Pelican

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Pelican

52 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  Yeah, carried my stuff in Pelicans when I deployed in the military. I bought their 1510 ("Maximum airline carry on size") a couple years ago and it's bullet-proof. It's not pretty, but neither am I.

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• #2Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  Recently got the pelican backpack, and I love it. How is their roller luggage?

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• #3Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  I like my Pelican.

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• #4Dec 30, 2025

  Which Carry On is the Best?

  If you don't care about looks, a Pelican case will last forever. They have a few carry-on sizes and some with 4 wheels. If you do carry about looks, then probably Briggs

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• #5Dec 27, 2025

  Best suitcases that will last with 130+L in capacity?

  TravelPro is solid but check if they actually make anything that big - most of their stuff tops out around 120L from what I've seen. You might need to look at cargo/expedition cases at that size, something like Pelican makes but those are gonna be heavy as hell

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• #6Dec 26, 2025

  Best suitcases that will last with 130+L in capacity?

  If you want a wheelie bag where the wheels don't break off every so often you have to get something like a Pelican case, which has other issues (heavy, expensive).

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• #7Dec 26, 2025

  Best suitcases that will last with 130+L in capacity?

  Get a pelican air, pelicans in general are indestructible. Just be wary of weight

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• #8Dec 25, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  I use a Pelican 1535. It doesn’t have the biggest space and it isn’t the lightest but it is easily repairable and tough.

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• #9Dec 24, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  Pelican Air 1535 case.

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• #10Dec 24, 2025

  Best Carry On Luggage for 2026?

  Depending on style and budget: Luggage works, Pelican, Briggs and Riley, Travel Pro.

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• #11Dec 21, 2025

  Looking for a wallet

  https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/g5?sku=G5RFW-0100-BLK Ive had this for 4 years. I actually checked my email and i bought it literally on this date 4 years ago lol. Christmas present to myself. The silicon strap needs to be replaced but other than normal wear n tear, this wallet has survived the oil fields, end dump and food service trucking, running it over with my truck, dropping it in water, and dropping it from a 12 ft ladder onto concrete. Highly recommend the company overall, and when you call customer service, an American answers the phone!

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• #12Dec 20, 2025

  When You Got To Travel, What Luggage is the Best Buy It For Life?

  For truly Buy It For Life luggage that can survive the abuse of international travel with kids, Briggs & Riley is widely regarded as one of the best options, especially their Expandable Spinner models, which feature durable polycarbonate shells, robust wheels and handles, and a lifetime warranty that repairs or replaces almost anything that breaks, making them ideal for heavy airport use. Another BIFL option some travelers use is Pelican hard cases, which aren’t traditional suitcases but are virtually indestructible and backed by strong warranties. Some travelers also mention Level8 for its clean design and sturdy construction, though it doesn’t have the same long-term warranty as classic BIFL brands, it’s sometimes noted in discussions comparing durable carry-ons. Both Briggs & Riley and Pelican have proven track records for longevity, so investing in them means luggage that actually lasts through years of flights and rough handling.

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• #13Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Pelican Air. Lasts forever, lifetime warrenty.

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• #14Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  I got the new Pelican ATX line. I like the durability and warranty from there others cases so I’m confident this’ll hold up.

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• #15Dec 4, 2025

  thinking of splurging on a luggage set, any recs that'll last for years?

  Briggs and Riley, or Pelican Air if you really want sturdy, though you're looking at ~$500/checked bag for pelican air. Unsure of Briggs and Riley cost. Pelican has a limited lifetime guarantee. I have a Patagonia rolling duffel that gets flown several times a year. I've had it ~5 years now and have no issues. I think it's ~$400/checked bag

