Pocket Hose Review: Does It Really Work?

Putting the "As Seen on TV" Hose to the Test

The Pocket Hose promises a lightweight, kink-free, self-shrinking garden hose that fits in a small container. After struggling with heavy, tangled traditional hoses, I bought a 50-foot model at Walmart to see if the hype held water.

The Good: Expands as Advertised

Initially, it worked. The hose expanded when filled, and watering went smoothly—for about 10 minutes.

The Bad: Leaks, Poor Fittings, Won't Re-shrink

• Connection issues: The plastic fittings didn't seal well on my metal spigot, spraying water everywhere.
• Pin-hole leaks: Within 10 minutes, multiple pin-holes appeared along the length, spraying water and dropping pressure.
• Won't shrink back: After use, it refused to contract to its original compact size, making storage and return difficult.

What Other Buyers Say

Checking Amazon reviews confirmed my experience wasn't isolated. Out of ~1,000 reviews, the Pocket Hose averaged only 2 stars. Common complaints: splitting hoses, leaking fittings, failure to shrink. A few happy buyers exist, but quality control appears inconsistent.

Better Alternative: Gilmour Flexogen

I switched to a Gilmour 50-foot Flexogen hose. It doesn't shrink into a tiny box—but neither does the Pocket Hose in reality. The Flexogen is durable, kink-resistant, and reliably connects. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.

Verdict

Rating: 1/5 stars. The Pocket Hose fails on durability, connection quality, and its core shrinking claim. Save your money and invest in a quality traditional hose instead.