Best Hard Shell Case for Photographers
If you're a serious photographer with serious equipment, a hard shell case is a must-have.
As I'll discuss in a moment, there are plenty of advantages of having a hard shell case for photography gear. Not only are they incredibly durable, but they offer the ultimate in protection for your precious gear.
Now, there are a lot of options for hard shell cases for photographers. I've tested many brands over the years, but one has emerged as the gold standard, and that brand is Pelican.
And it's not just me that feels this way...Pelican is the choice of many professionals that demand the very best in protection for their gear.
With that being said, let's dive into the advantages of having a hard shell case.
Advantages of Hard Shell Cases for Photographers: Durability
Pelican 1560 Case
I have my fair share of camera bags. My daily driver is the Peter McKinnon Nomatic bag. I love that bag. It goes with me virtually anywhere.
But...
As much as I love that bag, it simply cannot match the durability of a hard case.
Since I'm primarily a landscape photographer, I need something that can take the bumps and bruises of being in outdoor environments. I need to be able to take my gear into far-flung locations and trust that the case will hold up against heat, cold, dirt, grime, water, and so forth.
Pelican 1560 Case
For me, that means having a hardshell case. It's the perfect solution whether I'm heading out for an offroad adventure in my Jeep or making my way through various airports to explore locations on another continent. There is simply nothing as durable as a hard shell!
Take the Pelican 1560 Case as an ideal example of the kind of durability I'm talking about...
Pelican 1560 Case
This thing is made of ultra-high impact structural copolymer that makes it crushproof. It has stainless steel hardware that won't rust or corrode, and it boasts polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings. It's also chemical-resistant and corrosion-proof.
On top of that, this case has 2,800 cubic inches of space to fit all sorts of gear. The foam inserts keep your gear safe and in place, and the neoprene o-ring and easy-open double throw latches seal the case perfectly.
So, yeah, if you're getting into some really nasty situations, this case is for you!
Advantages of Hard Shell Cases for Photographers: Protection
Pelican 1525 Air Case
Related to the durability of hard shell cases is their ability to protect your gear.
Again, though I love my camera slings and backpacks, their soft shells don't offer the same level of protection against damage as my hard shell cases.
Do I need a hard shell case for every photoshoot? No. But when the going might get a little rough, dirty, or wet, a hard shell case is my first choice.
Pelican 1525 Air Case
This is especially important when you're traveling around the world. Whenever possible, I use my hard case as my carryon, that way my expensive gear is nice and cozy in the overhead bin. But sometimes the camera bag has to be checked, and if my gear is going to be on conveyor belts and luggage carts, I want it protected from the elements and from banging around with other luggage.
But it isn't just the protection from being dropped or hit by other items that is so attractive about hard cases. They are waterproof and dustproof too, so whether you're at the beach, on a snowy mountain peak, or making your way through a rainforest, a hard case will keep all those elements out.
Pelican 1525 Air Case
When I'm traveling long distances I like a smaller case that is easy to use as a carryon. For that task, the Pelican 1525 Air Case is just right.
This case is up to 40 percent lighter than other polymer cases, so you get the advantage of the protective features of a hard case but with far less weight to carry around.
It has an automatic purge valve to balance air pressure and a watertight O-ring gasket to keep water and other elements out.
What's more, the double-throw latches ensure the case remains closed and your gear protected. It's crushproof, dustproof, and has Certificates of Test Compliance for immersion, dry heat, and dust. That's top-tier protection for your camera gear!
Advantages of Hard Shell Cases for Photographers: Versatility
Pelican BX140 Cargo Case
If you're like me, you have a bunch of different gear for different types of photography outings. That means you need a hard case that offers you the versatility and flexibility of being able to accommodate different kinds of kits.
For me, this means having a case that can be stuffed full of cameras, lenses, drones, and so forth, but that can also accommodate things like clothing, tools, and dry food for longer adventures.
Pelican BX140 Cargo Case
The Pelican BX140 Cargo Case is an ideal solution for wildlife photographers, landscape photographers, nature photographers, and others that spend a lot of time on the road.
This case measures 41.75"L x 19"W x 8.75" and can be mounted to a roof rack, in the bed of your truck, or stored in the back of your SUV or wagon for added versatility.
The case offers organization and management tools to keep all your gear neatly separated and easy to access. And as with all other Pelican cases, the Pelican Cargo offers the durability, protection, and weather resistance you expect. The lifetime guarantee applies too!
Pelican BX140 Cargo Case
This case has been tested to Mil-Spec 810G specifications, so it can withstand 70 mph wind-blown dust and rain. The rubber-gasketed lid helps ensure that!
Additionally, it has steel latches that are strong, yet easy to open. The integrated tie-down plates pair perfectly with Pelican's Vehicle Mounting Kits to ensure a solid connection with your car.
In other words, this is a great example of what a hard shell cargo box can be - strong, durable, reliable, and with tons of versatility.
The Best Hard Shell Case for Your Gear
Pelican 1525 Air Case
So, what's the best hard shell case for your gear?
This is a to-each-his-own situation, but for me, nothing beats my Pelican hard cases. I've taken my gear all over the U.S. and abroad, and no matter if I was freezing cold, burning hot, in a rainstorm, on a beach, or traveling on rough-and-tumble two-tracks, I could trust my Pelican hard shell cases to keep my gear safe and sound.
When you have so much money invested in camera gear, the last thing you want to do is leave its safety to chance. Pelican cases have never let me down, and they won't let you down either.
These cases are priced right, impeccably built, and they have a lifetime guarantee. What's not to like about that?!
