Vanguard VGP-13 £80, $105

It’s not just Peli that’s tried to lighten hard cases. The VGP-13’s internal dimensions may be slightly smaller than the 1525 Air at 44.5 x 31 x 15cm (17.5 x 12.2 x 5.9in), but its foam-equipped weight of 3.2kg (7lbs) is still impressive. However, where the Air saves weight without compromise, this case isn’t quite so impenetrable. It’s constructed from a reinforced aluminium alloy frame that surrounds plastic panels, but though these flexed more than a conventional hard case in our testing, the VGP-13 still survived perfectly intact.

The packing case look is also easier on the eye than more utilitarian designs. Vanguard includes both diced foam and customisable divider interiors, and even a shoulder strap. The only things missing here are waterproofing, and sufficient space for a bulky FX setup.