Review: Vaultek LifePod 20 Biometric

By Jeremy Tremp

Posted in
#Gear

For those of you who carry a firearm on your person every day, when you get home or when you go to sleep, do you secure that pistol somewhere? If you’re like me and you travel often, do you have a method that can travel with you?

The Vaultek LifePod 20 Biometric is a compact, travel-ready safe designed for quick access and reliable security. Its sleek design makes it easy to keep nearby at home or on the road.

For me, that’s where Vaultek comes in with the LifePod series. Specifically, the LifePod 20 with biometric access.

The Why

The LifePod 20 from Vaultek is a portable, waterproof, lightweight yet rugged lockable case that packs a lot of features into a small package. I’ve been using the LifePod since the original release around 2020, and it always has a spot in my luggage or backpack on trips. It easily slides into a pack or a suitcase for secure storage of my pistol or valuables during travel, whether I am driving or flying.

Close-up view of the Vaultek Lifepod 20 Biometric keypad locking mechanism. The backlit keypad is visible on the top of the case, positioned next to the fingerprint scanner for quick access. The buttons are clearly marked and designed to be used in both daylight and low-light conditions. This keypad accepts up to four master codes, giving users multiple ways to unlock the safe without relying solely on the biometric scanner. The compact design ensures the lock remains easy to use while keeping the case streamlined and travel-friendly. The keypad is an important backup system for travelers, firearm owners, and anyone storing valuables on the go. — Alongside fingerprint access, the digital keypad offers a secure way to unlock the case. Multiple user codes can be programmed for flexibility.

If a firearm is not on my person, it should always be secure — period. That means if I am camping, traveling or anywhere other than my home, I can secure my pistol while still having quick access via the LifePod 20 biometric feature or push-button code.

[Be sure to read our article on how to safely store a gun for home defense.]

Diving deeper into the specifics of the Vaultek LifePod 20 features — specifically how to access or lock your valuables away — the key feature that I appreciate about the LifePod 20 is the Biometric Scanner that can store up to 20 unique prints. I usually do both thumbs and pointer fingers as that gives me the most options to open the case depending on the situation or the orientation of LifePod.

Image showing a close-up of a pointer finger engaging the fingerprint reader on the LifePod 20, used as a demonstration in a Vaultek Lifepod 20 Biometric review. The fingerprint pad is on the case lid next to the keypad, and the LED ring around the scanner is faintly lit, suggesting an active read. The focus is tight on the finger and scanner to illustrate how the biometric system recognizes stored prints for quick opening. Background elements like the latch and case edge are visible enough to show the unit’s compact size and travel-ready design. This ALT text helps screen-reader users understand that the photo demonstrates biometric unlocking, fingerprint access, and the user-friendly interface of the portable safe. It also uses related keywords — biometric scanner, fingerprint unlock, travel safe — to aid SEO. — Using the fingerprint reader on the LifePod 20 delivers near-instant access while keeping valuables protected. It’s a practical option for travelers and everyday carry users.

As a secondary back-up, the backlit keypad accepts a total of four eight-digit master codes. Finally, the LifePod 20 also comes with two manual backup keys if the battery dies or for whatever reason the electronics aren’t functioning. To lock the case, you simply close the compression latches and press the lock button. Easy peasy.

For those who may be concerned about an electronic safe, you can expect the battery to last for about a year before you need to replace it. Since the battery is inside, there is also a USB outlet in the front of the case that allows you to power the safe if the battery dies. This is a well-thought-out feature that, for me, makes a world of difference in my adoption of safety technology.

The Details

LifePod 20 is incredibly rugged. It’s made from a T3 polymer that is drop-tested, airtight dustproof and waterproof, the perfect travel companion regardless of your environment. As far as what can fit inside the LifePod, that will depend on your belongings, but you can expect to fit a full-size pistol and additional magazine with ease.

Interior view of a Vaultek Lifepod 20 Biometric portable safe containing a Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0F pistol and a spare magazine. The firearm rests securely in the foam-padded compartment, with the magazine placed alongside it. The interior tray and foam lining help prevent movement during travel and add protection against scratches or impact. This image demonstrates the Lifepod’s capacity to store a full-size handgun up to 9.25 inches with additional accessories. The LED light inside the case highlights the organized layout, showing how firearms and valuables can be accessed quickly. This ALT text describes the handgun, magazine, and safe interior for visually impaired users while optimizing for terms like firearm storage, handgun case, and travel gun safe. — This setup shows how the LifePod 20 can hold a full-size handgun with an extra magazine without being crowded. It’s built for practical storage on the go.

