Geocache containers…

[2_Stand]

I’ve built PVC containers. They weren’t as weatherproof as I had hoped, and I’ve heard that they’re sometimes difficult to open.

The challenge, for me, is to build an enduring and truly weatherproof container from inexpensive materials in a unique manner.

[NSLP1]

I’ve also had difficulty with openning some pvc containers. I think that they are pretty easy to get cross threaded as well, which really makes them tough to open. I don’t have a wrench in my cache bag, and haven’t cached that often with our cache bag lately anyway.

I think that other containers are just as good, and I don’t think even cost that much. ammo cans run $5 many places, lock-n-lock containers (I haven’t priced them), and naglene (?) bottles are all good options and I don’t think any cost very much.

[decdogg]

Speaking about containers. Cache_boppin_BunnyFuFu has this cache. GCRFX4 Which has one very original container. I cannot tell what it is cause that is part of the fun of this cache. I humbly suggest that you go find this one or ask the Fu for an explanation.

[greyhounder]

I love doing creative containers, but unfortunately, they don’t seem to last as long as I would like. Although one walked away, so I assume it’s doing okay. The other seemed to attract a lot of animals and had to be replaced:

Bec

[zuma]

When placing a cache, I think it is best to think ahead to cache maintenance. If you go to the trouble of finding a great location, driving out there, placing it, and filling out the form to place a cache, I prefer to just to put out a quality container in the first place. I have learned the hard way that if you try to get by with a cheap container, it will cost you more in the long run to go out and replace it.

For a regular size cache, there is nothing nearly as good as an ammo can, IMHO. And really, for 5 bucks, it is worth it, knowing that nothing is going to destroy your cache. To me, the ammo can is the gold standard in caching.

For medium size caches or large caches in urban areas, it is hard to beat a Lock N Lock box, available at big box stores everywhere. They dont look like bombs, can be left clear if you are worried about looking like bombs, or can be spray painted camo to blend in. They generally do not leak. I have seen one in the woods that was ripped apart by animals, but for the most part animals leave them alone and they are proving to be quite durable, at least so far.

For a micro, the orange matchstick containers are hard to beat. They only cost 89 cents, and generally are problem free. Occasionally, some one will loose the gasket, so it will need to be replaced, and once I had an animal chew through one, but most of the time, you can place them, and not worry about them for cache maintenance until the log fills up. Plus you can camo them if you want. The metal bison tubes also make great micros, but are kind of expensive.

The worse cache containers, again IMHO, are film canisters, and it is regrettable that there are so many film canisters out in the wild. They do not stay dry for long, and are basically seen in short lived caches.

zuma

[Cheesehead Dave]

Film cannisters aren’t the only “bad” container. Pill bottles are also less-than-waterproof, as are Altoids containers and AOL CD tins. Even with the log in a plastic bag, over time either the bags develop tears, or someone isn’t going to close the bag up tightly, and that’ll be it for the logbook.

Gladware containers are also pretty bad. The seals are less than perfect, and the plastic is only designed to shift between temperature extremes so many times before they start to become brittle.

My best experiences have been with ammo cans and the Rubbermaid containers that have the soft blue rubber seal around the edge of the lid. I just bought my first lock-n-locks recently and have placed two of them, so I’ll have to wait and see how well they hold up.

If you’re thinking of placing a micro, here’s a good article on container types and how well they hold up. Here’s another article about regular-sized containers.

[TyeDyeSkyGuy]

So um, how do you waterproof an accorn? 😆

[Toecutter]

Ya, I’ve noticed that over the last couple weeks, I’ve come a cross a couple damp and a couple soaked logs…I think the pill bottles are ok, as long as they’re in an area that will stay relatively dry….I’ll check into these lock-n-lock boxes….I definitely think the ammo cans are they way to go also, I’ll have to run to Fond du Lac and hit the military surplus store there…Fleet and Farm has them also…I’ll have to paint and label them accordingly so they aren’t to suspicious looking…Today, the two ammo cans I came across were a little beat on the outside, but perfect inside…

Later
Phil

[Team Deejay]

@tyedyeskyguy wrote:

So um, how do you waterproof an accorn? 😆

Try Scotchgard!

[Toecutter]

eeheheheh…I had a run in with one of those PVC containers today…ya, I definitely won’t go that route….there was no way to open with my bare hands…

Later
Phil

[Toecutter]

I ordered 20 of the the M258A1 decon containers…I got them for $1.79 each out of a surplus dealer in Idaho….www.armysurpluswarehouse.com in case anyone is interested…

Later
Phil

[LDove]

They are really hard to open in my experience. Not always having the benefit of dragging Mr. MagOO along with me, I have sometimes given up when unable to open them. 😕

Here is an alternative that I just recently found. I went to St. Vinny’s and bought a already camo colored Thermos bottle – plastic. They are made to hold liquids in and have quite a good seal to prevent moisture – works great! Space inside is a bit more limited due to the cap, but hey it is still bigger than a micro. Just be sure to get one that does not have the glass inside. 😉

[LDove]

Oh yea, one more container we found is pretty good are the large size snack containers with the handles that you can buy at Fleet Farm. We just make sure to get all the good food scents out before we use them. They have a white screw on lid and seem to keep things dry and are easy to get in and out of.

[Toecutter]

You should try opening them in MOPP-4 with your gas mask, charcoal suit, gloves, and boots on…I never thought they were hard to open, the lid just snaps on…

Later
Phil

[Team Vaughan]

Wow, Toecutter havent heard the word Mopp in years.

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