Pelican Air Cases: Sizes, Weight Savings and Which Model to Buy

Pelican Air cases are Pelican’s lightweight line, which Pelican rates as up to 40% lighter than comparable polymer cases while keeping a watertight, crushproof build. They are the right choice when weight matters, such as airline baggage limits, gear carried by hand all day, or teams shipping many cases. If weight does not matter and maximum toughness does, the classic Protector line is still the benchmark.

What Makes Pelican Air Different

Air cases use Pelican’s lightweight HPX² polymer shell and a honeycomb-style structure that cuts weight without giving up stiffness. You still get the features Pelican is known for:

• Watertight O-ring seal and an automatic pressure purge valve
• Press-and-pull latches that open easily but resist accidental release
• Padlockable hasps and, on larger models, wheels and an extendable handle
• Foam, dividers or custom inserts to suit cameras, drones, instruments and tools

Pelican Air vs. Pelican Protector

Popular Pelican Air sizes

The 1605, 1606 and 1607 share a footprint in increasing depths, so you can match depth to your gear. The 1615 is a wheeled case sized near the airline checked-bag limit, and the 1637 and 1646 are larger wheeled cases for production kits.

Larger and smaller Air cases

See every model in the Pelican Air collection.

How to Pick the Right Pelican Air Case

1. Start with the interior dimensions

Measure your largest item, add room for foam on every side and compare against the interior dimensions listed on each product page. Our Case Finder lets you search by inside dimensions across brands.

2. Check how you will travel

For carry-on, see our Pelican carry-on guide. For checked bags, airlines commonly cap size at 62 linear inches and weight at 50 lb, so a lighter shell leaves more of that allowance for your gear.

3. Choose the interior

Pick-and-pluck foam works for quick setups. Padded dividers suit camera kits that change. Custom-cut foam gives the best protection and a clean, professional presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions