TL;DR: When it comes to minimizing the amount you have to bring with you as you leave the house with your kids, the Nomad Leather Folio iPhone 7 Plus case is a godsend — even if it is a little bulky.
I’m going to do something unusual, here. I’m going to recommend a product even though I personally have no real interest in using it. Why would I do that?
You’ll just have to read on and see why I’m giving the Nomad Leather Folio Case for the iPhone 7 Plus a thumbs up regardless of not really wanting to use it on my own.
DESIGN
We need to talk a little bit about packaging, here. The Nomad Leather Folio case comes boxed like this, and it’s absolutely stunning:
Yes, that IS a wax seal. I love it so much, it makes me feel like I’m about to open the box to an antique diary that contains a map to some hidden treasure. Inside, however, is a leather phone case that doubles as a wallet (mine happened to be blue).
Made from genuine Horween leather, at first you might be put off by the severe edges and slipperiness of it. Don’t let that fool you, because as you use it, it will work the leather into a soft, grippy, more rounded version of itself.
Inside the case are two things: a panel for your credit cards, IDs, and business cards, and a spot for your phone. The phone’s bottom edge is NOT protected when the front cover is open, but I suspect that’s not a big deal as the entire screen itself becomes protected when it’s closed.
All of your ports are open (the one port, I guess), and you can access the sleep/wake button easily with your fingers. A little harder to use are the vibrate switch and volume buttons, unless you fold the front cover back entirely.
THE DOWNSIDE
With cards in it, this sucker gets thick. It created a big bulge in my front pocket, and I could feel it sagging my jeans in the back when I put it where my wallet usually goes (shoot, now thieves know my hiding place).
If you put this thing in a purse, however, you likely wouldn’t notice it and actually welcome not having to carry a wallet too. Of course, you could do the same with a fanny pack. That’s up to you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
But is it too thick to recommend?
No. Look, my personal taste when it comes to phone cases is a perfect balance between minimal and protection. That’s why I loved Nomad’s Leather case (review here) and Caudabe’s Sheath (review here).
Just because something isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean I can’t see the benefit for others. Some men won’t mind the extra bulge if they don’t have to carry a wallet, and I bet women will love being able to grab just one thing when leaving the house instead of two.
The price is more than usual for a phone case, as it’s sitting currently at $49.95. Remember, though, you’re getting a wallet, too, so the price is justifiable.
You can find it through Nomad’s online store, at Best Buy, Amazon, or Newegg.