Pelican 1170 Protector Hard Case

The Pelican 1170 Protector Case is a hand-portable hard case built to shield small electronics and sensitive gear from water, crush forces, and dust. Its polypropylene shell with a polymer O-ring seal and automatic pressure equalization valve has been field-proven since 1976 across arctic cold and extreme heat. The 1170 is available in seven colors and two interior configurations: Pick N Pluck foam or no foam.

Sealed Against Water, Dust, and Pressure Changes

The 1170's watertight polymer O-ring lid and automatic pressure equalization valve work together to keep the interior dry and accessible. The purge valve is built from ABS with a 70 Shore Nitrile O-ring and a 3-micron hydrophobic non-woven vent that equalizes air pressure automatically when you change altitude or move between temperature extremes, so the lid opens without a fight and water cannot be drawn in through pressure differential. For anyone carrying electronics into the backcountry or stowing gear in a truck bed through changing weather, that passive protection matters more than a manual bleed valve that requires a deliberate step.

Built to Take Impact Without Adding Bulk

The 1170 uses an open-cell core with solid-wall construction, a design that keeps the case crushproof and light at the same time. The polypropylene body is rated from -40°F to 190°F (-40°C to 87°C), so it holds its shape whether it's sitting on a hot truck bed in summer or getting pulled from a cold storage box in winter. Stainless steel pins and hardware resist corrosion on the trail or in marine environments. The case floats with up to 7.25 lbs (3.29 kg) of buoyancy, which matters if it goes overboard or gets submerged in a crossing.

Foam Configuration Lets You Fit the Case to Your Gear

The With Foam configuration ships with Pelican's Pick N Pluck foam in the bottom and convoluted foam in the lid. Pick N Pluck lets you remove pre-scored cubes to create a custom-fit cavity for your specific device. No cutting tools are required. The No Foam configuration leaves the interior open for buyers who prefer a padded divider system, a custom foam cut, or bare storage. Both configurations share the same shell, latches, and seal.

Features

• Watertight O-ring seal: polymer O-ring in the lid creates a watertight closure
• Automatic pressure equalization valve: ABS body with 70 Shore Nitrile O-ring and 3-micron hydrophobic vent balances interior pressure and blocks water intrusion
• Pick N Pluck foam (With Foam config): pre-scored polyurethane bottom foam plus convoluted lid foam for custom-fit protection
• Double-throw latches: ABS latches with easy-open action; 0.19" padlock hole diameter on each latch
• Over-molded rubber handles and stainless steel hardware: corrosion-resistant pins and hardware throughout
• Made in USA: manufactured domestically with a limited lifetime guarantee

Specifications

Who This Is For and Isn't

The Pelican 1170 suits overlanders, campers, and field workers who need a compact, watertight hard case for small electronics, handheld radios, GPS units, or similarly sized sensitive gear. Its temperature range and buoyancy make it a practical choice for vehicle-based travel, water crossings, and backcountry use where weather and rough handling are expected.

The 1170's interior measures 10.54 x 6.04 x 3.16 in; gear that exceeds those dimensions will not fit. The No Foam configuration does not include any foam insert; buyers who need foam must select the With Foam variant or source foam separately. The 0.19-inch padlock holes accept small padlocks only; a padlock is not included.

Common Questions

What is the interior size of the Pelican 1170?

The Pelican 1170 Protector Case has an interior measuring 10.54 x 6.04 x 3.16 inches (26.77 x 15.34 x 8.03 cm), with a bottom cavity depth of 2.08 inches and a lid depth of 1.08 inches. Total interior volume is 0.12 ft³. Verify your gear's dimensions against these numbers before ordering.

Is the Pelican 1170 actually waterproof?

The Pelican 1170 is rated watertight, crushproof, and dustproof. The polymer O-ring lid seal and automatic pressure equalization valve work together to prevent water intrusion; the valve uses a 3-micron hydrophobic non-woven vent to block water while allowing air to pass. The case also provides 7.25 lbs of buoyancy, so it floats if submerged.

What is the difference between the With Foam and No Foam configurations?

The With Foam configuration of the Pelican 1170 includes Pick N Pluck polyurethane foam in the bottom and convoluted foam in the lid, letting you pull out pre-scored cubes to fit your specific device. The No Foam configuration ships with the same shell and seal but an empty interior, suited for buyers who want to add their own padding or use the case for loose storage.

Can the Pelican 1170 be padlocked?

The Pelican 1170 Protector Case has padlock holes with a 0.19-inch (0.48 cm) diameter on its double-throw latches, which accept small padlocks for added security. A padlock is not included with the case.

What temperature range can the Pelican 1170 handle?

The Pelican 1170 Protector Case is rated for use from -40°F to 190°F (-40°C to 87°C). The polypropylene shell maintains its structural integrity across that range, making the case suitable for cold-weather storage and hot vehicle interiors alike.