Travel Essentials: How to pick the BEST Waterproof Phone Pouch

Atop any summer, beach, pool, and general travel essentials packing list for vacation should be a waterproof phone pouch. A watertight phone pouch will not only save your phone from potential disaster, but is also the answer of how to take photos underwater! I have reviewed a BUNCH, and I'm going to be going over key features to keep in mind when picking out your waterproof phone pouch, and including a detailed review (with videos!) of two of my favorites.

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by ProCase and JOTO but all thoughts and opinions are my own. I honestly never go to the pool, beach, or waterpark without 1 of these for myself, my husband, and my son (our twins don't have phones yet but they'll be using waterproof pouches as soon as they do!) This post also includes affiliate links - as an Amazon affiliate, I earn commission from qualified purchases made after clicking my links.​

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​KEY FEATURES TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHOPPING:
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• SCREEN FUNCTION: I've tested MANY phone pouches, and some of them make your screen not function underwater, which means you can only take photo and start/stop a video by usign the side button. I've had others where going in and out of the water triggered the video to start or stop on its own. This malfunction RUINED my waterpark footage on one vacation because I would start the photo and then during the waterslide, the video would start and stop every time water hit the screen. Phone didn't get wet but it was still a disaster IMO. Suffice it to say, both the pouches I review later in this post past the screen function test on every level!
• SIZE: In regard to waterproof phone pouches, size DOES matter... some are just big enough for your phone WITHOUT it's regular case, some are meant for regular size phones, some are big enough for your Max / Ultra size phone. Make sure to double check size before ordering.
• FLOATING: Most waterproof phone pouches on the market do not float, and if you're doing snorkeling or diving, maybe you'd rather it didn't. But for me it's a bonus if they do float. It's nice to know retrieval should be easy if you or your kid accidentally drops it in the water, or if it's hanging by the lanyard around your neck and gets knocked off your body when you get hurled off the banana boat (I speak from experience). Of the 2 pouches I review below, 1 floats and 1 doesn't, so depending on which you prefer, I've got you!
• EASE OF ACCESS: I find pouches much easier to get your phone in and out than, let's say, a waterproof cell phone case.  I like the extra large pouches best because your phone goes in and out quickly, and you can often fit extras in there as well like your hotel room card and/or credit card. So it becomes more of a dry bag than just a phone pouch.
• WINDOW SIZE:  Many phone pouches have 1 side with a full window (for your screen) and the opposite side has a small window for your back cameras, which can cause trouble if you have one that doesn't fit your phone well, or if you're throwing other items in with your phone. I prefer pouches that have both sides of the pouch fully clear, like both of the pouches I'm reviewing below.

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ProCase Waterproof Phone Pouch

This ProCase floating phone case gets my vote as the best floatable waterproof phone case. It doesn't have air inside with your phone that could interfere with function, but rather it has a really unique built-in air padding bubble frame that keeps it from sinking and makes it easy to retrieve in the water. Just a really cool design for a floating phone pouch!

BOTH sides of this are fully clear, but it's worth mentioning that (in my experience anyway) only the logo side has full functionality underwater with a high-sensitivity TPU window, so just make sure you put your phone in the correct way. Above water, underwater, no worries - you can scroll, switch selfie to regular mode, take photos and videos, you name it!

It's got a great snap-and-seal closure, a lanyard for hands-free carrying, and comes in a bunch of colors!

Shop this waterproof ProCase phone floatation device on Amazon (affiliate link).

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JOTO Waterproof Phone Pouch

​This is the best-selling classic Joto waterproof phone pouch has a full window on both sides, utilizing thick, transparent material that ensures keeping your phone dry while helping you take crystal-clear photos and videos! It features a sturdy, secure lock so you can rest assured not a drop of water will get in there, and the lanyard is strong and durable.

This one passed my in and out of water test with flying colors as well, with great screen functionality, and the water tension did not trigger the photo or video button.

​Available in many colors, get a few so you'll always have one matching your swimsuit! Do note, this one does NOT float, so you want to be extra careful not to drop it in the water., but it might be the preferred choice for someone who snorkels and dives and doesn't want their underwater phone pouch to float.

Shop for this Joto Waterproof Phone Pouch on Amazon (affiliate link).

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I hope this post helped you realize a waterproof phone case should be at the top of your pool, waterpark, and beach essentials packing list! And helped you figure out which features are most important for selecting YOUR best waterproof phone pouch and phone dry bag.

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