Pelican 1637 Air Case with Foam - Lightweight Crushproof Protector

In this review the Pelican 1637 Air Case with Foam is examined for travelers, photographers, and electronics owners who need a balance of weight savings and rugged protection. The bottom line: it is the best option when you want a seriously protective hard case that trims bulk without sacrificing core features like a watertight O-ring gasket and an automatic purge valve. The case arrives with Pelican Pick N Pluck foam fitted, a lifetime warranty, and interior space large enough for medium-sized gear, so the primary reason to buy is its combination of lightweight protection and travel-ready durability.

Key Features

• Lightweight construction: The Air line is engineered to be up to 40% lighter than other polymer cases, making it easier to carry through airports or between jobs.
• Watertight seal: A watertight O-ring gasket keeps moisture and dust out, protecting sensitive electronics in wet or dusty environments.
• Pressure balancing: The automatic purge valve balances air pressure inside the case so it opens easily after altitude changes during flights.
• Pick N Pluck foam: Includes shock-absorbent Pelican Pick N Pluck foam that can be customized for cameras, lenses, or other fragile gear.
• Proven protection: The crushproof, dustproof shell is designed to withstand rough handling while still being noticeably lighter than traditional designs.
• Lifetime warranty: Backed by Pelican's guaranteed-for-life warranty, offering long-term peace of mind for serious gear owners.

Who It's For

This case suits photographers, videographers, DJs and electronics owners who travel often and need a durable hard case that does not add unnecessary weight. The interior dimensions of 23.43 x 17.55 x 13.25 in make it suitable for camera kits, medium audio gear, and multiple accessories when configured with the included Pick N Pluck foam.

Those who need ultra-compact or carry-on-only solutions, or who require foam pre-cut for very specific equipment racks, should evaluate other models. If absolute scratch resistance is vital, note that some customers reported surface marks after heavy airline handling despite the case remaining functionally protective.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent balance of weight and strength, up to 40% lighter than comparable polymer cases.
• Reliable environmental protection with an O-ring gasket and automatic purge valve for air pressure balance.
• Customizable Pick N Pluck foam provides tailored shock absorption for varied gear.
• Lifetime warranty offers a long-term guarantee for the shell and mechanisms.

Cons

• Exterior can show scratches or scuffs after heavy airline handling, a cosmetic issue some users noted.
• At its size it may be too large for strict carry-on limits on some airlines.

Specifications

Interior Dimensions	23.43 x 17.55 x 13.25 in
Exterior Dimensions	26.61 x 20.65 x 14.87 in
Foam Interior	Pelican Pick N Pluck shock absorbent foam included
Environmental Sealing	Watertight O-ring gasket, dustproof
Pressure Valve	Automatic Purge Valve to balance air pressure
Durability	Crushproof polymer construction
Warranty	Pelican Lifetime Warranty (Guaranteed for Life)

Our Verdict

The Pelican 1637 Air Case with Foam is a smart buy for professionals and frequent travelers who need durable, watertight protection without the bulk. Its combination of lightweight engineering, customizable foam and an automatic purge valve makes it excellent value for protecting cameras, electronics, and medium-sized kits while offering a lifetime warranty for long-term assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the foam removable or customizable?
The Pick N Pluck foam is included and designed to be removed or shaped so owners can customize internal layouts for cameras, lenses, or other gear.

Can this fit in checked luggage or as carry-on?
With exterior dimensions of 26.61 x 20.65 x 14.87 in it is generally too large for standard carry-on limits and is best used as checked baggage or transported separately.

Will the case keep gear dry on wet shoots?
Yes, the watertight O-ring gasket and dustproof construction keep moisture and dust out under typical wet shoot conditions.