OTTERBOX Water Proof For PSK

MIKE MACINTOSH

MIKE MACINTOSH

Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
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http://www.dlttradingcompany.com/index.php?cPath=366 Been thinking about a small water proof box for my PSK since a recent post by Runningboar.I pretty much made up my mind to run up to Super Wally world to get one like was posted, apon checking todays e-mail DLT is now offering Otterboxes in diffrent sizes, advertized waterproof to 100 feet. These look pretty neat,any body have experance with them.
 
Mike,

How important is it that your PSK be waterproof or rigid?

Most of my PSK items do not require waterproofness, and I personally think that rigidity makes a PSK less "pocket-friendly" and is only justifiable if it means that the container can be used for boiling water. A plastic Otter Box would be great for sensetive electronics, but may be overkill for a PSK.

-- FLIX
 
I use the OtterBox 2000 for my PSK. I chose the clear one so I could see what is in it and where everything is. It is a little big but it can just fit in pockets.

Right now in the 2000 I have:
Adventure Medical Kits POCKET SURVIVAL PAK
Gossman PSK cord wrapped with 550 cord
8 tablets of Katadyn Micropur
Photon Micro Freedom with Covert nose
BSA Hot Spark on a lanyard made of 550 cord

There is still some more room and I am deciding on what to fill it out with. Maybe some more 550 cord or duct tape. This is my first PSK since I was back in Boy Scouts, so I am still working on the final contents.
 
The otterboxes do work well in a wet environment. I do a lot of canoeing and kayaking and carry my digital camera in one. The otterbox has never leaked a drop even thought it has had a few dunkings.
 
i have 5 otterboxes of various sizes including one for an ipod. they have a lifetime guarantee.

i carry a kit in the small one insided a pack. you would need a coat pocket or or a bdu leg pocket to carry it as the case is rather bulky with big, strong latches. if you plan on carrying a kit on your person i would get an altoids tin. they are pretty durable and compact but don't quite have the interior space of a small otterbox.

here is the dimension of the small otterbox (not sure of the name)

4 1/2" long with a lanyard tab
3" wide 3 1/4" wide at latch
1 1/2" deep
 
I use otterboxes in the truck, and my proteus, to store batteries. Especially the 123 batteries that should NEVER get wet. Esta bueno. Also, in my proteus, the first aid kit is in an otter box. Nobody wants to use wet first aid equipment in the field right???
 
Otterboxes are highly regarded with hikers. IMHO, they are heavy and bulky for a PSK, but will keep stuff like cameras and Ipods alive. I think of Otterbox and Pelican style containers where I need waterproofing AND impact protection --- like a spendy light meter, etc.

I like the approach of waterproofing just the items that need it-- like matches. 99% of my PSK contents can go swimming with no problems. If you are careful with sharp edges, an Aloksak in a pouch is a winner too.
 
I've used the Pelican micro-cases quite a bit while canyoneering. They have been exposed to lots of water and lots of abrasion. I think a case like this is a good choice if you expect to encounter a lot of water and weight isn't an issue.
If you need it to be bombproof I think a Pelican or Otter is a good choice.
 
As previously posted, the Otterbox is a bit heavy and bulky for most PSKs. As long as you're going to WM anyway, in the "tupperware" section they have some sandwich-sized plastic containers that lock on all four sides with hinge-type locks. These are excellent quality and I keep buying more for assorted purposes. They're called "_________ lok" (can't remember exactly).
 
I use something very similiar to these kind for my camera and other sensitive electronics. Yes they are bulky but these will save your camera or other stuff that can't get wet. There are numerous times when I'm glad that I did get one for the camera, like I get caught in the rain when hiking or getting pushed into a lake by friends.
 
FLIX said:
Mike,

How important is it that your PSK be waterproof or rigid?

Most of my PSK items do not require waterproofness, and I personally think that rigidity makes a PSK less "pocket-friendly" and is only justifiable if it means that the container can be used for boiling water. A plastic Otter Box would be great for sensetive electronics, but may be overkill for a PSK.

-- FLIX
Click to expand...

Hey Flix
for the most part I agree with you. I usually carry two US G.I. Canteen's on a web cartridge belt.(LC-2 Harness) canteen carries a cup with GI heat tab stove.back of belt between canteens is a rolled pancho.on suspender harness I have been carrying a small trangia mess kit as my PSK What i'am interested in is somthing that can be totaly depended on to keep my med's dry cell phone and documents ect. when in the woods ya never no when the urge to jump off a 70 foot cliff into shallow water or climb a water fall might strike:D :D
 
For a small survival kit, I'm not sure on them. But for a medical kit (must be dry, wet != sterile or intact is many cases), or for a PSK on the water, OtterBoxes and Pelican minis are hard to beat.
 
Go to the tupperware section of WW and pick up one in the size you're looking for. PErsonally, I'm not into hard cases and most all of my gear doesn't require water proof container.

The Maxpedition M2 belt pouch is perfect for my PSK, but even then, I usually just have my pocket carry EDC on me, unless I'm heading into the bush.
 
I carry an otterbox for those things I don't want to get wet. Namely, a few first-aid supplies, a small backup LED flashlight, spare batteries. That's just about it. It doesn't make a good PSK, though, because in my opinion the thing is too bulky to carry, even in cargo pants. (It keeps slapping against my leg in a most annoying way.)
 
One idea I thought of (although admittedly a little small) for a portable personal survival kit or PSK would be to use an empty metal pellet container. About the size of a can of snuff. They have them with screw-on tops available so they would be pretty secure. Water-resistant although not necessarily water proof too but a gasket could be cut to make it virtually waterproof.

Could carry a second one to keep char and fire starting materials in as well.

Just a thought. Other ideas anyone? . . . . .
 
I love otter boxes and pellican cases For first aid kits in boats, the one I use has extra room so I can stash my wallet and cell phone in it. its also not bad for a first aid kit for an extended backpacking trip where you might hike for a day in the rain. or on a bycycle or motorcycle trip where rain may soak saddle bags.

For a PSK it definitley seems a bit bulky, as has been said, most psk supplies (trashbag emergency blanket chord, ferro rod etc.) are not really that water sensitive. if something is you can get a smaller waterproof case like a match case, pill fob, or ziplock bag.

Waterproof bags really do work well, walmart has both the nylon "barrel" type ones and the ones that are like ziplocks on steroids. these are nice since you can put them in a pocket. the plastic ones have a lanyard so you can put in in a pocket and lash it to your belt or PFD for extra security. Just check them for leaks before you go out,they are pretty tough but a pin hole will allow water in and now you have first aid kit stew.
 
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