M-TAC waterproof document case

M-TAC waterproof document case is a thin transparent pouch that protects a phone, passport, banknotes and other documents from water, rain, dirt and sand. It's an inexpensive way to protect what can't be fixed once wet: on a hike, in a boat, on a paddle board or on a rainy workday, a waterproof document pouch does more than an expensive waterproof jacket.

How the seal works

Double press-seal strip
At the top of the pouch there are two parallel press-seal strips. When both are pressed shut, an air gap remains between them, which acts as a second barrier if the first strip lets water through. This solution is also used in professional laboratory bags. Your fingers are enough to close it, with no buckles or zips.

A rigid green latch
A rigid plastic latch goes over the strips and clamps the whole top of the pouch across the full width. The opening direction is embossed on it, so even with gloves you can see which side to pull from. The latch stops the strips parting if the pouch is pressed in a backpack or when sitting.

A cord with a sliding lock
The cord in the kit attaches to the corners of the pouch, and its length is adjusted with a sliding lock. The pouch can be worn round your neck under a jacket, shortened to chest height, or removed completely and put in a backpack. The cord is thin, so it doesn't interfere when wearing a backpack or vest.

Which size to choose

Four sizes in one series
16 x 9 cm suits a passport, bank cards and a wad of cash. 16 x 12 cm and 19 x 12 cm are for phones: the first for compact models, the second for current 6.5 inch screens with a case. 32 x 25 cm holds a map, an A4 document folder or a tablet.

• 16 x 9 cm: passport, cards, cash
• 16 x 12 cm: compact phone
• 19 x 12 cm: large-screen phone with a case
• 32 x 25 cm: map, tablet, A4 documents

Who is the M-TAC waterproof document pouch for?

The pouch is for those whose documents must stay dry but who don't want to carry a big dry bag. It lets paddlers and paddle boarders keep a phone at hand and use it without taking it out. For anglers and hunters it protects permits and ID. For travellers it keeps a passport and tickets in one place. For cyclists and motorcyclists it works as rain protection for a phone in a pocket.

The transparent film is sensitive to touchscreens, so you can call, take photos or view navigation without opening the pouch. Still, it's a thin-walled protective pouch, not diving equipment: it's made to protect against rain, splashes and brief immersion, not for swimming deep under water with it.

Before putting a phone in, it's worth checking the pouch's seal: close the empty pouch with a small amount of air inside, submerge it in water and press. If there are no bubbles, the pouch is sealed.