Burliest Backpack ever Built? (Hard-Side Case Inside)

Pelican is known for its watertight, crush-proof cases. This month, the company’s Pelican ProGear division releases a series of backpacks that might just be the burliest ever built.

Included in the four models are hard-side Pelican cases integrated into the pack bodies. The top-end U100 Urban Elite Laptop Backpack, for example, has a solid poly case built in that can be submerged underwater for 30 minutes, the company cites.

Made mainly for urban situations (think bike commuting or travel), the pack is built to fit 15- to 17-inch laptops in its hard-side case. There’s an “impact protected” iPad/tablet front compartment and 16 liters of capacity for other gear inside.

A pressure-release valve lets you open and close the airtight case at altitude or on a plane. But the tough features will cost you, as the U100 retails for about $300.

The least expensive pack in the line, the U145, does not have a hard-side case, though padding and protective features are included in the $110 model.

Beyond packs, the company’s Pelican ProGear division will soon unveil rugged coolers and a crush-proof wallet that will cost about $30. —Stephen Regenold