What Aquapac does

Aquapac is a UK-based manufacturer of waterproof cases, drybags, and accessories founded in 1983 by Max Malavasi in Nelson, Lancashire, where it still operates its global headquarters and primary manufacturing facility under the parent company Innovative Outdoor Products Ltd. The company designs and produces a broad portfolio of IPX8-rated submersible cases (to 10m, with select products rated to 50m) and IPX6 splashproof products spanning phone cases, VHF radio cases, radio microphone cases with wire pass-through seals, map cases, camera cases, tablet cases, key and card cases, belt and waist packs, backpacks, drybags, duffels, and medical-device cases for insulin pumps. Core proprietary technology centers on the 1994-patented AQUACLIP® 4-lever sealing system made from recyclable ABS, LENSFLEX clear TPU for through-case touchscreen and camera use, UV-stabilized biodegradable TPU, high-frequency welded seams, and the DockSystem modular mounting platform compatible with belt, backpack, bar, MOLLE, shoulder harness, and adhesive docks.

Aquapac sells primarily through direct-to-consumer e-commerce on aquapac.net, with global shipping from three owned warehouses in the UK (Nelson), US (Ventura, CA, established 2021), and EU (Erceville, France, established 2022), supported by a network of UK and international stockists. A parallel B2B stream produces bespoke custom cases for enterprise and government clients including the Royal Navy, US Coast Guard, NHS Trusts, search and rescue teams, lifeguard services, and historically Nokia, Sony, Jaguar, Range Rover, and the Winter Olympic Games. Products are priced from $3.45 to $94.95 with a $50/£50/€55 free-shipping threshold and a 5-year warranty, and the company has sold nearly 6 million cases across 60+ countries since inception.

In November 2021, Aquapac acquired Carradice (bicycle bags since 1932) and UPSO (upcycled cases since 2016), consolidating all brands and manufacturing under one Lancashire roof, and has since extended its product surface into healthcare, modular mounting, and paddlesport co-branded lines through partnerships such as Paddle UK. The business remains founder-operated, family-run, and privately held with no disclosed institutional capital, and has won three Queen's Awards and a UK Design Council Millennium Product designation for the AQUACLIP® sealing system.

Name

Aquapac

Legal name

Innovative Outdoor Products Ltd

Website

https://aquapac.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1983

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Waterproof Protective Cases and Outdoor Gear

akta.pro primary industry

Underwater & Protective Gear (Housings, Cases, Cages, Rain Covers) (CRACAPAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Outdoor Travel Gear (Duffels, Packs, Dry Bags) Retail (CRAMAAAI), Marine Safety & Navigation Electronics Retail (PFDs, EPIRBs, GPS, VHF) (CRAMAIAH)

Keywords

• Waterproof cases
• Outdoor protective gear
• Drybags and backpacks
• Marine communication accessories
• Water sports equipment

Headquarters

HQ city

Nelson

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: E-commerce sales of waterproof cases and bags directly to consumers and professionals through aquapac.net. Products include phone cases, VHF radio cases, medical device cases, map cases, drybags, and backpacks. One-time purchase model with varying price points from $3.45 to $94.95.
2. B2B/Corporate Custom Cases: Custom case manufacturing for enterprise clients including Nokia, Sony, Jaguar, Range Rover, Winter Olympic Games, Royal Navy, and US Coast Guard.
3. Reseller/Distribution: Supply of products through UK and international stockists and resellers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Aquapac manufactures and supplies IPX8-rated submersible (to 10m) and IPX6-rated splashproof protective cases, drybags, backpacks, duffels, and modular mounting accessories for phones, VHF radios, tablets, cameras, insulin pumps, and other gear. The product range targets water sports enthusiasts, emergency services, military, healthcare users, and outdoor adventurers, with custom B2B case manufacturing for enterprise and government clients.

