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Lowepro 3.5-Inch Navi Handheld GPS Carrying Case Black Description:

Lowepro’s protective 3.5 Navi Bag takes an inventive approach to hitting the trail, or anywhere, with your handheld GPS device. Portable, rugged and easy to access with a handy drawstring and toggle closure, the bag is made of stretchy neoprene for a snug and protective fit. Soft interior fabric protects the touchscreen from dust, scratches and abrasion. Use the extra-sturdy carabiner to clip the 3.5 Navi Bag to any belt, strap or loop. A built-in, zippered side pocket holds two AA-sized batteries—an ideal solution when you need spares for a long hike.

• Color: Black
• Brand: Lowepro
• Model: 3.5 Navi Bag (Black)
• Dimensions: 4.90″ h x 1.80″ w x 3.50″ l, .20 pounds

Features

• Inventive “chalk bag” design with drawstring closure offers a protective, rugged, outdoor solution with easy access to a GPS device
• Stretchy neoprene material provides soft, cushioned protection
• Extra-sturdy carabiner expands carrying options to wear the bag on a belt or attach to a loop or strap
• Zippered battery pocket provides fast access to two spare AA-sized batteries
• Soft interior fabric protects touchscreen from dust, scratches and abrasion

Customer Reviews:

Batteries fit fine now
I just got my Lowepro and after reading all of the reviews that noted that the battery storage was too tight, they might have fixed that because my batteries fit with no forcing at all. Basically a perfect fit.
Haven’t used the case yet but it looks and feels good.

A curious product?
Before I write anymore, let me share that I use my handheld GPSr primarily for geocaching….nearly weekly. When out in the field, it is not at all unusual for me to be hiking several miles through dense wooded areas, slogging through wetlands or paddling a kayak along a river to reach my intended destination. So please keep that in mind as you read my comments.

This carrying case is built with the kind of construction one expects from Lowepro; quality materials, practical closures and little extras, such as the carabiner clip for one’s belt. The design is such that it has the flexibility to accomodate different brands of handhelds. Most often, I use a Garmin GPS 60CSx Handheld GPS Navigator, but it can also hold my Magellan Triton 500 Handheld Navigation System nicely. I liked the little zipped compartment for storing an extra set of batteries, but did find it to be a really tight fit for the two AA Hybrids my unit requires. The neoprene fabric offers excellent protection from nicks and scratches to the handheld unit itself.

That said….as one whose use of the handheld requires it to be visible and in hand for most of my travels on trail, the enclosed nature of the design is a bit curious to me. I have found myself using the carrying case more for storing my handheld when not in use. On the trail, it becomes an extra item to manage. I would guess that for those whose use involves following well marked trails for most of their journey, this carrying case would be a nice way to carry the unit while keeping it protected and hands free for other activities. Hunters heading to a deer stand or fishermen to a hot spot may find this to be exactly what they need to keep their unit stowed away once they arrive on site and start doing what they came to do.

A very good bag, but could use 2 small improvements
This carabiner clip case is styled after the chalk bags rock climbers use and is marketed towards outdoorsy types and people on the go who may not always have both hands free. The vertically-oriented chalk bag hangs off your belt loop or other strap and the drawstring opening allows you quick, one-handed access to your device. Instead of fumbling with a zipper, you can just reach down, stick your hand through the elastic opening and pull out your unit. I prefer carabiner-style bags over other kinds of bags (like shoulder straps) because of the convenience and outdoorsy feeling I get wearing them, almost like a side arm. I don’t have to fish through my pockets or backpack when I need the device.

Soft and cushiony, the neoprene bag protects your device against scratches, accidental drops, and other mishaps. One potential flaw, however, is with the way the carabiner is attached. The clip itself is metal and very strong, but where it meets the bag, it is not sufficiently ruggedized. Instead of a riveted eyelet or a thick strap of ballistic cloth with reinforced stitching, it is a thin piece of nylon material sewn into the neoprene skin (see my photos in the gallery). It does not look like it can take much punishment. An accidental yank or a snag against an object (like a door handle or hook) might cause the stitching to rip. This is only really of concern in outdoor environments where trees and branches might be sticking out, but since this bag is marketed towards such users, I am flagging it as a consideration.

Also, as mentioned by other reviewers, the spare battery compartment is too tight. It fits 2 AAA batteries perfectly, end to end, but not 2 AA batteries. They have to be crammed in there and forced closed.

Overall, an attractive bag that is convenient if you like the chalk bag design. It also fits iPods, digital cameras, and other mp3 players. If you prefer a zippered, non-carabiner version, Lowepro has the Lowepro 4.3-Inch Navi Sleeve GPS Carrying Case (Black).

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