Best equipment cases: choosing a waterproof protector case

1. Waterproof case features
2. What are IP ratings?
3. Choosing a waterproof case
4. Most popular case
5. Best all-around case
6. Best for price and performance
7. Best for cost
8. Best for protection
9. Best for features
10. Best for specific sizes and shipping
11. Summary

Peli™ Protector cases are the original waterproof equipment cases, having been first launched in 1967.

Whilst this in itself isn’t a benefit, it does mean that the brand is well-trusted, including by many armed forces around the world, due to its tried-and-tested performance.

This reliability, coupled with a wide range of sizes and colours developed over the years, makes it a versatile option. The fact that it has been available for such a long time also means the cases have been extensively tested and given an IP rating of 67.

However, being the leading brand is reflected in the price point, which is considerably higher than that of some lesser-known case ranges.

Other minor criticisms include an appearance that many find a little dated, a clasp design prone to freezing shut and becoming brittle at very low temperatures, and difficulty branding the exterior.

However, if you are looking for protection and budget isn’t an issue, Peli™ cases are a great choice.

A close relative of Peli™ cases, being manufactured by the same company, Peli Storm Case™ have been positioned as a slightly more premium option.

However, whilst that is reflected in the appearance, which does not appear much more “high end”, the levels of protection are not compromised at all.

Being IP67-rated and having undergone extensive military-specification testing, you can be certain that your equipment or tools will be protected by this range of cases.

It also has a number of clever features, such as automatic pressure relief valves (Peli™ and many other cases require manual adjustment), as well as much-improved clasps, handles, and wheels on larger cases.

But what are the downsides?

As a relatively new case, the range of sizes and colours is much more limited than that of its older sibling. The price points again reflect both the Peli™ brand and the positioning of this particular range.

Saying that, if you’re looking for excellent protective performance and also the best possible appearance, then a Peli Storm Case™ is the equipment case for you.

A relative newcomer to the market, the SKB case has quickly been making up ground on the competition in terms of performance, matching Peli™ cases on IP rating and military testing specifications, and offering a wide array of sizes and styles.

There are, in fact, a number of different ranges within the SKB catalogue – 3i and 3R being the two most notable – as well as a huge range of specialist cases designed specifically for musical instruments, drones, and other equipment.

With pricing also more competitive than Peli™ cases, there is little to say that is negative about the cases. However, some people complain that the catches, whilst easy to operate, deteriorate more rapidly than other options on the market. The size range is also slightly more limited than that of some other options.

Once marketed for their Italian heritage, Explorer cases are actually among the most cost-effective options on the market today.

Very similar in appearance and features to Peli™, these European-designed and manufactured cases are widely used by the armed forces across the EU.

Although the appearance is appealing, the range is somewhat limited by a lack of sizes and colours compared with some other case options.

The catches can also suffer a similar fate to those on the Peli™ cases, in that they can freeze shut and snap, but overall, the performance is excellent and backed by a lifetime guarantee and military-level test certification.

As a result, this is the case to choose if costs are tight or you are working towards a specific budget.

Hardigg™ Roto Mould Cases are, without a doubt, the toughest cases available on the market today.

Other benefits include an extensive range of sizes, more than most of the other options listed here combined, plus the ability to “cut and shut” cases to achieve an even greater range of dimensions.

Besides this, they have an integrated stacking feature, are available in specific rack-mount configurations, and have been extensively tested by the military.

But what are the drawbacks?

Well, the cases are very heavy and bulky, making them difficult to handle and potentially incurring significant transit costs. They are also very expensive compared with the other options here, which reflects the level of protection they offer.

So whilst they may not be ideal for field staff if portability is an issue, they will offer your equipment the highest level of protection possible.

Another new entrant to the already crowded market, Nanuk cases offer all of the performance expected of cases in this segment, at a mid-range price point.

However, whilst there are cheaper and more expensive cases, the main benefit these cases offer is the number of built-in features, which often cost extra on other cases.

For example, every Nanuk case comes with an integrated bezel which allows for easy mounting of electronics without needing to drill the case’s exterior – as with Peli™ and Storm, for example. In addition to saving on the cost of purchasing the bezel, this retains the full IP67 rating.

Similarly, an integrated lid stay is included – again, an extra, or not even available, in other cases.

Saying that, as the range is relatively new, there is a limited number of sizes and colours, although this may still grow as the case gains popularity. Some people are also reluctant to trust their high-value equipment to a case that is, relatively speaking, still rather untested compared with some of its rivals, although it has shown good results in a range of military tests, etc.

All in all, a good case that, if you are looking for a lot of features as standard, or definitely require mounting of electronics, is a viable option.

EXOCase™ actually offers a lower IP rating than all of the other cases detailed here, although it does still provide protection to IP*6.

So, whilst it’s offering performance that approaches, but doesn’t quite reach, the level of moulded waterproof cases, it offers one major point of difference and advantage: it can be easily manufactured to virtually any size.

Effectively being a waterproof flight case, EXOCase™ offers a great compromise between a moulded plastic case and a custom-built case.

The benefit is that, rather than selecting the nearest size, which is slightly too large, a case of the perfect size can be sourced. This reduces costs by using less material for foam inserts and enables more efficient, cost-effective, yet safe shipping.

The other main benefit is that the cases can be very easily modified in terms of colours, handle types, adding wheels and even rack housing, whilst it’s possible to replace components, for example, corners or panels, if they become damaged.

The main disadvantages, however, are a relatively high weight, which can make handling difficult, and the lack of a full IP67/68 rating. It also offers slightly less impact protection.

Saying that this protective case offers a great choice, combining the flexibility with the performance of a moulded case.

As you can see, whilst the majority of waterproof equipment cases offer similar levels of performance with the arguable exception of Roto Moulded and EXOCase™ options, there are specific reasons why you would choose one particular option over another.

If you are still unsure of the best option for your application, however, or would like to discuss how this could fit within your specific budget, then please contact a member of our team of packaging experts at GWP Protective, who will be happy to help.

Please note: All trademarks are registered and/or unregistered trademarks of Peli Products, S.L.U., its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates.