Gear Guide

Paddle further. Stay connected. Keep your phone where you need it on the water.

Kayakers need their phone for navigation, weather updates, and capturing the moments that make the paddle worth it. The problem is every carrying option either buries the phone in a dry bag or leaves it dangling on a lanyard. The KOALA 2.0 by HANGTIME was built to solve that.

Kayaker on river with KOALA phone harness

Why It Matters

What kayakers actually need from a phone solution

Waterproof-ready access Dry bags bury your phone. Deck bags are out of reach mid-paddle. The KOALA keeps your phone locked to your chest — accessible in one motion, protected from spray, and right there when you need it.
One-handed access on the water Pull up a river map, check your GPS, or snap a photo without stopping. No digging through a dry bag, no stopping to unzip a deck pouch. Your phone is right there when you need it.
Works with any PFD Fits over a PFD, a base layer, or a lightweight shell. No case required. Compatible with virtually all smartphones. Doesn't interfere with your PFD buckles or chest strap.

The Honest Comparison

KOALA 2.0 vs. every other option kayakers use

Option Security Accessibility Verdict
KOALA 2.0 Harness Bungee tether keeps phone on your body — even if you flip Chest-mounted, one-handed access, no digging through a dry bag mid-paddle Best overall for kayaking
Dry bag in cockpit Phone stays dry but completely inaccessible while paddling Requires stopping, opening the bag, and re-sealing every time Safe storage, zero usability
PFD pocket Phone can work loose in rough water or a wet exit Awkward to reach while seated in a kayak, especially in a PFD Inconvenient when you need it most
Waterproof phone case on lanyard Floats if dropped, but swings and gets in the way while paddling Dangling lanyard is a hazard in moving water Clunky and potentially dangerous
Leave it in the car Safe from water, useless on the water No navigation, no emergency calls, no photos Not an option on serious water
Rogue River kayaking with KOALA phone harness

How It Works

Built for the water. Not the dock.

The KOALA 2.0 uses a Super-Grip silicone pad and bungee tether system to keep your phone locked against your chest. It works with virtually any smartphone — no case required — and fits over a PFD, a base layer, or a lightweight shell.

One-handed access means you can pull up a river map, check your GPS, or snap a photo without stopping. It's the difference between capturing the moment and missing it — or worse, getting lost on a remote waterway because your phone was buried in a dry bag.

Kayaker on calm water with phone accessible

Where It Works

Flatwater. Whitewater. Sea kayaking. All of it.

Kayakers use it to navigate remote waterways, document runs, and stay connected in the backcountry. Whitewater paddlers rely on it for rapid scouting and emergency communication on multi-day river trips where leaving your phone at the put-in isn't an option.

It's also the go-to for canoeists, stand-up paddleboarders, and anyone who wants their phone accessible on the water. 2,040+ reviews from paddlers, climbers, and skiers who've put it through real conditions.

As seen in
The New York Times NYT Wirecutter Backpacker Magazine Esquire Henry Ford Innovation Nation

Common Questions

Everything kayakers ask before buying

The KOALA is water-resistant and designed to handle spray, splashes, and light rain. For full submersion, we recommend pairing it with a waterproof phone case. The bungee tether keeps your phone tethered even if it gets knocked loose.
Yes. The KOALA is designed to layer over a PFD, a base layer, or a lightweight shell. It won't interfere with your PFD buckles or chest strap.
The KOALA 2.0 is compatible with virtually all smartphones. The Super-Grip silicone pad works without a case. Check our phone fit guide for a full compatibility list.
Yes. The bungee tether keeps your phone secured to your body even in rough water. Pair it with a waterproof case for full peace of mind on Class IV and V runs.
Every KOALA comes with our 100% no-worries warranty. If something goes wrong, we make it right. No questions asked.

Ready to Paddle Smarter

Stop worrying about your phone. Start paddling.

The KOALA 2.0 ships free on orders over $50. 100% no-worries warranty. 2,040+ five-star reviews from paddlers, climbers, and skiers who've put it through real conditions.

Shop KOALA 2.0