Pelican Hard Cases: Pick N Pluck vs No Foam
By Borge's Imaging — Shop Photography, Printing and Studio Gear in Melbourne Borge's Imaging | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Compare Pelican 1605 Air with Pick N Pluck foam and Pelican 1640NF case without foam. Find out which hard case fits your camera gear storage needs.
Quick answer
Choose the Pelican 1605 Air with Pick N Pluck foam if you need custom-cut, shock-absorbing protection for irregular-shaped gear. Choose the Pelican 1640NF case if you prefer to configure your own foam or padding and need a larger interior volume.
Why foam type matters for camera gear
The foam inside your hard case determines how well your camera body, lenses, and accessories stay put during travel or storage. Pre-cut Pick N Pluck foam lets you pull out small cubes to create custom cavities, while an empty case gives you the freedom to add your own foam, dividers, or padded inserts.
Weight and portability trade-off
The Pelican 1605 Air uses a super-light HPX² polymer, making it easier to carry when fully loaded. The Pelican 1640NF is larger and heavier, but offers more internal space for bulky studio gear or multiple camera bodies.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Pick N Pluck foam (Pelican 1605 Air): Pre-scored foam blocks let you shape a custom fit for each item. Provides cushioning on all sides. Best for one-time configuration; reconfiguring means you lose foam cubes.
- No foam (Pelican 1640NF): Empty interior gives you full control over padding material. You can add closed-cell foam, dividers, or padded wraps. Requires a separate purchase of foam or padding to protect gear.
- Weight vs space: 1605 Air is lighter; 1640NF is larger and heavier. Choose the 1605 Air for travel, the 1640NF for stationary storage or vehicle transport.
Product facts
- Pelican 1605 Air with Pick N Pluck Foam: Super-Light Proprietary HPX² Polymer You can carry the case comfortably even when it's packed with heavy camera gear.
Pelican 1605 Air with Pick N Pluck Foam - Pelican 1640NF Case (No Foam): Internal dimensions: 60.2 x 60.9 x 35.3 cm This large interior suits oversized equipment like lighting modifiers or a full camera kit with multiple bodies.
Pelican 1640NF Case (No Foam)
Which one fits you?
Best for
- Photographers who want a ready-to-use custom foam layout for a specific kit
- Travelers who prioritize lighter weight and compact dimensions
Not for
- Users who need maximum interior space for large or oddly shaped equipment
