Pelican has always been an honest brand, entirely focused on making the best product for the application. There is a reason Pelican cases have been the solution of choice for everyone from SOCOM to the Camel Trophy. I have hauled my camera gear around the world in a 1510, with all its scratches and stickers like stamps in a passport. Overlanders have used Pelican cases since the first one was sold, and they can even be installed as panniers to adventure motorcycles. The original cases have hardly changed in decades, but in recent years, Pelican has been on an innovation trend, including their newest product, the new Pelican Air travel cases.
Critically, the new Air cases are 40 percent lighter than their most robust offerings, which is key for airline travel. For example, the base weight of my 1510 is already half of the allowable carry on mass. This is not to say that the new Air is not durable, as it is made from a newly formulated HPX resin and with a different mold which has less structural support ribbing thickness. These cases are ideal for use inside a vehicle and all typical travel needs.
Another important update is the inclusion of TSA approved locks into the latches. They have also retained the metal-reinforced hasp rings on the corners. The new Air is launched in two ideal sizes: a max carry-on size (1535TRVL), and a max checked-luggage size (1615TRVL). They both also include steel bearing wheels and extendable roller handles, along with the traditional purge valve for high-altitude opening. These two Pelican Air travel cases still pass all of Pelican’s requirements for impact, drop, submersion, and high and low temperature. pelican.com
This is the author’s well-loved Pelican 1510, perched on the Antarctic ice cap.
Pelican™ Air 1535TRVL Case MSRP US: $333
Pelican™ Air 1615TRVL Case MSRP US: $451
