My $50 'waterproof' map case saved my phone on the Appalachian Trail last month

I was hiking the AT in Virginia and got hit by a sudden downpour near a creek crossing. I spent 8 bucks on a cheap map case before the trip but swapped last minute for a heavy duty one at an outfitter for $50. Lost my footing on a wet rock and my whole pack went into the water for maybe 10 seconds. The map case was sealed tight and my phone and paper maps were bone dry inside. My buddy lost his phone to water damage using a ziploc bag that same day. Anyone else had a cheap gear gamble actually work out better than the expensive stuff?

2 comments

2 Comments

jade22122d ago

Took a $10 dry bag for a swim in the Shenandoah and my gear came out dry too.

felix_bailey4522d ago

Did you actually test it yourself or just take their word for it? I tried a cheap bag once on the Potomac and my phone came out looking like it went through a car wash. Guess that's what I get for trusting a bargain bin special.