Best phone harness for whitewater rafting Keep your phone where you need it on the river.
Your phone is your safety line, your camera, and your navigation. Keep it on your body — not buried in a dry bag at the bottom of the raft.
Why It Matters
What rafters actually need from a phone solution
The Honest Comparison
KOALA 2.0 vs. every other option rafters use
| Option | Security | Accessibility | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| KOALA 2.0 Harness | Bungee tether keeps phone on your body — even if you swim | Chest-mounted, one-handed access between rapids — no dry bag to open | Best overall for whitewater rafting |
| Dry bag in the raft | Phone stays dry but completely inaccessible while on the water | Requires stopping, opening the bag, and re-sealing every time | Safe storage, zero usability |
| PFD pocket | Phone can work loose in a swim or rough rapid | Awkward to reach while seated in a raft, especially in a PFD | Inconvenient when you need it most |
| Waterproof 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 at the put-in | Safe from water, useless on the river | No navigation, no emergency calls, no photos | Not an option on serious water |
How It Works
Built for the river. Not the riverbank.
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 between rapids without stopping. The bungee tether keeps your phone tethered to your body even if you swim — because on serious water, losing your phone isn't an option.
Where It Works
Class II. Class V. Multi-day expeditions. All of it.
Rafters use it to scout rapids, document runs, and stay connected on multi-day river trips. When you're deep in a canyon with no cell service, your phone needs to be on your body — not buried in a dry bag.
It's also the go-to for kayakers, canoeists, and stand-up paddleboarders who want their phone accessible on the water. 2,040+ reviews from paddlers, climbers, and skiers who've put it through real conditions.
Common Questions
Everything rafters ask before buying
Ready to Run 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