
Last month I spent a week using the tech21 Evo Mesh iPhone 6 case, which I liked a lot, and I was initially hesitant to try the tech21 Patriot Case because it’s designed to deliver the maximum protection available. After several days testing the Patriot, I can confidently recommend it to anyone who needs heavier-duty protection for their iPhone.
The Patriot is rated to protect against drops from up to 13 feet and is designed to be dust- and splash-resistant, making it well suited for active outdoor use or demanding jobsites.


While you can carry the Patriot in a pocket, the included belt holster secures the phone at your waist and keeps it readily accessible. In my experience the holster with its rotating clip is the most convenient way to transport the iPhone while working. The holster allows the phone to rotate 360 degrees so it won’t get in the way while bending, reaching, or using tools in a workshop.


The Patriot’s front Impact Shield uses BulletShield™, a specialty polymer from BASF that is related to materials used in high-strength glass. This multilayer protector absorbs and disperses impact energy away from the point of contact to reduce the risk of screen damage. The case’s sides and back use tech21’s FlexShock™ material, engineered to dissipate force and minimize damage from shocks and impacts.
All ports are covered, and speakers and microphones are protected by acoustic vents that let sound pass while keeping dirt and dust out.

Key features at a glance:
- Impactology™ design that incorporates FlexShock™ impact material
- Advanced impact absorption through a geometric ribbing structure
- 360° impact protection for front, back, and sides
- Built-in Impact Shield screen protector with multi-layer impact absorption, self-healing and anti-scratch surface, excellent optical clarity, and anti-rainbowing
- Meets and exceeds MIL-STD 810G.516.6 with up to 4 m / 13 ft drop protection
- Full access to all iPhone features and controls
- Preserved audio quality thanks to acoustic venting
tech21 Impact Shield: Self-Heal and Scratch Resistance

The Impact Shield included with the Patriot is also available as a standalone screen protector, so you can use it by itself or pair it with a slimmer case such as the Evo Mesh. Combining the Impact Shield with a compatible case gives you comprehensive protection without adding excessive bulk.
Impact Shield incorporates BulletShield™ technology, offers a self-healing surface that reduces the appearance of minor scratches, and resists abrasion. It ships with a simple applicator to help avoid bubbles and fingerprints during installation.
Overall, a tech21 case delivers reliable protection that reduces the chance of damage during everyday use and in tougher environments. By protecting the device while you own it, a durable case like the Patriot also helps preserve the phone’s condition and resale value when it’s time to upgrade.