Waterproof IPad Cases?
Published May 28, 2010 | 
There’s a way to live that’s right for us
Like Mayans in Manhattan and Los Angeles
I’m scaling up, I’m breaking down
– warren zevon
Well, it’s no surprise that the new IPad from Apple offers a wide variety of GPS navigation, mapping and weather tools. Many have been ported over from the IPhone, while some apps have been re-worked to truly take advantage of the larger screen size. The other day I had this strange thought that my IPad might be a fantastic replacement for the old Garmin on the deck of my kayak! Can you imagine!? Mounting it wouldn’t be too much of an issue, but how would you keep it dry?
Large Whanganui from AquaPac
Yesterday, more as a one off than anything, I commented to AquaPac on Twitter that I wanted a waterproof IPad case. Before long I got a nice list of options and not just from Aquapac. Tim Turnbull of Aquapac recommended their current Large Whanganui case which is about 11 inches long and should easily hold an IPad. It’s a nice waterproof case. My only question would be, how does the touchscreen work through the plastic? It’s hard to gauge the thickness of the case online. AquaPac does make a nice selection of IPod cases so they should have it down, but the Whanganui is not specifically designed for an IPad. I also wonder if there is enough slack to adjust the volume rocker on the side of the IPad? It would be worth a look. Of course a true Ipad case would need a headphone jack as well. So far at $45 this is a ready-made contender.
IPad Cases Blog recommended the TrendyDigital Waterproof Case for the Ipad. The TD WaterGuard Plus Waterproof Case comes in multiple colors and was designed specifically for the IPad. It comes in around $20 at Amazon. TD says you can easily operate the Ipad through their case and what’s more theirs offers a padded back to protect your $500+ toy. The downside of the TD case is that you’ll have to wait a couple weeks. It won’t be released until June 8th.
My Twitter connection over at PembaServes says that Sea to Summit makes a fantastic waterproof case, they’ve just not got one sized for the IPad…. yet. *Update: The STS Map Case will work and is touchscreen comparable. (Thanks David)
Now to be honest I was really not all that serious about taking my Ipad on the water. I mean, I might if I could take the loss if the case failed. Maybe. Then there is that part of me that sees the whole idea of taking an IPad kayaking as just plain silly. Yet, once I stop giggling about it, it can sound like a fairly reasonable option for deck-top navigation given the screen size and other extras. A few good Apps, 3G connection, a good mount, and of course a great waterproof case and it might be a damn nice outdoor & on the water companion. It would sure make it easier to keep my kayak class notes organized on the deck. 
At some point I’m sure I’ll break down and get a WP case.. from there who knows what will happen! Stay tuned..
What are your thoughts on IPods, IPhones & IPads as part of your outdoor “tool kit”? Is taking an IPad along on your outdoor excursions sacrilegious? Stupid? Opulent? Do you think it’s a great tool? Do you have any good navigation or tide charting apps you’d like to recommend? With mobile technology growing so fast it’s certainly worth the conversation.
* Thanks to everyone who offered suggestions via Twitter yesterday as well.
Update: Aquapac posted this pic to their facebook today (6/1/2010)
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15 Responses to Waterproof IPad Cases?
I fully support your cause to bring more electronics on the water. Fully support it 100%.
It might look weird now but I still remember the conversation with a fellow instructor who felt that GPS had “no place on the water in a course” who now owns 2 units so it’s only a matter of time. Garmin just needs to adjust their onboard nautical equipment and roll out a more robust version of their chart reader. Then we would all be sitting pretty.
David J.
My iPhone makes a good companion in the boat as an emergency communications device for trips/teaching (when in AT&Ts very limited coverage in rural areas). I have found it fairly inadequate to rely on as a nav-aid though due to the immense power drain of using the GPS. It will literally cut usable life to less than an hour. It would be interesting to find out what the iPad GPS does to battery life. You have a good concept here. Let us know how it pans out.
