Traveling with camera gear is never easy. This is especially true for my most recent trip to El Salvador. I knew we would encounter everything from dusty roads to huge waves. Most importantly, I always want to make sure that my gear is going to be safe—no matter what is thrown at me. That’s why I packed up my Pelican v525 Vault rolling case and was on my way.
The Pelican Vault travel case is the perfect solution. Just like the rest of Pelican’s cases, The Vault is available with either foam inserts or padded dividers. I prefer to use the padded inserts for more flexibility since the equipment I take with me to a shoot changes every time. The Vault v525 also has improved quick release latches and ball bearing wheels that can easily roll on any surface.
Case Durability
Above all, the real reason we buy Pelican cases is to protect our often expensive gear. Nothing will destroy a camera quicker than salt water. Just as their past cases, the 525 Vault is weather-resistant and keeps gear dry in the most extreme situations. To test this out, I let the waves pound the case for nearly 30 minutes. Not a single drop made it inside.
The high-impact crushproof polymer construction of the case actually saved me a couple times on this trip. At one point, I opened the door of my rental car and the case—full of all my gear—came tumbling onto the pavement. I almost had a heart attack when I heard the thud, but thankfully all my gear was totally fine.
Case Protection
Pelican also has you covered if you worry about the human element more than Mother Nature. On either end of the case, there are steel reinforced loops that allow you to use any padlock to lock your gear securely inside.
I don’t know about you but I definitely don’t trust my gear in the hands of baggage handlers. A case like this is useless for me if I can’t carry it on the plane, no matter how much it protects from the elements. Fortunately, the Vault is designed to be within airlines carry-on dimensions. Therefore, there will be no trouble putting it in the overheard compartment.
I can’t stress enough how much safer I felt having all my gear in a Pelican case for the duration of this trip. From being in the back of a truck to getting caught by rogue waves, I never had to think twice about the safety of my gear. Accidents do happen and if you aren’t prepared, they can easily cost you thousands of dollars. That’s why I’d trade in my backpack for a Pelican v525 Vault any day.
