My iPhone changes ‘clothes’ depending on my travel destination. For major outdoor adventures, you can bet it’s armored in a waterproof, shatterproof case, for instance, whereas on low key days, it needs only slim protection. Lately, my favorite case for light travel days or everyday use at home is the STM Atlas.

STM-Atlas

The Atlas comes sized for iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, with a thin, low profile. I appreciate the very simple and understated look: the Atlas is covered in textured fabric in a wrap design. My phone is protected from general bumps and scratches, and I don’t feel like I’m carrying around a brick.

The Atlas is my first case with a folding cover, and frankly, I wasn’t sure how I’d like this design element. As it turns out, I love it. My screen is protected when my phone is in my purse or pocket without the use of a filmy screen protector (I hate those). And the cover folds in such as way as to be a prop for the phone when I want to use the screen to watch a video. I’ve found I’ve used this feature far more than I anticipated, especially on airplane and train journeys.

There are three integrated card slots for credit cards or ID, though I admit I haven’t used them. Traveling with my family, it’s rare I only need 2-3 cards, including ID, during a given trip. No matter which way the cover is folded (over the screen or back for viewing), all ports and buttons are accessible, which is a nice departure from my more protective cases, which have to be ‘unplugged’ every time I want to insert an earbud jack. However, the downside of this is, of course, is the lack of waterproofing. The Atlas is by no means waterproof or even water resistant.

The case cover stays closed using tiny suction cups, which suction onto the phone screen, and there’s a microfiber lining on the underside to protect the glass. I wondered whether the suction cups would lose their ability to grip over time, or perhaps break off of the case, but I’ve been using the Atlas steadily for months now, and haven’t have any wear or tear.

You can pick up the Atlas in one of three understated colors, all in textured fabric: charcoal, red, or denim. The denim is a lighter version of the color; not dark. As noted, it comes in iPhone 6 or 6 Plus sizing. (I’ve also seen them for iPad mini.) Grab one for under $35 on Amazon.

 

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