A good safety option, especially if you sail any of the Great Lakes....
I used to carry a marine radio in a nylon Dakine fanny pack while windsurfing. Though the radio was small, it was still kind of bulky. So when I got an Apple watch (without the dedicated phone line), I switched to putting my phone in a waterproof phone pouch
like this one by Joto, and then I'd stick that in the fanny pack. (The Apple Watch without the dedicated line only works when the phone is nearby). That combo allowed me to make calls from the water (via my watch or directly from the phone) if I ever got in trouble. Fortunately, I haven't had to make any emergency calls, at least yet, knock on wood!
I recently discovered this
nifty waterproof fanny pack by AiRunTech. The advantage over the Joto + Dakine fanny pack is that I no longer need to put the phone in a Joto pouch first -- it can go stright into the new pouch -- and the new pouch dries quicker. Plus, the plastic is supple, the buckle is solid, and in the grey-colored pouch, I can see my phone clearly, AND the plastic is touch sensitive. So it's easy to check e-mails, messages, etc. if you need to. Seems like a good design, with three seals to keep the water out. And not a bad price, given that one order comes with two pouches. I've only had it for a week, but so far, I'm digging it. I buckle it over my harness so that the pouch is on the backside of my harness. That way, it's outta sight and outta mind. Until, of course, I ever need to use it.
So just a friendly recommendation for those who go way the heck out there on the big lakes and are looking for some extra security via a phone. The one thing I don't know yet is how far my T-Mobile phone signal will reach offshore. (Haven't tested that yet.) That said, for REALLY far distances, a marine radio (and a buddy system) is still probably the best option.
Happy and
safe sailing to all!