Product overview

Aquapac is a British manufacturer of waterproof cases and bags founded in 1983, producing a broad portfolio of IPX8-rated submersible (to 10m) and IPX6-rated splashproof products. The core offering consists of waterproof phone cases (Mini, Compact Plus, Plus, Plus Plus, TrailProof, Impact Max, Extreme/Klickfast, and Armband variants), VHF radio cases (Mini, Classic Small, Classic Large, Extra Long, PRO Harness, Rugged PRO, HD Extreme, StormProof), key and card cases (Keymaster Micro, Keymaster, Keymaster+, Keymaster++), map cases, camera cases, radio microphone cases (Mini, Small, Medium, Medium Large), travel and multi-purpose cases, belt and waist packs, and waterproof backpacks and drybags. Professional-grade products include foam-backed tablet cases for 7-8.3" and 10.6"-12.9" devices, first aid kit bags, insulin pump medical cases, and DockSystem-compatible cases. The proprietary DockSystem is a modular mounting platform enabling cases to attach via belt clips, backpack docks, bar/rail mounts, MOLLE docks, adhesive docks, and shoulder harness docks. The company also manufactures waterproof Duffel bags, Pack Divider drysacks, passport and phone combination cases, and a full range of carrying accessories (lanyards, shoulder straps, belts, carabiners, float pads, desiccant sachets, puncture patches). Submersible waterproof cases are manufactured in-house in Nelson, Lancashire, UK, while backpacks, day sacks, and splashproof products are subcontracted to trusted suppliers in the Far East.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Waterproof Phone Cases IPX8 waterproof phone cases submersible to 10m, available in multiple sizes to fit iPhones and Samsung Galaxy models. Made from TPU/ABS/PP with LENSFLEX clear TPU window for touchscreen, camera, and audio use. Includes variants with floating pads, impact protection (Impact Max), armband, and KlickFast dock compatibility. Targeted at water sports participants, hikers, and commuters.
• Waterproof VHF Radio Cases IPX8 waterproof VHF radio cases submersible to 10m, available in Mini, Small, Classic Large, Extra Long, PRO Harness, Rugged PRO, HD Extreme, and StormProof variants. Features AQUACLIP 4-lever sealing, dual clear windows for left/right-handed antennas, and options for harnesses and shoulder straps. Trusted by lifeguards, mountain rescue teams, coast guards, and maritime professionals.
• Keymaster Waterproof Key and Card Cases IPX8 waterproof key and card cases submersible to 50m/165ft. Available in Micro, Mini, Standard, Plus (Keymaster+), and Plus Plus (Keymaster++) sizes. Biodegradable 300mu TPU construction with AQUACLIP 4-lever seal; floats when air is trapped inside. Operating temperature -20C to 50C. Made in UK.
• Waterproof Map Cases Ultra-clear TPU waterproof map cases with roll-seal and Velcro closure, reinforced multi-attachment strips for neckcord, bungee, carabiner, or webbing strap. Available in Large (fits Ordnance Survey and most popular map sizes) and Small variants. Used by hikers, kayakers, and outdoor adventurers.
• Waterproof Camera Case IPX8 waterproof case submersible to 10m for compact cameras and action cameras. Touchscreen and buttons accessible through the case while maintaining waterproof protection.
• Waterproof Radio Microphone Cases IPX6 stormproof radio microphone cases for film crews and sound engineers. Available in Mini, Small, Medium, and Medium Large variants. Features TC Aquaclip wire pass-through seal (up to 3.5mm diameter). All buttons and switches accessible through case; floats if dropped in water.
• Waterproof Insulin Pump Case IPX8 waterproof insulin pump case submersible to 10m designed for diabetes management. Available in three sizes (Mini, Small, Medium). Touchscreens and displays work through the case. Fully sealed against water, sweat, dust, and mud. Used by NHS Trusts and individual insulin pump users.
• Waterproof Foam-Backed Tablet Cases IPX8 waterproof tablet cases submersible to 10m with foam-backed impact protection. Available for 7-8.3 inch tablets/Kindles, 9-10.5 inch iPads, and 10.6-12.9 inch iPad Pro / Surface Pro / LinQ in both portrait and landscape orientations.
• Waterproof First Aid Kit Bag IPX8 waterproof first aid kit bag submersible to 10m. Keeps medical supplies dry and protected in all water and weather conditions for outdoor, maritime, and expedition use.
• Waterproof Belt and Carry Cases IPX8 waterproof belt and carry cases submersible to 10m. Includes Waterproof Belt & Carry Cord Case with adjustable waist belt (extends to 121cm), Contour Belt Case (ergonomic body-fit shape), Wave Belt Case (streamlined wave pattern), and Heavy Duty Waterproof Waist Pack for larger items. 300mu UV-resistant biodegradable TPU with AQUACLIP closure. Temperature range -20C to 50C.
• Multi-Purpose and Shoulder Waterproof Cases IPX8 waterproof multi-purpose cases submersible to 10m, including Medium Multi-Purpose Case, Large Waterproof Shoulder Case (Blue Wave and Topo designs with 4 eyelets), Wave Large Waterproof Paddle Case (wave-pattern for kayaking), Lightweight Waterproof Pouch (splashproof), Stash Pouch, Passport & Phone Case, and Wave Passport & Phone Case. Designed for travel documents, phones, and small valuables.
• Heavyweight Waterproof Backpack and Drybags 28L Heavyweight Waterproof Backpack submersible to 10m for kayaking, sailing, and outdoor expeditions with welded seams. Heavyweight Waterproof Drybag available in 7L and larger sizes with shoulder strap and roll-top seal for fully waterproof gear storage.
• IPX6 Waterproof Duffel IPX6 splashproof waterproof duffel bag for boating and maritime use. Protects gear against powerful water jets and heavy spray.
• Pack Divider Drybags Ultralight pack divider drysacks available in 2L and 4L sizes, plus a 4-piece set (Pack Divider Set). Used to organise and separate gear inside backpacks while providing water resistance. Includes free smallest size with the set purchase.
• DockSystem Modular Mounting Platform Proprietary modular mounting platform enabling Aquapac waterproof cases to be attached via multiple options: belt clips, backpack docks, rail/handlebar mounts, MOLLE docks, adhesive stick-on docks, shoulder harness docks, and retrofit stud plate conversion kits. One case can be used with multiple carrying positions across bike, boat, belt, backpack, and harness setups.
• Custom B2B Case Manufacturing Bespoke waterproof case manufacturing service for enterprise, government, and military clients. Past customers include Nokia, Sony, Jaguar, Range Rover, the Winter Olympic Games, Royal Navy, and US Coast Guard. Designed for organizations requiring custom-sized, custom-branded, or application-specific waterproof protective enclosures.

