Question 1

What is the difference between a Peli case and a Nanuk case?

Accepted Answer

Both are premium hard-shell cases with rubber gasket seals and high IP ratings, but Peli (and its US counterpart Pelican) has a longer heritage and is more widely used in military and broadcast applications, whilst Nanuk is a newer Canadian brand that many users find offers comparable protection at a slightly lower price point. In practice, for most professional uses, either will do the job — the choice often comes down to internal dimensions and whether a specific foam insert is available for your equipment.

Question 2

Do I need a waterproof equipment case for general tool storage?

Accepted Answer

No — for a dry workshop or home garage, a standard hard-shell case with plastic latches is perfectly adequate. Waterproof cases with rubber gaskets and IP ratings are worth the extra cost only if the case will be exposed to rain, stored in a damp outbuilding, or used on outdoor job sites. Paying for IP67 protection to store drill bits in a heated workshop is unnecessary.

Question 3

Are cheap equipment cases from raaco actually any good?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for their intended purpose. raaco's Assorter and Boxxser systems are genuinely well-designed modular organisers for small components — screws, drill bits, electrical connectors, fishing tackle. They're not impact-resistant hard-shell cases and they offer no weatherproofing, but as compartment organisers they're among the best value options in the category. Don't expect them to protect a camera lens; do expect them to keep your M4 bolts sorted.

Question 4

What should I look for in a trolley equipment case?

Accepted Answer

The telescopic handle and wheel quality matter more than most listings reveal. Look for a handle with at least two height settings, wheels with a diameter of 75mm or more (smaller wheels struggle on uneven surfaces), and a base that's reinforced to take the weight of a full load. The Stanley MOBILE Job Chest is a well-regarded option at a mid-range price. Avoid very cheap trolley cases — the handle mechanism is usually the first thing to fail.

Question 5

Can I use a standard equipment case to transport camera or audio gear?

Accepted Answer

A hard-shell case with a customisable foam insert can work well for camera and audio equipment, but purpose-built audio equipment cases often offer better internal configurations for microphones, cables and mixers. If you're transporting high-value camera bodies or lenses, a Peli or Nanuk case with pick-and-pluck foam is the standard professional choice — the foam absorbs shock and prevents movement in transit.

Question 6

What are the most common mistakes when buying an equipment case?

Accepted Answer

Buying on internal volume alone without checking compartment configuration is the most frequent error — a 20-litre case with fixed small compartments is useless for storing a power drill. The second mistake is ignoring the weight of the case itself: a heavy-duty hard-shell case can weigh 3–4kg empty, which matters when you're carrying it up scaffolding. Finally, many buyers overlook stackability — if you're buying multiple cases, check they're designed to stack securely before purchasing.

Question 7

Which equipment case brands offer the best value in 2026?

Accepted Answer

For everyday trade use, Nanuk and Keter offer the best balance of protection, capacity and price in the mid-to-upper range. Stanley is consistently reliable for site-ready cases at accessible prices. For small-component organisation, raaco is hard to beat. SKB and Peli are the right answer only when the contents justify the premium — they're excellent cases, but you're paying for a level of protection that most users simply don't need.

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