Gear Review: Sea to Summit TPU Case

Difference in sizing

With so many electronics today making their way into the backcountry, the challenge of protecting them from moisture while still being able to use them has become an issue.  As we started planning to hike the Appalachian Trail we thought about what electronics, after our cameras, we would be bringing along and the Peek topped our list.  My comfort (luxury) item was a Nook eReader because I’m such a book worm.  Both of these electronics were important to us and we needed a way to protect them while still being able to use them.  After looking around at various electronic cases, we decided on the Sea to Summit TPU Accessory Cases.

Detail of the loops closure

The TPU Accessory Cases come in three different sizes; small (5x4 in, 12.5x10 cm), medium (6.5x5 in, 16.2x12.5 cm) and large (8.5x6 in, 21.2x15 cm).  The bottom part of the case is a clear, soft TPU material that is very flexible and easy to see through.  The top of the case is a roll top extension of the TPU material with a more durable black top that folds over and keeps the top sealed.  There are two rows of Velcro-like material ensuring a tight closure.  The top black material, also TPU, is reinforced with fabric.  The entire case is a welded design with no seams.  At the top are two slots for a neck lanyard.

Detail of the hooks closure

While we opted to use these cases for our electronics, they can certainly be used for much more than that.  The large size fit the Nook eReader perfectly and the smaller size fit the Peek.  Once I had the Nook inside the case, I never had to remove it even for charging.  Due to the design of the Nook, the charging port is on the bottom, so I simply placed the Nook inside the case upside down.  The Peek was a different story.  The case was a little on the big side, but the Peek has a scroll wheel on the side for navigation and the charging port is on the other side.  It simply was not possible to use the scroll wheel without the possibility of maybe damaging the TPU material.  It was also not possible to charge the Peek while inside the case, so we frequently removed the Peek from the case.  The looser fit of the case made this possible.  The tighter fit of the Nook case did cause some sticking issues when I tried to remove the Nook on rare occasions.

Detail of the lanyard attachment points

The TPU material of the case has been remarkably durable.  So far with two months of constant use, I haven’t seen any major signs of wear.  I did notice a small ding in the material but this hasn’t affected the performance at all.  The TPU is still as clear as the day we received the cases.  The roll top is still easy to roll down and the Velcro-like material still closes tight.  The top black reinforced section has had a few loose threads, but again, nothing that has affected performance.

The TPU is a slightly sticky material that likes to stick to the electronics.  While I find that this makes it a little more difficult to place and remove items from the case, it hasn’t been bad.  I feel that I get a good seal with little extra air allowing the case and electronic item to take up just the minimal amount of space in my pack.  Having my electronics contained also has given me the peace of mind to occasionally store my Nook behind my water bladder, use the Nook in humid weather, or read during a rainstorm.  I even sat on the side of the road reading in light rain while waiting for a bus.

The low profile and ease of use of the TPU Accessory case has made it a mainstay in our packs for our electronics.  Weighing between 0.7 oz (22 g) and 1.2 oz (34 g) we certainly can’t complain about the weight.  The lightness of the cases really belay the durability we have experienced with them so far.

Manufacturer	Sea to Summit
Sizes	small (5x4 in, 12.5x10 cm) medium (6.5x5 in, 16.2x12.5 cm) large (8.5x6 in, 21.2x15 cm)
Weight	small 0.7 oz (22g) medium 1.0 oz (28 g) large 1.2 oz (34 g)
Price	small $14.95 medium $16.95 large $19.95

This story was originally posted August 17, 2010.