I am looking at ways to store clothes and shoes in containers. I need to be able to access and re-store them failrly easily, but need to protect them from water, dust, etc. It would be nice to have see-through storage. I do not need rodent/bear/pest protection.

All the Rubbermaid-type storage seems to lack secure, waterproof closure.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Paper File Storage boxes are reasonably waterproof and inexpensive having lockable lids.



They should be available at your local Staples or office supplies store.

If you want complete waterproofness then your items such as clothes and shoes can be stored in a large drybags such as those manufactured by Ortlieb then placed into the plastic storage boxes.

All the clear containers I've used are more brittle and expensive than rubbermaid stuff.

I use the old style rubbermaid tubs for camping as well as storage in outdoor sheds. Sheds water and squirrels very well, and does a decent job of resisting moisture/dust.

If the stuff inside is particularly moisture-sensitive, I pack it in one or two Glad clear garden bags (avoid cheap imitations). That way I can hoik out the entire bag and figure out where my spare shoes went.

The stuff you put in bags has to be reasonably dry or it will "compost" while you're not looking.

I'm not sure my method would survive the sinking of the Titanic, but then I'm a heckuva long way from the ocean. :-)

Try ordinary giant ziplock bags. I like to pack my clothes in 2 1/2 gallon bags when I travel so it will survive if rained on. If you need something rigid you can always pack them inside Rubbermaid bins.

That is what I was gonna say. Those big ziplocs are great for storing clothes, etc. Once sealed, you can put the bags of clothes into whatever container you happen to have handy...

I second the 5 gal plastic pail, they are tough and I get a lot of them free. Well kinda free, I have to buy the soap and cleaning powders that are in the buckets. I have 3-gal, 5-gal and 7-gal buckets.


Ask for them at restaurants, pickles and all kinds of food come in them.

Are you looking for storage on land or on your boat? The answer will potentially lead to different approaches.

On land - hard containers (multiples of the same for stacking, etc) will be an option. On water - you might will be better served w/ soft containers you can put in small areas (under bunks, small closets, nooks and crannies, etc). There a many different types of water proof containers available. It all depends on your needs. I would not trust my valuables to "ziplock" bags. They are not sturdy enough, IMHO, to stand up to the rigors to life at sea. You might chack into some cruising forums to get ideas from them for onboard storage.

One item I would recommend is ALOKSAK (www.aloksak.com. I have used some of their smaller bags and have been pleased. (Disclaimer - No, I have no affiliation w/ them.) Just some things to consider.

Bill_G and others, good thoughts and questions.

I am primarily thinking about gear that will wind up on a boat. These are resources I have been studying:

http://cruisingresources.com/Waterproof_Boxes_and_Bags

http://store.thewaterproofstore.com/



If I was thinking land based I might check this some more:

http://neatcontainers.com/shop/index.php?cPath=2


I like freezer-style Ziplocks but have experienced too many holes and tears that made themselves know in unfortunate ways. I am looking to upgrade.

Right now drybags with transparent panels are looking pretty good - and, yes, I will probably use Ziplocks inside the drybags!

Bakeries are a good source too, and they smell better than pickle buckets...

It depends on what degree of waterproofing is required, long term outdoor storage? or in a shed, loft or garage that you hope is weathertight, but might not be in extreme or exceptional conditions.

I have large stocks of clothing, footwear, blankets and other similar goods.
These are stored in large plastic crates, which are probably watertight, in a loft or roof space that is also probably weatherproof. As an additional and very cheap defence against water damage, each crate is covered with a piece of tarp cut to cover the top and about halfway down the sides, this being secured with bungee cord.

I keep large stocks not just of true survival supplies but of everday clothing, linens etc.
Although the world might end suddenly, I feel a slow slide into the second great deppresion is more likely.
Remember that in the 1930s foodstuffs, clothes, shoes, blankets etc were readily available in the shops, but many went cold, hungry and unshod for want of money to buy these articles.
It could happen again.