You likely know by now not to leave for a camping trip without your phone and a fully juiced portable charger. Sure, camping is all about getting into the great outdoors and away from screens. But your cell phone isn’t there to play games and waste time on. It’s there for emergencies.

And with the right phone case, it can be utilized for even more. Discover all the wonderful camping hacks you can unlock with only a phone case.

two women camping with phones in their hands

Automatic Charging

Certain iPhone 14 cases come with technology for built-in automatic charging. These slightly bulkier cases, called battery cases, let you get rid of clunky portable chargers and cords. Your phone case is all you need for a little on-the-go zap.

You can’t rely on these cases for a full 1% to 100% charge, but next time you’re in a pinch, why not rely on your phone’s hardware to do the work for you?

Protection From The Elements

Camping can be a surprising experience. From sudden downpours to taking a spill over an unexpected rock on the path, accidents and surprises are bound to happen. You can only plan so much.

That’s why you’re well served by investing in a hardy case that’s resistant to water, drops, and cracks. Outfitting your phone with a rubberized case can help protect the screen from cracks. Screen cracks are the leading cause of phone damage, so it’s more a matter of when, not if. Prepare yourself for the when.

Crack Open A Cold One

The best part of camping is those long nights by the fire, telling stories, making s’mores, and throwing back a couple of beverages. 

It’s not that a bottle opener will take up a massive amount of space in your pack, but doesn’t every little bit of space count? Wouldn’t you like to be able to open a bottle with your phone case instead? Shop phone cases with bottle openers built into the back and never be without access to a refreshing sip.

Never Forget Your Cards & ID

Some phone cases come with a built-in wallet or card holder in the back. That way you’ll always remember your ID and cards on you. Cut down on the odds that you’ll forget your cards as well as the odds that you’ll lose a card somewhere out in the wilderness.

Consumers lose over $50 billion to identify fraud every year, and much of that comes from lost and found credit cards. Keep your ID and cards close with a wallet case.

Securely Snap Pics

You can also purchase a phone case with a ring or lanyard attachment on the back to secure your grip. Take daring pictures while hanging over the edge of a cliff or waterfall without having to worry that you’ll drop your phone.

Travel Safe In The Great Outdoors

You should always bring your cell phone along on camping trips. Keep it nearby so you know you’ll be safe in case of an emergency. And in many other cases, rely on your phone case to solve some of camping’s more minor, though no less pressing concerns.