Peli™ Case alternatives – 11 Pelican™ style cases to consider

1. Introduction
2. Storm Case™
3. Explorer
4. B&W Case
5. Hardigg™ Single Lid
6. Hardigg™ ISP2
7. Nanuk Case
8. WAG Heavy Case
9. Peli™ Air Case
10. SKB iSeries
11. EXOCase™
12. SKB 3 Series
13. Summary

There is a reason that there are so many Peli™ Case alternatives now available. Put simply, the indisputable fact is that Peli™ Cases (and the Peli™ Protector Case range in particular) are a fantastic protective case solution for a wide range of applications and requirements.

For starters, they are incredibly tough (so tough, in fact, that they come with a lifetime guarantee). This strength is coupled with complete protection from both water and dust (being UP67 rated). The cases are shockproof, impact-resistant, and crush-resistant, even before considering their range of features that focus on usability.

All Peli™ Cases come with pressure relief valves, durable hinges, comfortable-to-use handles, wheels (on larger cases), reinforced eyelets to attach padlocks, extremely durable and secure latches, and a wide choice of colours and sizes.

Add in the extensive range of accessories and options, such as foam inserts, dividers, straps, lid organisers, bezel kits, etc, and it makes you wonder why other manufacturers considered making cases to compete with Pelican’s™ range.

It is also worth noting that Peli™ Cases offer a range of options, each suitable for different applications. This includes the standard Peli™ Protector Cases for the highest levels of protection, Peli™ Air that offer a lighter weight and easier handling, Peli™ Micro for minimal equipment, and Peli™ Hardback specifically for laptops, tablets, and similar electronics or devices.

However, the remainder of this guide will focus exclusively on the Peli™ Case alternatives that you may wish to consider instead of these.

So, the first Peli™ Case alternative included on this list is actually manufactured by Peli™ (although Hardigg™ originally developed it, before the company was purchased by Pelican™ back in 2009).

However, any conversation about Pelican™ Cases will likely see Storm Cases™ mentioned. In fact, the “Peli™ vs Storm™” debate is one of the more hotly contested debates amongst users of this type of protective case.

That being said, GWP would recommend Storm Cases™ as one of our preferred options for a wide range of applications. Offering the same levels of performance and build quality as Peli™ Cases, Storm Cases™ provide an improved appearance (in our opinion), surface finish and easier-to-use latches (which will not seize shut at lower temperatures, unlike Peli™ Cases’ catches, which can be prone to doing so). It can also be argued that their range of features makes them the easiest and most comfortable cases for frequent use, without compromising on toughness, durability, or resistance to water.

Beyond this, there is little difference between the cases in terms of performance, pricing, and longevity; it really comes down to which catch type you prefer and your aesthetic preferences.

Explorer Cases are another waterproof option that is widely used in military applications. Many people also believe that the aesthetics of these cases are superior to those of their rivals, with an evident Italian design heritage in the construction of the cases.

This does not come at the cost of performance; however, with the cases being tough, hard-wearing, and IP67 rated.

In fact, many will claim that Explorer Cases are the best all-round Peli™ Case alternative. The range combines a wide variety of sizes and colour options, extensive testing, a wide selection of standard features, and competitive price points (which tend to be lower than those of Pelican™ Cases).

Critics would argue that the usability of the cases is not quite as good as the established Peli™ options, and that the surface finishes are not as attractive (if that is an important consideration). However, they are an option worth “exploring”!

Want to know the cheapest Peli™ Case alternative? That accolade goes to the range of B&W Outdoor Cases.

Providing the same levels of protection and performance as Peli™ Cases, but at a considerably lower cost, B&W Cases are the option of choice for those on a tight budget.

So, why wouldn’t everyone switch to these cases? As one of the newer cases available (developed in 1998), B&W Cases offer a relatively limited range of sizes. This can mean having to compromise on space, or using a case which is too big (but is the nearest fit).

The overall quality is perhaps slightly less when compared to some of the more premium offerings (particularly Storm Cases™), but the cost of quality ratio is exceptional overall.

Another Peli™ Case option (although again manufactured by Hardigg™) makes it onto the list of alternative case options as arguably the toughest option currently available.

In fact, Single-Lid rotationally moulded cases are widely touted as the toughest, strongest, and most durable cases currently available. This is achieved through the manufacturing processes, as well as the use of extra-tough polypropylene material.

There is a vast range of sizes to choose from, alongside very specialist cases which can be used as lockers, desks, and so on (Hardigg™ “mobile military). The cases also boast an IP68 rating.

What the single lid cases add in terms of strength does lead to compromises elsewhere, though, most notably in usability. While there are many options, the cases are bulky and heavy. Whilst this enables them to offer excellent protection, it does mean that they can be challenging to move and inefficient to store or transport. They are also more costly when compared with injection-moulded case options.