Quantifiable outcome

• Trusted by nearly 6 million customers across 60+ countries

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

• CarradicecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2021Aquapac purchased and teamed up with Carradice in November 2021. Carradice is another leading British brand manufacturing bicycle bags since 1932 and UPSO upcycled cases since 2016. Skills are pooled with all products now manufactured under one roof in Lancashire.
• Paddle UKflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-branded limited edition waterproof floating phone cases. Paddle UK Plus Phone Case available in Regular and Large sizes. Cross-promotional partnership for the paddling community.
• Innovative Outdoor Products LtdcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent company of Aquapac. Aquapac is part of Innovative Outdoor Products Ltd. Global headquarters for all brands including Aquapac, Carradice, and UPSO.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• DryCASE: US-based manufacturer of waterproof phone cases and dry bags (DryBag, DryPouch, Waterproof Headphone Case). Direct competitor to Aquapac in the consumer waterproof phone case category, particularly in North America through similar retail channels.
• Catalyst: Premium waterproof phone and electronics cases for iPhone, AirPods, and iPad. Catalyst targets the same premium, design-led consumer segment as Aquapac's flagship phone cases, with similar IP-rated submersible offerings.
• Overboard: UK-based maker of waterproof bags, phone cases, and drybags marketed at paddlesports and outdoor users. Overboard competes head-to-head with Aquapac in waterproof phone pouches and drybags across the UK and EU channels, with similar price points and IP-rating-based messaging.
• Watershed: US manufacturer of premium waterproof dry bags and duffels (Ocooch, Big Rock, YakAttack brands). Watershed directly competes with Aquapac's Heavyweight Drybag and Duffel product lines in paddlesports and marine-retail channels.

Broad incumbents

• LifeProof: OtterBox-owned waterproof and drop-proof phone case brand covering iPhone, iPad, and other devices. LifeProof is a major incumbent in the same waterproof consumer phone case category where Aquapac competes, with much broader distribution and marketing scale.
• Pelican Products: Global manufacturer of protective cases, including waterproof and watertight hard cases for phones, electronics, and equipment. Pelican overlaps with Aquapac on VHF, radio mic, and equipment cases sold to professional and emergency-services customers, with a much broader protective-case portfolio.
• Ortlieb: German manufacturer of premium waterproof bike panniers, backpacks, and dry bags. Ortlieb competes with Aquapac's Heavyweight backpack, duffel, and Drybag lines, particularly in cycling and paddlesports channels across the EU where Aquapac has been expanding its French distribution hub.
• Nite Ize: US maker of accessories including waterproof phone pouches, dry bags, and gear organisation products. Nite Ize overlaps with Aquapac across the consumer waterproof phone case and accessory market, with broader access to mass-market US outdoor and hardware retailers.
• Sea to Summit: Australian outdoor brand with deep waterproof dry bag, backpack, and travel-towel lines. Sea to Summit competes with Aquapac on drybags, backpacks, and travel/outdoor organisation products through overlapping outdoor retail channels.

Emerging players

• DiCAPac: Korea-based maker of waterproof cases for phones, cameras, and electronics marketed across Asia and Europe. DiCAPac represents the lower-cost Asian competition in the same waterproof phone/electronics case category that Aquapac competes in on price and channel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aquapac-international-limited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aquapac