Key takeaways
- Hunters and shooters transporting long guns in a vehicle or as checked baggage.
- Photographers and videographers carrying tripods, sliders, light stands, and C-stands.
- Surveyors and field technicians moving long instruments and poles.
- Musicians and anglers with long, fragile gear that needs crush protection.
The Pelican Vault V800 is a strong choice if you need a rugged, lockable long case for rifles, tripods, light stands, or long camera and survey gear, and you want Pelican build quality without paying for the brand’s premium Protector or Air lines. It usually sells for roughly $180–$260, which places it in the mid-range for hard long cases, with a stiffer shell, sturdier latches, and better foam than most budget plastic cases.
It is not the right buy if you need a fully submersible, pressure-equalized case for boat or flight-in-the-rain use, or if weight is your top concern. In those situations, Pelican’s Protector or Air long cases are the better (and more expensive) step up. For road trips, hunting trips, range days, location shoots, and checked luggage within airline rules, the Vault long case covers most needs.
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Who it is for
- Hunters and shooters transporting long guns in a vehicle or as checked baggage.
- Photographers and videographers carrying tripods, sliders, light stands, and C-stands.
- Surveyors and field technicians moving long instruments and poles.
- Musicians and anglers with long, fragile gear that needs crush protection.
Who should look elsewhere
- Boaters and kayakers who need a case that can be submerged.
- Frequent flyers who want the lightest possible case.
- Anyone with gear longer than the interior length; always measure first.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Pelican Vault V800 long case |
|---|---|
| Category | Hard-shell long case (double long gun class) |
| Shell | Rigid molded polymer with reinforced ribbing |
| Interior | Customizable foam |
| Security | Padlock-ready lock points |
| Mobility | Carry handles; confirm wheel configuration on the listing |
| Weather protection | Weather-resistant, not rated for submersion |
| Typical price range | About $180–$260 |
Before buying, confirm the exact interior length, width, and depth on the listing and compare them with your longest item. Allow about an inch of foam at each end for protection.
What stands out
Pelican toughness at a mid-range price
The Vault line exists to bring Pelican’s protective approach to buyers who do not need the extreme specifications of the Protector series. The shell is thick and stiff enough to resist crushing under other luggage in a truck bed or an airline baggage hold, which is the main thing a long case has to survive.
Security for travel
Multiple padlock points let you lock the case properly, which matters for firearms transport and for expensive camera or survey equipment. When flying with firearms, airline and TSA rules require a locked hard-sided case, and the Vault design is built for that use.
Built to be carried loaded
Long cases loaded with gear get heavy quickly. Handles positioned for balanced carrying make it easier to lift into a vehicle, and if the version you buy has wheels, you can roll it through an airport or parking lot instead of carrying it. Check the listing photos to confirm.
Foam that can be shaped to your gear
The foam interior can be cut or arranged to hold specific items, so a rifle and scope, or a tripod and light stands, sit snugly and do not shift. Snug fit is what actually protects equipment from impact.
Trade-offs and limits
Not a waterproof Protector case
Vault cases are weather-resistant for rain and dust in normal transport but are not designed for submersion. If your gear could end up in water, look at Pelican’s Protector long cases with O-ring seals and pressure valves.
Weight and size
Hard long cases are heavy before you add anything. Check your airline’s weight limits for checked baggage and remember that long cases may count as oversized.
Foam takes planning
Once you cut foam, it is hard to undo. Lay out your gear, trace it, and cut a little smaller than the outline so items fit tightly.
Locks sold separately
You will need your own padlocks. For air travel with non-firearm gear, TSA-approved locks avoid the risk of locks being cut during inspection; for firearms, follow your airline’s specific locking rules.
Packing and travel tips
- Measure everything first. Overall rifle length with the scope mounted, or tripod length when collapsed, must be shorter than the interior.
- Trace and cut foam carefully. Use a long sharp blade or an electric carving knife for clean cuts.
- Balance the load so heavy items sit near the center or the wheeled end, making the case easier to carry and less likely to tip.
- Add desiccant packs to absorb moisture during long trips, and air the case out after rainy days.
- Label the outside with your contact details, avoiding labels that advertise what is inside.
- Check firearm transport laws for every state or country you pass through.
- Inspect latches and wheels before each trip, and clean grit out of the hinge area.
Vault vs other Pelican long cases
| Line | Positioning | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Vault | Rugged, value-focused | Road trips, hunting, range days, general travel |
| Protector | Watertight, extreme duty | Boats, harsh weather, demanding professional use |
| Air | Lightweight premium | Frequent flyers watching baggage weight |
Is it worth buying?
For most people who need a long hard case, yes. Soft cases do not protect against crushing and are not acceptable for checked firearms, and very cheap plastic cases often have weak latches and thin walls. The Vault long case lands in the practical middle: strong enough for real travel, lockable, and much more affordable than Pelican’s watertight flagship cases.
FAQ
Can I fly with a rifle in the Pelican Vault V800?
Hard-sided, lockable cases like the Vault are the type airlines require for firearms. Always follow TSA and airline rules: declare the firearm, keep it unloaded, and use appropriate locks.
Is the Vault long case waterproof?
It is designed to resist weather and dust, not submersion. Choose a Protector case for watertight needs.
Can I use it for camera gear?
Yes. Long cases are popular for tripods, sliders, light stands, and long lenses when the foam is cut to fit.
