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How To Keep Your Phone Dry While Kayaking
Carrying a mobile phone around with you all the time is now part of life today. Not only do they provide us with many social connections but they also play a very important role in safety, especially while kayaking.
If you do get into difficulty out on the water, having quick access to your phone for calling the authorities or rescue services is vital backup.
Phones like any electronic device must be kept out of the water at all times of course. So I’ve provided a number of solutions in this article on how to keep your phone dry while kayaking.
Following at least one of these options will ensure you do have a working phone at all times while on the water. Let’s now take a look at my key suggestions.
Kayak Compartments
For those who own a kayak with built-in compartments, storing essential items here is an option to go with If you’re unlikely to use your phone while in the kayak. The front hatch compartment being the best choice.
Not all hatch covers on the kayak compartments are fully waterproof so I’d suggest placing your phone inside a small dry bag along with other essential items such as wallet and keys.
The dry bag will offer far greater protection against water ingress compared to a regular hiking daypack for example.
Dry Bags
Dry bags sizes are measured in litres, and generally they go from the tiny 5 litre size which will accommodate a phone and a few other items, right up to 50 or even 60 litres.
So the first consideration when deciding on a dry bag is size. If you’re on the water for an afternoon the smaller sizes of 10 litres and under will be ideal.
If you’re multi-day kayaking then of course a larger size dry bag is more suited, but you may want to consider having your phone in a smaller bag for quick access regardless.
It’s up to you of course how you want to play it. For kayak camping you’ll need to carry a tent, sleep system and so on.
The other main consideration when it comes to dry bags is the International Protection Rating or IP rating for short, IP68 rated offers the highest waterproof protection.
This translates in the real world to protection at 6 metres for 60 minutes which is plenty enough for kayaking.
I’d suggest a minimum of IP66 as this will protect your phone from a brief submersion underwater.
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Deck Bags
An alternative to the dry bag is the deck bag. These types of bag fit the profile of the deck directly in front of the cockpit and allow quicker access to stored gear.
There are a whole load of different types of deck bags available. Some have their own build it compartment for storing electronic items.
The bag is attached by using the nylon straps and buckles of the bag and securing around the deck lines of the kayak on both sides.
Take note again on the IP rating of the deck bag, the minimum I’d go for is IP66 here in case you do flip the kayak over.
My favorite type of deck bag is one with a semi-rigid peeked shape for easy interior visibility, plus one handed access while paddling.
The Overboard Waterproof Deck Bag is a great option to go with here.
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Waterproof Phone Case
For me personally I place my phone into a dedicated waterproof case when kayaking. Even when using any of the above storage solutions it’s always worth having your phone actually inside a case that has a complete waterproof seal.
Many of the cases on the market are not really up to the job of 100% protecting your phone from water ingress if you capsize.
The Aquapac TrailProof Phone Case is different. This case has a ziplock closure that is vacuum sealed, providing a complete waterproof protective case for your phone.
The front of the case has an optically-clear LENZFLEX lens window meaning you can operate the phone as normal, plus at the rear of the phone covering the camera lens also so you can take pictures while on the water.
The supplied carabiner allows you to attach the case to your life jacket for extra security. The case doesn’t provide any buoyancy so you will have to ensure its secured with paracord to your person or the kayak itself.
Last update on 2024-04-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Life Jacket With Pockets
With the combination of the waterproof case we took a look at earlier and a life jacket with pockets this double solution is the best for those who want to use their phone while paddling.
Say for example you see something to photograph, having the phone on your person in a large bellows style pocket on the front of your life jacket makes it super quick to grab your phone and take that picture.
There is also a safety aspect here too. If you do become separated from your kayaking for whatever reason you have a phone to call for help and the waterproof case will allow you to make a call while in the water.
There’s a whole tonne of life jackets out there for kayaking. I’d suggest taking a look at the Onyx Life Jacket designed for paddle sports.
The jacket has roomy zippered front pockets and is comfortable even over a large jacket and outer layers. It’s a popular life jacket with many serious kayakers out there.
Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Final Thoughts
Using a combination of at least one or more of these options will certainly keep your phone dry while kayaking.
It really is down to which type of environment, whether its sea, river or whitewater kayaking that determines the best way to keep your phone dry while paddling.
For me personally, I’d opt for putting my phone into something like the waterproof case from Aquapac and storing inside a zippered front pocket on my life jacket.
For those who want to use their kayaking time away from smartphone screens completely but have a phone as backup in an emergency then storage inside a small dry bag inside a front compartment may be a better option.
Let me know in the comments which is your favorite way of caring for your phone and essential items while out enjoying time spent on the water kayaking. Stay safe out there and happy paddling.
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