Otterbox Latch Review- Bear Grylls… Eat your heart out

If Bear Grylls or Mike Rowe designed an iPad accessory the Otterbox Latch would be it. This is an iPad accessory that takes utility to a whole new level. Otterbox needs no introduction here, they are the makers of the best iPad hard cases on the market, and with the all new iPad Latch they just put some icing on their already legendary cake. Whether you are flying a plane, trekking through the jungles, surveying a construction site, or just trying to entertain your kids in a car, the Latch iPad accessory has something for everybody, and it’s pretty dang cool looking to boot. Check out our in depth review.

What Is The Latch?

With the Defender

Without the Defender

The gift of grip

Like Batman's utility belt

The Latch is hard to classify. It is not an iPad case or cover, it isn’t an iPad stand, and it’s not what you’d normally expect for an iPad accessory. The Latch IS incredibly useful however. The Latch adds a ton of utility to your iPad and is the perfect companion to any iPad hard case you might already have. It attaches to the back of the iPad with four elastic straps, and stays in place surprisingly well too. We wouldn’t recommend using this accessory if you use a folio for your iPad or any kind of case that covers the screen with a flap such as the Apple iPad Case. But if you have a standard hard case, then you are in business.

Stylistically, the Latch practically screams rugged. Made from black ballistic nylon with yellow highlights, it just looks super cool. But style is not where this accessory shines…

Utility! It’s All About The Utility!

The Latch comes with a feature for almost every rugged profession out there. There is an padded hand strap on the back that is adjustable and makes holding your iPad securely super easy.

If you happen to need your hands free though, such as if you are a pilot flying a plane, there is an adjustable elastic strap that will secure the iPad to your leg while leaving your hands free for more important tasks like staying airborne and avoiding a flock of seagulls (not the band). While we do not recommend playing Angry Birds while flying a plane… reading maps on the iPad would be an acceptable practice. The elastic strap can also be used to attach the iPad to the back of a car seat to keep your passengers happy with an in-flight movie.

There is also an adjustable lanyard included which will let you hang the iPad around your neck in either portrait or landscape mode, and also includes a S-Biner utility clip to keep the iPad right on your hip. Both of which make it very easy to use for surveying and checking blueprints on the job site.

What if you are in the middle of a rain forest and it starts to drizzle? Never fear, for the water resistant screen cover is here. Cover your iPad with this shield to keep it temporarily safe from unexpected weather, dust, or other grit. Though it’s not waterproof, it will keep your device safe long enough for you to look for cover.

All of these accessories are stored in a clever little accessory storage bag that attaches directly to the Latch so you are never without. The bag also doubles as a stand for the iPad. How cool is that?

An iPad Survival Kit

We are very impressed with this Latch accessory, essentially it is a survival kit for your iPad fit for somebody like Bear Grylls. If your job consists of anything more rugged than sitting behind a desk and tapping furiously on a keyboard, the Latch could easily become your most useful iPad accessory. It has a feature for almost every need, and it’s rugged enough to last for a very long time. We wholeheartedly recommend it! The Otterbox Latch is available for $49.95.

With The Defender

One Response to “Otterbox Latch Review- Bear Grylls… Eat your heart out”

1. RB says:

   April 21, 2011 at 7:14 am

   I picked this up about 2 months ago to replace my ZaggMate Bluetooth Keyboard Case for my IPad. It has become a permanent attachment to my IPad and I couldn’t imagine using my Ipad without it.

   I think what makes it such a hit is it’s simplicity. It lacks all the complex gadgetry that you see in some case designs. It makes it flexible for all sorts of uses. I use it during my morning and evening commute. It works as a lap stand while sitting and as a support if using it while standing.

   The back handle and the accessory pouch are the two best features. In fact, after two weeks of using it, I took the other accessories and put them in a Ziplock baggie and stuffed them into my backpack and filled the pouch with bubble wrap for a light and firm back stand. It stay permanently with the IPad and works great. I also bought the commuter with this and it has been an excellent protection.

   If you use the IPad to do activities while in transit, this accessory has no better alternative. I doubt is has an equal.