The Pelican 1510 – Fly the ‘Gear Friendly’ Skies

Air travel and camera gear – Is there anything more potentially frightening and inconvenient for the travelling photographer? Opting to ‘check-in’ your sensitive and expensive gear risks damage or loss, while the decision to carry equipment on longer hauls is a hassle itself – heavy loads, uncomfortable straps, and fussy parts. I have yet to find a photopack worthy of grunt work. If this sounds familiar the Pelican 1510 may be the solution.

The 1510 is Pelican’s largest FAA carry-on compatible hardcase offering a number of great features that will most likely treat your equipment better than the airlines will treat you.

Details of the 1510 from the company website:

• FAA maximum carry on size

• Watertight, crush, and dust proof

• Retractable extension handle

• Strong polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings

• Easy open Double Throw latches

• Open cell core with solid wall design – strong, light weight

• O-ring seal

• Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve

• Comfortable rubber over-molded top and side handles

• Stainless steel hardware and padlock protectors

• Pick ‘N’ Pluck™ with convoluted lid foam

• Personalized nameplate service available

• Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence

The case can be purchased in a number of different configurations, the 1510 (regular pick and pluck foam) , the1510 NF (no protective foam), and the 1514. The 1514 is the 1510 with adjustable dividers instead of foam. Another nifty accessory for the 1510 that I highly recommend is the optional mesh lid organizer (part #1519).

In the Field – Australia

The 1510 is a well built piece of kit and performed as advertised during a 4 week tour of southern Australia early in 2006. Cam and I appreciated the no fuss robust construction of the case as it doubled as a convenient footrest, bench, and impromptu table during layovers.

Despite the carry-on restrictions we found the case to more than adequate to carry a decent amount of gear. For for the trip we stuffed a 1514 and the optional lid organizer with the following – A Nikon 7600, a Canon 20D with grip and 2 extra batteries, a 17-40mm f/4 w/hood separated, a 70-200mm f/2.8 w/hood reversed, a 400mm f/5.6, an HD-80 Hyperdrive, recharging accessories, cleaning accessories, filters, CF cards, customs declaration documents, Leatherman PST II (post flight), and a Maglite AA with room to spare.

We exposed the 1514 to the typical abuse a carry-on item would experience travelling from Canada to Australia:

- 8 terminals;

- 10 flight segments;

- Sydney’s early summer humidity;

- Dry and dusty conditions in the Outback;

- One hellish train ride on The Ghan;

- More humidity and sand – Kangaroo Island, The Great Ocean Road and Tasmania and;

- Thousands of kilometers rattling around the back of various rental vehicles.

Our Pelican 1510 took all the elements, bumps, and abuse in stride keeping our gear safe throughout our trip. The case easily fit into all but the smallest overhead compartments used by regional carriers (think puddle jumpers) without hassle.

The only serious drawback of the Pelican 1510 is it’s limited utility other than storage once you reach your final destination. Theoretically the case is capable of going anywhere but in most outdoor travel situations (hikes, backcountry, etc.) it’s more practical to transfer the needed equipment over to a bag or daypack. Note the latches are beefy and take some effort to open which if you think about it is good – don’t scuff your knuckles.

Update

We’ve had the opportunity to evaluate the Pelican 1510 further on a number of road trips to the rockies and still maintain this is one of the best cases for keeping year gear safe and secure while travelling to your destination.

If air travel is not in your plans and you require something roomier than a 1510, Pelican has a wide range of cases to suit your needs. My recommendation in situations like this would be to opt for the larger Pelican 1650 hardcase with dividers and lid organizer.

Summary

If your gear sees more airtime than Vince Carter and/or you need some serious protection from the elements the Pelican 1510 rolling case is the real deal.

Other Products Worth a Look

Carry-on compliant rolling hardcase:

Storm Case im2500

Carry-on soft cases:

A number of manufacturers including ThinkTank, LowePro, and Tamrac offer a number of bags, rolling bags, and backpacks suitable for carry-on applications.

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