If you are using an iPhone or iPad on your boat and looking for a case as rugged as a Hummer, then one piece of gear that should be in your wheelhouse is the SLXtreme case from Snow Lizard; think of the Otterbox, but ratcheted up to military grade.

The SLXtreme case, pictured here for iPhone 5 models. It features an extra battery, solar panel, and rugged construction that helps keep your phone safe from the elements (and your own stupidity).

The SLXtreme case, pictured here for iPhone 5 models. It features an extra battery, solar panel, and rugged construction that helps keep your phone safe from the elements (and your own stupidity).



The SLXtreme is the opposite of minimalist design; this case provides maximum protection from the elements and accidental drops. And yes, I’ve dropped and fumbled my own iPhone in one of these cases quite a few times.

The robust design and a handy cord help keep your phone safe, but that ruggedness comes at with a price: this case is heavy. When I hung it around my neck, I felt like Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings enduring the growing weight of Sauron's one true ring. So instead I clipped it to my sailboat’s steering pedestal, but cleats or winches work, too. You can also buy a nautical kit from Snow Lizard that includes mounting clips, suction cups, and a foam floater.

Hands down, the best feature of this case is the integrated battery. It can be charged before you leave the dock, and with an additional 50 percent of battery capacity for your iPhone, it provides some extra juice on the go. Turn the case over and you’ll find a solar panel that charges an internal battery.

While the handy lanyard makes it easy to hang the SLXtreme around your neck, it's awfully heavy and uncomfortable. Alternative mounting kits are available, however.

While the handy lanyard makes it easy to hang the SLXtreme around your neck, it's awfully heavy and uncomfortable. Alternative mounting kits are available, however.



I thought that the solar panel would be a great benefit and alleviate the hassle of keeping my phone plugged in, but I was somewhat disappointed when it only worked in bright sunlight. Even then, it only added a few percentage points to the battery status. For emergency use I can see it being useful, but not for much more than that.

Snow Lizard Products makes SLXtreme cases for iPhone 4/4s, iPhone 5/5s, and soon will have cases for the iPhone 6/6 Plus. Fear not, Snow Lizard also makes an iPad case. An upcoming product—a combination hard case with integrated Bad Elf GPS—looks very interesting. I like the Bad Elf GPS unit, but the version with a Lightning connector cannot fit with most cases. That should make the integration of two very useful products easy for boaters.

For more information, visit Snow Lizard Products.