Nomad has distinguished itself as a leader in mobile device accessories by using premium materials and top-notch craftsmanship. One of those premium materials is the Horween leather used in their cases, watch bands, and other offerings. Their new Nomad Rugged Case for iPad Pro features Horween leather, and the result is as gorgeous as it is protective.
Nomad describes the case this way:
Rugged Case is a simple, minimalist case that combines sleek design and sturdy protection. Built with a high-grade polycarbonate body and bonded to a raised TPE bumper, this case helps keep your iPad Pro protected from daily bumps and scratches. Rugged Case is wrapped in supple Horween leather that develops a patina with time and takes on a look totally unique to your case.
The Rugged Case snaps on to protect the back of the iPad, and it offers excellent corner protection too. Nomad is clear that when designing the case, they looked to make something that was elegant and minimalistic while also providing significant bump and drop protection. They accomplished their goal by beginning with a protective TPU bumper that wraps around the iPad while leaving openings for the USB-C port and speakers …
… the three microphones along the top and side …
… and the side to which the Apple Pencil 2 connects for charging and safekeeping.
The TPU bumper is bonded to a Polycarbonate frame that is covered by Horween leather. From the back, all you see is the beautiful leather and the cutout for the camera, flash, and final microphone. The camera cutout is precise and is ringed by a thin ring of the same black TPU material to reduce flash bounce.
Finally, it is worth noting that the TPU bumper rises above the screen just enough to offer some lay-on-the-table protection without causing any usability issues with working on the iPad.
Minimalist Design: We strive for classy, minimalist designs in all our products, but never compromise on durability. While still retaining iPad Pro’s ultra-thin profile, we’ve added a full wrap-around TPE bumper ensuring you can enjoy the beautiful look of leather without worrying about damage.
The leather is absolutely gorgeous. The tanning process Nomad employs yields leather that is rich in color, soft to the touch, and it retains some of the unique markings and grain so that no two cases are exactly the same. Better still, over time, the leather will develop marks from use, contributing to a patina that makes it even more unique. The company claims their Horween leather cases get better with time, and after using their iPhone cases for months, I can vouch for that fact. I love seeing beautiful leather goods show their age while still performing their job.
I also love the fact that Nomad doesn’t shy away from this aspect of the case. In the FAQ section of the product page, there is this exchange:
Will the leather scratch?
Designed with American leather that will scuff and mark. If you always want a perfect finish, this is not the case for you. But, if you are after the perfect authentic leather patina, this is absolutely the case for you.
To summarize, the Nomad Rugged Case is made from vegetable-tanned Horween leather, a Polycarbonate frame, a rubber TPE bumper, and a protective microfiber lining that provides a soft, safe home for your iPad. The result is a minimalist case that offers excellent protection without adding too much weight or bulk to the thin tablet.
Features:
- Rustic Brown Horween leather from the USA
- Develops a rugged patina
- Slim construction
- Protective TPE bumper
- Apple Pencil compatible
- Also available for iPad Pro 12.9-inch and in Black.
Before the pandemic hit, I usually used my iPad Pro with my Brydge Pro+. Because I now work from home and always have access to my computer, I have not kept the iPad attached to the keyboard. Instead, I’ve had it in the Nomad Rugged Case for the past few months, and I love it. The case doesn’t add a lot of weight, but it does allow me to worry less about my pricy tablet. I love the way the leather feels in hand, and now that I’m starting to see some slight wear marks, I’m glad to see how nicely it is aging. I’m a fan! You will be, too! And if you want something of equal quality but that looks a bit different, you should check out the version that comes in Deep Gray Performance Polymer.
The Nomad Rugged Case for the iPad Pro 11 sells for $99.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer.
Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample
What I Like: Fantastic construction; Quality materials; Fits perfectly; Offers lay-on-the-table protection; Adds protection without any decree in functionality; Light and thin; Leave open the side for docking and charging the Apple Pencil
What Needs Improvement: Nothing — if this is the style of case you prefer, then this is the right case of that style!