Our phones. We can’t leave home without them. They are how we navigate, make purchases, order food, take photos and yes, talk to one another!
Through the years my phones have taken a beating. I’ve dropped them off chairlifts and submerged them in pouring rain. A few have died, no matter how much rice I used to dry them out. And while not all phone issues are terminal — think zero battery on a cold ski day — when one’s phone is out of commission, it’s a problem.
The West Slope Phone Case
Given my (and likely your) history with phone casualties, I was intrigued when the team at Cold Case Gear reached out for a review of their thermal, waterproof phone case. Designed to handle most regular size phones (for a list of compatible phones click here), the case measures 5″ x 7.5″ with an airtight magnetic closure that adds about an inch, bringing the total dimensions to 5″ x 8.5″.
Will the West Slope phone case fit in your pocket easily or comfortably tuck into a ski coat? No. But will it keep your phone safe from the elements when tucked into a pack or attached to a shoulder strap? Yes, it will.
I like a lot of things about this phone case, primarily for uses like cross-country skiing, hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, rafting, and so on. I can totally see myself tossing it into my pack, grabbing it when the raindrops fall or the the thermometer plunges.
For alpine skiing, however, I think it’s a bit bulky. In my opinion, the best option is to attach it externally to a pack shoulder strap, keeping your phone both at-the-ready and out-of-way. If you don’t usually ski with a pack, it might be challenging to find a comfortable place to stash it.
The West Slope Phone Case is a smart idea and a more sustainable option that using disposable plastic bags to keep your phone dry in the wet and disposable hand warmers to keep your phone alive in the cold. If you find yourself playing in the elements, it’s an investment that will likely save your phone and save you money.
For more information and some inspiring photos, check out the Cold Case Gear website.
Happy trails!
To facilitate this review, I received a West Slope Phone Case from Cold Case Gear. All opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
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