Id like to "zip" both sides of a portable external hard drive case with a drive inside and its connector cord (external drive port to USB-C) protruding out.
Its to keep the drive safer or cushion the fall if it falls accidentally.
Punch or drill a small hole in the top or bottom of the clamshell for the cable to pass through while the case is completely zipped, or just run the cable out where the zipper ends. Like zip it 99% of the way closed leaving room for the cable to exit.