View Full Version : Phone Cases on thru hike
Ok all you veterans, I've been doing several overnighters and plenty of day hikes (over 600 miles in the Smokies this year), and usually take my phone (iPhone 6) with a rudimentary case and a ziplock back for water protection. I'm considering a water resistant/proof case with drop protection for my thru hike this year, but am wondering if just drop protection is necessary as long as I have a zip lock bag. Any suggestions, specific case recommendations. My phone will be an integral part of my gear. Would a case with a built in battery be helpful (I have a spare battery pack).
saltysack
02-17-2015, 10:11
I'm only a section hiker and have been a big fan of lifeproof cases.....still waiting on one for 6plus...but currently use a newtrent water resistant case that I'm happy with until the fully waterproof lifeproof is out...having the phone in the lifeproof I was able to keep it readily accessible in the waist pocket of my ula circuit..offers rain and drop protection...to me it's worth the very small weight penalty...with this said I also carry TP.....I'm not a gram weenie!
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I'm only a section hiker and have been a big fan of lifeproof cases.....still waiting on one for 6plus...but currently use a newtrent water resistant case that I'm happy with until the fully waterproof lifeproof is out...having the phone in the lifeproof I was able to keep it readily accessible in the waist pocket of my ula circuit..offers rain and drop protection...to me it's worth the very small weight penalty...with this said I also carry TP.....I'm not a gram weenie!
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+1 for Lifeproof cases and the New Trent external battery. I used both of these on my thru hike and the system never failed. The external battery only needed to be charged once per week since I kept my iPhone on airplane mode the entire time I was hiking. The external battery is a little heavy (11oz) but worth the weight.
saltysack
02-17-2015, 10:21
I have the smaller newtrent charger...think it's 6oz....great combo for me too
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zPacks phone/camera pouch. Supplement with padding cut out from an old windshield reflector if desiring additional padding.
I made my pouch from reflectix ..
I used the Lifeproof case last year and it does fully protect the phone from rain and dirt. However I also noticed it affects the flash function of the camera. The flash never worked while the phone was in the case. I ruined many pictures because of that.
saltysack
02-17-2015, 13:00
I've dropped my phone numerous times on and off trail...can't imagine not having in a decent case......just my .02.. Can't imagine a lifeproof weighs much more than a pouch that only protects while inside not during use...
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saltysack
02-17-2015, 13:01
I used the Lifeproof case last year and it does fully protect the phone from rain and dirt. However I also noticed it affects the flash function of the camera. The flash never worked while the phone was in the case. I ruined many pictures because of that.
Interesting.....haven't noticed that....
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msumax1985
02-17-2015, 13:04
My case is made by Osprey--I just leave it tucked down in my pack. I go to the woods to get away. I only pull it out to check the weather every other day, or so. :)
I have my phone in an Otter case. Cut a piece of cardboard to cover the screen and have it in a right sized ziplock. Like msumax its also inside my Osprey and doesn't get looked at a lot. Hard to drop it far if you're lying in a sleeping bag.
...buttoned shirt pocket, display facing in.
...jacket inner wallet pocket, display facing in.
Avoid: plastic zippers will scratch the display.
I don't even have the 2 mm snap-fit case I had before. I have no scratches.
saltysack
02-17-2015, 16:57
My case is made by Osprey--I just leave it tucked down in my pack. I go to the woods to get away. I only pull it out to check the weather every other day, or so. :)
I use mine for pics so like it handy...
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I like the Lifeproof cases as they let me take pictures in the rain, which I can't do from the inside of a ziplock. Wish they were cheaper, but they work well. I use a rechargeable 11000 maH external battery pack from New Trent to recharge the iPhone on trail in between plug-in opportunities.
CarlZ993
02-17-2015, 17:29
I made my pouch from reflectix ..
I did this & put the entire thing in an el-cheapo waterproof neck carrier I bought @ Walmart. I also carried my spare battery (Samsung phone) & my charging cord w/ it.
soumodeler
02-17-2015, 17:39
I have a Lifeproof case I am taking on my thru this year. Love it so far. Does not interfere with the flash, but does make phone calls harder to hear. Not a big deal though.