Pelican 1040 Micro Case
The Pelican 1040 Micro Case is the go-to choice when maximum impact and crush protection are required for small navigation devices — its rigid, watertight shell and trusted O-ring seal make it best-in-class for protecting GPS units against drops and harsh field use. Compared with softer pouches on this list it trades a bit of weight and cost for near-indestructible protection and a limited-lifetime warranty, making it the preferred option when device survival is the priority.
Crushproof shell - pocket tank
Watertight O-ring - bathtub proof
Crushproof shell - pocket tank
Watertight O-ring - bathtub proof
Review Summary
"Users praise the Pelican 1040 Micro Case for its rock-solid waterproofing, crushproof shell and reliable O-ring seal for very small gear, though many note its very small interior and minimal foam inserts limit what it can hold."
Carabiner clip - hangs like a champ
Crushproof, dustproof and watertight hard case (Pelican-style protection) for maximum durability.
Carabiner clip - hangs like a champ
Crushproof, dustproof and watertight hard case (Pelican-style protection) for maximum durability.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Pelican 1040 Micro Case is the go-to choice when maximum impact and crush protection are required for small navigation devices — its rigid, watertight shell and trusted O-ring seal make it best-in-class for protecting GPS units against drops and harsh field use. Compared with softer pouches on this list it trades a bit of weight and cost for near-indestructible protection and a limited-lifetime warranty, making it the preferred option when device survival is the priority.
Crushproof shell - pocket tank
Watertight O-ring - bathtub proof
Carabiner clip - hangs like a champ
Crushproof, dustproof and watertight hard case (Pelican-style protection) for maximum durability.
Automatic pressure-equalization valve and O-ring seal prevent vacuum lock and keep moisture out.
Crushproof shell - pocket tank
Watertight O-ring - bathtub proof
Carabiner clip - hangs like a champ
Crushproof, dustproof and watertight hard case (Pelican-style protection) for maximum durability.
Automatic pressure-equalization valve and O-ring seal prevent vacuum lock and keep moisture out.
Aquapac TrailProof GPS Case
The Aquapac TrailProof GPS Case excels as a lightweight, touchscreen-friendly waterproof pouch that keeps a navigation device accessible while on the trail, and it typically costs less than hard cases while offering reliable submersion protection. It doesn’t match the crush resistance of the Pelican or OtterBox hard cases but outperforms soft map wallets for usability and weight, making it a great budget-conscious choice for hikers who prioritize access and flotation over armor-like protection.
Sealed touchscreen - tap through puddles
Buoyant design - floats cheerfully
Sealed touchscreen - tap through puddles
Buoyant design - floats cheerfully
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the Aquapac TrailProof GPS Case for its fully waterproof, lightweight design and clear touchscreen visibility for GPS units, while some report it can feel bulky and have questions about long-term seam durability."
Lightweight strap - barely there
Flexible TPU construction provides waterproof protection while remaining lightweight and packable.
Lightweight strap - barely there
Flexible TPU construction provides waterproof protection while remaining lightweight and packable.
Recreational Enjoyment
Time-Saving Convenience
The Aquapac TrailProof GPS Case excels as a lightweight, touchscreen-friendly waterproof pouch that keeps a navigation device accessible while on the trail, and it typically costs less than hard cases while offering reliable submersion protection. It doesn’t match the crush resistance of the Pelican or OtterBox hard cases but outperforms soft map wallets for usability and weight, making it a great budget-conscious choice for hikers who prioritize access and flotation over armor-like protection.
Sealed touchscreen - tap through puddles
Buoyant design - floats cheerfully
Lightweight strap - barely there
Flexible TPU construction provides waterproof protection while remaining lightweight and packable.
Clear front window allows device visibility and touchscreen operation without removing the GPS.
Sealed touchscreen - tap through puddles
Buoyant design - floats cheerfully
Lightweight strap - barely there
Flexible TPU construction provides waterproof protection while remaining lightweight and packable.
Clear front window allows device visibility and touchscreen operation without removing the GPS.
Otterbox Drybox 3250
The OtterBox Drybox 3250 is a market leader for combining roomy internal capacity with a rugged, watertight hard-shell design that fits larger navigation setups or multi-device kits; it strikes a strong balance between protection and everyday practicality. Compared to the smaller Pelican 1040 it offers more storage for peripherals, and while it’s pricier than lightweight pouches like Sea to Summit or Aquapac, it delivers superior long-term security for pricier navigation gear.
Robust latch - click-lock confidence
Dust & water seal - pocket fortress
Robust latch - click-lock confidence
Dust & water seal - pocket fortress
Review Summary
"Reviewers like the OtterBox Drybox 3250 for its rugged, watertight construction, sturdy latches and useful interior for phones and accessories, with the main complaints being its bulk/weight compared with soft pouches and a higher price point."
Multiple sizes - picky organizer
Hard-shell, IP-rated waterproof and dustproof construction for long-term, heavy-duty protection.
