Airtight/waterproof storage container recommendations?

R

razorhunter

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Jan 27, 2002
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I'm disgusted with the typical crap Rubbermaid containers seen at home depot etc. I'm looking for quality, but still affordable containers that are big enough to hold clothing, shoes, boots, knives, etc, for storage in places like basements and garages, that are airtight and will prevent any moisture from damaging the stored items. A plus would be something that is lockable. In fact, lockable might end up being a necessity. I know there are probably high dollar, expensive options available, but has anyone found anything affordable? Also prefer low key colors, like tan or black is ok too. Not looking for bright safety yellow or orange containers. Thanks guys.

One more "plus" would be stackable containers as well. Thx guys.
 
I don't know about stackable, but what will more than likely fit your needs is something designed and built like a Pelican case. I think the Rubbermaid stuff is simply designed to hold stuff, not necessarily as a protective measure.
 
cheapest way is to vac-bag, or wrap your stuff then into the rubbermaid. pelican cases big enough for that sort of stuff is $$ and pretty obvious. You can get larger silica gel packs to help reduce humidity. I wouldn't call rubbermaids crap, just they have limits, that I guess you are exceeding? For tough, lockable, you may need to look into building something yourself, Im thinking crates made of marine grade plywood, painted with poly-urethane and caulked, with a cap lid to seal them up.
I've got pelican, otter, and MTM boxes, and I don't think any of them are really suited for long-term storage of large items. Long term storage generally just ruins stuff. All depends on what kind situation you want to store stuff in. (humidity, temp fluctuation, that sort of thing)
 
Wrap the lid edge with duct tape to seal it up and put one all the way around to make sure the lid stays on.
 
Before you go out looking at something that has a lock you need to remember several things:
1 Locks ONLY keep honest people out
2. All locks can be defeated (opened)
3. Storage must be secured or it can be hauled off.
4. It must be at least 90 fire fire minutes resistance and....
5. INSURANCE! Try using Glad cling wrap over the opened top, then cover with Glad press and seal. When you apply the lid you can put some stick on door insulation around the seal. Nothing can keep your items safe from everything. For a simple tote that has some fair strength are at Walmart but most are semi clear or green. Best bet above all is to take pictures of your stuff, keep receipts and have insurance. If you stuff in under the house what will happen to it if the house catches fire.
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Yeah those pelican cases are spendy. Ron_m80 might be onto something with the buckets if money is a consideration. For outdoor storage I remember a post where someone had buried heavy duty pipe and sealed it at both ends. I think they dug it up 10 years later and all was good.
 
Ditto on the locks. Keep in mind that a Master Lock can be opened in seconds simply by using a piece of a soda can.
 
leghog said:
Ditto on the locks. Keep in mind that a Master Lock can be opened in seconds simply by using a piece of a soda can.
Click to expand...

Master is a brand, not a type of lock. YouTube is not an educational tool.
 
ron_m80 said:
leghog said:
Ditto on the locks. Keep in mind that a Master Lock can be opened in seconds simply by using a piece of a soda can.
Click to expand...
Master is a brand, not a type of lock. YouTube is not an educational tool.
Click to expand...
And?

Those pad locks can easily be defeated with a shim made from a soda or beer can. Was so long before youtube or the internet. No need for bolt cutters. If you going to spend money on a lock spend enough to buy a proper security lock.
 
Last edited:
leghog said:
And?

Those pad locks can easily be defeated with a shim made from a soda or beer can. Was so long before youtube or the internet. No need for bolt cutters. If you going to spend money on a lock spend enough to buy a proper security lock.
Click to expand...

What's does any of your commentary have to do with airtight and waterproof?
 
You could use Yeti coolers...of course the coolers would probably be worth more than the stuff you plan to store in them.

Grizz
 
ron_m80 said:
What's does any of your commentary have to do with airtight and waterproof?
Click to expand...
Airtight, waterproof, stackable, and "lockable" --- "A plus would be something that is lockable. In fact, lockable might end up being a necessity."

My point is if he want's to use locks, he should use proper security locks.
 
Hey guys. Let me explain. I totally understand about locks only keeping honest ppl out, and indeed, in my case, I'm not after extreme security here. Just don't want the kids getting into my stuff.

I know all about Pelican cases, and while I bet they probably do make a pelican case large enough/deep enough to store items like shoes, boots, clothing, military fold-up entrenching shovels, etc, I know I've never personally seen a pelican case that big, nor does my bank account want to buy a pelican case that big.
I'm merely looking to prevent my items from taking on any moisture damage from a basement or garage.
Just wanted something about the size of a big yeti cooler, or something similar in size to an average Rubbermaid box container of about 3'wx2"deepx2'tall perhaps.
 
razorhunter said:
...I know I've never personally seen a pelican case that big, nor does my bank account want to buy a pelican case that big....
Click to expand...
The come that big, and yes, they are pricey.

20mm and 25mm ammo cans are one of your most economical solutions.
 
It might be the best solution is to look at the stackable and airtight/waterproof requirements separately. Get some heavy duty shelves and get waterproof bags or boxes to go on the shelves.
 
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