The Best Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor adventure seekers require a mobile phone case that can withstand the rigors of rugged activities. If you use your phone as your camera, you need to protect it from water and impact. The best phone cases for outdoor adventures will ease your mind about protecting your valuable property while still keeping your phone accessible for taking photos.

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Using Your Phone for Outdoor Photos

People often ask what camera I use for photos of my outdoor adventures. While I would like to brag that I use a fancy DSLR with a telescopic lens, in truth, I prefer my iPhone for outdoor shots. I need a camera I can tuck in my lifejacket or slip into the back pocket of my hiking shorts. Anything else is just too complicated for me.

The camera on a later model iPhone is quite robust. I’ve taken a few online iPhone photography courses to unlock its potential. I’ve learned adjustments that help with composing and editing shots. If half of those symbols on your phone are a mystery to you, learning how to use them will improve your phone photography immensely.

I also advise asking a guide on an outdoor trip for their favorite photography tips. On a recent trip to Antelope Canyon in Arizona, I learned fascinating new ways to photograph the canyon from our Navajo guide. The pros know where the good photos are, so be sure to ask them.

Related post -> Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

The outdoor adventurer’s dilemma is how to keep the camera phone accessible while protecting it. I’ve been an OtterBox Defender adopter for many years. However, recently, I’ve been trying out a new phone case made by Beeasy. The case is still out (pun intended) on which one I like better, so I’ll provide a brief review here to help you decide.

Comparison of Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure

Construction Comparison of Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure

The OtterBox Defender case has a polycarbonate plastic frame that fits around the phone. This is covered by a rubber covering that absorbs shock and adds grip. The Beeasy case has a dual layer of shock-absorbing silicone and an impact-resistant aluminum alloy frame. The Beeasy advertises that it is waterproof up to 3m for 30 minutes. The Beeasy feels like a more beefy case. It has a built-in screen and camera lens protection. Conversely, you buy the screen protectors and lens covers separately for the OtterBox.

Size Comparison of Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure

The Beeasy weighs 3.5 ounces more than the OtterBox, but the difference is negligible. The case size on the Beeasy is also a bit bigger. This increased size did make a difference, as the Beeasy didn’t fit into the phone mount on my bicycle. There are bike phone mounts that will fit a Beeasy case; you just need to get one that fits a phone over 7 inches tall.

Waterproof Comparison of Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure

The OtterBox Defender is the OG of rugged phone cases. Its profile has slimmed down in recent years. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve dropped my phone outdoors. With the OtterBox it bounces off a boulder with no damage to the phone. However, its waterproof capability is iffy. It certainly slows down water getting into the case, but when I’ve accidentally submerged my phone, I’ve had to do some serious drying afterward. The flap that protects the charging port is too flimsy to keep water out. Or worse, the flap had fallen off after using it so much that I resorted to taping over the opening while sea kayaking.

The Beeasy case is reliably waterproof. A more hefty plug covers the charging port. On my last paddling trip in Maine, I didn’t have a care in the world when my phone fell into a puddle in the canoe. Dry as can be.

Related post -> The Best Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures Beyond Acadia

Price Difference of the Phone Cases

The OtterBox Defender runs around $30 more than the Beeasy. Additionally, you need to buy the screens and lens protection separately for the Otter Box so that jacks the price up more. The Beeasy case has an integrated screen and lens protection, all included in the price.

I wasn’t sure I’d like the screen on the Beeasy as it is not as responsive as the paste-on glass screen protectors I buy for the OtterBox. But after a few days, I had adjusted to the new screen. It does need a harder tap than the OtterBox screen.

I’d be curious if you can buy a new plastic screen for the Beeasy when it scratches. The Beeasy case I’m using already has a scratch, so I’m hoping to replace it. I often replace the glass screens on the OtterBox when they crack or have too many scratches. The screen is easy to replace on the OtterBox.

I can personally attest that the Beeasy case is bombproof. I was cruising along on my e-bike at 20 mph, and my phone flew off my phone mount (remember, it didn’t fit very well). My friend saw it hit the hard gravel and looked at me like I would need a new phone. But no problem. I dusted it off, and the phone was fine.

Related post -> 18 Best Bike Trails in the United States

Wrap Up of the Comparison of Phone Cases for Outdoor Adventure

So, the verdict. Honestly, I can say I like both the OtterBox Defender and the Beeasy. Both are easy to install. The OtterBox is sleeker and more responsive but has poor waterproofing. The Beeasy is definitely built to handle rugged outdoor activities with no worry about water or dropping. However, the Beeasy is a bit larger and heavier so if you want a more streamlined case, choose the OtterBox.

The price difference between the Beeasy and the OtterBox is significant once you buy all the extras needed for the OtterBox. The Beeasy case comes with an integrated screen and lens protection. However, if you wish to have the lenses uncovered for potentially clearer photos, that is only possible on the Otterbox.

Since both are high quality cases, it comes down to your specific needs for using your phone in the outdoors. I hope this post has given you some insight into which one to choose.

If you are interested in trying out the Beeasy case, use my code ODAS for 10% off.

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