Choosing between the Pelican 1170 and Pelican 1200 Protector Cases comes down to one key factor: how much depth your gear requires.
Both cases deliver Pelican’s trusted IP67-rated protection, but their different shapes and internal dimensions make each better suited to specific use cases.
Below is a clear, spec-driven comparison of these Pelican cases to help you choose the right one with confidence.
Comparison Table: Pelican 1170 vs 1200
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Dimensions |
11.64” x 8.34” x 3.78" (29.57 x 21.18 x 9.6 cm) |
10.67” x 9.75” x 4.86" (27.1 x 24.77 x 12.34 cm) |
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Price (CAD) |
$82.95 |
$83.95 |
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Interior Dimensions |
10.54” x 6.04” x 3.16" (26.77 x 15.34 x 8.03 cm) |
9.31” x 7.13” x 4.12" (23.65 x 18.11 x 10.46 cm) |
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Weight (empty & with foam) |
1.96 lbs (0.89 kg) & 2.10 lbs (0.95 kg) |
2.55 lbs (1.16 kg) & 2.75 lbs (1.25 kg) |
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Volume |
0.12ft³ (0m³) |
0.16ft³ (0m³) |
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Colours (Vary by Region) |
Black, Desert Tan, Orange, OD Green, Silver, Yellow |
Black, Desert Tan, Orange, OD Green, Silver, Yellow |
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Best For |
Slim, flat items like compact pistols, small cameras, watches, or electronics requiring length over depth |
Bulkier gear requiring more depth, multiple small items, drones with accessories, or equipment needing a squarer footprint |
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Protection Features |
IP67 watertight, crushproof, dustproof, -40°F to 190°F |
IP67 watertight, crushproof, dustproof, -40°F to 190°F |
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Material |
Polypropylene body, ABS latches, polymer O-ring |
Polypropylene body, ABS latches, EDPM Medium Density O-ring |
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Airline Compatibility |
Carry-on approved* |
Carry-on approved* |
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Locking Options |
Double-throw latches, TSA-approved locks |
Double-throw latches, TSA-approved locks |
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Certifications |
IP67, US/NATO mil-spec certified |
IP67, US/NATO mil-spec certified |
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Warranty |
Limited Lifetime |
Limited Lifetime |
*Confirm with your airline for carry-on size restrictions.
Key Differences
The primary difference between these two Pelican cases is their shape and depth.
The Pelican 1170 is longer and slimmer, making it ideal for flat or low-profile items. Its interior depth of 3.16 inches makes it well-suited as a compact gun case, small camera case, or as a first-aid/EMS case.
The Pelican 1200 features a squarer footprint with over one inch of additional interior depth to accommodate taller or stacked equipment more easily. This makes it a better option for bulkier accessories (as a gaming case) or layered storage setups.
The 1170 is roughly 23% lighter at 1.96 lbs empty, which adds up when transporting multiple cases. That said, the Pelican case size chart shows the 1200 offers about 33% more interior volume with only a modest increase in external size.
Our Recommendations
Both cases offer the same IP67-rated, US/NATO mil-spec certified protection backed by Pelican’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The right choice depends entirely on what you plan to store.
Choose the Pelican 1170 if:
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You’re protecting slim, flat items like compact firearms or electronics
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Weight savings are important
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Your gear fits comfortably within 3.16 inches of depth
Choose the Pelican 1200 if:
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You need extra interior depth for bulkier equipment
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You want more flexibility for accessories or layered storage
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You prefer a more square internal layout
With only a marginal price difference, the decision isn’t about cost; it’s about fit.
Measure your gear carefully and choose the case that best matches your storage needs.
