Buying Guide
By The Case Place Team · Updated October 2026 · 6 min read
If you've seen a heavy, olive-drab or tan case with recessed latches and a pressure valve at a surplus sale, odds are it was a Hardigg. Hardigg built rotomolded transport cases for the U.S. military for decades, and Pelican later acquired the company. That's why you'll see these called "Pelican Hardigg" cases today.
They were built to protect military electronics and equipment, and the surplus versions sell for a fraction of what they originally cost. Here's what to know before you buy.
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Pelican Hardigg footlockers are thick-walled, rotomolded military cases designed to be shipped, stacked and dropped. Surplus units typically sell for a fraction of original list price. Popular uses: tool storage, emergency and prepper kits, camping and overlanding, truck-bed storage, and shipping heavy equipment. Pick by interior size, and check whether you need foam.
What Makes a Hardigg Case Different
- Rotomolded construction: the walls are thick and molded as one piece, so they shrug off impacts that would crack thinner injection-molded cases.
- Built to stack: many have interlocking lids and bottoms so they can be palletized and strapped down.
- Gasketed lids and pressure relief valves: most models seal against water and dust and equalize pressure when they're flown or trucked over mountains.
- Recessed latches and handles: nothing sticks out to snag or snap off in transit.
Popular Hardigg and PSI Footlocker Sizes
| Case | Exterior | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican Hardigg Green 18.5 x 18.5 x 12 | 18.5 x 18.5 x 12 in | $58 | Kits, tools, ammo, emergency supplies |
| PSI Tan 19 x 18 x 11 | 19 x 18 x 11 in | $78 | Stackable storage, vehicle kits |
| Pelican Hardigg Tan 19 x 19 x 13.5 | 19 x 19 x 13.5 in | $82 | Deeper square storage |
| Pelican Hardigg Green 24.5 x 18.5 x 15 | 24.5 x 18.5 x 15 in | $119 | Camping gear, larger tool sets |
| PSI Tan 25.5 x 24 x 13 | 25.5 x 24 x 13 in | $104 | Truck-bed and garage storage |
| Pelican Hardigg Green 27.5 x 26 x 15 | 27.5 x 26 x 15 in | $169 | Bulk gear, overlanding |
| Pelican Hardigg Rolling 37 x 27 x 18.5 | 37 x 27 x 18.5 in | $197 | Large equipment, deployments |
| Pelican Hardigg Long 50 x 17 x 12 (New) | 50 x 17 x 12 in | $254 | Long guns, poles, antennas |
Our Most Popular Footlocker
The 18.5 x 18.5 x 12 inch Pelican Hardigg is the case we sell the most of, and we have a very large supply. It's big enough for a full first-aid or emergency kit, a set of power tools, or a week of camp kitchen gear, and small enough to lift and carry by yourself.
In Stock at The Case Place
Pelican Hardigg Footlocker 18.5 x 18.5 x 12
$58 $299 list · Used, Grade A/B · Free shipping (lower 48)
Military surplus, Grade A/B. Heavy-duty and stackable, at a fraction of its original cost.
Shop the Pelican Hardigg Footlocker 18.5 x 18.5 x 12 →In Stock at The Case Place
PSI 19 x 18 x 11 Military Storage Case
$78 $299 list · Used, Grade A/B · Free shipping (lower 48)
Tan military surplus storage case with a 16 x 15.5 in interior. Also in deep stock.
Shop the PSI 19 x 18 x 11 Military Storage Case →What "Surplus" Means for Condition
Most footlockers we sell are used military surplus. Expect stenciling, labels, scuffs and sticker residue. That's cosmetic, and it's why they cost so little. Every case we sell is inspected, and latches, handles and wheels are tested. We grade each case so you know what you're getting before it ships.
💡 Pro Tip: Buying for a group, a store or a fleet? Hardigg cases stack and palletize, and we can quote bulk quantities on the most popular sizes. See our wholesale buyer's guide.
Hardigg vs. Pelican Protector: Which Do You Need?
A Pelican Protector case (like the 1620) is designed for precise gear in custom foam, with wheels and a handle for one person to move. A Hardigg footlocker is designed for bulk storage, stacking and rough shipping. If you're protecting a camera, pick a Protector. If you're storing tools, food, ammo or camp gear, a Hardigg is usually more space per dollar.