Inexpensive Waterproof Containers

[pong3d]

I am looking for suggestions for a waterproof container that doesn't cost too much. I have some pretty sturdy Rubbermaid containers (see pic), but I am not sure if they would hold up outside for a while. Thanks!

 

[+TriciaG]

The best plastic containers of decent size are authentic Lock-N-Locks. They have a silicone gasket and locking tabs. It keeps things nice and tight. The dollar store knock-offs aren't as good.

 

I watch for them to go on sale at Wal-Mart and other such stores. When they're in a set and on sale, the per piece price is quite reasonable.

[+Manville Possum]

The Plano containers that are sold at Walmart as fishing tackle boxes work great, they have a really good seal.

[+Team Abarth]

Check boating supply places too. Got ours at Bass Pro....think they were Plano also.

[+The A-Team]

I have some pretty sturdy Rubbermaid containers...

I've seen several problems with those, including:

• Since you need to flex the lid to attach/remove it, it will eventually crack as the plastic becomes brittle from being exposed to the elements. I find they usually crack in the vicinity of the raised ridge around the edge.
  
• The seal isn't as waterproof as you'd think. It relies solely on a snug fit between the lid and body to keep a seal, which can become less snug over time.
  

I'll second TriciaG's recommendation of authentic Lock 'n' Locks. There are a number of knock-offs that try to (poorly) imitate the authentic brand, so make sure they have this logo:

The knock-offs generally have weaker tabs that won't last as long. I've seen authentic Lock 'n' Locks that have been out in the wild for 15 years and are still holding up great, but I can't say the same about Rubbermaids.

 

Edit to add: Regarding price, cache containers are an area where you get what you pay for. You could buy a cheap container, but chances are it won't hold up to the elements very well and you'll have to do maintenance more frequently. If you invest a few more dollars up front, you'll have a container that will last longer and provide a better experience for both you (less maintenance) and the finders (less chance of a wet log).

Edited April 14, 2016 by The A-Team

[+L0ne.R]

You can buy them online

 

My link amazon.com

 

4 100ml palm size authentic Lock & Locks for $10.50 (About $2.65 each)

 

[+cerberus1]

The Plano containers that are sold at Walmart as fishing tackle boxes work great, they have a really good seal.

+1

We product tested a three pack from Home Depot. Think the set was less than six bucks.

Accessed a few times each week (rain or shine) for a year, and held up great.

[+cerberus1]

I am looking for suggestions for a waterproof container that doesn't cost too much. I have some pretty sturdy Rubbermaid containers (see pic), but I am not sure if they would hold up outside for a while. Thanks!

Though slightly better than the Tupperware folks have gags about printed on tees, there's still no gasket.

Sure, if you don't mind maintenance, even gladware will do.

- But I agree with most, authentic lock n lock's the most popular,and holds up really well, but (if I have to use plastic) I'd kinda like to use those plano containers too.

[+L0ne.R]

1460686509[/url]' post='5576929']

1460671017[/url]' post='5576893']

The Plano containers that are sold at Walmart as fishing tackle boxes work great, they have a really good seal.

+1

We product tested a three pack from Home Depot. Think the set was less than six bucks.

Accessed a few times each week (rain or shine) for a year, and held up great.

 

That's great to know. I've found a couple of Plano ammo-style boxes,and they were in good shape. I'll have to check Home Depot next time I'm out there.

[+Manville Possum]

1460686509[/url]' post='5576929']

1460671017[/url]' post='5576893']

The Plano containers that are sold at Walmart as fishing tackle boxes work great, they have a really good seal.

+1

We product tested a three pack from Home Depot. Think the set was less than six bucks.

Accessed a few times each week (rain or shine) for a year, and held up great.

 

That's great to know. I've found a couple of Plano ammo-style boxes,and they were in good shape. I'll have to check Home Depot next time I'm out there.

 

I stay away from the plastic ammo cans, they would not hold up for me. The fishing tackle boxes I use have a thick silicone gasket, and are about a sandwich and a half size with three snap locks.

