Review: Compared to Apple's Travel Case, WaterField Designs' Shield Case Provides More Sensible Vision Pro Protection.

Apple provides a $199 extra accessory called the Apple Vision Pro Travel Case for customers who want to carry their Vision Pro units and other accessories with them. However, if you're searching for a third-party substitute, WaterField Designs has a Shield Case that starts at $159 and might be worth taking into consideration. I've been using one for sporadic travel for the past few months to see how it performs.

But first, let's address the reason why you might want to think about a different option than Apple's first-party case. Apple's case is made of hardshell polycarbonate and has an outside shell made of white ripstop to protect the rather delicate headset. The inside of the case is lined with microfiber to shield the Vision Pro from scratches and other minor harm.

All of that sounds excellent, and the Apple Vision Pro Travel Case appears to preserve the pricey headset very well, but it has drawn a lot of criticism for its bulk, its ill-fitting outer cover, and its white colour, which raises the possibility that it could attract dirt and stains. 

To put it simply, Apple has prioritised allowing users to retain the head strap of their Vision Pro attached to the device's body, which means that the company's casing is enormous and has a lot of empty space within. The end product is an oblong case that is 6.5 inches thick, over a foot long, and nearly 9 inches broad. Even with a carry handle, it's still bulky on its own, and there's no way it will fit neatly in a backpack. The case will also take up a significant amount of the inner space of even a small carry-on suitcase.

And that's where the Apple Vision Pro Shield Case from WaterField excels. The Shield Case is a far more reasonable travel companion than Apple's case because it is smaller than Apple's case, measuring less than 8 inches square and little more than 5 inches thick.

How then does WaterField's Vision Pro and all of its components fit into a much smaller package than Apple's case? First, the user—whether using the Solo Knit Band or the Dual Loop Band—must take off the head strap. This results in a far more compact design and a reduction in the needed volume from something that would have to fit around a complete head.

The integrated Audio Straps and the main body of the Vision Pro stay intact, while the head bands fold into pliable, rather compact pieces that fit neatly inside the Shield Case. Furthermore, this is a simple compromise to make because taking off and reattaching the head bands is insignificant.

In my opinion, WaterField's Shield Case covers the Vision Pro quite effectively because it has a soft interior lining and a substantial quantity of closed-cell foam cushioning on the exterior. Naturally, the front cover that comes with Vision Pro should be kept in place at all times when carrying the device because it offers extra defence against knocks and scratches.

WaterField has added an accessory bag that fits into the space left by the Vision Pro, the Light Seal, and the Audio Straps, in addition to the main compartment of the Shield Case, which houses the Vision Pro body.

That pouch has enough room to hold all of your accessories, including the USB-C charging cable, the cleaning cloth, the power adapter, and both head straps. If you use Zeiss lens inserts with the Vision Pro, there are even two pockets sewed into the lid of the pouch for keeping them. However, since the inserts are securely fastened to the Vision Pro itself with magnets, you can also leave them in place when travelling.

You can keep the Vision Pro battery with its cord looped around it for transportation in the Shield Case's stuffed slot located inside the lid. After that, the case securely closes thanks to watertight zippers. If you'd like, you can store the charging cord, adapter, and other small items in the extra zippered slot pocket on the outside of the Shield Case. An additional thoughtful inclusion is a tiny slot tucked away in the exterior pocket where you may conceal an AirTag to help you monitor your Vision Pro.

The Shield Case may be conveniently carried in one hand by most users, but it also has an incorporated nylon grab handle. The Shield Case has two small D rings on the top rear edge where you can attach an optional $20 Simple Strap. This strap has an adjustable slide clasp and small carabiner-style clips to make carrying over the shoulder easier.

The Shield Case for Apple Vision Pro comes in a variety of material combinations; the most affordable is the $159 version, which is made completely of ballistic nylon and comes in black or blue. The Shield Case is available for $179 and is made of the same black ballistic nylon, with a white, black, or chocolate leather accent strip on the front. Lastly, there is a variant that costs $179 and has a front panel made of chocolate leather with a case body composed of waxed canvas.

The disparity between the Shield Case and Apple's Vision Pro Travel Case is too great to exaggerate without mentioning. I never really thought about taking my Vision Pro on any excursions because of its enormous size, leaving me with little choice except to use the Travel Case.

Not matter how well it's protected in a case, I'm not putting my Vision Pro in checked luggage when I'm flying, and there just isn't enough room in a backpack or carry-on for that bulky case. However, I still feel like my pricey and delicate Vision Pro is well protected with WaterField's Shield Case, and I can fit it into the bottom of my trip backpack and still have enough of room for it.