Memory cards themselves may not be terribly expensive, but they often contain innumerable priceless memories that are essential to protect. With a wide range of memory card types on the market, it’s crucial to find a case that not only accommodates all your cards but also keeps them safe.
In this article, we’ve identified some of the best memory card cases and holders currently available. Our top pick is the Think Tank Secure Photo Pocket Rocket Memory Card Case, so read on to see what we liked about it and the other models that made our list.
Our Top Memory Card Cases and Holders At A Glance
- Think Tank Secure Photo Pocket Rocket Memory Card Case
- Elephant Waterproof & Dust-Proof 26 Slot Memory Card Protective Case
- Kiorafoto Memory Card Carrying Case Holder
- CamKix Swiss Knife Style Memory Card Case
- Neewer 14 Slot Memory Card Case Holder
Best Memory Card Cases & Holders To Buy
Think Tank Secure Photo Pocket Rocket Memory Card Case
Best overall memory card holder
Brand: Think Tank | Number of Cards: 6 CF or 6 XQD or 12 SD or multiple micro SD | Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches | Weight: 3.2 ounces
The Think Tank Secure Photo Pocket Rocket is a flexible memory card holder designed to carry all your different types of cards.
No matter what type of camera you use, this memory card holder likely has room for it. The inside has six different zippered pockets that can hold CompactFlash, XQD, SD, or micro SD cards with ease.
The zippers hold each card securely in place, so no card is left behind. The inside has a clear window so you can see exactly where each of your cards are located.
When not in use, the Think Tank Pocket Rocket folds up to just 4.5 by 2.5 inches for convenient storage.
A removable lanyard makes the Pocket Rocket easy to transport on a backpack or clothing. There’s also the option to mount the card holder to your belt.
Pros
- Folds up small
- Holds multiple types of cards
- Zipper to hold cards in place
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Not waterproof
Elephant Waterproof & Dust-Proof 26 Slot Memory Card Protective Case
Best waterproof protection
Brand: Elephant | Number of Cards: 26 SD | Dimensions: 6.88 x 4.52 x 1.85 inches | Weight: 6 ounces
The Elephant 26 Slot Memory Card Case safely stores all your SD cards and then some.
With 26 slots available, you’re likely to have enough space for all the cards you use for photography and videography. Each card slides into a soft foam that holds them in place.
This handy means of storage allows for a multitude of cards but unfortunately limits the case to just the SD form factor.
When closed, the Elephant Memory Card Case is waterproof and dustproof to the IP67 standard. This will go a long way towards keeping your cards safe in the event of a sudden storm or a drop into a body of water.
The case is also resistant to impacts and chemicals and is impervious to corrosion.
This Elephant model also comes in a few different color options, from a solid black exterior to a see-through design. There is room under the foam to store small objects like money or car keys.
Pros
- Robust design
- Waterproof and dustproof
- Holds 26 cards
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Only for SD cards
- A bit bulky
Kiorafoto Memory Card Carrying Case Holder
Most durable memory card case
Brand: Kiorafoto | Number of Cards: 12 SD and 12 micro SD | Dimensions: 5.63 x 3.23 x 1.10 inches | Weight: 4.9 ounces
Advertised as being strong enough to survive the weight of a car, the Kiorafoto Memory Card Carrying Case Holder is all about keeping your memory cards safe.
At less than six inches by just three inches and only an inch thick, this card holder is surprisingly small for being able to hold 24 different memory cards. The intelligent design allows you to stack a standard SD card on top of a micro SD card to maximize storage.
The case itself is designed with a high-quality ABS exterior. The edge of the case has a silicone seal to keep away water and contaminants, and the interior is made of a rubber material to reduce shock in the event of a drop.
A snapping lock system helps ensure the case stays sealed and your cards stay safe. The included carabiner allows the card holder to be clipped to a belt loop or a backpack for easy portability and access.
Pros
- Very durable design
- Compact size
- Carabiner for portability
- Water and dust resistant
- Holds 24 cards
Cons
- Only for SD and micro SD cards
- Slots may be a little too tight for some cards
CamKix Swiss Knife Style Memory Card Case
Smallest memory card case
Brand: CamKix | Number of Cards: 5 SD and 2 Micro SD | Dimensions: 5.04 x 3.39 x 0.47 inches | Weight: 2.88 ounces
This mini memory card holder is small enough to attach to a keychain and carry with you anywhere you go.
