Case Closed: Pelican 1150 vs. 1170 Showdown

Published by

Matthew William

Pelican cases have long been a top choice for protective storage and transport solutions. The heavy-duty polymer resin cases are designed to keep valuables safe from the elements and impacts during travel.

Two of Pelican’s most popular mid-sized case models are the 1150 and 1170. While they share many similarities, there are some key differences to consider when deciding between the two.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	Pelican 1150	Pelican 1170
Exterior Dimensions	19.70″ x 16.93″ x 7.60″	20.96″ x 17.83″ x 7.78″
Interior Dimensions	17.52″ x 13.58″ x 6.83″	18.50″ x 14.18″ x 6.83″
Weight	13 lbs	18 lbs
Cubic Inch Capacity	1148 cu in	1196 cu in
Waterproof Rating	IP67, 1m for 30 min	IP67, 1m for 30 min
Lid Support	No	Yes, upright at 45°
Handles	Top carry only	Top, side, and lid
Airline Carry-On	Typically yes	Sometimes over limits
Price	$$	$$$

Overview Of The Pelican 1150 And 1170 Cases

The Pelican 1150 and 1170 are medium-sized cases made in the USA from a proprietary HPX resin formula engineered for strength and durability. Both cases have an interior depth of 6.8″, but the 1170 offers more interior height and length.

Some main specs:

Pelican 1150

1150
- Exterior Dimensions: 19.70″ x 16.93″ x 7.60″
- Interior Dimensions: 17.52″ x 13.58″ x 6.83″
- Cubic Inch Capacity: 1148
1170
- Exterior Dimensions: 20.96″ x 17.83″ x 7.78″
- Interior Dimensions: 18.50″ x 14.18″ x 6.83″
- Cubic Inch Capacity: 1196

Both cases utilize a watertight o-ring seal, stainless steel reinforced padlock protectors, and an automatic pressure equalization valve. The lid opens a full 180° for packing convenience.

Pros Of The Pelican 1150 Case

Compact size: The 1150 has a smaller exterior size, making it a bit easier to transport and store.
Lighter weight: Weights approximately 2 lbs less than the 1170 when empty.
Lower price point: Typically retails for $50-60 less than the 1170. A good value option.
Watertight rating: Offers the same IP67 rating against dust and water as the 1170. Keeps contents dry up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
Same depth: Provides the same 6.8″ of usable interior depth as the 1170. Good for deeper items.
Stackable: Flat bottom allows stacking of multiple cases. Can interlock with lid on or off.

Pros Of The Pelican 1170 Case

Pelican 1170

More capacity: Holds around 50 cubic inches more than the 1150. Better for bulkier contents.
Added height: Nearly 4″ taller interior than the 1150. Accommodates taller items.
Superior access: The wider opening and increased internal space provides easier access for packing and unpacking.
More lid support: Lid opens fully but is also supported in a 45° upright position. Convenient for accessing contents without fully opening.
Extra handles: Carry handles on both top and sides, allowing two people to transport together. Lid handle also helps open against resistance.
Meets airline regs: Meets carry-on requirements for many major US airlines. Can be checked if needed.
Advanced polymer: HPX resin has extreme impact resistance and durability. Withstands the toughest treatment.

Cons Of The Pelican 1150 Case

Less interior space: The smaller size reduces capacity for bulky or numerous items. May need the 1170 for more gear.
No side handles: Lacks side carry handles like the 1170. Single top handle limits transport options.
No lid stay: The lid doesn’t lock upright like the 1170 model. Can be awkward accessing contents laid flat.
Prone to tipping: With the lid open, the case can tip backwards due to the off-centered weight. Needs to be laid flat when unpacking.

Cons Of The Pelican 1170 Case

Bulkier and heavier: The larger size makes the 1170 less convenient for storage and carrying. It weighs nearly 5 lbs empty.
Higher cost: Usually retails for around $50-60 more than the 1150. A pricey choice for basic needs.
Large for some gear: The extra interior space may be unnecessary if storing smaller items. More case than required.
Not airline compliant: Exceeds carry-on size limits for some domestic airlines. May need to check as luggage.
Difficult to open: The tight o-ring seal makes prying the lid open challenging at times, especially with just the top handle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Pelican 1170 used for?

The Pelican 1170 is a medium-large protective case suitable for airline travel, expeditions, military operations, law enforcement uses, and more. Its rugged polymer shell and foam interior protect sensitive equipment up to 26.8 lb from impacts, vibration, dust, and moisture. Common items transported and stored in the 1170 include photography gear, electronics, tools, firearms, and instruments.

How big is a Pelican 1150 case?

The Pelican 1150 case has exterior dimensions of 19.70″ x 16.93″ x 7.60″ (L x W x H) and an interior storage capacity of 17.52″ x 13.58″ x 6.83″ (L x W x D). It provides 1148 cubic inches of space. The empty case weighs approximately 13 pounds.

How are Pelican cases measured?

Pelican cases are measured first by their exterior dimensions, given in inches for length, width, and height. This L x W x H format denotes the full outer size of the case. Interior dimensions are also provided, displaying the accessible storage space within the padded interior. Cubic inch volume is shown as well. This quantifies the total capacity.

What is the weight limit for a Pelican case?

Most standard Pelican cases support 25-45 pounds of gear weight safely within the case. Larger cases and models like the 1170 can support up to 60-70 pounds when properly loaded. However, airline weight restrictions, case size, and travel duration help determine practical weight limits for any given transport application.

Also Read: Las Concealment Vs. Tier 1: Battle Of Top Appendix IWB Holsters

Conclusion

For many users, the Pelican 1150 hits the sweet spot between protective capacity and convenience. It provides ample rugged storage while remaining airline compliant. Those needing to stow bulkier or multiple items may benefit from upgrading to the 1170.

While costlier and heavier, the extra space and height accommodate more gear. Just ensure the larger case’s dimensions meet any airline or luggage requirements. Either model reliably protects valuables with a dustproof, waterproof barrier that takes the harshest abuse in stride.