iPad On the Go
Learn about the best bags to protect your iPad in every price range.
BY MIKE RILEY
Considering that the iPad Pro costs more than many laptops these days, it makes good sense to protect it during transport and while you're using it too. Thanks to a flourishing ecosystem of iPad gear, you'll find an array of choices to match nearly every type of mobile lifestyle and design statement you need.
Cocoon SLIM XS Tablet Messenger Sling
($49.99)
This economically priced tablet bag can accommodate all iPad sizes up to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Besides the padded front slip pocket for the iPad, the Slim XS contains a back pocket with a nifty system of interwoven elastic straps that secure a variety of cables, power stations, and accessories. Finding the right combination and orientation of your gear can be a fun, almost puzzle-like exercise. Once solved, the Slim XS comes in handy for keeping the expanding myriad of iPad accessories quickly accessible and tightly secured for transport.
e-Holster Tablet Shoulder Holster
($34.95)
Designed for people on the go who require quick access to their iPads, this bag looks and wears just like those TV cop shows with detectives holstering their firearms under their shoulders.
The adjustable shoulder strap ensures a comfortably snug fit, and the additional arm strap helps to stabilize the holster further. The holster is the perfect size for an iPad or 9.7-inch iPad Pro, but the newer and larger iPad Pro tablets exceed the holster's main pocket dimensions. The front includes two additional pockets, one for your iPhone and another zipped pocket to carry a small number of cables, cash, or forms of identification. Unfortunately, neither pocket is ideal for storing the iPad's bulky power cord, relegating it to a coat pocket or other dedicated carrying case.
Pad and Quill TechFolio Pro Travel Cord Organizer
($139.95)
This premium leather organizer stores cables in an easy-to-access and beautifully designed carrying case.
Ideal for the swank executive or tech consultant looking to impress, this fully loaded case folds nicely into a compact container that easily fits into a purse, backpack, or gadget bag. The only zippers are located on two inside pockets ideally sized to store power supplies. Punch hole rivets hold everything in place, elevating the organizer beyond just another accessory bag. The easily identifiable pouches make cable selection nearly instant; no more unraveling a spaghetti bowl of tangled cables and taking up valuable client interaction and presentation time.
Otterbox Defender Series iPad Case
(Starting at $69.95)
The Defender Series is at its best in unpredictable or harsh environments such as a construction zone, campsite, or the hands of a careless user. With support for the iPad Mini all the way up to the latest iPad Pro line, the Otterbox Defender Series seals the iPad within its protective inner shell while keeping the screen safe with a touchscreen protector and a removable outer slipcover that can double as a stand. This stand also has a slot for the Apple Pencil so you can keep both safe and secure.
The Defender tightly wraps around all sides of the iPad, and even covers ports such as the Lightning and headphone jack via rubber plugs to keep any dust or moisture out. However, the current design does not have such a cover for the Apple Smart connector, making it impossible to use Apple's Smart Keyboard with the Defender case. But if you're already using your iPad in harsh working conditions, you're unlikely to be using it frequently with a delicate Smart Keyboard anyway.
Supwatch Vintage Brown Crazy Horse Cow Leather Large Capacity Travel Backpack
($179.99)
This travel backpack sports several zipper pockets on the outside and a padded slide-in pouch with an elastic top strap to secure the iPad inside. The main pouch has plenty of space for additional items and can even work as an overnight bag for brief visits or business trips. Supwatch also offers Apple Watch bands made of the same leather as the travel bag. Combining the travel bag and watch band from Supwatch with the TechFolio organizer can make quite a tech fashion statement!