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Waterproof Hard Cases

Top Picks

How we choose: The best waterproof hard cases highlighted here were selected based on 28 reviews of 9 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.

How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.

If you've used a waterproof hard case that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.

Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.

Pelican 1040 Micro Case

user rating: 5 of 5 (2 reviews)

A very durable small package case to carry money, keys, wallet, identification, licences, medication, etc. Including a great case for a mini first aid case. Locks shut tight, no water, dirt, or dust intrusion, keeps everything clean and dry... Always.

Reasons to Buy

  • Strong, durable
  • Multi coloured
  • Stays closed in all conditions
  • Just the right size to carry and protect all the necessary and important items

Reasons to Avoid

  • The carabiner is sometimes in the way. But it's also removable.

As an avid outdoorsman in all weather and nature conditions, I play with land, water conditions all the time. If I'm not on the water paddling a lake or stream, then I'm on the trails backpacking or riding my ATV getting muddy or dusty. But no matter, I want my personal items to be protected for any and all conditions. I have several of these and one stays in my ATV. That one gets used the most. It's kept my wallet and truck keys dry more than once. I have another one for my first aid kit.

Read more: Pelican 1040 Micro Case reviews (2)

Outdoor Products Watertight Box

user rating: 5 of 5 (1 review)

This watertight box has served me well! It is a simple, waterproof box that is great for keeping small electronics or paper products dry on the river, canoeing, rafting, or anywhere that there will be water.

Reasons to Buy

  • Waterproof
  • Durable
  • Keyring attachment
  • Hook attachment

Reasons to Avoid

  • No shock absorber
  • No grip

There is not too much to say about this product because it is so simple. However, I will say that I have had it for quite a while and have taken it canoeing and rafting a lot and it has held up wonderfully. It has been dropped on hard surfaces and slung against rocks and it has still not failed me. This box has been submerged in water multiple times and not once has it leaked any water.  This box comes with a key ring attachment that makes it easy to tie it off to a raft or canoe. It also has a hook attachment that makes it easy to hang on a ridge line or something to that nature (great for hanging it above your hammock).  This box does not have any shock absorber so if you plan to put delicate electronics inside of it, I would recommend...

Read more: Outdoor Products Watertight Box review (1)

LifeProof Original iPhone Waterproof Case

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (3 reviews)

This case is a tough nut to crack! Like the old Timex — "it takes a licking and keeps on ticking!" I bought this case with the expectation to have the phone live life to my fullest. And it has!

Reasons to Buy

  • Highly shock proof
  • Keeps dust out
  • Waterproof
  • Very tough
  • Did I mention shock proof?
  • Fits fine in my pocket

Reasons to Avoid

  • Screen will scratch
  • Edging can be cut or torn

Using the Lifeproof case is a easy as using the phone sans a cover. The levers and buttons work with perfect ease.  The touchscreen is perfect. Even with the cover, because the camera lens covers are glass, pictures and video are not affected in quality.  Like I said, I have lived life with my phone on my person virtually every waking moment. I figured if I was going to have an expensive 'tool' then I was going to use it to its fullest. The "features" of this phone are quite straight forward.

Read more: LifeProof Original iPhone Waterproof Case reviews (3)

OtterBox 1000

user rating: 4 of 5 (2 reviews)

The Otter Box is a low-cost investment that protects high-cost electronic devices and other important items that need to stay dry. This reviewer's first-hand account speaks to the value of owning and using the Otter Box 1000 in the outdoors. 5 STARS for durability and reliability. 3 STARS for recent business decisions (see final section of this review).

Reasons to Buy

  • Reasonably priced
  • Waterproof
  • Rugged

Reasons to Avoid

  • Difficult to open/close with gloved hands
  • The 1000 does not include the foam liner of larger Otter Boxes
  • No longer American made
  • “Life time” warranty is now a “One year” warranty

Picture this true-life scenario... I had just spent several minutes carefully climbing a 50' high pile of breakdown in a Tennessee cave. At the top of the heap, I opened my pack to get a drink of water, and the Otter Box holding my digital camera fell out. Down and down it fell into the darkness of the cave. I could do nothing but listen to the Clunk, Clunk, Clunk of it bouncing down the pile. Finally, as it reached the bottom I heard a clear Splash. The Otter Box had managed to complete its 50' fall by landing in the narrow pool of water at the bottom.

Read more: OtterBox 1000 reviews (2)

LifeProof NÜÜD Series Waterproof Phone Case

user rating: 4.5 of 5 (1 review)

Plain and simple: this thing works. My phone survived days-long exposure to heavy rain with no damage whatsoever.

Reasons to Buy

  • Waterproof
  • Not too bulky

Reasons to Avoid

  • Price — very expensive

Very simply, it seems to work as advertised. For two years or so, my general impression was that it was simply functional and practical. It provides solid protection from drops, dust, and moisture with a less bulky profile than either LifeProof's larger cases or waterproof cases from some competitors because instead of covering the screen, it seals the rest of the case around it with a rubber gasket. All of the buttons work well while in the case. It exceeded my expectations last fall, in September 2016.

Read more: LifeProof NÜÜD Series Waterproof Phone Case review (1)

GizzMoVest EVA Case

user rating: 4 of 5 (1 review)

An inexpensive option for expensive electronics, the GizzMoVest is a lightweight durable enclosure designed to protect your GPS from the perils of outdoor recreation and rough handling. It's design is simple, rugged, and made in the USA!

Reasons to Buy

  • Texturized surface
  • Lightweight
  • Rapid installation and removal
  • Excellent protection for electronic devices
  • Excellent warranty

Reasons to Avoid

  • Some models rely on a plastic cord-lock to keep GPS secure.
  • Some models lack built-in belt clips.

The GizzMoVest is a lightweight, semi-rigid, clam shell style rubberized enclosure that completely encompasses the body of many Garmin (and other) GPS devices, adding an excellent layer of protection from accidental drops and bumps against rock, tree, or trail. The case is textured, making it easy to grip when wet or wearing gloves, and is snug but easily removed, allowing rapid battery replacement or access to device ports. The GizzMoVest also features a high ridge around the vulnerable touch screen, creating an addition 1/4" of recess which equates to moderate/good protection for the screen while still allowing full functionality.

Read more: GizzMoVest EVA Case review (1)

More Reviews of Waterproof Hard Cases

Trailspace reviewers have shared 28 reviews of 9 different waterproof hard cases.

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Other Types of Waterproof Storage

Find more waterproof storage reviewed in these related categories:

Waterproof Soft Cases

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