Pelican Air 1637 Case No Foam - Lightweight Crushproof Protection

Our review examines the Pelican Air 1637 Case No Foam and why it is a top choice for professionals who need serious protection without extra weight. In this review the standout benefit is clear: the case delivers the same watertight, crushproof performance Pelican is known for while being up to 40% lighter than traditional models, making it ideal for travel and field use where reducing carry weight matters most. It ships empty so users can customise the interior for camera kits, electronics, dive gear, drones or other sensitive equipment.

Key Features

• Lightweight construction: The Pelican Air design reduces weight up to 40% compared with traditional hard cases while retaining structural strength for easier transport.
• Watertight and crushproof: An O-ring seal and rugged exterior provide dependable protection from water, dust and crushing forces in demanding environments.
• Pressure equalization valve: A built-in valve balances interior pressure during altitude or temperature changes to help keep the case sealed and gear safe.
• Lockable and TSA approved: Padlock-ready hardware and TSA-approved features let travelers secure contents without compromising airport security protocols.
• Made in the USA with lifetime guarantee: Backed by Pelican's Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence, offering long-term assurance for professional use.
• Empty interior for customization: Ships without foam so users can configure inserts or padded dividers tailored to camera systems, dive gear, or electronics.

Who It's For

The Pelican Air 1637 Case No Foam is aimed at photographers, videographers, drone pilots, divers and first responders who need a large, reliable hard case that is lighter to carry yet still provides military-grade protection. It is especially useful for air travel, frequent transport, and situations where a customizable interior and watertight security are priorities.

Those who want a ready-to-go padded insert or an inexpensive soft bag alternative should look elsewhere; this model ships empty and is intended for users prepared to add foam, dividers or custom racks. If minimal weight is not a concern and maximum interior foam is required out of the box, consider other Pelican configurations with pre-cut foam.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent balance of strength and reduced weight for easier handling during travel.
• Watertight O-ring seal and pressure valve protect contents from water ingress and pressure changes.
• Lockable, TSA-friendly design and Pelican's Lifetime Guarantee provide long-term security and reliability.
• Large interior dimensions accommodate cameras, drones, dive gear or multiple equipment pieces when custom fitted.

Cons

• Ships empty with no foam, so buyers need to purchase or cut foam inserts separately for padded protection.
• At 15.20 lbs without foam, it is lighter than comparable cases but still a substantial piece of equipment to carry when fully loaded.

Specifications

Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H)	26.61 in x 20.65 in x 14.87 in
Interior Dimensions (L x W x H)	23.43 in x 17.55 in x 13.25 in
Weight	15.20 lbs (empty)
Water and Dust Protection	O-ring seal; watertight and dustproof construction
Special Features	Pressure equalization valve; lockable; TSA approved
Material/Finish	Pelican Air lightweight high-strength resin
Warranty	Pelican Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence

Our Verdict

The Pelican Air 1637 Case No Foam is an excellent option for professionals who need a large, durable, and lighter-weight hard case they can customise. Its watertight seal, pressure valve, lockable design and lifetime guarantee make it a smart investment for protecting cameras, drones, dive gear or critical electronics, provided you are willing to add your own foam or organizers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the case come with foam?
The 1637 model ships empty with no foam included so you can customise the interior to your gear.

Is it safe for air travel?
Yes, the case is lockable and TSA approved, and the pressure equalization valve helps manage pressure changes during flights.

How heavy is the case?
The empty case weighs 15.20 lbs and is engineered to be up to 40% lighter than traditional hard cases while maintaining protection.