However, if you’re looking for the toughest Pelican™ Case alternative, this is the best choice for you.

Being very similar to the single lid cases, the key USP of the ISP2 Cases is the interlocking pattern that is moulded into the cases. This allows cases to be stacked very securely, which in turn makes them ideal for storing and transporting kits and equipment.

Whilst also boasting the benefits of other roto-mould cases – namely that they are exceptionally tough and durable – they also suffer from the same shortcomings, being heavy and expensive. However, for storing or moving items which cannot be damaged, ISP2 Cases are a great option.

Nanuk Cases are one of the newer Peli™ Case alternatives and are fast-growing in popularity.

They are developed in Canada and are manufactured from an impact-resistant NK-7 resin to ensure that they absorb shocks without damaging the items inside. Additionally, Nanuk Cases are watertight, lockable, and ideal for stacking, and come with a full lifetime guarantee. They also boast a range of features as standard that are optional extras on other cases, and this is where Nanuk Cases really excel.

This includes mounting points and bezels for electronics (an add-on for Peli™ Cases), lid stays, telescopic handles and more. Where they fall slightly is the range of sizes available, with the number of options being about half that of the Peli™ Protector range.

However, if you require a feature-packed equipment case at a reasonable price, Nanuk Cases could be the option you are looking for.

WAG is better known for producing a range of lightweight sample cases or carry cases, including the Tekno, Twist, and Beat ranges (among others).

However, the double-walled construction of the Heavy Case range means it is straying dangerously close to the more durable, waterproof options available. In fact, if complete water resistance is not required, then it is a great option to consider.

Considerably cheaper and lighter in weight than the extra-tough equipment cases, these specifications are perfect for applications such as service engineers and demo kits. However, the case is less well-suited to some specific applications, making it fairly obvious when this should be considered as an option.

So, what do you choose if you are looking for a case that is both lightweight and fully waterproof?

Well, the answer is a different Peli™ Case!

Developed and launched as recently as 2016, Peli™ Air Cases are a lightweight alternative to the Peli™ Protector option. The weight savings achieved make the cases much easier to handle, as well as more cost-effective if transporting or shipping via air freight (the cases also adhere to ATA and A4A regulations).

However, the performance and protection levels of the Peli™ Protector Cases are carried over into the Peli™ Air range, making it the best compromise between protection and ease of use.

Getting the size of your protective case right can have a variety of benefits, for example, it eliminates space within the case (which may need to be filled with foam, adding to your costs). It can mean your case is much easier to handle (again, if it is not oversized), and the purchase cost will typically be lower.

This is one of the key benefits of the Peli™ Case alternative: it offers an even larger selection of options, the SKB I Series. With just under 60 sizes, the SKB 3i Cases can be found in dimensions that are almost perfect for your specific application.

In all other ways, SKB Cases and Pelican™ have very little to choose between them. SKB Cases have quickly forged a reputation for providing high performance and durability. They are fully waterproof, dustproof, and highly resistant to crushes, impacts, or vibrations. SKB also manufactures a range of specialist designs, as well as rack units.

Continuing on the theme of case sizes, what if you need a particular size or format? What if you are struggling to find a moulded waterproof case that fits your gear or equipment? What if none of the off-the-shelf sizes are precisely what you require?

EXOCase™, whilst technically a waterproof flight case, offers many of the benefits of other moulded waterproof cases mentioned in this article.

However, being manufactured from a modular system means you can specify the exact size of the case (rather than selecting the nearest option), which can help reduce transit costs and aid in handling.

Whilst there is some compromise in terms of weight and water resistance (EXOCase™ is IP5* rather than IP67), it can be considered as a true Peli™ Case alternative thanks to its build quality, extensive testing and custom options. If you have been looking for a custom-sized Peli™ Case, then this is your only real option.

Whilst Peli™ offers its own Micro Case range, an alternative to this is the SKB 3S Series.

Comprising a range of 10 basic sizes and three colours, the SKB 3S Series Cases are a direct competitor and alternative to the Peli™ Micro options. However, while sharing the same features and benefits, they do offer a unique appearance and typically a lower price point as well.

Choosing a waterproof protective case can be a difficult decision, and whilst many people’s default choice will be to look at Pelican™ products, there is a wide range of Peli™ Case alternatives that you really should consider.

As an independent supplier of protective cases within the UK (including all of the brands and options highlighted in this article), GWP Protective will be happy to provide clear, unbiased advice on the best case for your specific application, budget, industry, or intended use.

So, if you are looking for an alternative to a Peli™ Case but aren’t sure how to choose, please speak with one of our experienced advisers, who will be happy to help.

Please note: All trademarks are registered and/or unregistered trademarks of Peli™ Products, S.L.U., its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates.