Pelican vs SKB vs HPRC vs NANUK

A practical hard-case comparison for travel, shipping, and protecting valuable gear.

Overview

When you’re protecting expensive gear—cameras, drones, electronics, firearms, scientific instruments, or tools—hard cases aren’t all the same. Four of the most commonly compared brands are Pelican, SKB, HPRC, and NANUK. All four make rugged, gasketed cases designed to resist water, dust, and impact. The real differences show up in day-to-day usability: latch feel, weight, parts availability, and how well the brand supports you over time.

Quick Decision Guide

  • Maximum global support / easiest replacement parts: Pelican
  • “Shipping case” durability + great latch feel: SKB (especially iSeries)
  • Lightweight + refined fit/finish (popular in EU pro workflows): HPRC
  • Excellent latch ergonomics + strong value in many sizes: NANUK

Brand Positioning (Who Each Brand Is For)

Pelican

Pelican is the most recognized name in protective cases. Their lineup is huge, and their ecosystem is unmatched: accessories, replacement parts, and broad availability. Pelican’s classic “tank” cases are known for durability, and their Pelican Air line is built for weight savings when travel matters.

SKB

SKB has deep roots in molded polymer and road cases for music, military, and industrial applications. SKB’s cases are often described as utilitarian and “built for shipping.” Their iSeries line competes directly with the heavier-duty end of Pelican-style protection and is widely respected for latch feel and reliability.

HPRC

HPRC (High Performance Resin Cases) is an Italian brand that’s widely used in professional photo/video and government sectors, especially in Europe. HPRC cases often prioritize weight-to-strength, and refined design.

NANUK

NANUK is a Canadian brand known for rugged waterproof cases with excellent latch ergonomics and strong value. NANUK sits in a “sweet spot” for many buyers: premium feel and pricing that often undercuts comparable models.

Build Quality & Durability

Shell Construction

  • Pelican: Typically thick and very impact-resistant; often heavier but “bombproof.”
  • SKB: Rugged polymers, often tuned for shipping and repeated handling.
  • HPRC: Strong focus on weight-to-strength ratio; often feels lighter for a similar size.
  • NANUK: Durable resin that can feel slightly more “flexible,” which can help absorb shock.

Rule of thumb: If maximum brute strength matters most, Pelican and SKB often lead. If weight matters more, HPRC and Pelican Air (and often NANUK) tend to shine.

Waterproofing, Dust Sealing, and Valves

All four brands use gasketed lids and pressure-equalization valves. In real use, all are highly capable for rain, splashes, dusty environments, and travel altitude changes. Differences here are usually subtle unless you’re frequently changing altitude or using the cases in extreme conditions.

Latches (A Big Day-to-Day Difference)

  • Pelican: Very secure; sometimes stiff when new.
  • SKB: Often praised for a very positive, confident “snap” engagement.
  • HPRC: Generally easy to operate while still feeling secure.
  • NANUK: Frequently praised for ergonomic latches that are easy to open/close, even with gloves.

Weight & Portability

If you fly often or need to carry cases long distances, weight becomes a major factor.

  • Pelican Protector: Extremely durable but heavier.
  • Pelican Air: Designed for weight savings while maintaining strong protection.
  • SKB iSeries: Typically built toward shipping durability; can be heavier.
  • HPRC: Often among the lightest “pro-grade” hard cases in comparable sizes.
  • NANUK: Often lighter than heavy-duty Pelican lines, but not always as light as Pelican Air or HPRC.

Handles & Wheels

All brands offer wheeled models and robust handles. Pelican has a particularly strong replacement-parts ecosystem, which can matter if wheels or handles take abuse over years of travel.

Warranty, Support, and Parts Availability

Warranty terms can vary by product line and region, but the practical difference is usually: how easy is it to get a latch, handle, or wheel if something breaks?

  • Pelican: Widely available parts and broad dealer network; usually the easiest long-term support.
  • SKB: Strong warranty culture and good support, especially for original owners.
  • HPRC: Excellent product quality; support can depend on dealer availability in your region.
  • NANUK: Good support and warranty reputation; growing availability and parts access.

Price & Value

  • Pelican: Premium pricing; strong resale value; often “safe choice” for pros.
  • SKB: Competitive pricing, especially in shipping/rugged use categories.
  • HPRC: Often mid-to-premium; value shines when weight savings matters.
  • NANUK: Often one of the best “value per feature” brands, especially with interior kits.

Best Picks by Use Case

Checked Airline Travel (Weight Matters)

  • Best choices: Pelican Air, HPRC
  • Also strong: NANUK

Shipping, Rental Houses, and Repeated Abuse

  • Best choices: Pelican Protector, SKB iSeries
  • Why: Built for repeated handling; strong long-term track record.

Everyday Camera/Audio/Video Protection

  • Best choices: HPRC, NANUK
  • Also strong: Pelican

Tools, Industrial Equipment, and Hard Daily Use

  • Best choices: Pelican, SKB
  • Also strong: NANUK

Common Misconceptions

  • “Pelican is always the toughest.” Pelican’s heavy-duty lines are extremely tough, but SKB, HPRC, and NANUK are also highly rugged. Differences are usually noticeable only in extreme abuse or specialized environments.
  • “Lighter means weaker.” Not necessarily. Pelican Air and HPRC are designed to reduce weight while maintaining strong protection for most real-world use.
  • “Warranty doesn’t matter.” Warranty and parts access can prevent downtime. If your case is part of a business workflow, quick replacement parts can be a big deal.

Final Buyer’s Checklist

  1. Travel? If you fly often, prioritize weight (Pelican Air, HPRC).
  2. Shipping/rental abuse? Prioritize durability and repairability (Pelican Protector, SKB iSeries).
  3. Organization out of the box? Look at having Jason Cases design a custom interior for your project.
  4. Need the biggest parts ecosystem? Pelican is usually the easiest long-term support bet.
  5. Trying to maximize value? NANUK is often a strong price-to-features winner.

Conclusion

There’s no single “best” case—only the best match for your use case.

  • Pelican: Best overall ecosystem, broad availability, proven ruggedness.
  • SKB: Excellent “shipping case” durability and latch feel; strong utilitarian choice.
  • HPRC: Lightweight, refined, and popular among pro photo/video users.
  • NANUK: Great ergonomics, strong interior options, and very competitive value.

If you tell us the interior size you need and whether it’s carry-on, checked, or shipped, we can help recommend the best option for your project among all four brands.