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Pocpac iPac 3 / iPac 3X

7
£7.99

VERDICT:

7
10
Effective phone protector with a couple of minor but not deal-breaking niggles.
Weight: 
17g
Contact: 
www.thepocpac.co.uk

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The Pocpac iPac 3 may not be easy to say quickly three times, but it's an effective weatherproofer for your phone despite a couple of small niggles.

Longer rides mean you're more likely to have a phone with you in case of emergencies or that all important picture. How then do you stop your phone from suffering sweat damage? Pocpac may have the answer. They offer a variety of waterproof bags to protect various things including phones. The iPac phone case comes in three different sizes: iPac 3 for iPhone; iPac 3X for the Samsung Galaxy 4S and Utility iPac for Samsung Note 2 phones and documents.

The marketing info says their bags will fit all phones so if you don't have a model specifically listed you won't miss out. It also goes on to say it will keep your phone dry and usable in the dampest conditions. Given in the UK it can get pretty seriously damp that's a bold claim. Besides keeping your communication device dry there is an internal slot for a credit card or notes if you prefer.

When it comes down to the nitty gritty, the Pocpac does what it is designed for very well. The materials used in the construction are robust and the zip closes the bag well. The added bonus is you can use your phone inside the bag so there is no need to expose it to the elements. This includes using the camera. The clear front allows easy visibility of the screen and with the touchscreen there were no problems. The caveat to this is it can make using any buttons on the side of your device quite tricky due to the large seams on the side.

being able to use the camera without removing it from the bag is a great idea. The reality will depend on your phone. The cut away is ideally placed for an iPhone but for instance using a Nexus 4 it didn't work so well due to the position of the camera on the phone. The credit card slot is another nice idea but after a few uses this is starting to come away at one end.

If this could be sorted then the Pocpac would be on it's way to becoming a must take item when you venture out.

Conclusion

The Pocpac is almost a must take item for any ride. Offering sweat and weather protection for your phone it could be the ideal keep safe. Along with the credit card pocket it offers simple safeguards for your essentials.

Verdict

Effective phone protector with a couple of minor but not deal-breaking niggles.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Pocpac iPac 3 / iPac 3X

Size tested: 99x171mm

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Anyone who needs to keep their phone and card or notes safe and dry.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

The fact that with the right size phone you can use it or take pictures without removing it from the safe confines of the bag is a great idea.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10

The seams are understandably bulky but this can cause issues with using the side buttons on your phone. The clear front makes using the phone simple and problem free. The only downside is the internal pocket for the credit card is starting to come away.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

What the Pocpac is designed for it does really well.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

The zip could become a problem on previous models but so far this latest version is showing no sign of going the same way.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

The weight is negligible.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Given the size you would struggle not to fit this in a jersey pocket. The only issue is trying not to get it caught and bending the edges.

Rate the product for value:
 
9/10

Good value.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

For anyone wanting to protect the essentials when out riding.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The simplicity of the design and the thought process in making the Pocpac. Keep it simple and do it well.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The slight flaw with the internal pocket coming away.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

A slight tweak would make the Pocpac the ideal ride companion.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

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1 comments

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badkneestom | 10 years ago
0 likes

Otterbox + Ziploc sandwich bag.

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