Review: Nite Ize Leather Cargo Clip Case 8

If you’re looking for something more durable and versatile than the standard leather case but don’t need the seriously hardcore  protection of an OtterBox, then consider the Nite Ize Leather Cargo Clip Case. It’s not the sleekest or most stylish case ever made, as the Cargo Clip Case is an exercise in function over form. But with niceties like a headset strap and an interior card slot, this case is packed with function found in few others.

Functionality

The Cargo Clip Case’s shell contains a layer of padding sandwiched between a soft leather suede exterior and a stiff inner layer to provide support and protection in the face of physical adversity. The sides of the case are thick elastic that helps hold the Pre quite securely. Instead of the magnet closure used on many modern cases, the Cargo Clip Case opts for and old-school but beefy Velcro fastener. It’s a good thing it uses a large pad of Velcro, as when lined-up squarely there’s a good half inch of extra space over the Pre, but you can easily pull it down a bit farther for a secure fit while still gaining adequate Velcro adhesion.

Inside the pouch is a smooth microfiber coating and an elastic interior pocket sized perfectly for storing all manner of credit-card sized items (though if you have a Touchstone back on your Pre, we’re not sure we’d recommend magnet-strip bearing cards). Also inside is a loop where you can slip a pen or pencil, though it will be a very tight fit with a Pre inside. At the base of the tab is a small elastic band that you can lift up and slide in a bluetooth headset or other similarly sized item.

The belt clip is a heavy-duty affair. Made of stiff and thick plastic, it’s designed to take a beating and still hold fast. It’s very easy to attach to a belt, and by design very difficult to remove (the clip curls back around to catch onto your belt if slid too far up). The clip also rotates 360 degrees, clicking into place every 45 degrees to suit whatever your hip-mounted needs may be.

Style

As noted in the introduction, the Cargo Clip Case deliberately puts function over form. That’s not to say it is ugly, but it’s certainly not pretty. The closure tab should more be described as a flap, it’s comically large, but thus easy to grab. With items like a pen and headset in their mounts, the case easily begins to look like a miniature suede utility belt. And that super-secure belt clip? Well, it’s also super large and bulky. But it works, and that’s why you’d buy this case.

Conclusion

An expression of the importance of protection and extra functionality in our carrying cases, the Nite Ize Leather Cargo Clip Case is packed full of useful features. It’s not going to win any beauty prizes, but with its strong belt clip, secure closure, protective shell, and nifty extra pockets and sleeves, the Cargo Clip Case is going to win many fans in the “I don’t care what it looks like, how well does it work?” crowd.

The Nite Ize Cargo Leather Clip Case is available in the PreCentral.net Store for $16.95. It has a line of sister cases, the cloth Nite Ize Cargo Clip Case (in black, navy blue, and mossy oak camouflage) available for $12.95.

Pros

Great protection

Cons

Not the prettiest case on the block