Nanuk vs Pelican – which waterproof case should you choose?

1. Protection
2. Usability
3. Features and options
4. Price and appearance
5. Summary

Arguably, the main reason you would purchase any waterproof case is for the protection it offers your tools, equipment or products. As such, this section considers whether Nanuk or Peli cases provide the best performance.

Both Nanuk and Pelican cases market themselves as providing complete protection from water and moisture entering the case. In fact, both cases are IP 67 rated. This “ingress protection” score means both case ranges remain completely watertight when submerged in water one metre in depth for up to 30 minutes.

This also means that both options prevent dust from entering the case, too.

Verdict: Tie

Both cases are very closely matched in terms of the general protection they offer. Pelican cases use a copolymer resin, while Nanuk manufactures their cases using an NK7 resin. Both provide equally strong performance.

However, Pelican cases prove the slightly better option due to the additional testing they have undertaken, particularly those required by DEF-Stan 81-41. Whilst Peli comes out on top due to this, it is still worth mentioning that Nanuk cases have also undergone a significant number of tests.

Verdict: Pelican

Which case offers the greater longevity? As with most options in this sector (including Explorer and SKB iSeries), both Peli and Nanuk cases come with a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee. This means that in the (fairly unlikely) event that you damage the case, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

As a result, both cases provide exceptional longevity.

Verdict: Tie

Besides protecting contents from mishandling and the elements, it is also vital to prevent the theft of valuable equipment.

Both Nanuk and Pelican cases feature moulded in “hasps” that allow you to lock the cases using padlocks. However, Peli cases offer marginally improved security by adding metal reinforcement around these sections, making it even more difficult for the determined thief to gain access.

Verdict: Pelican

Pelican cases – just – prove the winners of this first category. Saying that, there is very little to choose between the cases, with both options providing excellent protection and performance. However, the extensive testing and metal padlock sections give Peli a slight edge.

Verdict: Pelican

Besides protection, it is also vital that any case you source for your business is easy, comfortable, and convenient to use. This section focuses on three important areas: carrying smaller cases, moving larger cases, and general usability.

Both Nanuk and Pelican cases feature ergonomically designed handles with a soft grip coating to improve comfort. Nanuk handles are arguably slightly better, being spring-loaded to minimise the cases’ size when not being used.

However, Peli proves the better option when carrying due to its decreased weight. Whilst standard Peli Protector and Nanuk cannot be separated here, the Peli Air range is as much as 40% lighter. This weight saving makes a significant difference when carrying smaller cases.

Verdict: Pelican

But what about moving larger items? Larger Pelican and Nanuk cases both feature inline wheels and a retractable handle for pulling bigger cases containing heavy items. Peli cases offer quiet roll wheels with steel ball bearings to reduce noise, whilst the Nanuk wheels use polyurethane for a smoother action.

However, both cases perform exceptionally well for this application.

Verdict: Tie

Nanuk gets their first victory in this category, offering a couple of features that provide marginally better usability than Peli cases.

This includes a “powerclaw” latch system that is easier to operate than those on Peli cases, particularly in low temperatures (where Peli latches can sometimes become difficult to open). The automatic pressure relief valve is also better than the manual versions found on some Peli cases, preventing the valve from becoming detached and lost.

Verdict: Nanuk

Another close category sees a tie between Nanuk and Peli cases in terms of their overall usability. Peli cases, and the Air range in particular, have the edge for smaller carry cases, but Nanuk’s latches and pressure valves prove slightly more user-friendly than the equivalents on Pelican cases.

Verdict: Tie

If you are investing in cases for your engineers, service technicians, or other technical staff, you’ll likely want them tailored to your specific requirements. As such, this section looks at which cases have the best range of features, customisation potential, and size/colour options.

While both case options boast many features, Nanuk offers more of these as standard. Most notably, Nanuk cases have built-in top and bottom strips to mount electronic equipment. A separate bezel kit is required if you plan to do this with a Peli case. Nanuk cases also feature an integral lid stay.

Verdict: Nanuk

You can choose to customise Pelican and Nanuk cases in various ways. Both cases can be easily enhanced with foam inserts, and both are equally suited to having branding added to their exterior (typically through screen or digital print).

Verdict: Tie

Although new models are constantly added across both ranges, Nanuk cases are currently available in 29 sizes, compared to Peli Protectors’ 43 size options.

While both brands provide an extensive range, the additional sizes in the Peli collection of cases allow you to source cases that are a better size for your tools or equipment. This can help with both protection and cost reduction (as less foam is needed to fill the case, and less space is required for storage).

Verdict: Pelican

Pelican cases offer six colours in the Protector range—black, silver, orange, yellow, tan, and olive. However, Nanuk cases offer a massive nine options (the largest range of any waterproof case available). Nanuk case colours include black, grey, silver, olive, yellow, orange, red, green, and blue.

This range of colours makes it much easier for you to source a case that reflects your company branding and visual identity.

Verdict: Nanuk

Nanuk shades this section, scoring particularly well in terms of standard features and colour options. However, Peli cases are available in a broader range of sizes, so they may be more suited to your specific tools or equipment.

Verdict: Nanuk

This final section covers two important considerations: pricing and appearance. Whilst looks may not be important to all businesses, they can prove vital for customer-facing applications or value-added packaging.

Nanuk cases are marginally cheaper than Peli cases, meaning that if cost is a consideration, they would be your better option. However, some cases are cheaper still, particularly the B&W range.

But if price is the deciding factor when assessing Nanuk vs Pelican, the former comes out on top.

Verdict: Nanuk

As the original waterproof case, many will argue that you cannot beat the looks of Pelican cases. Advocates of Nanuk cases may argue that the smoother lines provide a more modern appearance. Many people may say it simply doesn’t matter.

However, as this is so subjective, the result of this comparison is a tie.

Verdict: Tie

As the results of this comparison highlight, there is very little to choose between Pelican and Nanuk cases. Pelican has a slight advantage in terms of protection and offers greater choice, whilst Nanuk cases offer better features and a lower price.

So, regardless of the option you select, you can be confident that you are getting a high-performance protective case that will keep your equipment safe.

However, if you are struggling to choose the case for your specific application, we can help. With over 30 years of experience supplying cases and customising them with bespoke foam inserts, our experts can provide impartial advice on the best option for you.

Get in touch to see how we can help.

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