A:
Sheath your iPhone in the OtterBox 2600 PDA case ($50; otterbox.com). Completely sealed with a patented waterproof membrane, the high-impact polycarbonate is waterproof, crushproof, and airtight and will likely come out of the spin cycle of a Class V rapid in better shape than you will. The one downside is that this much protection adds a half-pound to your phone, which can be a drag on a fast and light outdoor adventure. If weight is an issue, try the OtterBox Defender ($50), a.k.a. "skin on steroids," which offers as much bump-, scratch-, and dust-proofing, but doesnt guarantee water protection. The solution? Zip your Defender-covered phone into a trusty Hefty plastic freezer bag, a trick thats kept my iPhone live and well since I bought it more than a year ago.
Our mission to inspire readers to get outside has never been more critical. In recent years, Outside Online has reported on groundbreaking research linking time in nature to improved mental and physical health, and we’ve kept you informed about the unprecedented threats to America’s public lands. Our rigorous coverage helps spark important debates about wellness and travel and adventure, and it provides readers an accessible gateway to new outdoor passions. Time outside is essential—and we can help you make the most of it. Making a financial contribution to Outside Online only takes a few minutes and will ensure we can continue supplying the trailblazing, informative journalism that readers like you depend on. We hope you’ll support us. Thank you.
Contribute to Outside →