The iPhone 6S is a capable phone in any environment, but if you’re going to use it outside for an extended period you really need some protection. Otherwise, it’s just a matter of time before it falls onto a particularly pointy rock, gets a dunk in the river or runs out of battery half-way through the hike. For these situations and many others, we have iPhone 6S cases. Here are ten of our favourites for outdoors enthusiasts!
10. UAG Outland Case
The UAG Outland is a good place to start. This case has a reasonable price point and offers bags of quality. It’s a tough case, thanks to the rugged RPU frame and the brushed metal insert which provides additional rigidity. It also looks good, with a range of cool colours and a suitably utilitarian style. The case includes button covers for the volume and lock buttons, ensuring that you can operate these even while wearing gloves. Overall, the Outland is a good mid-range case that balances well between small size and adequate protection.
9. Griffin Survivor
The Griffin Survivor is one of my all-time favourite cases, and our best sellers. It’s a little thicker and bulkier than the UAG Outland, but it also has a corresponding increase in protection. In fact, this is one of the most indestructable cases on the market. On camera, it’s survived dozens of unusual punishments, from being thrown off a bridge, dragged behind a car or thrown into a vat of maple syrup. The case is built to military specifications (MIL-STD 810G) and will keep your iPhone safe.
8. Man&Wood Wooden Case
Sai Sai, Ebony, Terra, Bolivar Blue, Green Tea
Man&Wood are some of the best known makers of wooden iPhone cases, and for good reason. While there are many cases that just strap a piece of wood to the back of a phone, Man&Wood go further to ensure a range of looks and styles. From simple single wood designs to more complex multimedia arrangements, the company offers a comprehensive array of choices that’s sure to find its fans. If you’re going to be spending time in the great outdoors, why not get a natural-looking case?
7. LifeProof Fre Waterproof Case
The LifeProof Fre is our first waterproof case on the list (but not the last!). The Fre is a redesigned, slimmer version of the original LifeProof case, intended to counter complaints that the original case was too bulky. This one is far from that, with a surprising amount of protection and of course a waterproof seal inside a trendy slim case. The case has an IP-68 rating for water and dust resistance, and therefore is a great choice for use in wet and dusty environments – surfing, snowboarding, rafting, biking, hiking and many more outdoor activities.
6. Pong Signal Boosting Case
The Pong Sleek Case has a unique trick: it can boost your mobile signal, helping you place calls, send text messages or access the internet in periods where cell reception is spotty. It won’t magically bring a cell signal where none exists, but it will make a weak signal more stable. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere, that could be a lifesaver. The case is otherwise slim and moderately protective, offering good utility even apart from its signal boosting prowess. It’s available in white and black.
5. Love Mei Powerful Case
The Love Mei Powerful Case is a relatively thick case, but it offers considerable protection as well. The case is constructed with a rugged impact truss design to deflect the force from drops and knocks, while your iPhone is sealed against moisture and dust with the case’s lining. Your screen is even protected with an additional layer of Gorilla Glass. The overall effect is crazy-good protection from a range of hazards. There’s even a lanyard mount, letting you keep your iPhone close at hand always. There are a range of bold colours to choose from, too!
4. Vaja Grip Premium Leather
This is our first leather case on the list, but it’s a great one. The Vaja Grip is made from genuine leather, hand-made to ensure that no two are quite the same. What you can be sure of is top quality, with exquisite craftsmanship and a convincing combination of Floater leather, Caterina leather and a sturdy polycarbonate frame. It’s a classic look, but made to last. Even as it ages, it only gains in charm, and it’s available in three great colours. Leather has long been the favourite choice of outdoorsmen, and with the Vaja Grip you can experience the best that material has to offer.
3. Spigen Volt Pack Case
The Spigen Volt is one of our newest cases, but already it looks like a winner. The case’s main feature is an integrated battery that provides 150% more battery life. That means 60 more hours of music playback, 13 more hours of videos or WiFi web browsing, and a massive 288 extra hours of standby time. All of this is packed into a slim case with a flat back, providing utility without ruining the look of the iPhone. The case even includes a passthrough for the 3.5mm jack, letting you listen to music as normal with the battery case in place. All in all, a practical case for operating away from a charger for extended periods.
2. Seidio DILEX Holster Case
The Seidio DILEX is a clever holster case, designed to keep your iPhone 6 or 6S at arm’s reach at all times, while still keeping your iPhone safe from drops, knocks and scratches. The double-layer case is an effective barrier against shock and scuffs, while the integrated kickstand and belt clip offer a couple of choices when it comes to convenient placement. When you don’t need the clip, it comes off easily and you’re left with a nice and slim iPhone case suitable for everyday use. Definitely a practical choice.
1. Mophie H2PRO Waterproof Battery Case
Our final, winning case this time around is the Mophie H2PRO, a waterproof battery case that combines two essential features for outdoors use into a highly protective design. The H2PRO will double your battery life, making it easier to keep your phone working for days and days. It’s also waterproof and dus proof, with an IP-68 rating, to ensure that it’ll survive in wet, dirty or dusty conditions. It’s the perfect compliment to your big day (or days!) out, and we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do.
Conclusion
That’s it – 1000 words and 10 great options for keeping your phone safe, happy and charged in the great outdoors. Let us know what you think of our selections in the comments below, and have a great weekend!
“Facebook update”, by Marsel van Oosten