Choosing between the Pelican 1615, 1626, and 1637 Air cases can be challenging when you're protecting valuable gear.
All three are part of Pelican's lightweight Air series, offering IP67-rated protection with significant weight savings over traditional Protector cases.
Choosing between these Pelican cases comes down to the shape your gear requires: long and shallow, deep and narrow, or boxy and high-volume.
Comparison Table: Pelican 1615 vs 1626 vs 1637
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Dimensions |
32.58” x 18.4” x 11.02" (82.75 x 46.74 x 27.99 cm) |
31.12” x 17.05” x 13.33" (79.04 x 43.31 x 33.86 cm) |
26.61” x 20.65” x 14.87" (67.59 x 52.45 x 37.77 cm) |
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Price (CAD) |
$505.95 |
$463.95 |
$533.95 |
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Interior Dimensions |
29.59” x 15.50” x 9.38" (75.16 x 39.37 x 23.83 cm) |
28.14” x 14.10” x 11.72" (71.48 x 35.81 x 29.77 cm) |
23.43” x 17.55” x 13.25" (cm) |
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Weight (empty & with foam) |
14.06 lbs (6.38 kg) & 17.60 lbs (7.98 kg) |
14.65 lbs (6.65 kg) & 18.10 lbs (8.21 kg) |
15.20 lbs (6.89 kg) & 19.40 lbs (8.8 kg) |
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Volume |
2.49ft³ (0.07m³) |
2.69ft³ (0.08m³) |
3.15ft³ (0.09m³) |
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Colours (Vary by Region) |
Black, Graphite, Orange, Silver, Yellow, OCP Tan |
Black |
Black, Orange, Silver, Yellow, OCP Tan |
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Best For |
Long gear like tripods, rifles, lighting stands |
Deeper gear setups, camera backpacks, medical kits |
Bulky equipment, gaming consoles, high-volume loads |
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Protection Features |
IP67 watertight, crushproof, dustproof, 0°F to 140°F |
IP67 watertight, crushproof, dustproof, 0°F to 140°F |
IP67 watertight, crushproof, dustproof, 0°F to 140°F |
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Material |
Proprietary Polypropylene Blend body, ABS latches, EPDM O-ring |
Proprietary Polypropylene Blend body, ABS latches, EPDM O-ring |
Proprietary Polypropylene Blend body, ABS latches, EPDM O-ring |
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Airline Compatibility |
Checked or oversize* |
Checked or oversize* |
Checked or oversize* |
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Locking Options |
Press & Pull latches, TSA-approved locks |
Press & Pull latches, TSA-approved locks |
Press & Pull latches, TSA-approved locks |
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Certifications |
IP67, MIL-SPEC certified |
IP67, MIL-SPEC certified |
IP67, MIL-SPEC certified |
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Warranty |
Limited Lifetime |
Limited Lifetime |
Limited Lifetime |
*Confirm with your airline for checked & oversized luggage restrictions.
What Customers Are Saying
Across photography forums and Reddit discussions (such as this Reddit thread), buyers consistently agree that all three Pelican Air cases offer the same level of protection, so the decision comes down to shape, depth, and how the interior space is used.
Users frequently point out that the Pelican 1615 is the most travel-friendly option due to its long, shallow interior and lighter empty weight, making it easier to stay within airline weight limits.
The Pelican 1626 is often favoured as a camera case or for taller equipment, with comments highlighting its extra interior depth compared to the 1615. Several buyers note that it strikes a practical balance between footprint and usable vertical space.
Those who choose the Pelican 1637 consistently emphasize its boxier shape and superior volume, calling it ideal for bulkier gear that won’t fit efficiently in the other two models. The trade-off most often mentioned is its heavier packed weight, especially when fully loaded.
The common takeaway from experienced users: there’s no wrong choice, only the right case to accommodate the shape of your gear.
Our Recommendations
All three waterproof Pelican cases deliver outstanding protection with identical IP67 ratings and MIL-SPEC certifications. Your decision should focus on what you need to protect:
Choose the Pelican 1615 if you're transporting longer items like tripods, lighting stands, or diving gear. Its nearly 30-inch interior length accommodates equipment that won't fit in the other two models.
Choose the Pelican 1626 if you need a balance of depth and length for camera gear, drones, or as a first-aid/medical case. It's also the most budget-friendly option.
Choose the Pelican 1637 if maximum interior volume is needed to use it as a gaming case, for electronics, or for bulkier equipment. Its deeper design offers the most cubic footage of the three.
Not sure which size fits your gear? Use our Pelican case size chart to find your perfect match.
