meters for 1 hour (IP68)
Price: $42
casetify.com
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Why I love it
CASETiFY is one of the most popular phone case brands, and their Bounce Extreme Pouch is compatible to fit most of the cases they sell and phone sizes in general. The pouch has built in floatation to keep it on the surface should you lose grip of it, and the Bounce Extreme is submersible down to two meters for up to an hour, meaning you can pretty much rely on your phone staying dry as long as you close the locking seal correctly. The pouch also maintains use of your touchscreen, even while underwater.
Reasons to buy
- Compatible with most phones and the brand’s cases
- IP68 rating submersible to two meters up to an hour
- Maintains use of your touchscreen in the water
Consider another if
- You prefer another style seal closure
- Want extra space for storing more items
Bottom Line
CASETiFY offers a reliable and compatible waterproof phone pouch at a reasonable price.
Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL
Pelican Marine Waterproof Floating Pouch XL Specs
Compatibility: Most smartphones
Waterproof rating: Submersion up to 1 meter (IP68)
Price: $30
pelican.com
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Why I love it
Pelican is a brand that has been trusted for decades in paddlesports, not to mention by the photography industry and military. They’ve made a waterproof phone pouch with the quality you’d expect.
One common scenario on marine excursions is the unintentional phone overboard move. I like Pelican’s take on a waterproof protector because it includes float bags in the product. Essentially, the Pelican waterproof pouch is also its own life preserver.
While in use as a volunteer river ranger, this case slid off my dry box and into the river. Because it floats and is brightly colored, it was easy to identify and retrieve at the bottom of a rapid. I like this feature because there isn’t always time to safely stow every item before things get exciting. In addition, the clear windows allowed me to take pictures while rowing, and scroll around to accomplish some tasks while floating in the boat.
The phone case is also cost-effective, especially because it is compatible with a range of phone sizes.
Reasons to buy
- Pouch floats
- Space for extra items
- Rollers and integrated straps are about as easy as loading a board gets
Consider another if
- You want a tighter fit
- Better protection deeper in the water column
Bottom Line
Pelican is a trusted brand in the industry, and this case is a no-brainer for those wanting a soft-shell phone protector.
Stash 7 Waterpocket
Stash 7 Waterproof Phone Case Specs
Compatibility: Most smart phones
Waterproof rating: tested to 2 meters up to 2 hours (IPX8)
Price: $39.95
stash7.com
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Why I love it
You may initially think, “What’s the difference between this pouch and the others,” but don’t be fooled, the Stash has a handful of standout design extras for its price point. Among them, an extra-long marine-grade leash and bright colors to make it easy to find. The long, strong leash allows you to feel at ease when the moment arises to stretch out and snag a photo. The lanyard also has reinforced eyelets attaching it to the case. This is a common failure point with PVC products. Gold star to Stash for extending the product’s lifetime as well as decreasing the chances you could be separated from your beloved smartphone due to a torn plastic loop.
Another plush extra is the felt interior. This helps prevent condensation in the plastic interior, greatly enhancing your phone’s touchscreen usability while it’s in the case.
Reasons to buy
- Felt interior
- Reinforced eyelets
- Long lanyard
- Bright colors
Consider another if
- Looking for a different style closure
Bottom Line
The Stash Waterpocket has a stylish name and an affordable price point. The color combos meet with functionality to keep your phone safe, and look pretty rad.
Best for performance on a budget
Chums Floating Phone Protector
Chums Floating Phone Protector Specs
Compatibility: Most smartphones
Waterproof rating: Not available
Price: $20
chums.com
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Why I love it
If Chums can protect my expensive prescription sunglasses, they can protect my smartphone too—right? This waterproof pouch straddles the summit of several product features. With incorporated float bags and top-grade waterproof materials, this floating dry bag functions at the highest level a pouch can function at. It is available in great patterns and colors, serving a variety of personal fashions.
This is the only product that clearly details the level of welding on its seams, which says a lot about the brand and the expected performance of the product.
Reasons to buy
- Welded seams
- Floating phone dry bag
- Rollers and integrated straps are about as easy as loading a board gets
Consider another if
- Your phone doesn’t fit
- You’re looking for a pouch with a smaller footprint
Bottom Line
Chums is the only brand marketing their product as a dry bag. This statement says a lot to a core user, especially with a low price tag.
Simplest and cheapest waterproof phone pouch
AiRun Tech Waterproof Case
AiRun Tech Waterproof Case Specs
Compatibility: Most smartphones up to 6” long
Waterproof rating: Not available
Price: $9.99 for three cases
airuntech-products.com
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Why I love it
AiRun Tech was founded by three fellows who love the outdoors. Their products are simple and to the point, which is beautiful in it of itself. This simplicity translates into very affordable price points for the end user.
Despite a low sticker price, the AiRun Tech waterproof case has the features you need for a pouch. The AiRun Tech is designed with an ultra-tough non-rip plastic material with double-stitched, sealed seams and scrim-reinforced vinyl bottom. A roll-top plastic closure tab system provides a secure and watertight seal.
Although the snap closure, which seals the phone case shut, does its job well, it’s a step that takes a little extra time, making it trickier to gain access to your phone, so it isn’t my favorite.
Many users feel this item is a crucial part of any outdoor kit, and we agree. If you just need a phone case, you can’t beat the AiRun for the price point.
Reasons to buy
- Affordable
Consider another if
- You want to invest in a phone case that you know will last multiple seasons
- You are looking for an easy to open and close top seal
Bottom Line
An AiRun Tech waterproof phone case will get the job done and get three for less than the cost of a lunch special.
Carry A Waterproof VHF Radio, Use Your Phone Only As A Backup
- A handheld VHF marine band radio allows you to communicate with the Coast Guard and other boat traffic. Use Channel 16 only for hailing and emergencies. The radio should be waterproof, because it is virtually certain to get wet.
- A cell phone, even if in a waterproof case or sealable bag, might not work, so don’t rely on it as the primary means of emergency communication.
Waterproof phone pouch buying advice
If you have an everyday case on your phone already, like an Otterbox or wallet, consider whether you want the out case to fit in the waterproof pouch, and also if you’d like to have an extra space inside the pouch beyond the phone itself. A case with built-in floaties will keep your phone on the surface of the water best, while one without will rely on any air inside the case to rise to the surface. The pouch is often accompanied by a lanyard which the phone hangs upside down from. Considering how integral our phones have become as cameras it’s worth having a pouch with a small clear window for the camera side of the phone. Phone photographers will also want to be sure there is enough play in the lanyard to hold your phone right-side up and take a picture.
How we tested
The waterproof phone cases and pouches in this article were first selected through carefully researching what products were widely available on the market. Next, the products selected were tested, on-the-job, by the author, a professional expedition gear boater/raft guide, while assisting a river ranger as a volunteer. Pouches were used for various daily tasks. All cases kept these items dry for up to three hours of intermittent submersion in the chaotic current and sediment of the Rogue River. The author found that because all waterproof phone cases were indeed waterproof (as advertised), the evaluation came down to individual, unique product features and versatility in multiple sports and leisure activities.
