If you travel a lot with your iPad, you will want to find something to keep it safe while on the go.  Salt Lake City based ColcaSac makes iPad sleeves that can protect your precious iPad from dents and scratches while traveling.  The ColcaSac iPad sleeves are like really nice sleeping bags for the iPad.  In fact, I wish I could shrink myself down to sleep inside my ColcaSac iPad sleeve.  They are that nice.

ColcaSac started in 2004 as AppleSac but due to trademark issues with Apple Inc, the company renamed itself ColcaSac in 2009.  ColcaSac started out making sleeves for MacBooks but has since expanded their product line to offer iPad sleeves.  According to ColcaSac’s website, ColcaSac sources durable, sustainable, interesting materials from all over the world to protect technology.  ColcaSac makes several iPad sleeves that vary in color and materials used.

The ‘Zagora’ iPad 2 sleeve I purchased is made out of black, heavy-duty 18.5 oz basketweave hemp canvas.  According to ColcaSac, the hemp used to create the Zagora iPad 2 sleeve is grown and harvested in rural China, where it grows quickly and plentifully.  And since hemp is grown naturally without pesticides, it is easy on the soil.  Also, hemp is nature’s strongest natural fiber (if you don’t count the spider web) making it a good choice for protecting your iPad.

The outside of the ColcaSac Zagora iPad sleeve feels durable and seems like it will hold up well over time, but it is the interior material used that makes this case really stand out.   The soft, white lambs wool like interior feels amazing.  It is like the ultra plush material you would find on a car detailers glove used to wax an expensive automobile.  Not to date myself, but the interior also kind of reminds me of the interior of a jean jacket I had back in the 80s.

When ordering a ColcaSac sleeve you have the option of choosing whether you want it made to fit an iPad 1 or iPad 2.  If you are ordering an iPad 2 sleeve you can also indicate whether or not you plan to use your iPad 2 with a smart cover so you get a little extra room for that.  I chose the iPad 2 with smart cover option since I have a smart cover and back protector on my iPad 2.

I find my iPad 2 with the smart cover and back protector fit well inside the ColcaSac sleeve with one small caveat.  The way the ColcaSac is put together there is an interior seam that is presumably there to help keep the iPad snug, but this seam can feel like it is in the way.  When I first got the ColcaSac sleeve the fit felt a bit too snug, but after about a week of use it seems as if the materials have stretched a bit to fit the iPad 2 with smart cover better.  Like a new pair of jeans, the ColcaSac gets better with time.  I mention the interior seam because it could be bothersome to some as it requires you to align your iPad with the seam for the best fit.

The ColcaSac sleeve uses a velcro closure to keep the sleeve closed so your iPad is protected from every angle.  ColcSac uses a velcro that is thinner and quieter than traditional velcro.  Using velcro makes it easy to quickly load and unload your iPad from the case.  Also ColcaSac includes a nice, functional pocket on the front of the sleeve.  I found this handy for a number of things.  I usually carry my iPad with my Blackberry so I ended up throwing my Blackberry in that pocket.  I also found it useful for carrying my AluPen iPad stylus and ear buds.

The ColcaSac Zagora sleeve I purchased cost $35 which I think is a bargain when you consider these are handmade out of really high quality materials.  I have seen mass produced plastic cases sell for more.  Finally it is worth mentioning that ColcaSac donates 1% of their sales to important environmental causes and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel good about making a purchase with ColcaSac.I find the ColcaSac to be a well made, attractive iPad sleeve and I highly recommend this sleeve for those looking to protect their iPad while on the go.

Pros

• Fits an iPad with a smart cover and back protector
• Hand made
• Durable hemp material used for exterior
• Ultra soft interior that is pleasing to the touch
• Convenient front pocket for accessories
• Discreet – this sleeve does not shout “hey, there’s an iPad in here”.
• Snug fit, gets better over time
• Made in the U.S.A.
• Environmentally friendly
• ColcaSac donates 1% of sales to important environmental causes

Cons

• Interior seam could be bothersome to some