Waterproof smartphone pouch for activities near and in water.
Personally, I’m all for leaving my phone at home or in the car when I’m active in the outdoors. Still, it’s good to keep my phone on hand or in my bag if I get into trouble or if I want to use my fitness app, my alarm, and other iPhone apps.
After testing small- and medium-sized Nite Ize waterproof travel pouches, which both did an excellent job of keeping my essential purse items dry in my swim buoy, I tested Nite Ize’s Runoff® Waterproof Phone Pouch during several swims in a nearby lake.
I have also worn the pouch around my neck while swimming, but it got in the way of my stroke. It’s better designed for wearing around the neck while paddle boarding, boating, or other water activities.
Keep Your Phone Close
The slim, flat, vertical phone pouch is made out of the same durable TPU material as the other Runoff pouches, with clear windows on front and back that allow me to take photos and to use my iPhone’s touchscreen when the phone is inside the pouch.
Like the last time I tested a Nite Ize Waterproof Pouch, I was in a hurry and didn’t pre-test this pouch with paper in it before I used it at the lake. I just put my phone into it, then tossed the pouch into my swim buoy. Half an hour later, I opened the buoy after my swim and my phone was completely dry inside the pouch.
The Nite Ize Runoff® Waterproof Phone Pouch uses Tru® Zip Technology in its waterproof zipper. The zipper has a regular-looking zipper pull that seals the pouch as I pull it closed. I like this style much better than the “press to seal” Ziploc-style closures I’ve used on other pouches because I’m more confident that the pouch gets sealed correctly. With the Nite Ize pouch I know the seal has been made when I get the zipper pull across the length of the zipper.
Underwater Snaps
The Nite Ize Runoff® Waterproof Phone Pouch is designed to be submersible for up 30 minutes in a depth of one meter of water. It can even be used to take underwater photos. (See below for a very short underwater video I made.)
At this time of year, there’s not much to see, but I was impressed that the video goes from underwater to above the water and the pouch stays clear. No water droplets gathering on the pouch. I also was surprised by the responsiveness of the clear covering when using the touchscreen. I was able to operate my touchscreen even with the phone in its own case inside the pouch.
One of my phone cases doesn’t have the best responsiveness , so when I use that phone in the pouch sometimes it takes a few touches to connect (but I blame the case not the pouch).
Carry It, Wear It
The pouch has a flat loop on the back and attachment loops on the top of the back, and it comes with an adjustable lanyard so I can wear it around my neck or waist.
Details
Site: Fits phones up to 3.38″ wide and 6.53″ tall. I have used it with my iPhone SE, which is encased in a waterproof case, and my iPhone 12, which is encased in an OtterBox case.
Available in Blue and Charcoal.
Bottom Line
With an entry level phone at $400 and many models rising up to $1000, it’s smart to protect my phone. I like having peace of mind while I use my various tracking and timing apps while I’m swimming.
$Disclaimer: Always read the small print when you purchase a waterproof phone case, and the follow the manufacturer’s instructions. I use pouches as a second layer of defense since I have a waterproof cases on my phone. Always test the pouch with paper in it before you use it.
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