Loksak aLoksak waterproof gadget protector

The range of aLOKSAK waterproof pouches are made by LOKSAK Inc in the USA and they say that they are the only completely waterproof, dust proof and humidity proof storage bags on the consumer market. Bold claims indeed but after some impressive performance in the wettest January since time began I think the humble sandwich bag has met its match.

There is a decent selection of sizes in the aLOKSAK range for whatever you'll be wanting to protect. We've got the 86 x 162mm (76 x 140mm internal) size, which is marketed as great for smartphones. Nine quid gets you a pack of three polythene bags with a hermetic seal tested and certified waterproof to 60m (200ft). Using a medical grade film they are also certified in the US to be safe as food storage.

The aLOKSAK has lived in my jersey pocket on every ride over the last five weeks and has performed brilliantly in terms of keeping the rain and road spray out even on a couple of days when I risked just a windproof jersey before getting drowned in a monsoon. The bonus over any sandwich bag here though is that you don't get any condensation inside when it's sitting between a wet outer layer and your warm body. This also works on dry warm rides when sweat transfers through your jersey onto your phone.

The bag works with touchscreens, so you can use your phone while it's sealed away from the elements and even taking calls through the bag seemed to work fine. GPS signals weren't affected either if you use your phone for mapping or Strava style apps.

I use a Samsung Galaxy Fame and this fitted spot on in the aLOKSAK. There is a bit of spare room for the bigger screened phones, S3 for example. I usually carried phone, cash card, cash, a few business cards and a front door key which filled the bag without stretching it. It has got a small amount of flex and give in the material should you need to pack some more things in there though and the sharp edges of the key haven't punctured the film.

The packaging says that the aLOKSAK remains flexible down to -40°C which thankfully I haven't had to test but as we've had very few freezing days here in the UK a quick overnight kitchen freezer test certainly didn't highlight any durability issues with the material. It wasn't quite as flexible as at room temperature but nothing of any concern.

On the whole I think the aLOKSAK is a worthy investment, especially at £3 a bag. After a month of daily use it's lost some of the logos and has gained a couple of blemishes and scuffs to the material but it's still just as tight as it was when it came out of the packet. Sealing is easy with just a drag of your finger and thumb and even applying my bodyweight by standing on it couldn't make the seal pop open. I'll happily be using the aLOKSAK on every ride throughout the year.

Verdict

More than just a sandwich bag: impressive performance and neat touches for smartphone users.