Waterfield SFBags Outback iPad Sleeve Review

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My 9.7″ iPad spends most of its time at home, since the arrival of the iPad mini. Still, one can never have too many stylish ways to protect the best tablet around.

Waterfield SFBags has some great options and one of the most interesting is their Outback iPad Sleeve. The original Outback fits the iPad 3 and 4. A new smaller size fits the iPad mini. Waterfield sent one for the 9.7″ iPad. Let’s take a look.

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From Waterfield:

Old World Charm meets New World Protection. The vintage look of time-worn, waxed canvas plus the high-grade protection of neoprene, give the Outback Sleeve its relaxed, professional look. Custom-fitted sizes keep your Apple iPad or iPad mini, with or without a Smart Cover, snug. Sturdy leather enclosure snaps shut for a clean finish. The Outback iPad Sleeve is your ticket to style.

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The Outback iPad Sleeve has rugged good looks. The waxed canvas gives a well-loved look and no two look exactly the same. The high-grade neoprene inside offers great interior protection and a more rigid layer sewn into the sleeve provides additional screen protection.

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Finally, the thick leather strap snaps closed over the opening to make sure that, once inside, you iPad stays put. The matching leather trim on the bottom offers some additional protection AND visual interest.

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The iPad slides into the sleeve with ease but sits snugly enough that it won’t shift around inside once there.

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The entire package makes for a clean carrying system that keeps your iPad protected. And while it is both heavier and bulkier than some of the other sleeves we have reviewed it certainly doesn’t look TOO heavy or TOO bulky. In fact my only issue with this sleeve is the minor concern that my iPad might come into contact with the metal snap when you are putting the iPad inside.

If you are looking for a highly protective sleeve that has rugged good looks and will stand the test of time you’ll want to check the Waterfield SFBag Outback out. Details and ordering options can be found here.

MSRP: $44 for 9.7″ iPad, $39 for iPad mini

What I Like: Well-made; Rugged appearance is delicate on your iPad; Leather strap secures your iPad inside; Interior panel offers extra protection for your screen.

What Needs Improvement: Metal snaps and glass screen are a dangerous combination

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About the Author

Dan Cohen
Having a father who was heavily involved in early laser and fiber-optical research, Dan grew up surrounded by technology and gadgets. Dan’s father brought home one of the very first video games when he was young and Dan remembers seeing a “pre-release” touchtone phone. (When he asked his father what the “#” and “*” buttons were his dad said, “Some day, far in the future, we’ll have some use for them.”) Technology seemed to be in Dan’s blood but at some point he took a different path and ended up in the clergy. His passion for technology and gadgets never left him. Dan is married to Raina Goldberg who is also an avid user of Apple products. They live in New Jersey with their golden doodle Nava.