Ive been through dozens of setups over the years, and honestly, if youre hiking, you need something that balances grip with actual impact protection. Most people focus on the back, but the corners and the screen lip are what actually save your phone when it hits a rock. Ive seen too many thin cases fail because they dont have enough of a front-facing bezel. In my experience, the best combo that fits your budget and safety needs is:

• iPhone+15+Pro+MagSafe+Compatible&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Smartish Gripmunk for iPhone 15 Pro MagSafe Compatible: This case is basically a sleeper hit. It has these beast grip textured sides that are way better than any smooth silicone case when your hands are sweaty or dusty from a trail. Its surprisingly thin but the corners are reinforced for drops.
• iPhone+15+Pro&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit Tempered Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 15 Pro: Since you mentioned being bad at installs, this is the gold standard. It comes with a plastic auto-alignment tray so it is nearly impossible to mess up. Ive used these for years and they stay on perfectly until you decide to take them off. Quick tip for the install: do it in your bathroom after running a hot shower for a minute. The steam knocks all the dust out of the air so you dont get those annoying tiny bubbles. Also, make sure your case has a raised lip that is higher than the screen protector... some ultra-thin cases flush out once you add glass, which leaves the screen vulnerable to flat impacts. These two together stay well under your 45 dollar limit while giving you real peace of mind.

> Building on the earlier suggestion, I would suggest being careful with thin cases while hiking. Agreed. I saw this thread earlier and wanted to chime in because I actually cracked a screen once using a thin case on a rocky trail... it was a nightmare. Safety is definitely priority one when you're out in nature. I usually go for something like the iPhone+15+Pro+MagSafe+Case&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Caseology Parallax for iPhone 15 Pro MagSafe Case because it has this 3D hex pattern on the back. It adds some decent grip for when your hands get sweaty or dusty on a hike, but it still fits in my jeans pocket without a struggle. It usually goes for under $20 too. Since you mentioned sucking at installs, check out the iPhone+15+Pro+2-Pack&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">amFilm OneTouch Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 15 Pro 2-Pack. It comes with this plastic box thing that aligns everything perfectly. I used it on my last two phones and never had a bubble. The whole setup costs maybe $30 total, so you stay way under budget.

Building on the earlier suggestion, I would suggest being careful with thin cases while hiking. I slipped on some rocks last month and the iPhone+15+Pro+Case&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Ringke Onyx Magnetic iPhone 15 Pro Case was a lifesaver thanks to the textured grip.

• Buttons are very clicky
• Fits the iPhone+15+Pro+%283-Pack%29&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">ESR Tempered-Glass Screen Protector for iPhone 15 Pro (3-Pack) perfectly Make sure you really scrub the screen before using that ESR frame tho, I've had dust ruin my installs before... definitely annoying.

> everyone seems to love the Spigen Liquid Air but then I see people saying the buttons feel mushy Yeah the Liquid Air can be hit or miss with the button feel depending on the batch. Honestly, if you want something that feels clicky but still stays under budget, iPhone+15+Pro+Case&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">Spigen MagArmor MagFit iPhone 15 Pro Case has been way more reliable for me lately. Its thin enough for pockets but handles outdoor bumps just fine since the grip is decent. For the screen, that iPhone+15+Pro&linkCode=osi&------123456890?5422-20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">ESR Armorite Screen Protector for iPhone 15 Pro set is actually legit. The frame makes it basically impossible to mess up even if you have shaky hands. Quick tip tho: do the install in a steamy bathroom after a shower. It keeps the dust out of the air so you dont get those annoying bubbles. Both together should keep you well under that 45 dollar limit.