Pelican case vs. Otterbox?

PropThePolecat

PropThePolecat

Joined
Jan 31, 2009
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3,292
Hey guys

Ive been thinkin about buying some cases and making a little portable survival kit out of it. Ive looked at the Pelican Micro case and the Otterbox. I dont have experience with either brand, but ive heard about them both.

What do you guys think, which should i go for? Are they both comparable in quality?

http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1010

http://www.otterbox.com/waterproof-cases/otterbox-1000/

Like i said, one case is being used to make a little portable survival kit and the others are for keeping vital gear dry and safe while hiking (electronics, medicines, etc)

Ive also considered something like an Aquapac. Theyre lighter in weight meaning theyre more likely to come along on my person, totally waterproof and have a good reputation for quality.

http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/waterproof-cases-for-multi-purposes-1647-0.html

Thanks
 
Pelican's bigger cases are quite waterproof. Their smaller cases (like the ones you mentioned) are only water resistant. Otterboxes are claimed to be waterproof.
 
Interesting, I think I'll have to pick up a little Otter. Looks like they're good to 100 feet.
 
i haven't heard of otterbox but i do own several pelican cases and they are very high quality. and made in CA :D ;)

they also have a great warranty, one of my friends had an original pelican case, about 20 years old, and the pins that hold the lid on had come loose and pelican replaced it for free and even payed the shipping.
 
My Pelican Micro cases have proven waterproof as long as the liner, which forms the seal under the lid, is intact and flat. I usually use a couple out of 4 different ones when kayaking, and they have all been submerged. A 1060 failed on me when the liner got pulled away from the inside of the case and got a wrinkle in it, but was fine after I put it back in place.
Guess I don't understand why they call them water-resistant, and even have a disclaimer stating they're not to be submerged, yet they have a purge valve:confused:
 
I don't have much, if any, experience with pelican cases (I got an AirKat knife in a Peli. case once, but that's it as far as my experience goes) but I do have a couple of Otter boxes though and they have prooved to be great. I have had no problems with them and have used them at the beach and in and around rivers. At the end of the day it looks like they are pretty much just the same to me, other than the gass valve on the Peli. case I see little difference TBH.
 
OwenM said:
Guess I don't understand why they call them water-resistant, and even have a disclaimer stating they're not to be submerged, yet they have a purge valve:confused:
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The purge valves are meant for pressure equalization when put through an extreme altitude change. That could for example be taking them with you while driving up the mountains in your car, loading them up into an airplane and flying, and so forth. If they didnt have that valve, they'd bulge, and probably break if the change is extreme.
 
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I have a large (1650) Pelican case that I love. Otterboxes aren't bad, very comparable, but they don't make anything large enough for me.

I did have one of the original cases for a regular iPod. Might still have it kicking around in fact. That thing was very well constructed.
 
Josh K said:
I have a large (1650) Pelican case that I love. Otterboxes aren't bad, very comparable, but they don't make anything large enough for me.

I did have one of the original cases for a regular iPod. Might still have it kicking around in fact. That thing was very well constructed.
Click to expand...

Oh, I dunno', I bet you could sqeeze in there if you really tried. :D
 
AZWaterRat said:
I own a couple of both and really can't say which is better. Both brands work really well.
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Same here. I have a couple of Pelicans, one has served me well for 20+ years now. We've also got a couple of OtterBoxes that get tossed around almost weekly.
Stay Safe,
Clyde
 
I have a few otterboxes and they are good. But depending on your needs you could consider going to Target (or Walmart or your local grocery store) and looking in the tupperware isle.

I got a lock and lock (I think that's the name, the lid has locks on each of the four sides). I got the small size and it's small, strong and totally waterproof. It was like $3.

There are various brands but the ones with locks on each side seem especially nice.

Something to think about. For a FAK or PSK or similar it would totally solve most problems and save weight and cost.
 
I have experience with Pelican cases, and they are quite sturdy and durable. The clamp downs are finger busters however. I have not had to test them for water proof. I have an otter box protective cover on my black berry and it really protects it well from being dropped. I have not owned or looked at Otter box box.
 
I have otterbox 2000 and I like it functionwise, seems very strong too. I intend to test if it's really waterproof soon..
 
I've used large Pelican cases at work for years and they seem very tough. Since you're going to carry this kit on foot you may want to seriously consider the aquapac. Lighter weight, and because it isn't rigid it should fit better inside a larger pack.
 
JCavSD said:
I've used large Pelican cases at work for years and they seem very tough. Since you're going to carry this kit on foot you may want to seriously consider the aquapac. Lighter weight, and because it isn't rigid it should fit better inside a larger pack.
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I am considering something waterproof from Aquapac or Ortlieb. I think itll sit better in my jacket or pants.

But im probably gonna get a Pelican AND a Otterbox just to see which is best myself. Ill just use them for something else.

Thanks for all your replies guys.
 
I use Peli's for a few odds and ends, they do weigh a bit and you'll certainly notice it. For what its worth the two which I carry around both of them are on the smaller end of the product line with transparent lids and have put up with the day to day knocks and bumps just fine. By my judgement they wont crack without a hellovalot of force directed at the hinges which are also made of very thick plastic. They ain't cheap either. If you want something that will last but be probably weigh in heavier than the otterbox Pelican maybe the brand your looking for. I have an Otterbox brand Ipod Shuffle case, and by my experience they make a good fitting case which I expect will translate very well to the standard waterproofing of their folding lid boxes. Not to sure about their material choice though.
 
I use Pelican cases at the beach for securing keys, wallets, etc. The seals are fine, but they always have that fine beach sand and a drop or two of water in them after a day of play.
 
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