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• #16Dec 2, 2025

  Small wallet to replace my Bellroy slim sleeve

  I've been enjoying my "Pelican Protector MagSafe wallet". Quite different, and there's no outer card slot on this model but possibly fits your style given you want something compact. Rigid, latch-closing waterproof body that opens with a clip. Holds ~3 cards with embossing, or 4 without + a few bills (like 4-5 plastic canadian ones, more for paper bills). Sadly you cannot put cards in the cash slot. Kinda absurdly slim, but works for me. Popular brand, but this is definitely a less premium line of products compared to the cases & bags they're known for. They have a few different versions. I just glued a clip onto that basic one to hold 2 extra cards. Got it for $35 CAD on amazon with a sale, not sure what itd look like from the Netherlands. The models that came with their own clip were like 2x the price for me at the time. Personally switched to it from one of those "card clip"/strap wallets since it felt weird for my cash to be exposed when I left my wallet on a table. As a bonus it's more compact, and I'll be using the magsafe magnet to slap it on a wall, not my phone. According to some reviews I saw it might not be quite BIFL-tier, but I think it can be if you don't overfill it and aren't constantly dropping it onto concrete, although mine has already survived a few good drops. Apparently the magnet cover/casing can kinda peel off too, so I simply put a layer of gaffers tape on the magnet to dampen the magnetic strength (it's way too strong by default so I can see how it can pry itself apart if you use it regularly) In spirit of the sub I will gladly come back & edit this if it does prove to break quickly, but I think it should last with these precautions

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• #17Nov 4, 2025

  I have to spend $150 at amazon this week

  Coleman 50 quart cooler, pelican cases or seahorse cases, or any various clones. All very handy to move things, and keep them from getting wrecked. Most of these cost 300% as much or are just not available abroad.

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• #18Nov 2, 2025

  Looking for a medical emergency kit? Do not buy from Scherber

  I saw a kit from Pelican, they make hard cases that are super durable, but hard for me to pull the trigger and buy given how expensive these kits are. I also figure, worst case scenario I’d have an awesome case of the kit sucked but still a lot of $$$ to gamble while being unsure

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• #19Oct 10, 2025

  Suitcase needed for rough environments

  I use pelican cases. 1510 for carry on, 1610 for checked. I got the 1610 used military surplus.

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• #20Oct 9, 2025

  Hyperspecific Lunch Boxes

  I use a small Pelican case for my lunch

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• #21Oct 9, 2025

  Help needed - Best Hard Shell Carry on Luggage

  I will also vote pelican 1535 air travel case. But if you are a “smash it in” type of person, a hard case might not be the best choice. I have seen lots of folks get frustrated that they can’t jam more in and stop using them. (How I got my pelican dirt cheap!)

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• #22Oct 8, 2025

  Help needed - Best Hard Shell Carry on Luggage

  Pelican 1535 is the only real answer IMO, anything else is just an expensive fashion statement

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• #23Oct 2, 2025

  Which moment made you switch to the "buy it for life" mindset?

  I usually fix things and found myself carrying spare parts and tools to repair piece of shit suitcases. I ended up getting a pelicain air. It's not so much that I'm trying to save money as I want things to work and don't want to have a hobby repairing bullshit. I also don't like change so that's why I try to keep shit working forever.

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• #24Oct 2, 2025

  What’s the toughest wallet you’ve ever owned?

  Not slim by any means but I’ve been using the Pelican G5 Field. https://www.pelican.com/us/en/discover/cases/personal-utility/g5-field-wallet/

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• #25Oct 1, 2025

  What’s the toughest wallet you’ve ever owned?

  My wallet made by Pelican cases. I have had it for 4 years, only the silicon strap needs to be replaced.

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• #26Aug 11, 2025

  I really want this Rtic cooler but it doesn’t latch, is there anything equally insulated that does in this size?

  Pelican. On sale. https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/coolers/personal-cooler/8qt/

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• #27Aug 11, 2025

  I really want this Rtic cooler but it doesn’t latch, is there anything equally insulated that does in this size?

  Oh dude I'm autism it's Pelican https://a.co/d/9J3f1vx

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• #28Aug 6, 2025

  Would upgrading to a higher end, hard bodied cooler like a smaller Yeti offer me any improvement for overnight river trips from a soft sided mid-grade cooler like a Titan?

  I agree pelican coolers are awesome and they have a better warranty than Yeti. Similarly pricey tho.

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• #29Aug 6, 2025

  Would upgrading to a higher end, hard bodied cooler like a smaller Yeti offer me any improvement for overnight river trips from a soft sided mid-grade cooler like a Titan?

  Look at the little pelican coolers. I have the 14 quart one. We use it more than any other cooler. The basket, the rubber net thing on the top of the lip, the storage on the outside, things awesome.

