Introduced in 2016 as a lighter, more efficient alternative to Pelican’s traditional Protector series, the Air line of hard cases maintains the brand’s hallmark durability while significantly reducing weight. The 1485 Air Case carries those same rugged, weather-resistant design principles into a more compact format, providing reliable protection for smaller electronics and other sensitive gear in demanding field conditions.
As with similar Pelican Air cases, the 1485 is made from a very light, next-generation HPX² polymer, combined with some of the more ideal features taken from the Protector series, and delivers a lightweight, watertight, crushproof, and dustproof case that offers a significant amount of protection. At the time of purchase, the 1485’s configuration can be chosen between no foam, foam, with padded dividers (featured), or with Pelican’s TrekPak divider system for the best protective value.
Exterior
With an overall exterior dimension measuring 19.17 (L) × 12.80 (W) × 6.89 (H) inches, the 1485 offers a compact footprint while still providing enough internal space for smaller electronics or sensitive equipment.
The 1485 includes two of Pelican’s redesigned Press and Pull™ button-latches made from an ABS polymer that secure the lid to the bottom. In addition, there is one heavy-duty, ergonomic and foldable handle at the front to aid in retrieval or collapse flat against the case as needed.
Several protective features built into the 1485 are its two 9/16” stainless-steel padlock protectors, and its single automatic purge valve made with hi-flow Gore-Tex with a 3 micron, hydrophobic non-woven material.
On the exterior is a single, clear plastic business card colder for an identification placard. This card holder is only accessible with the lid open and thus prevents tampering.
Interior
With an interior space of 17.75” (L) x 10.18” (H) x 6.5” (W), the 1485 has an overall internal storage capacity of 0.64 ft³.
A one-piece, rubberized EPDM O-ring provides a watertight seal to the interior storage space. As such, the 1485 Air has an IP67 waterproof rating.
Specifications:
- Minimum Temperature…-0° F (-51 ° C)
- Maximum Temperature…140° F (71 ° C)
The 1485 Air Case is available in Black (featured), Safety Orange, Grey, and high-visibility Yellow.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): With an MSRP of $230.95 (or $313.95 with the TrekPak Divider System), the Pelican 1485 Air Case sat in the middle tier of Pelican’s Air lineup, reflecting its balance of rugged protection and lightweight design. The case’s combination of signature watertight performance with reduced mass (via the Air’s HPX² polymer technology) made it a more expensive option than other entry-level polymer storage cases, but less costly than Pelican’s larger, fully rugged Protector series of storage boxes. Comparable products included NANUK’s 935 ($379), SKB iSeries 2011-7 ($299), and the Storm iM2010 ($259). And while each alternative offered the same waterproof or rugged alternative, many sacrificed either the weight savings potential or structural resilience in the pursuit of that lower cost. The 1485 Air Case’s price was appropriate (or average) given the blend of lightweight performance, watertight sealing, and interior protective capacity it offered, though the premium over generic waterproof cases reflected its specialized design rather than basic storage.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): From a handling standpoint, the 1485 Air Case was noticeably easier to maneuver than traditional or larger hard cases with comparable internal volume, thanks to its reduced overall weight and centrally positioned carry handle. The over-molded handle featured a textured, rubberized grip that enhanced security, while the case’s compact footprint made it easy to load into or retrieve from vehicle trunks, storage compartments, and crowded equipment racks. When packed with heavier items such as electronics, optics, or test equipment, the case remained manageable over short to moderate carry distances, benefiting from balanced weight distribution and an ergonomic handle profile. Its rectangular form also allowed it to stack cleanly with other cases during transport or staging. The optional padded divider could be removed if not needed and provided a bright, high-visibility interior that made identifying contents quick and intuitive.
- Durability – Good (4/5): Despite its lighter construction, the 1485 Air Case demonstrated strong structural integrity under routine field use. The HPX² polymer shell resisted flexing, moderate direct pressure, and impact more effectively than many non-reinforced polymer cases, and it maintained a reliable environmental seal in rain, standing water, and dusty conditions. The O-ring gasket and latching system keep the interior protected from moisture and debris during transport and storage. Interior foam options provide effective cushioning for sensitive equipment, though repeated insertion and removal of gear can lead to minor wear along foam edges over time. The alternative use of padded dividers or the TrekPak system helped to compartmentalize the storage space in lieu of the foam layers. Externally, cosmetic scuffing is expected with regular handling, but no cracking or deformation was observed, indicating a practical balance between toughness and reduced mass.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): As a protective equipment case, the 1485 performed well across a range of use cases, from mobile field transport to stationary storage. The watertight enclosure allowed it to be used confidently in variable weather and uneven terrain, while the optional padded divider system allowed for easy interior customization without sacrificing protection, supporting secure packing of cameras, laptops, night vision, radios, or other electronics with minimal wasted space. The latching system provided clear tactile feedback when closing the case, and the automatic pressure-equalization valve prevented vacuum lock during altitude or temperature changes. While it lacked external mounting features or modular attachment points found on larger or more specialized overland cases, the design prioritized straightforward protection and adaptability, making it suitable for a wide variety of applications rather than a single role. Compatibility with Pelican’s EZ-Click lid organizer system would have been a welcome addition in future iterations, further expanding organizational flexibility without compromising the case’s core strengths.
- Weight – Good (4/5): The 1485 Air Case weighed 4.57 pounds empty and without foam or other padding systems. This was significantly lighter than similarly sized traditional hard cases, reflecting Pelican’s Air technology that uses a lighter HPX² poly resin. This weight savings made it easier to carry and reposition, particularly when packed with medium-weight gear such as camera bodies, laptops, or sensitive instrumentation. Unlike larger wheeled cases, the 1485’s manageable weight and size reduced the physical burden on the user during routine movements between vehicles or storage areas. In comparison to competitive waterproof cases of similar size, many of which weighed 14–18 pounds or more, the 1485 Air Case’s lighter profile was a clear advantage for field personnel who moved equipment frequently. That said, while lighter, the case did not sacrifice essential protective qualities; rather, it traded raw mass for smarter material engineering to maintain both strength and transportability.
Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)
Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/air/1485
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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