Pelican ProGear™ S130 Sport Elite Laptop Backpack Review

Having been a photographer for numerous years I remember back when the Pelican Case were the best and industry standard case for storing and transporting your photography gear.

I remember how excited I was when I got my first set of cases; back when they were all metal and silver. They were seemingly indestructible and trust me when I say that I tried!

I even had one fall overboard while boarding the infamous La Lancha ferry in San Juan Puerto Rico. Needless to say I mindlessly went in after it to retrieve it.

Fast forward nearly 30 years later and Pelican Cases have had several new looks and now protect pretty much everything from cameras, to laptops, and tablets. They still remain one of if not the absolute best and most trusted name in protection for equipment.

I got the opportunity to try out the new Pelican ProGear S130 Backpack  This top-loading, TSA-ready backpack features built-in crushproof Pelican cases and a high-impact compartment to safeguard your laptop, netbook, etc. along with a camera, lenses, accessories, etc.

The Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Backpack features a crushproof Pelican case with a watertight seal and automatic pressure-equalization valve.

It is a great way to all but guarantee your notebook and other accessories are safe and secure. The only thing of note about the computer compartment is that it was designed for Macbook Pro’s or computers with similar dimensions so it’s not likely to work with many Dell, Toshiba etc computers so you have been warned.

Since the S130 is designed to serve as a camera bag as well it also includes a high-impact compartment that helps organize and protect a camera body, extra lenses and flash equipment.

The dividers can be removed so that, when you are not carrying your camera gear you have a generous storage area that can serve as a day or weekend bag.

This area has enough room to stuff a couple of rolled pairs of jeans and some T-shirts, toothbrush, and small shave kit once the bag is loaded with your camera gear.

Trust me, I’ve done it on numerous trips already where I’ve had to take my camera for shoots etc.

The straps are well constructed though not as wide as I might have initially liked, but once the pack is on you will find that the back has overstuffed thoracic an lumbar pads and the straps distribute the weight very well.

Unless it was my imagination, I noticed my posture was so much better while wearing the pack and I didn’t get fatigued or experience shoulder pain  at all regardless of the hours spent, standing in lines, walking around airports and locations for shooting.

Finally important to mention as well that there is a handle at the top of the pack which makes loading into cars, overhead bins, and security X-Ray machines easier, and the main portion of the backpack is top-loading, and the TSA-ready design of the Pelican ProGear S130 Sport Elite Laptop/Camera Backpack gives fast access to its contents.

If you need the best available protection for your camera gear, laptop and other equipment you’ll want to check out the Pelican ProGear S130 backpack. It is available now for $304.95.

I give this case the definite Green Light, and you should put it on your wish list for all the photographers in your life!

You can learn more and order yours here.

• Built-In Watertight, Crushproof Case
• Top-Loading, Fast Access – TSA Ready & Under Seat Convenient
• Slim case for use with – Ultrabook™ laptops
• Watertight to 1 meter for 30 min* – O-Ring Gasket Sealed
• Pressure Equalization Valve – Prevents Vacuum Lock
• Removable padded divider set – Protects Cameras, Tablets, and other Devices
• Rigid front plate for impact protection
• Bottom Expanding Sling Storage
• Load Compression Straps
• Top-loader 25 liter main storage – Durable Rip-Stop Nylon
• Chest clip and removable hip belt
• Floating shoulder straps and lumbar pad – Ergonomic Ventilated Back

*Case portion only. Backpack is not watertight.

Exterior Dimensions (L x W x D)
18.50″ x 13.00″ x 10.00″ (47 x 33 x 25.4 cm)

Case Interior Dimensions (L x W x D)
15.15″ x 10.40″ x 1.00″ (38.5 x 26.4 x 2.5 cm)

Padded Divider Interior Dimensions (L x W x D)
10.3″ x 9.0″ x 4.8″
(26.2 x 22.9 x 12.2 cm)