When travelling with fragile and expensive equipment, you want to provide the best possible protection, but at the same time, you need to be able to move quickly and easily whilst on the move. The Peli Protector Case 1615 is a super lightweight polymer case weighing in at 6.4kg when empty (without foam). The 1615 boasts the title of the lightest premium Protector case on the planet with an interior size of 29.59" x 15.50" x 9.38" (75.2 x 39.4 x 23.8 cm), the maximum airline check-in size, but always check with your airline for exact measurement requirements. Pelican Air cases are the first in a series of protective cases that have now been designed for over 40 years. Our 1615 came with the Peli Trekpak (sold separately) which can fully customise the inside of the case, Velcro compatible, with tub and 2 large dividers, 6 medium dividers, 3 small dividers and the Automatic Purge Valve, keeping out water and dust while maintaining a balanced air pressure.

The 1615 is constructed from Super-light proprietary HPX² Polymer and features a retractable extension handle, business card holder and quiet rolling stainless-steel bearing wheels. On first appearance, the case appears to be tough and strong and it is indeed nice and light, it moves around on its two wheels smoothly and discretely, but it isn’t perfect. The handles that are conveniently located all around the case are very stiff, the top handle in particularly is hard to grab hold of as it clicks in place and doesn’t make for quick movement. Sliding out the retractable handle involves using both hands to unclip it and then pull it out, I would rather a traditional button on top of the handle for ease of use like most rolling suitcases. Due to the weight saving plastic material, the retractable handle seems very flimsy and I am not sure how much weight it would take when the case it fully packed. The 1615 is tough, lovely and light, I have no doubt that it will keep your gear protected due to the thick foam padding, but the finishing touches need to be cleaned up to make it more user friendly when on the go.  Case RRP £343.06 TrekPak Insert £169.60

4 out of 5

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Pros

Lightweight

Trekpak includes 9 customisable, thick padded dividers

Crushproof, dustproof and watertight

Automatic purge valve that balances air pressure inside the case

Silent and smooth rolling wheels

Cons

Stiff handles

Flimsy and fiddly retractable handle