Sometimes, technology in the backcountry can be a good thing. Snuggling up with a e-book in your cozy sleeping bag while rain tip toes across the head of your tent can be a magical experience. The only problem? Your e-reader isn’t waterproof. The E Case is designed to provide that waterproofing, while adding durability without sacrificing the usability of your device.
About the E Case
The E Case I’m reviewing, the E Series 12, is designed to be used with many touchscreen devices. I tested mine with the Kindle Paperwhite. You can reference the website to see exactly what fits your device. The case specs out at 6.8 x 9.4, and weighs 1.6 ounces. The soft urethane viewing windows are water-proof, UV-resistant, and works with capacitive touch screen devices. A simple push close seam along the top is watertight, and allows for easy access of your tablet. The case includes lashing points all around for tethering inside a tent, to a tree, or whatever willing structure you decide to strap it to. The model reviewed retails for around $33.
What I liked
The case worked wonderfully with my Kindle Paperwhite. It sealed tight, and provided solid weather protection during long hiking sessions through downpours and high amounts of condensation on hot and cool nights. Torture tests of drowning the case (with Kindle inside) of gallons of water had no effect on the case at all, and the case dried very quickly. It provided plenty of protection from scuffs and scratches while being stuffed inside my backpack with stoves, keys, phones, and other sharp pointy items.
The touch screen capabilities worked well enough through the case, and I could access the power button on the bottom end without removing the device.
The case is very durable, with wide welded seams and thick polyurethane coated polyester framing all around to provide protection. The clear windows are thick enough to protect the screen from minor bumps and scuffs, without adding much weight. The extra beefy “SealLock” zipper closure seams quickly and firmly by simply pressing it together with your fingers, without being difficult to open back up when you need inside. Holding the case feels pretty good, and adds a solid sense of security to the user.
There was a little extra room inside my case, so I could squeeze in my phone if I really needed the water protection (This will depend on your devices sizes).
The case is light weight, thin, and flexible, so it’s not going to suck up all of your pack space or weigh you down.
What I didn’t like
The urethane windows do reduce the sensitivity of your touch screen. Navigating seemed to require a bit more pressure than usual, and occasionally light taps didn’t quite register, but overall it didn’t hinder my experience.
Other considerations
Can’t count this as a con, as it’s not built to do this, but the zipper is large enough to fit the advertised devices in easily, but not if you’ve already placed a hard screen protector on them first (as I also attempted). It worked, but it was troublesome get in and out. You’ll want this to be the only case you use on your product, unless you up-size.
Overall
Carrying an e-reader is a great way to pass time during rainy, dark nights in camp, without being invasive to those around you. They’re lighter than books, but you’ll want to protect them, as they’re certainly not designed to take the abuse backpackers will put them through. The E case did a great job of protecting my Kindle Paperwhite, despite throwing it into the worst conditions possible (damp, East Coast downpours and long humid nights). It’s light weight, thin, durable, and works fairly well with capacitive touch screen devices. If you’re carrying an expensive digital book around with you, the cost of the E Case is well worth it.
Highly Recommended
Thanks to the manufacturer for providing this product. For full disclosure, see our about me page.
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