The Pelican CRATE 45L represents a significant change in the company’s approach to vehicle-based cargo storage, combining the ruggedized construction and environmental protection associated with the company’s traditional protective cases with a modular organization system intended for changing equipment loadouts.
Pelican describes the CRATE 45L as a modular, ruggedized all-terrain transport ecosystem, with the 45L model providing 1.58 ft³ of internal storage in a relatively compact package. The shell is constructed from Pelican’s proprietary HPXC polymer, and carries an IP67 rating for protection against dust and water. It incorporates the company’s ModRail system, which provides exterior attachment points for compatible tie-downs, mounts, and accessories.
Exterior
The CRATE 45L utilizes a molded polypropylene shell that provides the rigid exterior structure necessary for vehicle-based cargo storage and environmental protection. The exterior measures approximately 20.1″ (L) × 16.3″ (W) × 12.1″ (H), providing a relatively compact footprint while retaining 45 liters of storage capacity. Pelican rates the case IP67, meaning that when properly closed and latched, it is designed to resist dust intrusion and water immersion to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
For the purposes of design, the front and rear of the CRATE 45L are identical in reinforcement and contours, except for the 3-Micron Hydrophobic Non-Woven purge valve on the front that enables for equalization of interior pressure.
Likewise, both sides of the CRATE 45L are similar in that they both share reinforced grab handles on opposing sides, allowing it to be lifted and moved manually. The sides also have a single aluminum rail to be used in conjunction with locking cleats or other anchoring points (not included) to secure the CRATE.
One of the more significant exterior changes from the Cargo line is the CRATE’s lid closure system. Rather than relying exclusively on conventional flip-lock latches, the CRATE incorporates push-button clamps that allow the lid to be released from either side. The lid can also be removed entirely when unobstructed access to the interior is preferred.
The top of the CRATE also incorporates a series of molded interfaces designed to interlock with the foot cleats on the bottom of another case. This allows multiple CRATE cases to be stacked securely rather than simply placed one on top of another. The interlocking design is particularly useful for vehicle-based storage where cargo may otherwise shift during transit.
Interior
Inside, the CRATE 45L provides approximately 17.8″ (L) × 13.9″ (W) × 11″ (D) of usable space, providing a total internal volume of approximately 1.58 ft³. Unlike Pelican’s Protector cases, the CRATE does not rely on a permanently configured foam interior. Instead, the open interior is intended to accept modular organizational components that can be rearranged as the user’s equipment requirements change.
The CRATE also supports the installation of Pelican’s EZ-Click MOLLE lid panel, allowing additional equipment and organizational accessories to be mounted inside the lid. Pelican’s current accessory ecosystem includes the divider panel set, EZ-Click MOLLE lid panel, inner tray, ModRail cleat, and ModRail bar loops.
The result is an interior that functions less like a conventional storage box and more like a configurable equipment-management system.
