RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615 — Head‑to‑Head
Off‑floor, soft‑sided storage vs crush‑proof, lock‑friendly hard case.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and additional images courtesy of RUX.
Lightweight RUX boxes loaded on a roof rack in wet weather. (Photo: RUX)
RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615: Quick Verdict
Choose RUX 70L if you want off‑floor, collapsible storage that stays open for easy access, hangs on L‑track with Utility Rails + Hooks, and carries like a tote/duffel/backpack. Great for clothing and soft goods.
Choose Pelican 1615 if you need a crush‑proof, rigid, lock‑friendly case for fragile/heavy gear that lives on the floor or in a rack.
What They Are: RUX 70L and Pelican 1615
RUX 70L: Soft‑sided, collapsible gear box with a structured rim; highly weather‑resistant fabrics and RF‑welded seams; modular add‑ons (Utility Rails, Utility Hooks, Press Seal Lid). Price at time of writing: $298 per bin.
Pelican 1615 (Air or similar): Large, lightweight hard case; rigid shell with gasketed lid and latches; wheels on many versions; lock-friendly. Typical price: ~$350 (MSRP; varies by foam/config).
Access & Carry — RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615
Inside a RUX 70L—straps and inserts keep tools sorted. (Photo: RUX)
RUX 70L: Stays open in camp; quick visual access; tote/duffel/backpack modes make carry‑in easy.
Pelican 1615: Lid opens on hinges; deep rigid tub; carry via handles/wheels (model‑dependent).
Mounting & Space Use: L-Track Hanging vs Floor/Stacking
Van storage: RUX 70L mounted in a Sprinter garage bay. (Photo: RUX)
RUX 70L: Hangs off the floor via Utility Rails + Hooks on L‑track (van) or slatwall (garage); collapses when empty.
Pelican 1615: Not designed to hang; lives on the floor/platform; great for stacking.
Weather & Durability: Soft-Sided vs Hard Case
Marine storage with a RUX 70L strapped to the deck. (Photo: RUX)
RUX 70L: Highly weather‑resistant fabric and construction; add Press Seal Lid to tighten the seal on travel days.
Pelican 1615: Rigid, gasketed design with latches; built for impact resistance and rough handling.
Weight & Volume: 70L vs 1615
RUX 70L: Lighter; easier to lift and mount; collapses flat.
Pelican 1615: Heavier and rigid; rolls/stacks well; does not collapse.
Price & Value — RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615
RUX 70L: ~$298 per bin; value = off‑floor access + modular carry.
Pelican 1615: ~$350 MSRP; value = impact resistance, locks, and stackability.
Verdict: RUX 70L or Pelican 1615?
For soft goods and daily access, RUX 70L wins. For delicate cameras, instruments, or heavy tools that need crush‑proof, lockable protection, Pelican 1615 wins.
RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615 — FAQs
Is the RUX 70L waterproof?
Highly weather‑resistant; add the Press Seal Lid for a tighter seal.
Does Pelican 1615 hang on L‑track?
No—hard cases are not designed to hang; use floor/platform mounts.
Can RUX replace a hard case for fragile gear?
No—RUX is soft‑sided; choose a hard case for crush‑proof, lockable protection.
Shop RUX Gear
Shop My RUX Setup
These are the exact pieces I own and use.
RUX 70L Collapsible Gear Box ➜ the bins I mount in the van
RUX Packing System Bundle ➜ keeps layers and small items sorted in one bin
RUX Utility Hooks ➜ two per bin for hanging
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
