The Best Waterproof Gear to Protect Your Phone, Wallet, and Essentials
With warmer weather comes an appetite for water adventures. From kayaking and canoeing to boating and kiteboarding, there are so many ways to explore the waterways in your hometown or abroad. Having the right waterproof gear is an essential part of safekeeping your possessions while out and about. To help you protect your belongings and enjoy your day on the water, we rounded up some of the best waterproof gear for travelers to pack this summer, from portable speakers to protective phone cases. Whether you are setting sail on a boat tour, kayaking tranquil rivers, or experiencing adrenaline rushes while whitewater rafting, here are nine great pieces of waterproof gear to add to your packing list.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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Filson Dry backpack
Storing your phone, keys, and other essentials in a safe place when you’re on the water can make the difference between a successful vacation or a stressful end to the day. The Filson Dry backpack is made from nylon tarpaulin fabric with thermoplastic polyurethane which means that water cannot penetrate the bag, even when fully submerged.
OtterBox Frē Series MagSafe case
It’s helpful to be prepared for both surprise and intentional splashes by having a waterproof phone case like the Otterbox Frē. This phone case can be safely submerged in up to six feet of water for up to an hour—plenty of time to get some waterside selfies and explore underwater life. Made from 25 percent recycled plastics found in the ocean, the Otterbox Frē waterproof phone case also includes wireless charging capabilities and dust protection around the ports. The case also has built-in screen protection made for optimal shock absorption and has been tested to withstand five times as many drops as the average phone case.
Pelican Marine Series floating waterproof phone pouch
Another great piece of gear to protect your phone is this floating waterproof pouch that features a detachable lanyard. Whether you're afraid of accidental drops or are trying to capture some great underwater selfies, this fully waterproof phone case has you covered.
GoPro Hero10 waterproof action camera
Those incredible dives where you encounter majestic marine life like manta rays, eagle rays, green turtles, nurse sharks, and other impressive creatures are worth capturing on film. The GoPro Hero10 allows you to capture images and video while surfing, rafting, boating, and countless other marine adventures. High-tech features like 5.3K60 video and 23 Megapixel RAW image creation allows you to take photos with incredible detail. Included in the kit is a 128 GB micro SD card and a rechargeable battery.
JBL GO2 waterproof Bluetooth speaker
Listening to the songs of the summer while watching the sunset? Or maybe you decided on an impromptu jam session around the campfire? The JBL Go2 portable speaker is waterproof—so even if a drizzle catches you by surprise, it will be just fine. It weighs just over six ounces and offers five hours of continuous battery life.
Orvis waterproof sling pack
If you’re doing some deep wading while fishing or decide to take a kayak out on the water, this sling pack from Orvis is both stylish and waterproof. The TPU coated 500 nylon material is not the only waterproof aspect: There is also a Flexseal zipper so you can make sure your important items are being shielded from any drizzles or dunks. The pack has pockets on the interior and strap for easy access. Bonus: It features a water bottle pocket for easy hydration on the go.
Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack
A waterproof backpack that can take you from camping and hiking to water activities, the Fjallraven High Coast Foldsack is made from 100 percent recycled nylon. Its standout feature is a fold-top closure with both a zipper and metal clasp, keeping water out when its most urgent. The front and side pockets allow for easy stowing of phones and small items.
Body Glove hip pack
If you need a place to store just the essentials like your phone, wallet, and a lip balm, the Body Glove hip pack is a great size that won't add too much weight on your body or kayak. The waterproof pack is made with TPU-coated poly material and has secure plastic fasteners that close around your hip. The convenient phone pocket is in a separate compartment, situated in the front, so you don’t miss recording or snapping any action happening around you. Although the pack is water resistant, watch those tumbles as its not meant to be fully submerged.
Malibu Zuma LX slides
When you need a soft and waterproof sandal to take you from the beach to the boat and back again, these nylon neoprene slides by Malibu Sandals are a hardy pick. The Zuma Slides are constructed with superior traction on the outsole for added grip. (Looking for full-on water shoes? We've got recs for those, too.)