Other Specifications:
- Exterior Dimensions…………….20.1″ × 16.3″ × 12.1″
- Interior Dimensions……………..17.8″ × 13.9″ × 11″
- Internal Volume……………………1.58 ft³
- Weight………………………………….13 lbs
- Minimum Temperature……….-40° F (-40° C)
- Maximum Temperature……….190° F (87.8° C)
- Padlock Hole Diameter………….0.31″
- Body Material……………………….Polypropylene / HPXC polymer
- Latch Material………………………Nylon
- O-Ring Material…………………….Silicone
- Pressure-Equalization Valve…3-micron hydrophobic non-woven membrane
- Warranty………………………………Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence
The CRATE 45L is available in multiple exterior colors, including the Desert Tan (featured) and black. Pelican backs the CRATE with its Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Good (4/5): With an MSRP of $224.95 for the case alone (or $279.95 with the organization kit), the CRATE 45L sits toward the higher end of the general-purpose rugged cargo-storage market, but its 1.58 ft³ of internal storage, modular design, and IP67 -rated construction provide capabilities beyond those of basic storage containers. Compared with Pelican’s BX140R Cargo Case, which carries an MSRP of $496.95 and provides approximately 4.02 ft³ of storage, the CRATE is substantially less expensive and more compact, while placing greater emphasis on organization and modularity rather than maximum capacity. Comparable protective cases include the NANUK 940, which provides 36.7L (1.30 ft³) of internal storage for approximately $219.95, and the SKB iSeries 2217-8 Overland, which provides approximately 46L (1.62 ft³) for approximately $209.99. The CRATE therefore remains competitively priced for its 45L capacity while offering a more adaptable interior organization system and stackable design. Although the optional organization components increase the overall investment, the $224.95 base price represents a good value for users seeking a rugged, weather-resistant case with greater configurability than a conventional protective or cargo case.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): The CRATE 45L was relatively easy to transport when empty or moderately loaded, with its 13-pound (empty) weight and compact dimensions, which made it easier to maneuver in and out of a vehicle than larger Cargo cases. The reinforced side handles provided adequate leverage for lifting, although their rigid, slightly angled design and lack of a padded or rubberized grip concentrated the weight against the fingers when the case was fully loaded, creating mild discomfort during repeated movement. A broader or molded rubber grip would improve ergonomics without significantly increasing the case’s size or weight. The removable lid was another practical advantage, allowing the case to be opened from either side or removed entirely for unrestricted access, particularly useful when working around vehicles or in confined spaces.
- Durability – Good (4/5): The CRATE 45L demonstrated the structural durability expected from a Pelican hard case, with its molded HPXC polymer shell remaining rigid and the lid, latches, and exterior components functioning normally throughout evaluation. Pelican rates the case IP67 and incorporates a continuous O-ring and automatic pressure-equalization valve for environmental protection, with a specified operating range of -40°F to 190°F. No functional degradation was observed during handling, transport, or environmental exposure, although the ModRail mounting system could not be evaluated because the associated CRATE Mount and hardware were not included as part of the review.
- Functionality – Excellent (5/5): Functionality was the strongest aspect of the CRATE 45L, as it expanded upon the rugged storage concept of Pelican’s earlier Cargo cases with significantly greater organization and adaptability. The optional divider panels, inner tray, and EZ-Click MOLLE lid panel provided multiple ways to organize equipment, while the removable, multi-position lid improved accessibility by allowing the case to be opened from either side or removed entirely in confined spaces. The molded stacking interfaces also could allow multiple CRATE cases to interlock securely, while the exterior ModRail system and additional strap slots provided flexible options for securing the case and attaching accessories. Although much of the CRATE’s expanded functionality was dependent on accessories that are sold separately, the base case still provided a useful degree of flexibility without requiring permanent modifications. This adaptability proved particularly valuable for users with changing equipment requirements, allowing the interior configuration to be tailored to different loadouts more easily than traditional foam-lined cases.
- Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 13 pounds (empty), the CRATE 45L represents a reasonable compromise between lightweight portability and heavier protective construction. The weight of the 45L was noticeably greater than that of a conventional plastic storage tote (with its very limited reinforcement, the 8.4-pound NANUK 940, or the approximately 11-pound SKB iSeries 2217-8 Overland. But the additional mass of the CRATE reflects the rigid, sealed construction required to achieve Pelican’s IP67 rating and the case’s overall added durability. The CRATE’s weight becomes more significant once the case is filled. Because the case is designed primarily for vehicle-based transport and staging rather than extended manual carry, this is not necessarily a major drawback. Compared with larger vehicle storage cases, the CRATE’s relatively compact dimensions and lower overall weight made it considerably easier to move around a vehicle or work area. The primary concern remained the previously noted side handle design, which made the weight more noticeable when the case is heavily loaded and something end-users should take note of. Overall, the CRATE 45L strikes a practical balance between structural strength, storage capacity, and portability.
Overall Rating – Above Average (21/25)
Product Link: https://www.pelican.com/us/en/product/cases/CR45?sku=CR45-00010-TAN-BDL&utm
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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