Pelican Vault V100 Review: Tough Case With Caveats
Built like a tank yet priced under fifty dollars, the Pelican Vault V100 Hard Case manages to score an impressive 8.9/10 from a broad spectrum of users—but it’s not without caveats, especially for long-term gun storage in humid climates. While Amazon buyers gush over its “tough handle, nice foam inserts” and “solid construction,” Reddit’s firearm community warns, “By far the worst way to store a gun is in a foam case” if you’re planning years of storage without proper moisture control.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extremely rugged, crushproof and dustproof | Not waterproof despite weather-resistance claims |
| High-impact polymer body with ergonomic heavy handles | Foam can cause rust issues in humid climates without desiccants |
| Flexible for pistols, knives, cameras, and gear | Limited interior size for larger folders or oversized optics |
| Customizable foam | Handle is fixed, can be bulky in some storage setups |
| TSA-friendly padlock holes | Some hinges could be pried without additional locking |
| Affordable compared to gun safes | Airlines may require packing it inside a larger bag for checked luggage |
Claims vs Reality
Pelican markets the V100 as “crushproof, dustproof, and weather-resistant” with “supreme ruggedness.” Structurally, that claim holds—users across platforms attest to its ability to protect gear under harsh conditions. A verified Amazon buyer noted: “Very sturdy and tough… solid construction, great buckles, tough handle.” The polymer shell absorbs abuse, fitting its tactical branding.
However, “weather-resistant” is not synonymous with waterproof. Productioncase.com explicitly states: “Note: this case is not waterproof.” This is an important nuance for photographers or hunters operating in heavy rain. Reddit user feedback reinforces that in humid areas, storing firearms in foam without airflow becomes risky: “Your pistol will look like a boat anchor in short time… worst way to store a gun is in a foam case.”
Pelican also promises “easy-open push-button latches” and “secure closure.” Multiple Amazon reviews praise their functionality—no binding or accidental unlocking, making quick access viable. But a buyer highlighted hinge security limitations: “You could pry them open with a tool… maybe if there were two more holes in the back for a lock.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The durability of the Pelican Vault V100 Hard Case is its standout quality. Reddit’s EDC gear enthusiasts summed it up: “It’s a Pelican case. You’ll get exactly that. It’s tough. The safety latches work great. It’s lockable.” For knife collectors, the foam layout offers both protection and presentation. One user admired the layout: “The storage on the bottom combined with the displayability of the top row is a good balance.”
Amazon buyers extend that sentiment to travel: “Perfect for a mid compact with light, 2 mags, box of shells… easy to carve the foam so you can insert whatever precious items you have.” The padlock-compatible design and compliance with TSA firearm transport rules make it attractive for interstate firearm transport.
Knife enthusiasts also consistently praise its role as a protective showcase. A Drop.com buyer wrote: “Great case… less bulky, and the first layer allows for some kind of presentation side to it which I think is great.”
Common Complaints
Interior space limitations arise in both gun and knife communities. Knife owners found larger folders exceeding roughly 3.75” to be a poor fit. “Some of my larger folders don’t fit… most 3” blade folders should fit,” said one. Firearm owners with multiple pistols discovered workarounds, but size remains tight: “Even though it’s rated for one gun I keep two guns… and four mags in it.”
The foam is another sticking point. Aside from rust warnings, several reviewers wished for pluck-and-pull inserts instead of solid foam requiring manual cutting. “If you want it form fitting you have to cut it out… flip the insert upside-down and trace.”
Travel use generated mixed notes. One 3-star Amazon reviewer reported: “Airline wouldn’t check unless I put it into another bag… be mindful if you want to check this.” This creates extra logistics for those expecting a ready-to-check, standalone firearm case.
Divisive Features
The fixed handle drew split opinions—some like it as a bumper, others dislike the lack of fold-down capability for storage efficiency. A verified buyer liked that “the handle is fixed,” adding it acted as extra protection, but another group preferred collapsible handles for tighter packing.
Color availability also divided buyers—Drop.com users wanted vibrant options beyond black or tan, with one saying: “I wish they offered the colors available on this Pelican case on Amazon.” Knife collectors specifically swapped foam between colored cases to get aesthetics right.
Trust & Reliability
There’s broad trust in Pelican’s brand heritage, rooted in over 40 years of producing protective cases. Amazon’s 4.8/5 star average from over 800 reviews aligns with hardware reliability. Durability stories include the case riding on dirt bikes, being airline-checked in secondary luggage, and protecting older electronics like a Qualcomm sat phone without damage.
However, long-term storage trust diverges sharply when moisture is a factor. Reddit’s gun community has near-consensus on foam rust risk: “Worst of the rusty guns were in a case… drill ventilation holes… throw in a dehumidifier bag.” That’s not a flaw in Pelican’s manufacturing, but a cautionary operational reality for certain climates.
Alternatives
Knife collectors compared the V100’s insert configuration to Nalpak’s foam designs. Models like the Pelican 1170 hold fewer knives (8) but offer premium dual-color foam. The 1200 model has far greater capacity (28 knives) but may be overkill for smaller collections. For shooters, some advised moving up to larger Pelican Vault models for multi-pistol transport with integrated desiccant storage, or considering small gun safes like the FT Knox for bedside access.
Price & Value
Currently selling around $39.99–$49.95 new on eBay, plus shipping, the V100 undercuts higher-end gun safes significantly. Resale retains fair stability—used units often command above $25 if in good condition. Drop.com specials occasionally offer color variants for collectors. Community buying tips emphasize factoring in additional costs for foam customization, desiccant packs, or ventilation modifications to maximize longevity.
FAQ
Q: Is the Pelican V100 waterproof?
A: No, it is weather-resistant but not fully waterproof. Multiple distributors note this, so don’t submerge it or rely on it in heavy prolonged rain without protection.
Q: Can it store more than one pistol?
A: Users have fit two pistols and multiple magazines by custom-cutting foam, but this departs from its single-pistol rating.
Q: Does the foam rust guns?
A: In humid climates, long-term foam storage can cause rust without moisture control. Solutions include desiccants, rust-inhibitor bags, or removing foam entirely.
Q: Is it TSA-approved for firearm travel?
A: Yes, with appropriate locks through the padlock holes, it meets TSA firearm transport requirements.
Q: Will large knives fit?
A: Folders over about 3.75” closed length often struggle to fit; measure carefully if using for knife storage.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want an affordable, ultra-tough case for short-term transport or display of pistols, knives, or gear. Avoid for passive long-term storage of firearms in humid conditions without ventilation or moisture control. Pro tip from Reddit’s gun community: “Throw a dehumidifier bag in it.”