Multiple sizes - picky organizer
Hard-shell, IP-rated waterproof and dustproof construction for long-term, heavy-duty protection.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The OtterBox Drybox 3250 is a market leader for combining roomy internal capacity with a rugged, watertight hard-shell design that fits larger navigation setups or multi-device kits; it strikes a strong balance between protection and everyday practicality. Compared to the smaller Pelican 1040 it offers more storage for peripherals, and while it’s pricier than lightweight pouches like Sea to Summit or Aquapac, it delivers superior long-term security for pricier navigation gear.
Robust latch - click-lock confidence
Dust & water seal - pocket fortress
Multiple sizes - picky organizer
Hard-shell, IP-rated waterproof and dustproof construction for long-term, heavy-duty protection.
Secure latches and O-ring seal keep water and debris out even in demanding environments.
Robust latch - click-lock confidence
Dust & water seal - pocket fortress
Multiple sizes - picky organizer
Hard-shell, IP-rated waterproof and dustproof construction for long-term, heavy-duty protection.
Secure latches and O-ring seal keep water and debris out even in demanding environments.
$60-90 CAD
Sea to Summit TPU Guide Map Case
The Sea to Summit TPU Guide Map Case is a lightweight, high-clarity pouch designed for route maps and larger-format navigation tools, giving excellent visibility and a low bulk profile for pack or jacket use. It won’t provide the same crush resistance as rigid cases, but its economical price, flexible TPU construction and map-friendly format make it the best choice for navigators who need easy map access and minimal added weight.
Crystal TPU window - map-stage clear
Fold-flat form - packs like paper
Crystal TPU window - map-stage clear
Fold-flat form - packs like paper
Review Summary
"Users find the Sea to Summit TPU Guide Map Case to be a thin, clear, low-bulk solution that keeps maps readable and dry, though a minority report occasional condensation or wear on closures after heavy use."
Zip-seal closure - puddle-proof hug
Clear TPU window offers excellent map visibility and works with touchscreen devices.
Zip-seal closure - puddle-proof hug
Clear TPU window offers excellent map visibility and works with touchscreen devices.
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Sea to Summit TPU Guide Map Case is a lightweight, high-clarity pouch designed for route maps and larger-format navigation tools, giving excellent visibility and a low bulk profile for pack or jacket use. It won’t provide the same crush resistance as rigid cases, but its economical price, flexible TPU construction and map-friendly format make it the best choice for navigators who need easy map access and minimal added weight.
Crystal TPU window - map-stage clear
Fold-flat form - packs like paper
Zip-seal closure - puddle-proof hug
Clear TPU window offers excellent map visibility and works with touchscreen devices.
Lightweight, seam-taped construction sheds water and folds flat for easy storage.
Crystal TPU window - map-stage clear
Fold-flat form - packs like paper
Zip-seal closure - puddle-proof hug
Clear TPU window offers excellent map visibility and works with touchscreen devices.
Lightweight, seam-taped construction sheds water and folds flat for easy storage.
Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket
The Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket is a minimalist, ultralight dry pouch intended to keep compact navigation electronics and sensors dry and close at hand on technical routes or fastpacking trips. It offers superior pack integration and low cost compared with rigid cases, sacrificing heavy-duty impact protection for convenience and weight savings, which makes it ideal for users who prioritize mobility and quick access over full-spectrum crush resistance.
Seam-taped slim - jacket-friendly fit
Soft-touch liner - scratch-free care
Seam-taped slim - jacket-friendly fit
Soft-touch liner - scratch-free care
Review Summary
"Customers report the Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket reliably keeps small electronics dry, is slim and easy to stow inside clothing or packs, but some wish for larger size options or find the closure fiddly with gloves."
Low-profile carry - forget-it-on ease
Waterproof laminated fabric and welded seams provide reliable moisture protection for electronics.
Low-profile carry - forget-it-on ease
Waterproof laminated fabric and welded seams provide reliable moisture protection for electronics.
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Outdoor Research Sensor Dry Pocket is a minimalist, ultralight dry pouch intended to keep compact navigation electronics and sensors dry and close at hand on technical routes or fastpacking trips. It offers superior pack integration and low cost compared with rigid cases, sacrificing heavy-duty impact protection for convenience and weight savings, which makes it ideal for users who prioritize mobility and quick access over full-spectrum crush resistance.
Seam-taped slim - jacket-friendly fit
Soft-touch liner - scratch-free care
Low-profile carry - forget-it-on ease
Waterproof laminated fabric and welded seams provide reliable moisture protection for electronics.
Low-profile, packable design fits into pockets or chest harnesses for quick access to GPS units.
Seam-taped slim - jacket-friendly fit
Soft-touch liner - scratch-free care
Low-profile carry - forget-it-on ease
Waterproof laminated fabric and welded seams provide reliable moisture protection for electronics.
Low-profile, packable design fits into pockets or chest harnesses for quick access to GPS units.