USB flash drives are a convenient way to carry and transfer data. Even with the cloud storage options of today, USB drives may be preferable due to security and privacy concerns. While there is an abundance of USB thumb drives on the market, only a few of them offer extreme ruggedness and waterproofing for active lifestyles. Those who are exposed to extreme conditions may find the following rugged and waterproof USB flash drives useful. Keep in mind that flash drives have a finite lifespan so be prepared with a proper backup plan.
Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth Rugged USB Flash Drive
The Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth is an extremely rugged USB 3.0 flash drive with waterproofing up to 200 meters with the use of a EPDM rubber seal. Housed in a CNC-milled, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum structure with a molded shock dampening collar, it is also resistant against impact and vibration. The design has a tough-looking military style with a stealth black exterior. The Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth comes with a limited 5-year warranty. It is available in 16, 32, 64, 128, and 256 GB. Based on its positive user reviews, the Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth is our top pick for the best rugged and waterproof USB flash drive.
Buy Corsair Flash Survivor Stealth at Amazon
Lacie XtremKey USB 3.0 Rugged Flash Drive
The Lacie XtremKey USB 3.0 has a refined, modern look designed by Constance Guisset but it is extremely rugged. With its ZAMAC metal alloy construction and hermetic rubber O-ring, the XtremKey is IP-68 Level 8 waterproof to 200 meters and resistant to shock, drops, pressure, heat (392°F), and cold (-22°F). The XtremKey doesn’t sacrifice performance for its toughness, with transfer speeds up to 230 MB/s. It also offers AES 256-bit encryption software to protect your data from prying eyes. The XtremKey is available in 32, 64, and 128 GB. While Lacie has been an innovator in rugged storage solutions and the XtremKey appears to be the top rugged USB flash drive on paper, there are a number of negative user reviews.
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Samsung USB 3.0 Rugged Flash Drive
Unlike the top two choices, the Samsung USB 3.0 Flash Drive has a one-piece metal case design with a built-in large key ring hole. It features NAND flash technology with transfer speeds up to 130 MB/s and a 5-year warranty. Despite its sleek look and normal size, the Samsung USB 3.0 Flash Drive is billed as “waterproof, shockproof, temperature-proof, magnet-proof, and X-Ray proof.” While there are no official specifications as to the degree of its water-resistance, one user review stated that it survived being in a washing machine for almost a complete cycle. The Samsung USB 3.0 Flash Drives comes in 32, 64, and 128 GB.
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EP Memory Gorilla Ruggedized USB Flash Drive
The EP Memory Gorilla Ruggedized USB Flash Drive is a USB 2.0 drive which prevents it from being a top pick, but it does offer extreme durability. Its exterior is made of a rugged silicon casing and a large metal attachment loop. It is resistant to impact, heat, and pressure (250 psi) resistant and is waterproof to 65 meters. The Gorilla Ruggedized USB Flash Drive is available in 16, 32, and 64 GB.
Buy EP Memory Gorilla Ruggedized USB Flash Drive at Amazon
Verbatim Dog Tag Rugged USB Flash Drive
Verbatim Dog Tag Rugged USB Flash Drive is a USB 2.0 flash drive featuring a unique dog tag case, metallic bead chain, and protective rubber border. While it’s the least rugged USB thumb drive on this list, it is a fun design and an affordable option for those who would prefer to wear their USB drive around their neck. It can also be attached to a key ring. The System in Package design provides resistance to water, dust, and debris, though it’s uncertain if it can handle complete immersion in water. Verbatim Dog Tag USB Flash Drive comes in 8 and 16 GB and includes a limited lifetime warranty.
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I have the Samsung drive listed here, and the metal wrapping tattered at the end after a couple months in my pocket, making it very difficult to insert. I do not recommend this drive to anyone who requires durability.
I need some advice on buying a usb stick.
I must generate static more than most people, as I can’t wear digital watches and usb sticks never last longer than 3 months. I never realised usb sticks lasted years for most people, until I used a friend’s, it was useless within a week.
I really need one for work, so does anyone know of one that is static resistant or able to withstand static.
Hi, same problem here. The drives I have invariably get corrupted and develop single byte errors or the USB interface stops responding/overheats.
Interestingly when checking I noticed that the USB port on one of my machines is “Hot” as in radioactive. I think the steel got contaminated with 60Co or 137Cs because it makes my GM counter tick even from 8″ away but still well below safe limits.
Have the same problem on my old desk but more so. Its not surface contamination though as checked this as well so could be in the steel.
At some point it will get replaced but in the meantime switched to HDDs because they seem more reliable.
Richard Oliver, try wearing non synthetic clothes, wear good old cotton and stay away from nylon to prevent static.
The Corsair Survivor memory sticks have served me well and it is proper waterproof..
Computer experts often tell me not to plug a drive in the port with keys hanging off of it, because the weight will damage the port, so it’s best to have one that easily removes from the key chain, but would not be easily lost. And anything I clip to my keys usually gets badly damaged, unless it is as durable as a key.
I bought the Samsung 3.0 Flash Drive and I am very sad to say that I lost many, many files with it. It has taken me a good two weeks to discover that the problem is with the flash drive, but after much trial and error, that is where the problem lies. I constantly got the error message with my word documents that there was unreadable information in the file and that the file was corrupt and could not be opened. This has cost me at least 40 hours of extra work. Perhaps I received a defective flash drive. It is interesting that the package boasts a 5 year limited warranty, but there is no information about how to obtain the warranty coverage. I do not recommend the Samsug USB 3.0 Flash Drive.
You must dismount any drive before unplugging it from your computer or device. If not, especially if data is in the process of being written or read from the device it will be corrupted. On a PC the best way is to R click on the drive and select DISMOUNT – BE CAREFUL NOT TO CLICK FORMAT as you will then loose all data.
The Kingston Data traveler 2.0 is the most rugged USB drive I have ever owned. It is ridiculous good. Kingston started selling them 6 or 7 years ago and still make them to this day. We have dozens of these at work. I have used then to straighten out bend USB ports by forcing them into bent ports and have carried one on my key chain for years without issue. Kingston released a USB 3.0 version of this key chain but unfortunately the USB 3.0 version did not live up to expectations. I burnt out several of them imaging laptops and went back to the 2.0 version. 4-2021