Construction and materials seem sturdy enough that this should last for several years. It's big enough to hold my cell phone (Samsung S10e, which is not a huge phone) and there's a zippered internal pouch that is useful for stashing ID cards, money, etc. The bag is small enough that it fits into jersey pockets without the end being exposed, which would increase the risk of the bag bouncing out.
There's one subtle feature that's nice but easily over-looked. With the zipper closed there's a bit of cloth (same as the interior is made from) at the end of the zipper that the zipper pull can be tucked into so the pull doesn't rattle around or get snagged on some random item.
I can find only one minor negative issue with this bag. Even though the internal zipper pull is fairly small, it seems like that might damage my phone if the bag were dropped and landed with that face down. I just make sure that my phone faces the other direction, with the cameras at the other end away from the pull when I put the phone in the bag. If there are sever ID cards etc. in that zippered compartment, the risk is minimized so this is a pretty minor issue. And it's the only remotely "negative" thing I can come up with.
Overall, it's a classy way to protect a phone and organize valuables etc., and it's worth the price I paid. ($29) But I wouldn't say that it's "a steal."
I reviewed comments for three different jersey-pocket phone utility bags. I liked the features of this one best. I have used it for four months now, late December to mid-April. So, it has been through 35-85 degree heat, 2500 miles riding, and dry to very humid conditions. My iPhone 12 just fits in the bag. The outer zipper is well made. I have to use a little care when placing my phone inside to keep it away from the tab on the inner zipper. The inside is just big enough to add my tubeless tire Dynaplug Racer Pro repair tool, a small bottle of eyedrops, and a couple of electrolyte packets with the iPhone. The outer vinyl case is water resistant, wears well, and is not so slick to move around when hitting bumps.
If you can get past the ridiculous price tag, the Ortlieb Vario does exactly what it advertises -- a single pannier that can hook on to a rack or be used as a backpack. The conversion is simple and all the moving parts are reinforced to reduce wear and tear. I commute 2x a week and walk 2x a week, so this has eliminated the need to transfer all of my work stuff from pannier to backpack. The laptop sleeve is and outside pocket are much appreciated details. I'm not surprised they're sold out. Highly recommend.
I used my new 31 liter Rack Pack on one multi day bike tour. I got it because I hoped it would be better than using a bungie net on top of my rack to hold a bear vault of food and crocks shoes. It is far superior to bungeeing stuff on the rack. The procedure to snap it onto the Ortlieb rear panniers works as simply and as easily as shown in the Ortlieb how to video. It rides securely, stays in place well in spite of bumping and jarring over the miles. It keeps stuff together, and protected from the elements, at night in the campsite. After one four day trip it shows no sign of wear. It seems quite rugged, and I believe it should hold up a long time. I'm very happy with it. I talked to one person who had a raccoon chew through an Ortlieb pannier to get food at night in a campsite, and I've heard from others of people they know who had raccoons and squirrels do the same thing. Therefore I keep all my food in a bear vault canister and set it out on the ground by itself overnight, to protect my expensive Ortlieb items.