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• #30Aug 4, 2025

  Pelican AIR 1535 hard carry on case in lime green, these are normally $500 with the lid organizer and the TrekPak dividers, but the green is on sale for $256 right now, killer deal and lifetime warranty even for breakage.

  Maybe this link will work here, it wouldn't let me put it in the title... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNJDTBJY?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1 I've had some of my pelicans for 20+ years, I assume this will be just as good, and I was stoked to find this one with the full kit for less than they normally sell for empty.

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• #31Aug 2, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  Lock&Lock containers.  There are plenty of size options.  I know a lot of people recommended Pelican cases, you can get the Harbor Freight (Apache) version for less, but they may be too large for your needs.

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• #32Aug 2, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  A small o-ring sealed box. Pelican,  Otterbox. Check a local scuba diving shop.

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• #33Aug 2, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  Pelican cases and the pelican phone cases for smart phones. We use them for kayaking. My husband's little pelican case is at least 8-10 years old and still keeps his stuff dry. The phone cases are newer for us but the other kayakers we hang out with swear by them.

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• #34Aug 1, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  Come here to say this. Pelican cases are the shiznit. If you can't afford a pelican your typical Walmart drybox in the camping section should do it.

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• #35Aug 1, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  Fully agree, they're the best thing for the job. I've been using a peli case to take non-waterproof SLR cameras whitewater kayaking for nearly 20 years. As well as protecting against falls and knocks they definitely keep water out reliably too. I've never damaged a camera while it's sealed in one. 

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• #36Aug 1, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  Pelican cases are great for this. I've had the same one for 15 years and work on construction sites. It's taken more than a handful of 15'+ falls.

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• #37Aug 1, 2025

  Looking for a waterproof storage container small enough to fit in a backpack that can hold things like USB batteries, pencils, etc. Waterproof but can also take a beating.

  OtterBox and Pelican make highly durable waterproof containers.

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• #38Jul 5, 2025

  Non-zipper Suitcase w/ Lock (Carry on & Check in) (Japanese brand?)

  Pelican ATX suitcase. You won't find a more durable suitcase. Non zipper, built in TSA latches. Waterproof. Hinomoto wheels. Lifetime warranty. 

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• #39Jun 10, 2025

  The 2025 Shutdown of ORCA Coolers

  As a packaging engineer, pelican makes the most hardy shit. We try our hardest to break them lol

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• #40Jun 9, 2025

  The 2025 Shutdown of ORCA Coolers

  I have a Yeti and I like the Pelican more

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• #41Jun 9, 2025

  The 2025 Shutdown of ORCA Coolers

  Good question and to be honest it has been awhile since I last saw any of these comparisons. So I would hate to try to remember any specific brands when it's been a couple of years. However it struck me that anytime Yeti was compared they were typically towards the middle of the pack. Besides I would recommend anyone looking for a Roto Molded Cooler or even a tumbler do the same thing I did and simply search YouTube for Roto Molded Cooler or Tumbler comparisons. This is a whole lot better then just taking someone's word for it who in effect their only experience might just be one brand. If you look at enough of them typically you will see the same trends. There were a number of different people doing them getting the same approximate results. I think some even pre-chilled them like you are supposed to do then sat them out and took temperatures once if not twice daily. Many did not, but I don't think by any means that would change the results other than they all should last a bit longer if properly chilled prior. Keep in mind middle of the pack if I remember correctly typically lasted about five days. The best typically lasted six days and to be honest I don't think there were but very few lasting into the seventh day. But then again many of these comparisons they weren't chilled prior. So from middle of the pack to best you are typically talking about a day maybe a bit more. This is one of the reasons I chose to get a Pelican which also was about middle of the pack maybe a bit better but the thing was it had latches and I chose convenience over the very best cooling properties. I've got a small Orca which uses rubber straps and to be honest that's the one thing I hate about it.

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• #42Jun 3, 2025

  What’s the best flashlight for an appliance repair guy

  Get a Pelican headlamp or flashlight. Came out of heavy industry and they were great. Good on battery and I never broke mine, even dropping the flashlight 30ft onto steel

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• #43May 8, 2025

  What did you wish you had at 21?

