Image via Complex Original
Everyone wishes their phones would remain as pristine as the day they signed their contract, but human nature doesn't allow for such things. That's why we wade through the crap to find the cases that not only look good, but actually protect your tech. That said, there's a small portion that need a little extra protection. Whether you're biking, hiking, working construction, or just incredibly clumsy, some people need a case that's down for whatever gets thrown its way. We found nine cases that will do just that.
Lifeproof iPhone 4S
Click here to Buy it Now from LifeProof, $80
You won't be able to tell from looking at it, but the LifeProof case is one of the most rugged and durable cases you can currently buy. Hence the crazy price tag. Despite it's thin and light (weighs less than ounce) form, the LifeProof case has a full IP-68 rating meaning your phone will be completely dust-proof and will be able to survive being immersed in water deeper than 1 meter. It also meets military-grade specifications for shock and impact.
AQUA TEK S
Click here to Buy it Now from SnowLizard Products, $130
The folks at SnowLizard already have a great durable iPhone case in the Tough Tek, but we're more excited about the one they're trying to bring to market. Previously a Kickstarter project, the AQUA TEK S is pegged as the “first ever battery powered, solar charged, rugged under water iPhone 4S case.” Looking at it, you can tell it's all those things and more. On the back is a solar panel that allows you to charge your iPhone while on the go. All you adventurous types should put your money down now.
iFrogz BullFrogz
Click here to Buy it Now from iFrogz, $35
Most cases that are made to be durable don't have much in the way of personal styling. iFrogz decided to literarily add some color by offering their most rugged case in 12 different colorways. Compatible with all the iPhone 4S models, the BullFrogz case made from a durable polycarbonate and silicon. The sides have non-slip grips to help ensure that you rarely have to test its mettle.
Case-Mate Tank
Click here to Buy it Now from Case-Mate, $60
Case-Mate looked to the engineering behind motorcyle helmets when it designed the Tank. Like most cases on this list, it features a shock-absorbing center with a shatter-proof protective shell. What other cases don't have is teh cool retractable screen shield that fully protects the iPhone display from cracking, scratches, and even condensation. Oh, yeah, it's also military grade. Click the Buy it Now link to see the case take a beating.
Ballistic Hard Core Series
Click here to Buy it Now from Ballistic, $50
MacWorld magazine once rated the Hard Core as the most rugged case you could buy for your iPhone. It's easy to see why. Forget two or three layers, the Hard Core has five. It's not the most attractive case, but your phone will be incredibly safe unless you toss it off a boat into the ocean.
Incipio Destroyer
Click here to Buy it Now from Incipio, $40
We're not sure why Incipio calls this case the Destroyer as we think it will do great in helping you not to destroy your iPhone. The coolest thing about this case is it's two-part construction. The “core” of it is made from silicone to better absorb the shocks, while the framing is crafted from polycarbonate. It's the best of both worlds.
Griffin Survivor
Click here to Buy it Now from Griffin, $50
Griffin says the Survivor is the most protective case it's ever built. Here's why: the bulky three-piece case meets the U.S. Department of Defense Standard 810F and UK Department of Defense Standard 00-35 for shock, wind, rain, and dust. All ports—and screen—are covered and protected as well. Griffin believes in the case so much it made a video demonstrating the Survivor's toughness.
Otterbox Defender Series
Click here to Buy it Now from OtterBox, $50
When we think of OtterBox cases we think of hopelessly bulky, function-over-form cases. The Defender thankfully bucks all those descriptors by offering a thin, attractive case that delivers three-layer protection in eight colors.
Spek ToughSkin
Click here to Buy it Now from Speck, $40
The Speck ToughSkin looks the part of the rugged case. Its grooved rubber aids with grip and absorbing shocks from falls. The two-piece case also comes with a holster if you're into carrying your phone on your hip. Even better, the holster sports a kickstand so you can watch movies when you're on a flight.
mophie juice pack PRO
Click here to Buy it Now from mophie, $129
When it comes to cases that double as battery packs, no company does it better than mophie. Most of them are powerful and svelte, allowing you to stay fully charged without sacrificing too much pocket real estate. But for those who want extreme power and extreme protection, mophie offers the juice pack PRO. Featuring the company's largest battery pack (2500 mAH compared to 1500 in the "air), the PRO will get you through the longest of work days or music festivals. Then there's the protection. The PRO features a military-spec impact design that protects from rain and water, sand and dust, impacts and drops, and severe vibration and shock. The only down side is that it's more than a bit on the bulky side, but, really, with this spec sheet, that's to be expected.
