I've been trying to find a a few plastic containers (of different sizes) where the lid stays put and where the container will not leak (let in water), even after being knocked around. I tested (very unscientifically) a number of "Lock & Lock" and "Tupperware" containers that were in good condition that my wife and I had picked up at yard sales. I'm not concerned with liquids leaking out, only that they keep water out and the contents dry.

I was surprised to find that most all of the containers did not keep water out when I dunked them in a bucket of water. Also, I tried kicking them around a little (sometimes a lot) with them half full of water to see if the lids would stay on to the end that the container would still be liquid tight.

What I found indicated that no matter what the plastic containers looked like, the information from the manufacturer's website seems to be the best guide as to whether a particular container series is waterproof (liquid-tight). All the ones that leaked were containers that the manufacturer never claimed to be liquid tight. Containers that are just "air-tight", always leaked (with one exception). In other words, if you need a plastic container that will keep critical items dry no matter what, make sure the container's packaging label says, for instance, "liquid-tight" (or words to that effect).

The one exception that I found was a small Tupperware container from the "modular" series. The website does not state it is waterproof, yet I left it underwater for an hour and it did not leak. Also the lid did not come unsealed when I filled it halfway up with water and kicked it around.

As to Lock & Lock, the only ones that the literature indicates are liquid tight are the ones from their "classic" series. From Tupperware, it's the "Pak-N-Store" series.

Would OtterBox or Pelican work for you?

Sometimes you can improve the seal by adding duct tape or equivalent. It depends a bit upon the structure of the container.

I have two OtterBox's (the 2500 and the 3500) and use them a lot for certain purposes. These are both "clear" color ones and are really neat. Although they're well designed, waterproof and bombproof, they are a little bit heavy (at least for me when I'm on foot) considering the inside dimensions. I'm more looking for something that's light and can be thrown in my back pack.

ALOKSAK dry bag?

I've tried using duck and air/moisture proofing tapes on a tin (even put in a desiccant) and it did the job fine. The only drawback, and this is just me, is that I'm always going into it (using, updating, adding things) and just didn't like dealing with the tape. However, I'm considering trying tape out again on a Trangia (aluminum) mess tin - the one with handles that could be substituted for a large plastic container - plus you can cook with it.

Thank you for the suggestion. The only drawback I've found with the ALOKSAK bags are that things can get crushed, such as my Katadyn water purifier tablets. That's the main reason I need a reliable solid waterproof container. However, the ALOKSAK bags are high on my list of alternatives.

Wide-mouth canteens?

Just found some info on the Nalgene 32 oz wide mouth. I'll look into this further. Thank you for your suggestion.

I've been looking at the aLOKSAK bag sizes and reviews, and they make a 12" X 12" that might be an excellent fit for an 8" X 8" X 2" solid plastic container --- or might even fit the larger of the two Trangia aluminum (mess) boxes (which are not waterproof, but otherwise make great medium sized survival kit containers).

In other words, you could add water-proofing or an additional level of water-proofing with an inconsequential gain in weight and bulk. + the bag itself has other uses.

LesSnyder - your suggestion definitely warrants a test. Thanks.

Grady

I went to the Witz website and realized that about 15 or more years ago I purchased several of their small cases. I remember that one container was so small, I couldn't place much more in it than my drivers license and a credit card. Maybe the company went by another name then. In any event, these small cases were rugged, waterproof, innovative in concept and practical for tiny to small PSKs. I had no idea of the existence of "their" now larger cases (e.g. Witz's Utility Locker I and II waterproof cases).

I didn't find Witz's larger cases on their website at first because these cases are listed under the electronics menu. Since only the outside dimensions are available there, I just asked Witz by email to send the weights and inside dimensions of these larger cases. Upon receipt, I'll be able to compare the Witz I with the similar class of Pelicans and Otters, particularly as to weight and inside/outside dimensions.

However, the OD of the Witz Utility Locker I is 8" X 5" X 3" (high), so it is definitely in the size range I'm interested in for the sensitive items of my medium size survival kit --- and it's available with the prerequisite clear lid! From the pictures on the Witz website, the Utility Locker I and II both appear to be well made indeed.

Thanks IzzyJG99 for the heads up on this alternative. Grady

Have a look at containers used to mail medical blood samples to labs, close to bomb proof.

As to survival kits all the contents of my kit are waterproof so I just keep them in a soft plastic envelope (bit like a tough zip-lock)

IzzyJG99 --- I just ordered 3 of the I.D. Lockers -- to repackage PSKs for the family. I'll try emulating your arrangement - but I never set records in solving Rubik's Cubes. Thank you for showing that it is possible. Grady

try these. tough. waterproof.

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&rh=n%3A3375251%2Ck%3APelican%20Cases&page=1

Pete2

Below are the specs on the larger Witz boxes:

Witz Small Locker (aka Utility Locker I - Clear Lid)

.85 lbs.
Outside dims 8 (wide) x 3 (high) x 5 thick (inches)
Inside dims 7 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 4 3/4


Witz Large Locker (aka Utility Locker II - Clear Lid)

1.50 lbs.
Outside dims 10 x 5 x 7
Inside dims 9 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 6 3/4

Grady

A small note of caution: I've broken the hinge on 2 different Witz eye-wear cases. That seems to be a bit of a weak point.

I often use plastic Spice Containers. They are wide mouthed, of a decent size and have good strong lids. I have made a number of fire lighting kits using then and they have stood up fairly well over the last few years.