Well, I see more that just a case. I see a boat designed around the ipad. No doubt the first to come out will be rec/fishing kayaks with the ipad built into the front deck, complete with remote, stereo speakers, etc. You get the idea. Fully equipped expedition whitewater and touring boats will come next with multiple cameras to catch all the action as it happens and beam it to viewers saving us from all this dreary blogging. If you see one on the design boards anywhere, remember you read about it here first!
It’s funny that you bring that up. I remember about a year ago we were batting around an idea of people embedding screens directly onto the deck of a boat. A couple of days ago I found some new technology that could bring that idea one more step closer. I have been sitting on it for a couple of days so this afternoon I should put some thought into it.
Special thanks to Derrick to bringing the nerd balls together…
David J.
Sea-to-Summit makes an ipood. It’s a nice shovel for digging cat holes. That’s the closest I’ve been to an “i” device.
I think bringing an ipad on deck is pushing it right now, but I’ve brought a netbook with me on paddling trips. I can’t wait until someone figures out how to make electronic waterproof paper. That’d be sweet.
OH MY GOD!!
What ever happened to paper charts, a compass and keeping the shore on the same side. Who doesn’t enjoy getting there when you get there. And really any place that has 3G connections may not be worth inventing two weeks of vacation time to paddle.
Hope I’m not rocking the boat. Always a pleasure to read your page.
Ipad shmIpad. Shouldn’t we be looking for a heads up display?
iPod, iPood, iPhone, iPad… but wait there is more: the iPaddle!
Not satisfied with the deafening silence when I paddle on the ocean (I really miss the sweet sound of the jet skis…) I had to have music to keep me entertained.
So I invented the iStick.
With traditional paddles gaining popularity I just combined the two: a Greenland paddle and speakers.
Full details at: http://gnarlydognews.blogspot.com/2009/08/review-istick-by-vanilla.html
Actually, there are two versions of waterproof case from Trendydigital. I got the lighter version without padding. This version is available now. I got it about 2 weeks again. It works pretty well for me. I notice that Trendydigital site has introduced a newer version. The significant improvement is the padding at the back of the case in the new version. I suppose that it provides more protection. I also found a youtube video on this case. It is too bad that the video does not come with some explanation.
Thank you very much for mentioning our blog in your post.
We’ve stumbled on another Waterproof iPad case this time from Japan: TuneWear WaterWear http://ipadcasesblog.com/ipad-case/tunewear-waterwear-waterproof-ipad-case
Hopefully, we can feature more waterproof iPad cases soon.
We have been resisting purchasing a touch screen mobile device wanting it to do more. The ipod, at viewing , is that “extra” for me. I will probably purchase one at the quickest chance
Here a few youtube link that shows how to check and use the waterproof case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuFjU7AjsrY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXV4TuVkDJA
Watershed Drybags has just introduced a brand new Ipad bag. It is featured in their most recent blog. It is stylish and functional. Watershed ZipDry Seal has ben tested to 300 ft submersion…can’t beat that. Check it out!
Below is a recent blog update regarding our latest creation, the Puget Waterproof Ipad Case. It just won “Best in Show” at the largest gift show in Japan. Here is the link:
http://drybags.com/blog/2010/10/new-ipad-bag-wins-best-in-show-in-japan/
Watershed’s new Puget waterproof, submersible Ipad bag allows you to actually use your Ipad while still in the bag. Imagine teaching a dive class underwater, navigating htrough the Aleutians or just relaxing on the beach with this baby! When not in use, you can conceal your Ipad with the nice button snap cover flap.
This bag also comes with a shoulder strap and padded liner that keeps your Ipad snug and well protected while in your bag. It also allows room for your Ipad accessories. What a great way to protect your investment! Stylish and functional…let us know what you think. These are not currently on the website for sale, but if you’re interested, we can take your order over the phone (1-800-811-8601). Retail cost is $96.95.
Protect your investment with the new Watershed Ipad Bag!
–
Justyn Thompson
With current iPad 2 release I prefer to use the case more than first iPad generation, its thin and lightweight.