The Week in iPhone Cases: Rugged life

I can think of no better sign that the sunny season is coming than the number of announcements for cases designed for active outdoors use.

If you don’t fancy swimming in a cold lake, battling the currents in a kayak, or diving into a pool, don’t worry, though. We’ve got plenty of case built with fashion and style in mind—the perfect companions for smart dress or a casual evening with your friends.

The LS Series (iPhone 5; $24) features a minimalist design that adds little bulk to your iPhone, as well as a series of interchangeable, colored corner bumpers that allow you to personalize the case’s looks to suit your tastes.

The cases itself comes in black, charcoal, hot pink, purple, lime, orange, or teal. Each model includes sixteen corner bumpers in four complimentary colors.

The CalypsoCase Loop (iPhone 5; €100) is made from high-end materials: leather, titanium, conite, and a special microfiber designed to keep your iPhone safe with a splash of haute couture.

The case is available in four different models that combines a wide range of bold colors, like red, gold, metallic pink, and tan.

The Keystone Eco (iPhone 5; $50) protects your handset from all sides—including the front—and its waterproof-to-seven-feet construction makes it the perfect choice for a day at beach or for a paddle through lake and stream.

The Eco comes in black, white, blue, green, or pink.

The Gravel Series (iPhone 5; $20) is made from electroplated polycarbonate that provides excellent protection while adding minimum bulk.

Available in red, the case also features a special three-dimensional pattern that adds a splash of fancy to your phone.

The Survivor Clear (iPhone 5; $30) is built to be tough where it matters, with reinforced corners, a crystal-clear-polycarbonate back plate, and edges molded for a secure and comfortable grip.

Available in black, aqua, olive green, or purple, the case also features button covers to help prevent dust and dirt from damaging your handset.

The Stripes (iPhone 4, 4S, and 5; $35) is built to be lightweight but sturdy, with an easy snap-on attachment that makes installation a breeze.

As its name suggests, this case features a striped pattern, available in pink, aqua, or gold chrome.

The Amphibian (iPhone 5; $30) complies to the international IP68 standard, which makes it water-, dust-, and sandproof while still allowing you to use your phone as usual thanks to its clear polycarbonate construction.

Of course, protection from shock is also part of the package: The case features a soft-silicon jacket that helps protect your phone from bumps and falls.

The Defender Ion (iPhone 4 and 4S; $130) combines Otterbox’s popular three-layered protection with an external battery that doubles the use time of your iPhone.

The power pack uses technology that also allows an app (shown here) to monitor the status of both batteries separately.

The Barbour Leather Flip Case (iPhone 5; £40) features typical English-tartan lining and is made from real leather embossed with the logo of the venerable Barbour clothing designer.

The interior of the flip case, which also sports a number of cutouts to give you prompt access to all the iPhone’s ports and cameras, features a couple convenient pockets and compartments for storing cards and cash.