Are you looking for a more practical way to carry your phone? Discover an excellent accessory.

As the year comes to an end and the major smartphone releases have been unveiled, it's a good time to explore the accessories for these devices. While the market offers a wider range of accessories for the iPhone, there are products like the Essential iPhone Pouch from Waterfield Designs that can be used universally. Personally, I have been a fan of Waterfield Designs' products for over ten years, owning several messenger bags, backpacks, and cases from the brand. Their handmade items are durable and sturdy. I’m convinced that my oldest bag, a Muzetto Leather Bag, is over ten years old. With the recent releases of the iPhone 16, I have felt motivated to explore more of their iPhone accessories.

I recently tried the Shinjuku Sling from Waterfield Designs, and today I want to focus on the Essential iPhone Pouch. This accessory is simply a case designed for the iPhone and other essential items. Its compact size makes it an ideal option for minimalist users who need to carry only their phone, keys, and wallet. Additionally, it offers enough space to carry a few extra small items, making it a unisex alternative as sling bags are used by people of all genders. Often, women's clothing lacks spacious pockets, and the Essential iPhone Pouch serves as a practical solution for discreetly carrying my belongings.

Like other Waterfield products, the Essential iPhone Pouch is handmade in their San Francisco facility. This pouch is crafted from 1680 Denier ballistic nylon and Forza, and it is available in five accent colors: blue, green, red, titanium, and black. There is a canvas option with chocolate leather, which costs an additional $10. I chose the red version for my bag. The colors only act as an accent on the front, while the rest is a uniform black. On the front of the Essential iPhone Pouch, there’s an open pocket for storing quick-access items and a loop to attach keys. A waterproof YKK zipper protects the contents of the pouch from adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.

Inside the main compartment, there is a small black mesh pocket and a space for the mobile phone. Waterfield uses their signature gold diamond lining on the inside, making it easy to see the items and preventing them from getting lost in the darkness of the pouch. This phone pocket can accommodate an iPhone 16 Pro Max or similarly sized phones. It’s a very useful accessory for carrying an extra phone, as I usually keep my iPhone 16 Pro in a pocket.

The design of the Essential iPhone Pouch focuses on the essentials, which typically include the phone, keys, and wallet. For those traveling, a standard passport also fits in the main compartment. However, I always leave the house with other items, such as lip balm, hand sanitizer, and my AirPods. Despite its compact size, the Essential Pouch is spacious enough for these small items. Additionally, the nylon strap is adjustable, allowing it to be tailored to the desired length. The Camlock closure makes it easy to adjust the strap while wearing it, which is a nice touch. The YKK zipper features two custom metal pulls, allowing it to be opened from both sides; there’s also enough space on the pulls to attach an AirTag.

While I enjoy using more stylish bags for special occasions or even trips to Disneyland, sometimes I need something more practical for quick errands. For example, when I drop off and pick up my daughter from school, I prefer not to carry much. The Essential iPhone Pouch meets all my requirements. Its nylon material and vertical orientation make it look discreet and gender-neutral, even with the accent color. Although it hasn’t rained in months here in Southern California, I appreciate that this pouch keeps my iPhone (and other phones) and the rest of my belongings safe and dry.

In reviewing the Shinjuku Sling, I mentioned that its price of $129 seemed a bit steep. However, the Essential iPhone Pouch is offered at a more accessible price of $79 for the nylon versions, while the canvas and leather variant costs $89. Given that all Waterfield products are handmade and durable, I consider it a sensible investment. If you are looking for a crossbody case for your iPhone (or a similarly sized Android phone) along with other small items, it’s definitely worth considering the Essential iPhone Pouch.