The internal compartment measures 9.625”×7.25”×2.125”, tall enough for a full-size handgun up to 9.25”. Inside the LifePod, there are a few layers of foam as well as a top tray that gives you options for storing smaller items. The lid organizer has pockets embedded inside for cards, keys, papers and even an AirTag for tracking. The AirTag is sold separately, in case you were wondering. Another cool internal feature is an LED light that activates upon opening the LifePod, illuminating the inside in low-light situations.

The LifePod has an internal removable seal that, when shut and the latches close, compresses the lid to ensure your valuables are completely safe from the elements. So, not only are your items protected from being accessed, but they are also protected from elements. This comes in handy for me when I am taking trips locally, be it a staycation or camping trip where I am packing my truck out, driving on dirt roads, or keeping my LifePod in a vehicle, tent or pack.

Applications

Beyond how I utilize a LifePod, I can imagine them being useful for people such as parents who want a secure way to store their firearms in the home without a large bulky safe. The LifePod is also just a great travel companion to keep valuables such as jewelry, electronics or cash safe during transit.

Interior view of the Vaultek Lifepod 20 Biometric showing the lid organizer in use. Several mesh and fabric pockets are built into the inside of the lid, holding everyday carry items such as cards, a key, folded papers, and an Apple AirTag for tracking. The AirTag pocket is placed for easy access but remains secure during travel. This feature highlights how the safe can store not only firearms but also small valuables and important personal items. The organizer system keeps everything in place while the case is shut and latched, preventing items from shifting around. The design adds practical storage management to a portable firearm and valuables case, making it appealing to travelers, EDC enthusiasts, and anyone needing compact organization. — The lid organizer inside the Vaultek LifePod 20 includes pockets for cards, keys, papers, and even an AirTag. It’s a simple way to keep small essentials from getting lost.

What really sets the LifePod 20 apart from other portable lockboxes is how much thought went into the user experience. A lot of travel safes feel like they’re either overbuilt and bulky or too flimsy to trust with real valuables. The LifePod hits this sweet spot where it’s lightweight, rugged and smart without feeling over-engineered. The biometric scanner is fast and reliable, and between the keypad, backup keys and USB power option, you’re covered no matter what.

One thing I’ve grown to appreciate more over time is how customizable the inside is. The removable tray is perfect for organizing small items. I’ll throw in a watch, wallet, flashlight and keys, and if you want to get even more specific with your setup, Vaultek sells pluck foam so you can cut it to fit your gear exactly

I also think it’s worth giving Vaultek some credit as a brand. While they’ve only been around since 2016, they’ve made a name for themselves by merging modern design with real-world functionality. You can tell they listen to their customers; the improvements from the original LifePod to the 20 are subtle but meaningful. They’ve built a reputation in the firearms space, but their stuff really appeals to anyone who’s into EDC, tech or just keeping their gear safe while on the move.

Close-up image showing the exterior surface texture of the Vaultek Lifepod 20 Biometric safe. The polymer shell has a matte finish with a fine-textured treatment that provides grip and scratch resistance. Subtle ridges and lines along the lid reinforce the case’s rugged design while keeping the overall look modern and minimalistic. The finish reduces fingerprints and smudges, making the safe appear clean even after regular handling. The photo emphasizes the durability of the T3 polymer construction, which is impact-tested, dustproof, and waterproof. This textured treatment is a defining characteristic that balances utility with professional styling, showing the Lifepod’s role as both a firearm safe and travel lockbox. — A close-up of the LifePod’s exterior shows the rugged finish designed to resist scratches and wear. The matte texture also keeps fingerprints and smudges to a minimum.

I appreciate the aesthetic of the LifePod as it doesn’t scream tactical at all. It has very sleek and modern styling that would feel right at home next to an Apple product. If someone were to get eyes on my LifePod, they likely wouldn’t peg it as a secure storage device right off the bat.

Conclusion

With the rise in people working from home, traveling and just generally being security-conscious, I think Vaultek has positioned itself well to service the tech-savvy market of firearms owners. For the last nine years, Vaultek has been integrating technology with security with great success. Their eye for design and reputation for reliable products make them a winner in my book.

In a world where people are traveling more, working from anywhere, or just wanting to be more security-conscious, the LifePod 20 fits into that lifestyle seamlessly. It’s not just a safe — it’s part of your everyday system.

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