Pelican 1535 Air review

The Pelican 1535 Air is a rugged hard case that’s customizable to your specific kit needs but is now lighter

Pelican 1535 Air review
(Image: © Adam Duckworth/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

If you really do want the ultimate in protection for your precious equipment then you can’t go far wrong with the Pelican range of hard, plastic cases (sold as Peli cases in Europe) which are designed and tested to be the best in the business. And now the cases are even lighter, as the Pelican Air range weighs significantly less but offers no reduction in protection. With different sizes to suit many different sizes of equipment, and a choice of interiors to customize the bag to your needs, the Pelican Air range is serious kit for serious protection. And the Pelican 1535 Air is one of the most useful as it’s airline legal for carry on luggage.

Pros

  • +

    Now lighter than ever

  • +

    Ultimate in protection

  • +

    Choice of interior dividers

Cons

  • -

    Still heavier than soft cases

  • -

    Says to the world you have expensive kit inside

  • -

    Rough ground can affect the wheels

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For decades, the tell-tale sign of a professional photographer or filmmakers has been a big pile of Peli hard cases. They are tough, come in all sorts of sizes to suit everything from cameras and lenses to monitors and tripods, are crash tested, have an air release valve to stop pressure build up, are dustproof and waterproof and can float. Other manufacturers make hard plastic cases, but Pelican (or Peli) is the brand that most people recognise as providing the ultimate in protection from the elements and accidental damage.

But all that protection comes at the price of weight. As kit has become smaller and lighter, and airlines continue to clamp down on weight and size limits for carry-on and hold luggage in aircraft, there has been a demand for a lighter solution. 

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Adam Duckworth

Adam Duckworth is an award-winning professional photographer and videographer based in the UK. He has worked for many top magazines, newspapers and corporate clients for more than 25 years. He was named SWPP UK Commercial Photographer of the Year, and is an Associate of the British Institute of Professional Photography. He has also worked for international publications like Motor Cycle News, Racer X, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, ZOO, Golf World, Today's Golfer, and Mountain Bike Action, among others.