Lifepod and the new Lifepod 2.0
Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just want somewhere to store your gun in your car, a small, portable safe can be an incredibly useful thing to have. You can keep your passport safe in foreign countries, or just store some cash safely in a hotel room.
The Lifepod and the new and improved Lifepod 2.0 are designed to do just that. Let’s take a look at both of them, and see how they work in the real world.
Lifepod
The Lifepod is the first airtight, watertight personal safe from Armadillo Safes. It’s constructed from a rugged polymer, with a thick, heavy-duty housing that’s just as tough to break into as steel. And just because it’s plastic doesn’t mean it needs to be ugly. In addition to a sharp black version, the Lifepod is also available in white, rose gold, orange, titanium grey, and blue. So whether you want understated security or something more personalized, you’ve got plenty of options.
On the outside, the Lifepod measures 10.25 inches long, 7 inches wide, and 2.25 inches thick. Inside of the walls and the high-density foam padding, the interior storage space measures 7.75 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 1.75 inches in thickness. That’s still big enough for a lot of essential valuables, or for a 7.75-inch handgun. The Lifepod’s empty weight is only 2 pounds, 3 ounces, so it’s not too heavy to carry in a larger piece of luggage. Alternatively, Armadillo Safes offers a number of carrying options, such as drawstring bags.
The Lifepod is secured by a heavy-duty latch that locks into both sides of the body. This design is impact-resistant, and also prevents the Lifepod from being easily pried open. The entire inside is protected by a gasket seal. When the compression latches are locked down, this gasket is squeezed flat, providing a secure seal. As long as the latches are closed, the inside of the Lifepod remains impervious to water.
By default, the Lifepod opens with a combination keypad. The four touchpad buttons are located along the bottom, and are backlit with LEDs for good low-light visibility. You can program anywhere from a four to eight-digit PIN, much like a bank or any other PIN number service. There’s also an indicator between the buttons that confirms when the Lifepod has been locked or unlocked. It turns red when the lock is engaged, and green when it’s open. There’s also a battery indicator built into the keypad, so you won’t get blindsided by a dead battery.
That said, if the battery does run dead, you’re going to need some way to open the Lifepod. In that case, there are two methods. First, there’s a Micro USB port integrated into the side of the unit. Plug it into any USB charger, and you’ve got a backup power supply. Alternatively, you can use the manual lock. There are two keys included in the package, so you can keep a spare or share with your partner. The key lock can also be set in position to prevent picking. In this mode, the key cannot be used to open the Lifepod. The downside is that your only backup option will be the USB charger. Under normal circumstances, a 9-volt battery should last for about 12 months. There’s none included, though, so you’ll have to provide your own.
Along with the Lifepod itself, you get a couple of extras. First, you get a lanyard. This isn’t designed for extreme security, just for convenience. It’s made to slip over your wrist to prevent dropping, not to stop theft. For that purpose, Armadillo Safes includes a 19-inch security cable, which attaches to the built-in anchor point. This cable isn’t terribly long, but it’s good enough for securing the Lifepod under a car seat or into a bed frame. If you need a longer one, the attachment point is standard, and Armadillo Safes also offers four-foot cables as an option for an extra fee.
Pros:
- Rugged, durable construction
- Waterproof design
- Keyed and PIN-pad locking options
- Well-padded interior keeps your valuables from getting scratched
Cons:
- Inside is not large enough for large objects or full-sized handguns
- Included security cable is a bit short
Lifepod 2.0
The Lifepod 2.0 is designed much like the original, and looks nearly identical at first glance. The color options are limited to black or titanium grey, but the cosmetics are otherwise the same. If you look at the two side by side, though, you’ll realize that the Lifepod 2.0 is significantly larger. It measures 12.25 inches long, 8.5 inches wide, and 2.875 inches thick on the outside. The interior dimensions, meanwhile, are a spacious 9.625 inches long, 7.25 inches wide, and 2.125 inches high. That’s large enough to accommodate a full-frame pistol. Needless to say, this comes with a higher weight than the original Lifepod, tipping the scale at 3.3 pounds.
The locking options on the Lifepod 2.0 are the same as the original, with keys and a PIN pad. However, the larger interior has a two-tiered design, which makes it easier to keep your gear separated. It also comes with a full-length, 48-inch steel locking cable, so you won’t have to buy a longer one later on.
Pros:
- All the benefits of the original Lifepod, but bigger
- Two-tier internal storage
Cons:
- A bit bulky
Which One is Right for You?
As you can see, the difference between the Lifepod and the Lifepod 2.0 comes down to size and organization. The Lifepod 2.0 offers more space, a minimum of 25 percent in each dimension. You can store full-sized handguns, cash, and more and larger valuables. You also get the storage tray for easier organization. The downside is a correspondingly larger size and higher weight.
If the original Lifepod has enough space for your needs, it’s going to be more portable and convenient. On the other hand, if you need a larger portable safe, the Lifepod 2.0 is a better choice.