Booe Waterproof Belt Bag Review: Is It Worth It?

If you have ever panicked because a rogue wave splashed your beach bag or spent a relaxing day on the lake anxiously holding your phone above your head, you know the stress of water activities. We invest hundreds of dollars in our tech but often protect it with cheap, disposable Ziploc bags that leak the moment you look at them wrong.

That is why the Booe Waterproof Belt Bag caught my attention. It promises not just “water resistance” but complete, submersible waterproofing using a high-tech “toothless” zipper. It claims you can swim, snorkel, and paddle with your phone and keys completely dry.

For those looking to purchase a Booe Waterproof Belt Bag, I strongly recommend buying directly from the official Booe website or their authorized retailers like REI. Because the waterproofing relies on the integrity of the welded seams and the specialized TRU Zip™ technology, you do not want to risk buying a knock-off or a “used-like new” return from a third-party seller that might have a compromised seal.

In this review, I will walk you through my real-world testing of this bag—from the initial struggle with the zipper to submerged snorkeling tests—to help you decide if this is the ultimate insurance policy for your gear.

My Experience With Booe Waterproof Belt Bag

I picked up the Booe Belt Bag specifically for a kayaking and snorkeling trip where I knew everything I owned would eventually get wet.

I chose the “Marine Blue” color, which looks sharp and high-visibility. Out of the box, the first thing you notice is the zipper.

It doesn’t look like a normal zipper; it looks like a smooth rubber seal. When I tried to open it, I honestly thought it was stuck.

It requires a significant amount of force to pull open and closed.

This is by design—it’s an airtight seal—but it definitely takes some getting used to compared to a standard fanny pack.

To test the “100% waterproof” claim before trusting it with my iPhone, I did the tissue test. I stuffed the bag with dry tissues, zipped it shut (making sure I felt the final “click” of the zipper lock), and submerged it in my bathtub under a heavy shampoo bottle for 30 minutes. When I came back, the bag was still floating (it is airtight, so it acts like a balloon), and the tissues inside were bone dry. Confidence boosted, I took it to the ocean.

Wearing it as a crossbody sling while kayaking was comfortable, although the strap is a bit basic. The real magic happened when I jumped in the water. I kept my phone, car keys, and a credit card inside. I swam around for about 20 minutes, diving shallowly to look at fish. The bag floats right next to you, which is reassuring. The clear back panel is a standout feature; I could actually check the time and take a blurry underwater photo without taking my phone out.

However, it is not perfect. While the waterproofing is bulletproof, accessing your stuff quickly is not. Because the zipper is so tight, you can’t just casually unzip it with one hand to grab chapstick. It requires two hands and a bit of muscle. Also, after a day in saltwater, the zipper felt even stiffer until I rinsed it. It’s a vault, not a purse. You use this when you want zero water getting in, not for quick access. But for the peace of mind of knowing my $1,000 phone wasn’t drinking seawater? It was absolutely worth the struggle.

Pros Of Booe Waterproof Belt Bag

Legitimate IP67 Waterproof Rating: This is the real deal. IP67 means the bag can be submerged in 1 meter (about 3.3 feet) of water for up to 30 minutes without leaking. Unlike “water-resistant” bags that only handle splashes, this bag is fully submersible. The welded seams mean there are no stitch holes for water to seep through. It basically turns your valuables into a submarine.
TRU Zip™ Toothless Technology: The zipper is the star of the show. It is silent, toothless, and self-healing. Because it has no teeth to misalign or break, it forms a complete vacuum seal. It is surprisingly satisfying to close once you get the hang of it, and it keeps dust and sand out just as effectively as water.
Touchscreen-Friendly Clear Window: The back of the bag features a clear window that allows you to use your phone while it is still safely sealed inside. This is a game-changer for beach days. You can change your music, check maps, or text without ever exposing your device to sand or water.
It Floats: Because the seal is airtight, the bag traps air inside. If you accidentally drop it off a boat or a dock, it will bob on the surface rather than sinking to the bottom of the lake like a rock. This feature alone could save your keys and phone from being lost forever in murky water.
Versatile Wearing Styles: The included strap is adjustable enough to wear it as a classic fanny pack around your waist, a crossbody sling across your chest, or even over the shoulder. This versatility makes it easy to adapt for different activities, like kayaking (chest carry) vs. hiking (waist carry).

