RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615 — Head‑to‑Head
Soft-sided, off-floor storage vs. a waterproof, crushproof hard case. Which one makes more sense for van and camp storage?
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
For the way I use storage in my van, I'd choose the RUX 70L. I own two and use them as a removable closet for my clothes, so being able to mount them off the floor, keep them open for easy access, and collapse them when I don't need the full capacity matters more to me than having a rigid case.
Choose the RUX 70L if you want collapsible storage that can mount to L-track, is easy to carry, and works especially well for clothing and other soft goods.
Choose the Pelican 1615 Air if you need a waterproof, crushproof, dustproof hard case for cameras, electronics, tools, or other gear that needs more protection.
What They Are: RUX 70L and Pelican 1615
RUX 70L: Soft-sided, collapsible 70L gear box with a structured rim, weatherproof materials, RF-welded seams, and a modular rail system. Current price: $298.
Pelican 1615 Air: Rigid hard case with a waterproof O-ring seal, wheels, retractable trolley handle, pressure equalization valve, and stainless-steel padlock protectors. Current starting price: $369.95.
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
This is one of the biggest reasons I use the RUX 70L in my van. Getting my clothing storage off the floor gives me usable space underneath instead of having two large cases taking up floor space.
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: RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615
RUX 70L: 70L capacity and 6.4 lbs empty. It's much easier for me to lift to wall height and move around the van, and it collapses when empty.
Pelican 1615 Air: About 70.5L of interior volume and 14.06 lbs without foam. It's more than twice the empty weight of my RUX, but you get the protection and structure of a rigid case, plus wheels for moving it.
Price & Value — RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615
RUX 70L: $298; for me, the value comes from the lighter weight, collapsible design, L-track mounting, and easy access.
Pelican 1615 Air: Starts at $369.95; the extra cost gets you a waterproof, crushproof, dustproof rigid case with wheels, locking points, and much better impact protection.
Verdict: RUX 70L or Pelican 1615?
For my van, I'd choose the RUX 70L. I use two of them for clothing, and I don't need hard-case protection for clothes. Being able to mount them off the floor, leave them open when I'm parked, and carry an entire RUX inside is more useful to me.
If I were carrying camera equipment, electronics, tools, or something else I really didn't want crushed or exposed to water, I'd choose the Pelican 1615 Air. These boxes hold almost the same amount of gear, but they're designed to solve very different storage problems.
RUX 70L vs Pelican 1615 — Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RUX 70L waterproof? The RUX 70L uses waterproof TPU-coated nylon and RF-welded seams. RUX also offers its Press Seal Lid when you want additional protection against water and dust.
Is the Pelican 1615 Air waterproof? Yes. Pelican rates the 1615 Air IP67 and describes the case as waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof.
Which is lighter, the RUX 70L or Pelican 1615? The RUX 70L weighs 6.4 lbs empty, while the Pelican 1615 Air weighs 14.06 lbs without foam. That's a significant difference when you're lifting and moving storage regularly.
Which is better for van life, the RUX 70L or Pelican 1615? For the way I use storage in my van, the RUX 70L. I use two for clothing and mount them off the floor. If I were carrying fragile or expensive equipment that needed rigid protection, I'd choose the Pelican instead.
Does the Pelican 1615 Air have wheels? Yes. The 1615 Air has wheels and a retractable trolley handle, which makes sense because it's considerably heavier than the RUX and is designed more like a protective transport case.
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.
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.