When traveling, I notice that a lot of people have their cell phones out to take pictures, text messages, read maps, or whatever. My biggest fear, since I have bad hands, is that I will drop my phone overboard since I like to take photos over the edge and will type from the guardrail. I notice many others with similar behaviors.  To this end, I have explored gadgets to help me protect my phone while I travel.

Drop Protection

First of all, get a good case is essential. I cannot believe how many phones I see on ships that are not protected in any way. I have a preference for a rubber case that has a lip slightly higher than then phone’s screen. This provides shock protection and can save the screen if I do drop it, which I have done. These are not expensive and protect better than many of the hard plastic fashion cases.

I also add a screen protector. Since I do not like the glare from the screen, I get matte screen protectors, but that is entirely up to your taste. I find that many persons who get the tempered glass protectors end up breaking the protector, which seems kind of counter-productive. I am perfectly happy with my plastic protectors.

The combination of these two items has enabled me to state that I have not damaged a single phone (or tablet). I have had many phones and use them constantly during the day for both business and pleasure.

Keep Your Grip

The second part of this equation is maintaining your grip on the phone. I noticed that, sometime around the release of the iPhone 6, phones became top heavy. That is, when I tried to type, the phone wanted to somersault out of my hand. This made is clumsy to type and hold the phone. I explored a number of solutions before ending up with a Love Handle for both my phone and tablet. Here are some of your options.

  • Popsockets – These round devices telescope from a flat position so you can put them into your pocket or purse into an extended position where you can slip the popsocket between your fingers to hold it. These are very clever and popular devices that can be purchased with pictures and clever sayings, so they provide a personal touch. They can also be used in the extended position to prop up the phone for easy viewing. While these work well when you are using your phone, it is still easy for the phone to slip out of your hand if you are not careful. Additionally, I found that the popsocket caught on my pants when I tried to slip the phone into my pocket. While not my favorite device, I can see why may like the popsocket.
  • Ring Holder – These are metal rings that attach to the back of the phone. By slipping a finger through the ring, the phone is held securely. Since this is a closed ring, it is easier to hold your phone in many positions. The ring can also be used as a phone stand. I found, however, that these rings were not comfortable for me, although they did fit into my pocket pretty well.
  • Elastic Straps – These are elastic straps that stick on to the back of the phone. By slipping one or more fingers through the elastic strap, the phone can be held security, both while using the phone or just carrying it. While this device cannot be used to prop up the phone (although some do have that feature), they have a low profile and are the most comfortable in my pocket. I use a brand called Love Handles, which have served me very well. I have them on my phone and my tablet. What is nice is that I put the Love Handle on the back of my tablet and can still put it into the case.

I have had my Love Handles for years and love them. I think they are over priced, but, then again, most phone accessories are. I can walk with my phone in my hand and not worry about dropping it. I do not need to actively grip the phone, since the strap holds it in place. It also makes it harder for someone to grab the phone from your hand, although that does not seem to be a major concern any more.

CAUTION: All these devices must be positioned for your comfort. Before attaching any to the back of your phone, check to see that it is positioned so you can type and access the phone screen comfortably. I made the mistake of just sticking my first one on, then had to remove it and reposition. Thankfully, the company sent a spare glue pad so this was possible.

RECOMMENDATION: I suggest you attach any of these devices to a case and not directly to your phone. However, be aware that some cases will not access the glue very well. All the ones I looked at had 3M adhesive so they could be relatively easily removed if desired.

Water Protection

I know there are devices on the market to protect your phone on the back or near water. I have not tested any of them, but, as a scuba diver, I can see they have borrowed from the scuba industry, so they should be good. It is a good idea to protect your phone from water, sand, and salt when you can, especially on beaches. Even if not exposed to water, the moisture in the air has a high salt content which can negatively impact electronics. I simply take a good Ziploc bag with me. I find that I can type through the bag, although taking photos is another matter since the bag may affect the quality of the photo. The phone still fits into my pocket.  This is a simple and cheap solution. I like to walk beaches along the edge of the water, so added protection is important. Note that none of the gripping devices mentioned above work while the phone is in the bag, so there is a trade-off — I go for longevity for the expensive device.

Please take the poll to let me know how you protect and secure your phone.