Can I use a phone case to protect against sand?

Standard cases only protect against drops. You need a sealable, airtight bag or a fully sealed 'pouch' style case to prevent micro-sand from scratching your screen or clogging the speaker ports.

Why shouldn't I use compressed air?

Canned compressed air is too powerful. It can blow sand deeper into the internal circuitry or push dust behind your camera sensor, which is much harder to clean.

What is the biggest threat to batteries?

Heat is the enemy. Temperatures above 113°F (45°C) can cause permanent capacity loss or thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.

Keeping Your Electronics Alive in the Desert

To protect gear in desert climates, use high-quality, airtight dry bags to block fine dust and store devices in insulated sleeves to prevent overheating. Never leave electronics in direct sunlight or locked cars, as internal temperatures can spike to dangerous levels in under 15 minutes.

Seal against micro-grit. Desert sand is often fine like flour. Use IP67-rated waterproof dry bags or double-bag your devices in high-density zip-top bags. Avoid opening these bags in high-wind conditions.
Regulate temperature. Wrap devices in a reflective or insulated sleeve. If you are using a camera, keep it in a bag with a small, frozen gel pack wrapped in a microfiber cloth to provide a cooling buffer.
Avoid 'hot zone' storage. Never leave devices in the glovebox or trunk of a car. Keep them on your person or inside a backpack that stays in the shade. If a device feels hot to the touch, power it down immediately and move it to a shaded, ventilated area.
Clear ports after exposure. If your device is exposed to sand, use a bulb blower—not compressed air—to gently clear charging ports and lens mounts. Compressed air can force grit deeper into the internal seals.

Can I use a phone case to protect against sand?: Standard cases only protect against drops. You need a sealable, airtight bag or a fully sealed 'pouch' style case to prevent micro-sand from scratching your screen or clogging the speaker ports.
Why shouldn't I use compressed air?: Canned compressed air is too powerful. It can blow sand deeper into the internal circuitry or push dust behind your camera sensor, which is much harder to clean.
What is the biggest threat to batteries?: Heat is the enemy. Temperatures above 113°F (45°C) can cause permanent capacity loss or thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.