New equipment: How to keep your mobile phone and wallet dry in your belt pouch

The Hermetic Sling Bag from Fidlock is a waterproof belt pouch. It offers space for a smartphone, a small wallet and a car key. These items can't fall out of the bag when you're out on a SUP, dinghy or simply climbing on board, and the small bag's fastening also keeps it reliably sealed. After half an hour in one metre of water, not a drop was found inside. This is achieved by a very tight-fitting magnetic fastener with wide rubber sealing lips.

Practical: The smartphone display can be read and operated through the transparent material. This means you don't even have to take it out of your pocket for many functions. This means you can simply reply to a message or make a phone call on the SUP without the risk of dropping your car keys, for example. The latter can also be operated through the cover. The bag is also available in an opaque version. The buckle in the belt is also held in position by a magnet and can be slid open from the side. This makes it easy to open, but always holds reliably during activities. The strap is adjustable in length. This means that the Hermetic Sling Bag can be worn like a belt or over the shoulder. The bag then hangs under the armpit. The wearer does not have to take it off to look at their smartphone.

At 50 euros, the Fidlock bag is still in the price range of a cheaper waterproof smartphone case, but it offers space for other valuables and also secures them with the strap. fidlock.com

Comparable products

Catalyst Total Protection

A predecessor model already impressed in a test in 2017. The series has since been updated to the latest iPhone 13 and its water resistance and impact resistance have also been improved. The protection consists of several parts and encloses the device tightly, so no ease of use or function is lost. The cases are also available for older devices. Price: 89.99 euros. catalystcase.com

Lifeproof FRE

The protective cover from Lifeproof also performed well in the test. It protects against all elements without sacrificing functionality or comfort. Lifeproof uses 50 per cent recycled plastic to manufacture the mobile phone cover, which is designed to keep the device dry for one hour at a depth of two metres. It is also priced at just under 90 euros. It is available for the iPhone 13 and also for some older devices. lifeproof.com