  I have a Pelican 1510 (carry on size) with an organizer insert in the lid and a couple Patagonia packing cubes for my clothes. I bought this thing second hand for a hundred bucks who knows how many years ago. It has an OG black and white label on it so I'm pretty sure it was made in the 90s. Last year the wheels crumbled because they were so old and I emailed Pelican and they sent me a new set, no questions asked. The model is identical to the one they still sell so I know i will always be able to find replacement latches or anything that goes. I really feel like Pelican is BIFL as the company doesn't unnecessarily change their designs over the years. I was staying at a friend's place and he bought a brand new one after seeing mine. We compared them side by side and aside from the label being updated (and decades of scratches on mine) there was no way to tell them apart. 

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• #44May 6, 2025

  Are Away Hard Shell suitcases a BIFL type of bag or should I look at Briggs & Riley?

  Pelican cases are great if you like hard shell luggage. Being indestructible is their whole thing, and they’re built for outdoors so I’d imagine they’re decent at keep out “critters”. Also if you get anything living in your luggage often, you might have other issues to look into.

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• #45Mar 10, 2025

  Germophobe Lunchbox?

  There are some good ideas here, but I would like to recommend approaching it from the vantage of others who need to keep funky water off of their snacks. Dry box. They're good for food, papers, and electronics that need to be ready for a complete dunking without contamination. I have an Apache 1800 that's lunchbox sized, has survived multiple dumps in river rapids, and can be had for about $13 at harbor freight. I would also consider Plano a quality manufacturer, or even Pelican if you like to spend money. There are lots of other options from other manufactures including ammo boxes. As long as you check your seals, I would trust one of these to carry my lunch through the influent building, wash the box in soap and water, and pull my lunch out clean and dry.

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• #46Feb 9, 2025

  Carry on suitcase suggestions that will be used 4 times per year?

  Pelican

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• #47Feb 2, 2025

  A phone case that works across models?

  Probably not exactly what you are looking for, but it's a case I've used for my phones over the last 10+ years. A small pelican box that I use on the water or on the beach to protect my phone. It's a little big for the newer thinner phones, I use a bit of paper towel behind to prop it up. Clear front so I can see notifications but I can't use the phone at all without opening it. On the plus side, other than BIFL, it has saved my phone several times!

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• #48Jan 10, 2025

  Best (laptop) backpack which is waterproof, can hold 2 laptops and other tech

  What do you mean by waterproof? The only truly waterproof bags that I am aware of a designed for whitewater canoeing or Kayaking. They are made of vinyl and have a roll top. Anything with a zipper maybe water resistant for while but not water proof with some exceptions. Other options are hard plastic cases made by companies like Pelican these have strong latches and rubber gaskets. They make rolling carryon luggage size cases you could customize to securely carry your equipment. If you’re looking for a school or work bag, you can get water resistant but not something you can submerge in a lake and be safe. You could also consider putting your computer in a. Plastic bag first then into any backpack for additional water protection on the days when you are expecting rain.

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• #49Jan 4, 2025

  BIFL Metal Carry-on Luggage?

  Haliburton, Nanuk, and Pelican if you want hard sided cases. Just remember that they tend to weigh more than their cloth counterparts. They also have a finite storage space and do not expand. If you’re willing to forgo the metallic/slab-sided bags, I would look at Patagonia, Ortlieb, and other high-end outdoor companies. While their bags are not necessarily targeted toward airplanes, their PVC/vinyl alternative products are extremely durable and meant to take abuse. You get what you pay for when purchasing performance-oriented storage for travel.

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• #50Dec 4, 2015

  Rugged Laptop Sleeve/Case for Backpacking

  Its a bit bulky, but it sure sounds like you are looking for the [Pelican Hardback](http://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/watertight-protector-hard-cases/hardback-case/laptop-case/1075/), comes in a few different sizes.

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• #51Dec 4, 2015

  Rugged Laptop Sleeve/Case for Backpacking

  Pelican laptop hardback case

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• #52Dec 2, 2015

  [BIFL Request] Rifle case

  Plano cases are very durable and won't put quite the dent in your wallet that a Pelican will. Otherwise Pelican and custom carved foam is the way to go.

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