Which Pelican?

Hi all,

Seeking some feedback of what model Pelican case people use to carry/store equipment.

I am looking to carry a 20D with short lens, grip, 420ex and maybe another lens or two in rough country!

Which model would you buy or recommend?

Thanks

Sean

Are you trying to make it crash-proof, or waterproof, or what?

I take my camera gear to the field a lot for nature photography, and I have never had to use anything as serious as a Pelican case.

... and then there was the story of the rock climber who was ascending El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He was about a thousand feet up on the granite cliff when one of the duffle bags fell, and it had an old Pentax 35mm in it. Obviously, it was smashed to bits on the jagged boulder field down below. About a day later, the climber managed to get down there and he found the duffle bag, and he retrieved the Pentax from it. The Pentax case had a slight dent on it, but otherwise it worked perfectly.

---Bob Gross---

I don't think you want a Pelican case for rough country. You need something that you'll be able to carry securely, like a photo backpack (and that's the only time I'll recommend them - they're hell to work out of since you need to find a place to take them off and open them up to get at your equipment).

I saw a photographer carrying a big Pelican case once in the backcountry of Kings Canyon National Park. He and his buddy each had monster backpacks on, each probably one third of their body weight. Then the photographer had a Pelican case that he was carrying by hand.

As I passed them on the trail, there was a lot of cursing and swearing, and it did not look comfortable at all.

---Bob Gross---

I'm planning on buying as large a pelican as is reasonable for canoe trips (don't worry - everything's insured!). This is largely because I have a source through I can get them at wholesale price.

I have the 1550 w/padded dividers. Lots of room for my 20D, lenses, flashes, ect. maybe a little large for what you want ? I got one for the "crash proofness".

If you are hiking, I would skip the Pelican case. I do a lot of whitewater and wilderness tripping, so do carry my gear in a Pelican case -- I use the smallest version that will just fit my gear.

But ... I don't hike with it -- deadly. When it's time to hike I pull out my triangular LowePro case that just fits my Rebel with the 18-125 lense on it. You can also get an inexpensive strap to anchor it firmly on the front of your chest (strap goes over both shoulders, crosses in the back then hooks around the front again -- check the catalogue). Anything else goes in a small day pack. This lets me hike and climb over rough terrain with both hands free. The camera is at the ready, but does not swing around.

I also found a version of this triangular soft case at the Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver that has a slim drybag over it -- this version allowed me to safely do a lot of swimming/wet hikes and climbs in the grand canyon last year. It stayed strapped to my chest on every hike, but in the Peli case on the raft while we were kayaking.

Pictures were awesome!

I use the PELICSN 1400. This holds my 20D with 17-85 attached, 70-200 4L with lens hood reversed, my Kenko 1.4 TC and my nifty fifty. I have had it go tumbling down the river with all contenets coming out just fine. I would not paddle without it. Accesories go in a padded bag inside a dry bag.

Would not think of taking it backpacking. For day trips I my Lowepro Rover AW II works great.

Hi everyone,

I am really looking for a secure and crush proof solution for in SUV (four wheel drive in Aussie lingo) vehicle. When I roam away from camp or truck I will use a bag, pack or something similar. I need impact, weather (tropical humidity) and perhaps temp. protection.

Given this info is the pelican case a good option?

Thanks all for the great info recieved.

PS Just paid for a great 20D package from a forum member and eagerly await getting my hands on the gear...can't wait, but have too!

Cheers

Sean

OK - for in-vehicle storage, a Pelican will do fine, but so might an ice chest with dessicant cannisters (you'll need them anyhow even with the Pelican). Every time you open the case, there's going to be a mixing of outside air with the (we hope drier) air in the storage case. A large ice chest will let you keep the gear right in its bag in the case, so no re-packing when you set off. It's less obvious, and the insulation should help moderate temp. increases. Also, it doesn't scream "EXPENSIVE STUFF IN HERE!!!!!" when you're in less-secure environs.

Thanks Jon,

I had not considered using an Esky for in car use.

I didn't think of the thief factor either!

Cheers

Sean