Hard or Soft Luggage? A Legendary Bag Brand Combines the Best of Both Worlds

Some might say this luggage collection was a long time coming. But it was also worth the wait.

Closeup of Pelican ATX bag covered in water droplets

Published January 22, 2025

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Updated January 22, 2025

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Pelican is synonymous with indestructible cases. The brand’s products have been trusted by professionals across numerous hard-use industries, including aerospace, outdoor, military, law enforcement, fire and safety, tech and more.

The brand has applied its exceptionally rugged tech to consumer luggage in the past. However, Pelican’s latest release — the TRVL Collection — capitalizes on it in some very new, seriously exciting ways. It also marks the brand’s first foray into hybrid luggage, combining some of the best elements of hard- and soft-sided luggage together.

Pelican TRVL Collection Aegis bags on black background — Of the three sub-collections, Pelican’s Aegis hybrid luggage is the most exciting and novel.

Raise your shield

As mentioned, the most exciting drop of this new Pelican collection is the Aegis hybrid luggage. Named after Zeus’s mythological shield, this sub-collection is aimed at offering the protection of hard cases alongside the versatility of soft-sided ones.

The hybrid tech is available across nine different bags — three rolling duffels, two backpacks, a duffel-pack and a trio of slings. It hinges on Pelican’s Shield material, a durable EVA molded shell wrapped in super-tough 500D Cordura fabric. Along with being resistant to abrasions, tearing and impacts, it’s also water-resistant and suitable for all-weather use.

Pelican Aegis backpack on raincoat-wearing person's back in the rain — Along with being highly durable, the Pelican Aegis bags are also weatherproof.

Going hard

If hard-sided luggage is more your thing, you’ll be equally spoiled for choice. The hard-sided options in the TRVL collection are split into two collections, the original Air lineup and the brand-new ATX luggage.

As you might guess, the Air lineup is comprised of a trio of hard-sided bags that Pelican has offered for some time. They sport the brand’s traditional boxy looks, as well as the incredibly rugged tech that gave Pelican its well-earned reputation.

By contrast, the ATX offerings are entirely new — at least in their appearances. Also comprised of three bags — a carry-on and two checked bags — the ATX luggage has a much more refined, upscale look. However, it doesn’t skimp on protection, offering full weatherproofing, integrated locking latches and exceptionally durable proprietary polypropylene exteriors.

These new bags are also offered with numerous convenience- and packing-focused features, including 360-degree Hinomoto spinner wheels, multi-stage telescoping handles, compression panels, zippered pockets and more.

Pelican TRVL Collection ATX bags on black background — Pelican has applied its signature nigh-indestructible polycarbonate tech to some great-looking checked bags.

Available now

All of the aforementioned TRVL bags across the Aegis, ATX and Air collections are available now (with the exception of the commercially-available 30-inch ATX). Prices start as low as $15 (for a small packing cube) and go up to $600 (for the 25-inch ATX checked bag).