Looking a bit like a pocket knife, the CamKix Swiss Knife Style Memory Card Case opens up just like one to reveal three storage “blades” to hold SD and micro SD cards. Should you have a need, this card case also has room for a few different sized SIM cards for mobile phones.
Each blade closes up to keep your memory cards safe but can be opened at a moment’s notice to allow access to cards. The individual bladed design keeps other memory cards tucked away and secure while you manage only what you need.
Also within the carrying case is a microSD card reader that attaches via USB to a laptop or desktop computer. Even while on the go, you can look at and edit your photos on a screen.
Pros
- Built-in micro SD card reader
- Small enough to attach to a keychain
- Blades are easy to open and access
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Fits only SD and micro SD cards
- Slots may be a little too tight for some cards
Neewer 14 Slot Memory Card Case Holder
Accommodates the most different card formats
Brand: Neewer | Number of Cards: 4 SD or 4 XD or 2 CF cards and 2 CF or 10 micro SD or 10 TF cards | Dimensions: 1.18 x 5.2 x 4.17 inches | Weight: 6 ounces
If you’re a person of many different types of memory cards, the Neewer 14 Slot Memory Card Case Holder may just be the answer for you.
Depending on the configuration you choose, this case has room for up to four CF cards or two CF cards and some combination of SD, TF, or micro SD. If you don’t use CF cards, it’s possible to store 4 SD cards on one side and up to 10 TF or micro SD cards on the other.
Once you have your memory cards sorted, the case closes down to a reasonably small five by four inches with just an inch of height. The Neewer card holder easily stows away into any backpack or carrying case and doesn’t add much weight at just six ounces.
When closed, the sturdy latch forms an air-tight seal to keep memory cards safe from dirt, water, and impact damage. This model does have a slot to clip a carabiner on if you’re looking to attach it to something.
Pros
- Supports a wide range of memory card types
- Holds up to 14 total cards
- Small design makes it easily portable
- Waterproof and dustproof
Cons
- Smaller memory cards sometimes don’t stay in place
- No included carabiner
How To Pick the Right Memory Card Case or Holder
When browsing for a memory card case or holder, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
What Types of Memory Cards Do You Have? How Many?
You’ll obviously want to get a memory card case or holder that accommodates memory cards from every type of device you use while you’re out photographing the night sky. While some people try to stick to a particular type of memory card format, others end up needing a holder that can accommodate several different types.
SD cards are arguably the most common, and case manufacturers know this. By keeping to one form factor, cases may even have the capability of storing 20 or more SD cards in a minimal amount of space.
Do You Need Something That Can Tolerate Extreme Heat, Cold, Water, Dust, or Other Contaminants?
If you’re big into shots around water or have a passion for the rainforest, you’ll probably want your memory card case to offer protection from water. Some cases can also protect against dust, corrosion, chemicals, or even extreme temperatures.
Think about places you may see yourself shooting, and be sure to plan accordingly. Shots of the moon reflecting on a lake are spectacular, but you’ll want to make sure your case survives an accidental drop in the lake.
Nighttime is the right time for fantastic astronomy pictures, but it can get quite cold at night depending on where you are.
How Much Room Do You Have in Your Pack?
Fortunately, most memory card cases and holders are made with portability in mind. That being said, a case like the Elephant 26 Slot Memory Card holder can hold a ton of cards but ends up taking a significant amount of space.
Some memory card cases are small enough to fit in a pocket or on a keychain and can help free you up from having to take any extra gear with you at all. This flexibility might just give you the motivation you need to reach the mountain peak and capture a crystal clear nighttime panorama.
Conclusion
With the ability to store so many different types of memory cards, the Think Tank Secure Photo Pocket Rocket Memory Card Case wins out as our favorite.
The zippered pockets keep those cards out of harm’s way, and the clear plastic interior lets you see what each card is so you don’t have to go digging around for it. In addition, the Think Tank card holder condenses to a very small size for storage and weighs next to nothing.
Other cases may not be as portable or lack the storage options of the Think Tank model, but they do offer some extra protection from dust, water, or other contaminants if you feel that’s something you’re going to be going up against.
No matter what your needs may be, it’s likely that one of these cases will take care of it!