SealLine iPhone Case (With Plug)

cascadedesigns.com/sealline, 1.3 ounces
We overheard the following while killing time in an airport bar. “I’ve had to replace my iPhone three times in the last year. I get it wet—just by walking in the rain or whatever—and it dies.”  Had we not packed our SealLine iPhone Case in our checked luggage, we’d have interrupted this young woman’s lament by tossing the case over for her to investigate.  Unlike some of the burlier cases out there, this one keeps it simple: the hefty zipper offers air-tight security against the elements, and the clear plastic lets you use the phone’s touch-screen  without having to break the seal.  On the back, there’s a smaller plastic window so that you can also use the camera (perfect for catching video of that raging monsoon), and an internal plug even gives you access to audio, video, or calls—just plug your headset into the external port after attaching the phone to the jack on the inside of the case.  Two narrow slits at either end of the bag allow for a variety of attachments—we crafted a wrist strap out of a spare shoelace and took the thing snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez without incident; the case is rated to be waterproof down to one meter for up to 30 minutes. Taking photos with the case in the bright sun can be tricky—we used the phone’s volume control to trigger the lens while swimming, as it proved tricky to hit the camera icon on the touch screen, but nothing could help prevent the sun glare.  Chances are, with practice, you could get the method dialed.  It’s also the only way we’ll ever travel, hike, kayak, camp, or ride with our precious iPhone…because we can’t afford to replace it every other month.