Waterproof Soft Cases

Featured review by Pearljam42

I have the small version of the Seal Line case so my review is based on that size only. It does the job, is very handy (fits in my pocket), and I can still use the touch screen on my iPhone 4S — all great attributes. I use my case primarily for protecting my phone during runs/hikes in the rain and it has adequately done the job — I cannot attest to how well it would work if it was dropped in the water. My reasoning for the four-star rating is due to the fact that my iPhone BARELY fits into it (with the case on).

Read more: SealLine E-Case reviews (4)

Reviewed by Bentbrook

A light and thoughtfully designed pouch that offers a transparent TPU panel for easy viewing of contents. A lightweight organizer pouch recommended for travelers or backpackers who don't mind sacrificing a bit of weight for a tad more durability and function.

The See Pouch is a Sea to Summit product that—as the name suggests—allows one to see the contents of the pouch without opening it. Sea to Summit produces these in three sizes: Small (215x40x100 mm; 8.5x1.6x3.9 in), Medium (250x65x145 mm; 9.8x2.6x5.7 in), and Large (270x70x215 mm; 10.6x2.8x8.5 in). The color combinations include Lime/Black (pictured), Midnight/Slate, and Aubergine/Slate. This review concerns the small Lime/Black See Pouch. Features Translucent Cordura fabric (labeled Ultra-Sil by Sea to Summit) Puncture resistant transparent TPU panel Hypalon grab tags for "secure opening and closing" The See Pouch appears to be durable.

Read more: Sea to Summit See Pouch review (1)

Reviewed by JanI

Mostly waterproof and still fits into PFD pocket, but fiddly and pricey.

I've had this phone case for 3 (?+) years, used while kayaking (carried usually in PFD pocket, so suffered the occasional full submersion, as well as getting banged around). Nice workmanship and design (few [none?] other soft cases are certified beyond IPx7), and I particularly like the fact that the zip goes along the long side of the phone, and gets rolled up tightly against it. This makes for a compact package that can get stuffed into tight pockets. Also, the choice of colours includes some nicely visible ones, so less chance of leaving the phone in a dark boot or on a beach.

Read more: Sea to Summit TPU Guide Accessory Case review (1)

Reviewed by John261

Lightweight and waterproof food grade storage.

OK, I have just bought two A6 and two A5 Ortlieb snack packs. The two A6 (passport size) are for storing fresh loose leaf tea and the other one is for storing fresh coffee. These Ortlieb snack packs are food grade plastic. They look the same as the Ortlieb map case. They have the same roll top velcro fastening and black and silver cord, which if you don't wear it around your neck you can take it off and save about 6 grams. Which brings me to the weight. The A5 size with cord attached is about 39 grams, so deduct 6 or 7 grams for removing the cord.

Read more: Ortlieb Snack Pack review (1)

Reviewed by Terry Brawley

Last month I wiped out my Nikon camera while rescuing another kayaker. Got another camera and bought the Aquapac Small Camera Case with a hard lens cover. The case is waterproof and has a 5 year warranty. My Lumix camera fits inside and when the zoom lens extends, it's protected by the attached lens cover. Works perfectly and the case IS waterproof..I used it to take pictures while teaching a kayak class...thru capsizes, re-entries, without a drop of water getting in the case. The picture above is for the small camera case NOT the case with a hard lens.

Aquapac makes many waterproof cases for items (various size cameras, phones, tablets, nanos, etc). For small point and shoot cameras, their Small Camera Case works well. My Lumix has a lens that extends about 1 1/2" so I ordered the Aquapac Small Camera Case with Hard Lens. The case is made of a tough clear plastic and has a housing attached via a waterproof seal which allows the lens to fit easily and for photos to be taken through a clear acylic lens cover. The case is sealed by rotating two levers at one end of the case towards the sides of the case, at which point they lock with a pressure fit.

Read more: Aquapac Mini Camera Case with Hard Lens review (1)

Reviewed by GCap48

Great little pouch for protecting your cellphone or GPS unit.

I bought this item to use on my overnight canoe trip down the Delaware River this past spring. I wanted to protect my phone but still have it accessible to take photos or to check the GPS.   It worked perfectly! I used the lanyard and clipped the pouch to the front of my PFD. I was able to use the touch screen through the clear plastic front and I even could take pictures with my phone still inside the pouch. I have a  MotoX and use a simple case for it so even with the case on I could still fit the phone easily inside the pouch.

Read more: Dry Pak GPS/PDA/Smart Phone Case review (1)

Reviewed by PhilNC

A lightweight relatively durable and excellently waterproof case for your most important navigation aid—a map! It has versatile clip/carry options, large enough for a full trip-worth of maps, and can protect other devices like your phone. A worthy companion for wet weather trips with only some loose threads showing after 9 months of solid use - and Aqua Quest honored the warranty and sent a replacement.

A one minute review... I was looking for a sturdy map case last year in preparation for a walk across wet and windy Scotland and decided to try the Aqua Quest Trail Map Case. I found it performed admirably in testing and multiple wet (snow and rain) trips—not letting any moisture in and adaptable enough for multiple maps as well as phone, compass etc. It has become a regular companion on my backpacking trips and day hikes where I need to navigate on a regular basis.  The only real negative to me is the multiple loose threads that are appearing along the edge of the map window.

Read more: Aqua Quest Trail Map Case review (1)

Reviewed by TJ1984

The OverBoard Waterproof SLR bag is a roll-top dry bag designed for SLR cameras. It is simple but smartly featured; including a smooth camera friendly liner, and an elasticated mesh pocket perfect for small accessories like an extra battery. The bag is suitable for an ample sized lens and rolls down reasonably small. It is waterproof, and it floats if dropped in water. It is the perfect accessory for the hiker/camper/kayaker who loves SLR photography and doesn't want to deal with large bulky camera bags to protect their SLR.

I am a hiker, and along with that, SLR photography is one of my hobbies. I have always used one of my smaller SLR bags (Manfrotto Bella IV) which is quite a nice small bag, but unfortunately unreasonably bulky and heavy for hiking, especially since I tend to the lightweight side of things when selecting gear. I wanted a bag that would provide reasonable protection from dust, dirt, abrasion and most importantly water damage for my standard SLR kit that comes on my hikes (Canon T2i with EF17-40mm F4L lens).

Read more: OverBoard Waterproof SLR Camera Bag review (1)

Reviewed by Christina Chu

Watertight, easy to close, doesn't interfere with phone's capacitive touch features nor camera. Hard to see through case when using around salt water (dried salt deposits do wash off easily however).

This case is water tight (I've only tested it in 5 foot swimming pools, tested for about an hour, bone dry phone inside) and easy to close (think large ziplock bag). Capacitive touch works perfect through case's plastic. My phone actually seems to respond better when it is touch through this case. Love the large plastic windows on both sides so it doesn't matter which side I put the camera/front of phone at. I do like having the lock button on the side without the zip-lock seal. Can take great pictures with phone inside this case.

Read more: E-Case eSeries 9.5 review (1)