STM Holster for iPod nano

If you tend to keep your iPod in a pocket, purse, or bag where it’s unlikely to be dropped or otherwise victimized by serious impact, an iPod “pouch” is an appealing way to protect your player. Such a case provides basic scratch protection from keys, coins, and other objects likely to mar your player’s shiny surfaces, but does so without the added bulk of a traditional case. The main drawback to a pouch is that it doesn’t provide access to your iPod’s controls; but in the situations mentioned above, you wouldn’t have such access anyway.

Moshi’s various pouches have been among our favorites, but STM has recently introduced another excellent offering, the Holster for iPod nano. Unlike the single-layer Moshi pouches, the Holster is polyester canvas on the outside with a layer of soft microfiber on the inside. The result is a case that’s a bit thicker but offers a bit more protection in case you drop your nano.

The top of the Holster features a nylon strap that snaps shut to keep your nano safely inside; the iPod’s headphone jack remains accessible. (Note that because of the way the iPod nano is designed — with the headphone jack and hold switch on opposite ends — no pouch provides access to both simultaneously.) The pouch is just long enough to accommodate your nano, which sits nearly flush against the retention strap. (STM also suggests that the retention strap be used for wrapping excess headphone cable.)

The Holster includes two interchangeable accessories for carrying the case: a key ring and a wrist strap. Both attach — one at a time — to a clip on the side of the Holster.

If you’re in the market for a pouch for your iPod nano, the Holster is a quality case with useful accessories. And at $30 for a package of two — one red, one charcoal — it’s also fairly inexpensive; buy a pack and split it with a nano-owning friend.–Dan Frakes