Cons Of Booe Waterproof Belt Bag

Zipper Requires Significant Force: The trade-off for a waterproof seal is that the zipper is stiff. It requires a strong tug to open and a deliberate pull to close. If you have arthritis or weak grip strength, you might find this bag frustrating to use. It is not a bag you can dip into quickly with one hand while driving.
Price Point: At around $50-$60, this is expensive for a small bag. You are paying for the technology, but for the same price, you could buy ten cheap “dry bags” (though they wouldn’t be as convenient). It is an investment piece for people who are near water frequently, not for the casual pool-goer.
Strap Lacks a Quick-Release Buckle: Unlike some competitors (like the Nite Ize RunOff), the Booe strap uses simple hooks. To take the bag off, you have to pull it over your head or step out of it if you are wearing it as a belt. A simple clip buckle would have made taking it on and off much easier, especially when wearing a life jacket.
Limited Capacity: The bag is designed for essentials only. Once you put a large smartphone (like an iPhone Pro Max) inside, you have just enough room for a slim wallet, keys, and maybe a lip balm. It is deceptively flat; if you overstuff it, it becomes very difficult to engage the zipper seal properly.
Susceptible to Staining: If you choose a light color like the “Sail White” or “Coral,” be warned that the TPU material can pick up dye transfer from dark jeans or get dingy from dirt and sunscreen over time. The darker colors like Marine Blue or Black keep their look much longer.

Maintenance Tips For Booe Waterproof Belt Bag

Lubricate the Zipper Regularly: This is non-negotiable. Booe includes a lubrication wipe with the bag, and you need to use it. If the zipper starts feeling dry or extra hard to pull, apply a specialized zipper lubricant (or the wipes provided). This keeps the TRU Zip sliding smoothly and ensures the seal remains watertight.
Rinse with Fresh Water: After every use in saltwater or a chlorinated pool, you must rinse the bag thoroughly with fresh tap water. Salt crystals can dry inside the zipper track, acting like sandpaper that can damage the seal over time. Wash it just like you would a wetsuit.
Store with Zipper Closed: To maintain the shape of the seal, it is generally recommended to store the bag with the zipper in the closed position. This prevents the rubber tracks from warping or collecting dust in storage. However, ensure the inside is completely dry before sealing it for long periods to avoid mold.
Check the Seal Before Use: Before every trip, do a quick visual check of the zipper. Make sure there is no sand, lint, or hair trapped in the track. Even a single strand of hair can break the airtight seal and allow water to wick inside. Run your finger along the track to clear debris before zipping.
Clean with Mild Soap: If the bag gets dirty, use a mild soap (like Dawn) and warm water to wipe down the exterior. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or bleach, as these can degrade the TPU coating and weaken the welded seams.

Comparison With Other Brands

Comparison with Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Hip Pack

Nite Ize RunOff is the closest competitor because it actually uses the exact same TRU Zip technology. The waterproofing performance is identical. However, the Nite Ize version typically features a strap with a quick-release buckle, which is easier to take on and off than the Booe. The Booe bag generally has a more stylish, “lifestyle” aesthetic with better color options, while the Nite Ize looks more like technical gear. If you care about fashion, get Booe. If you care about the buckle, get Nite Ize.

Comparison with YETI Sidekick Dry

The YETI Sidekick Dry is built like a tank but uses a different closure system. Yeti uses powerful magnets and a hook-and-loop fold, whereas Booe uses the zipper. The Yeti is much easier to open and close quickly but is bulkier and rigid. The Booe is slim and flexible. Also, the Yeti Sidekick is designed to attach to other Yeti coolers and bags, whereas the Booe is a standalone wearable. If you need a standalone fanny pack, Booe is better. If you need an add-on for your cooler, Yeti wins.

Comparison with Cheap “Phone Pouches” (Lanyard Style)

You can find those clear plastic phone pouches on Amazon for $10. These are fine for a single use, but they are flimsy. They often leak at the plastic clamp closure after a few uses and offer zero storage for keys or wallets. The Booe bag is a piece of luggage that will last for years; the cheap pouches are disposable. Booe also allows you to carry more than just a phone, consolidating your pockets into one secure spot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Booe Belt Bag really submersible?

Yes. It is IP67 rated, meaning it can be submerged up to 1 meter (3 feet) for 30 minutes. It is designed for snorkeling, swimming, and falling off paddleboards. However, it is not designed for deep scuba diving.

Can I use my phone while it is in the bag?

Yes. The bag has an internal divider and a clear back window. You can slide your phone into this pocket and use the touchscreen through the plastic. FaceID often works, but fingerprint sensors will not work through the plastic.

Does the bag float?

Yes. Because the zipper creates an airtight seal, the bag traps air inside. Unless you pack it with lead weights, it will naturally float on the surface of the water, making it easy to retrieve if dropped.

How do I fix a sticky zipper?

If the zipper becomes hard to pull, clean the tracks with fresh water and apply the zipper lubricant wipes included with the bag (or buy TRU Zip lubricant). This restores the smooth glide instantly.

Conclusion

The Booe Waterproof Belt Bag is more than just a fashion accessory; it is a legitimate piece of gear for anyone who loves the water but hates the anxiety of ruining their electronics. While the stiff zipper and lack of a buckle are minor annoyances, they are small prices to pay for a bag that offers 100% submersible protection. It replaces the need for disposable plastic bags and keeps your essentials safe, dry, and floating right next to you. If you are planning a beach vacation, a kayaking trip, or just spending summer by the pool, I recommend buying this bag from the official Booe website. It allows you to actually enjoy the water instead of worrying about it.