 

Edit to add: $4.97 at Walmart, and they are clear.

Edited April 15, 2016 by Manville Possum

[+cerberus1]

1460686509[/url]' post='5576929']

1460671017[/url]' post='5576893']

The Plano containers that are sold at Walmart as fishing tackle boxes work great, they have a really good seal.

+1

We product tested a three pack from Home Depot. Think the set was less than six bucks.

Accessed a few times each week (rain or shine) for a year, and held up great.

 

That's great to know. I've found a couple of Plano ammo-style boxes,and they were in good shape. I'll have to check Home Depot next time I'm out there.

 

I stay away from the plastic ammo cans, they would not hold up for me. The fishing tackle boxes I use have a thick silicone gasket, and are about a sandwich and a half size with three snap locks.

 

Edit to add: $4.97 at Walmart, and they are clear.

I agree, the plastic ammo can style boxes (to me) are no better than placing a tackle box.

Ever notice many have a hole in the front for a lock?

- Most we've seen have no gasket and that hole in the front lets water drip right-on-in.

But the plano boxes really do have SNAP! locks.

[+L0ne.R]

The Plano containers that are sold at Walmart as fishing tackle boxes work great, they have a really good seal.

+1

We product tested a three pack from Home Depot. Think the set was less than six bucks.

Accessed a few times each week (rain or shine) for a year, and held up great.

 

That's great to know. I've found a couple of Plano ammo-style boxes,and they were in good shape. I'll have to check Home Depot next time I'm out there.

 

I stay away from the plastic ammo cans, they would not hold up for me. The fishing tackle boxes I use have a thick silicone gasket, and are about a sandwich and a half size with three snap locks.

 

Edit to add: $4.97 at Walmart, and they are clear.

I agree, the plastic ammo can style boxes (to me) are no better than placing a tackle box.

Ever notice many have a hole in the front for a lock?

- Most we've seen have no gasket and that hole in the front lets water drip right-on-in.

But the plano boxes really do have SNAP! locks.

 

This is great information. So just to be sure, you mean this ($4.96 at Walmart):

 

 

NOT this Shot Shell box ($4.88 at Walmart). Even though it has an O-ring.:

 

 

[+cerberus1]

Yep, the stowaway (couldn't remember the name) by Plano.

We've seen knock-offs already and the few we've found in the woods had their snap locks broken.

One ko just last week had a lock busted - out only four days.

 

Not sure of the shell box posted, but the only plastic ammo can-like thing we've ever seen not wet inside was in a cave. YMMV.

[+Isonzo Karst]

I've seen the Rubbermaids pictured in the opening post do okay. If I owned one, I'd use it. I'd put it only in a location fairly convenient to check and/or replace - but I'd expect to get a couple of years out of it.

 

A fairly prolific hider in my area is using that exact container mostly for multi finals, which don't get found much; so little flexing of the lid, and well covered so the UV isn't destroying the plastic. Some of these have been out for 5 years, and are fine.

 

(That 100ml lock and lock - I've thrown 70 of those as cache goodies. It was my swag for a while. Many of them have come back to me as hides to hunt. Several years back, on Black Friday with coupon, and by buying at least 100 of them, I got them delivered to my house at $0.38 per - yes, 38 cents. I've got gobs of them in the kitchen, turn out to useful for food storage

Last Christmas I was able to get 30 cal ammo cans (grade 2) delivered to the house for $6.36 each. Took a large quantity purchase. Same source has more than doubled in price since).

[+MtnMutt-ProDuckShins]

If you are worried about your LogBook becoming a soggy mess, look into Foil Tape.

 

For years I've made these Log which I call Impression Logs which are made from ...

 

HVAC Tape - High Heat Duct Insulation Tape.

 

I've even put them in caches as Swag.

 

Even the so called Dollar Stores carry cheap containers.

[+WarNinjas]

Yea we placed a couple of those plastic ammo cans and the first logs were that it was wet inside.