
Pelican
Pelican 1650 Watertight Hard Case, Wheeled, No Foam - Desert Tan
★★★★★
The Pelican 1650 is a crushproof, watertight rolling case that protects sensitive gear through airline handling, field conditions, and long-term storage.
$339.95*
View on Amazon
✓ In Stock on Amazon.com
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.
Affiliate Disclosure: Studio Supplies may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. This helps support our editorial team.
Notice a mistake? Let Us Know
Overview
Key Features
Photo Luggage or Storage.
Durable and Water Tight Design.
For Professional and Amatuer Videographers and Photograghers alike.
Specifications
Brand
Pelican
Model
1650
Material
Ultra High Impact Structural Copolymer
Waterproof
Watertight
Crushproof
Yes
Dustproof
Yes
Features
Retractable Extension Handle, Fold-Down Handles, Automatic Pressure Equalization Valve
Foam
No Foam (empty interior)
Color
Desert Tan
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros
- Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof construction provides genuine protection against water submersion, impacts, and fine particulate intrusion
- Retractable extension handle and built-in wheels make transporting heavy equipment loads across airports and job sites manageable
- No-foam configuration allows full customization of interior layout with aftermarket dividers or custom-cut foam inserts
- Automatic pressure equalization valve prevents vacuum lock after altitude changes, ensuring the case opens easily after flights
👎 Cons
- Empty weight is substantial — before adding any gear, the case itself is heavy, which eats into airline weight limits for checked baggage
- No-foam version requires a separate purchase of interior protection, adding cost and setup time before the case is ready to use
- Exterior dimensions are large enough that some vehicles and storage spaces may not accommodate it easily
- Desert Tan color shows dirt and scuff marks more visibly than the standard black option
Frequently Asked Questions
This version says "No Foam" — does that mean there's no interior protection at all?
Correct, this is the no-foam variant. It ships with an empty interior, which is actually an advantage if you plan to use custom-cut foam, padded dividers, or pelican-compatible organizer systems tailored to your specific gear layout. Many buyers prefer this option to avoid paying for factory foam they would remove anyway.
What are the interior dimensions, and will it fit as airline checked luggage?
The Pelican 1650 has generous interior volume designed for large equipment loads. It does exceed standard carry-on dimensions, so it must be checked. Most airlines accept it as checked luggage, though oversized baggage fees may apply depending on the carrier. The built-in wheels and retractable handle make airport transport straightforward.
How does the automatic pressure equalization valve work?
The valve allows air to pass through while keeping water out. When you fly with the case or move between elevations, pressure differences can build up inside a sealed container, making it difficult to open. The equalization valve releases that pressure automatically so you can always open the latches without fighting a vacuum seal.
Is the Desert Tan color significantly different in durability or material from the black version?
No. The color is cosmetic only — both versions use the same ultra high impact structural copolymer and share identical protection ratings. Desert Tan is popular for military, outdoor, and field applications where visibility or heat absorption preferences differ from standard black.