Pelican

Pelican 016370-0011-150 Air 1637 Protective Case - No Foam, Orange

5.0 (8 reviews)
15.20 lbs

At 15 lbs empty and airline carry-on-compatible dimensions, the Pelican Air 1637 is the largest protective case you can actually travel with without checking.

$384.95*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Pelican Air 1637 is built around one engineering premise: maximum protection at minimum weight. Using Pelican's proprietary HPX² polymer, the 1637 comes in at 15.20 lbs empty — a significant reduction from the standard Pelican 1630 series — without sacrificing the crushproof, dustproof, and watertight performance Pelican cases are known for. The interior spans 23.43 x 17.55 x 13.25 inches, making it one of the largest protective cases in the Pelican lineup. The automatic purge valve equalizes air pressure across altitude changes, preventing the lid from vacuum-sealing shut after a flight. This is a case designed for people who transport equipment that cannot fail — and who have learned, usually the hard way, that cheaper cases eventually do.

This specific SKU ships completely empty — no foam, no dividers. For some buyers, that's the whole point. Pelican's TrekPak system, custom-cut foam, or a fitted soft bag insert can be added to match exactly what you're carrying. The rolling stainless-steel bearing wheels handle airport floors and loading docks with equal reliability. Push-button latches open cleanly one-handed, the rubber overmolded handles absorb shock and provide secure grip, and the stainless steel hasp protectors allow padlocking for secured transport. The orange colorway makes it immediately identifiable on a luggage carousel or gear pile — a practical benefit in group travel situations, though not everyone wants the visibility. For photographers, AV professionals, and anyone whose livelihood depends on what's inside the case, the 1637 Air earns its price over a long service life.

Key Features

Comes as an empty case (no foam)

Exterior Dimension (LxWxD Inches): 26.61 x 20.65 x 14.87, Interior Dimension (LxWxD Inches): 23.43 x 17.55 x 13.25, Weight 15.20 lbs

Crushproof, dustproof, with a watertight o-ring gasket and an automatic purge valve that balances air pressure inside the case

Features rolling stainless-steel bearing wheels, extending trollery handle, push button latches, stainless steel hasp protectors, rubber overmolded handles, and a card holder for front or side placement

Made with Pelican's super-light proprietary HPX polymer

Specifications

Exterior Dimensions (L x W x D)
26.61 x 20.65 x 14.87 in
Interior Dimensions (L x W x D)
23.43 x 17.55 x 13.25 in
Weight (empty)
15.20 lbs
Construction
HPX² Lightweight Polymer
Protection
Crushproof, dustproof, watertight
Seal
O-ring gasket with automatic purge valve
Wheels
Rolling stainless-steel bearing wheels
Handle
Extending trolley handle
Latches
Push-button with stainless steel hasp protectors
Foam
None (empty case)
Color
Orange

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • HPX polymer construction keeps the empty weight at 15.20 lbs — meaningfully lighter than equivalent Pelican non-Air cases, which matters when you're already carrying heavy gear inside.
  • Crushproof, dustproof, and watertight construction backed by an O-ring gasket and automatic purge valve gives genuine protection against the specific failure modes that destroy equipment in transit.
  • The no-foam configuration is genuinely useful for buyers who want TrekPak, custom foam, or soft-bag inserts — you're not paying for and discarding foam you won't use.
  • Rolling stainless-steel bearing wheels and telescoping trolley handle make moving a fully loaded 1637 through airports and venues practical rather than punishing.
  • Stainless steel hasp protectors allow padlocking for TSA-compliant security when checking the case.

👎 Cons

  • At 23.43 x 17.55 x 13.25 inches interior, this case is large enough that filling it meaningfully requires a substantial gear load — it's disproportionate for small or light kit.
  • No foam included means additional cost and setup time before you can safely transport anything — not a ready-to-use solution out of the box.
  • The 15.20 lb empty weight, while lighter than non-Air equivalents, still adds significant base weight before any gear goes in — total loaded weight climbs quickly.
  • The orange colorway is highly visible, which may attract attention in environments where you'd prefer your case didn't advertise that it contains expensive equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

This version ships with no foam — the interior is bare. That's a feature for many buyers who prefer custom TrekPak dividers, foam cut-to-fit inserts, or soft goods like camera bags inside. If you want pre-cut foam, Pelican sells the 1637 with foam or with the TrekPak system as separate SKUs. Verify the variant before purchasing.
At 26.61 x 20.65 x 14.87 inches exterior, this case exceeds standard overhead bin dimensions for most airlines. It is large enough to check but may qualify for gate-check or oversized carry-on depending on the airline. Confirm with your carrier before travel. The rolling wheels and telescoping handle are designed for airport navigation either way.
The O-ring gasket provides a watertight seal rated to keep water out under standard submersion conditions. The automatic purge valve prevents pressure buildup from altitude changes without compromising the seal. It's trusted for field use near water, but Pelican does not rate it for prolonged deep submersion at this case size.
The case shell itself provides the same crushproof, dustproof, watertight protection regardless of foam. Without foam, loose items can shift and impact each other inside — you need to bring your own padding or organization system to protect the contents. The shell protects against external forces; foam or dividers protect gear from each other.
Pelican's push-button latches are a known durability strength — they don't rely on metal clasps that can corrode or bind. The stainless steel hasp protectors add a layer of padlock compatibility for security. Users across many years of Pelican ownership report the latches remaining functional well past the point where competitors' cases start showing wear.