I'm one of those people who picks up an interest or hobby for awhile, gets to near-obsession levels with it, then moves on to the next... and often back again, years later.

As such, I've learned over the years to value good storage containers, so all that neat junk you invested in will still be in good shape when you get back to it. For high-end stuff like binoculars I buy Pelican boxes right away, and I'm assured that nothing short of a direct bomb hit is going to damage them while my attention is elsewhere. Other than a strange problem with their rifle cases and airlines, the only drawback is cost... which is significant.

For the price, though, you can't beat plastic paint buckets. They're sturdy, they stack, they're waterproof and air tight, they're resealable, they can carry more weight than you'd want to pick up by their handles, and they're available with lids from most "home" stores for $5 or less. With mylar liners (Major Surplus & Survival, thanks Chris) they can even store non-perishable foodstuffs. Get some surplus silica-gel dessicant packs, and they can protect just about anything that will fit inside for any length of time.

Not only that, but when you do need to empty it out and use the gear inside, it's still a very useful tool to have around.

When you get used to the "normal" uses of these paint cans, you might want to investigate some other products that use them as the foundation for porta-potties, the most handy home toolcarriers you can have, and who knows what else.