Waterproof Container

[+BrianAndAmanda]

OK.. im thinking about putting out cache that would be underwater, however it would be tied to a tree so it would be easy to pull in. I am looking for a container that is absolutly waterproof. Any ideas???

[+briansnat]

I don't think there is any container that is absolutely waterproof. Even if you find one there are no guarantees the finders will close it properly.

[+sept1c_tank]

They say nothing is absolutely waterproof.

[Clan Riffster]

I'm in the same situation. I've found a beautiful spot that simply begs for a submerged cache, but I'm not sure what type of container to use. I'm thinking a small ammo can with enough ballast might work. I've seen enough of those on these forums to know they keep out water better than most containers. I've ordered some online and when they arrive I'll give them each a submersion test, just to see which one has the best seal.

 

The one submerged cache I've done used a rubbermaid type drink cooler, (kinda like a Thermos), with a screw on lid, and a rubber seal. This was stuck inside a device which held it under water. The contents were wet, but the double bagged log was dry. The owner specified to only trade swag that could stand being wet. If my submersion test fails miserably, I might stick to a Thermos type container and just give the same warning.

[+briansnat]

You have to assume that your cache and contents will get wet, no matter what container you choose. So even if you do find a waterproof container, be sure to use waterproof writing paper for your log and only leave items that won't get ruined if wet.

 

Another way to do it is to submerge an object with coordinates on it pointing to a container nearby on dry land.

[hide & seekers]

Would a Lock n' Lock work underwater? They claim to be 100% watertight.

[+Kevin & Susan]

Malbon's Twin lasted a long time

[nobby.nobbs]

Would a Lock n' Lock work underwater? They claim to be 100% watertight.

probably but for how long and only if each finder was very careful. again i'd say submerge a clue then the real cache a little way off.

[+briansnat]

Would a Lock n' Lock work underwater? They claim to be 100% watertight.

no

[4wheelin_fool]

Most watertight containers rely on seals or gaskets which were not designed for continuous submersion underwater and will eventually come apart.

Edited December 22, 2005 by 4wheelin_fool

[+BadAndy]

I had an ammocan cache that I placed in the winter. When spring came it was flooded...completely underwater and inaccessable. It was aug or sept before things dried up enough for me to recover it from the mudhole. The contents were dry as a bone.

[ImpalaBob]

I've done 1 underwater cache and it was full of water ..... but as noted above .... the owner used waterproof paper and a pencil for log signing. No problem! ImpalaBob

[+Isonzo Karst]

We have large battery canisters for underwater dive lights. These are expensive containers, but waterproof. HOWEVER, people simply will not take the time to carefully clean the gaskets and reseal properly! Ballast is another problem, as what's needed will vary with contents and water levels.

 

If your container ends up floating on the surface (after some clever cacher removes most of the contents and sticks in a big fluffy stuffed animal - ie air) expect it to get muggled.

 

In fairness to cachers, if the container is drug to the surface by a tether, it's going to be pretty dirty when it gets into their hands, and they're not likely carrying towels and enough bottled water to carefully clean it. And folks who haven't learned to scuba dive often have no understanding of ballast issues.

Edited December 22, 2005 by Isonzo Karst

[+Davispak]

What about a container that has an air pocket that the cache is attatched to. Rig a large bucket with velcro on the bottom, the cache itself is attachted to the velcro and then tie tethers to the "top" of the bucket and the tethers to a weight that will pull it under top down capturing an air pocket in the bucket, thus keeping the cache pretty dry. I would still use a pretty "water tight" container for the cache

Just a thought

[+TeamGuisinger]

An ammo can is your best bet. Granted, sometimes things leak, but an ammo can with a good seal is the only regular size container I would trust fully submerged. Put some tissue inside an ammo can, sink it in your bathtub overnight.

[+olbluesguy]

There are a lot of great ideas out there,but you can't rely on the finders to put

the cache back the way it was intended.

You will spend a lot of time correcting things.

and they are only good for a part of the year if it freezes over where you live.

I like the idea of making a stage of a multi be under water better than the cache itself.

How about anchoring a length of 3 inch pvc pipe underwater ,and sticking in an old thermos bottle with a clue inside.

Geez, I just might use that myself.

[+Thrak]

If it has a good intact seal I'd trust an ammo can underwater for months. It's pretty hard not to close it properly too.

[+Isonzo Karst]

It's pretty hard not to close it properly too.

 

Yep, most everbody will throw that latch down. But if they leave a twig or bit of leaf on the gasket it will leak. I've found a number of old ammo cans that aren't water tight, in all cases there was a dent in the gasket where someone shut it with some debris around the edge (the log baggie itself on one ocassion).

[+grueinthedark]

They are kinda pricey but you could try Pelican cases. They are Watertight and "includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization". Best of all they carry an unconditional lifetime guarantee.

[curman & neogirl]

How about a large nalgene water bottle ? They hold water in why not out.

[+bobbarley]

Hmmm.....a thermos was mentioned above. One of those stainless steel models with two lids. Not much room but kind of cool.

[+fox-and-the-hound]

After working for a few years as a canoe and kayak porter/guide the only containers I have ever seen truly work as waterproof were thermos bottles and small rubbermaid/tupperware containers (usually a small within a medium sized). Everything else and I mean EVERYTHING else I've encountered with our customers (and staff) managed to get wet sooner or later. The biggest problem (other than debris in gaskets) that we ran into was that over time the lid and container continually change size with temperature and the difference in size of lid vs. container eventually caused a leak. My advice would be as above and make it part of the multi. Fox and I talked about this exact issue last week and decided a theme cache of water-proof items in a submerged cache with a dive tablet (for logging) would work best. Let everything get wet and just check the log often. I don't know how long the wateproof paper would hold up to molds/mildew, etc. Whatever you do, please post a link to your final solution. We'd love to see how it turns out!

[+Davispak]

I have question on this. Has anyone tested anything yet? I have about 6 different containers I picked up that are sitting in my backyard with toilet paper in them to see how well they hold up. Been real rainy and with the drastic weather changes going on they are really getting tested. I go out and open them everyday to allow for field conditions. Anyone doing this with "waterproof" containers?

[+Dew Crew]

Here is a thread that lists Underwater Geocaches And here is another one discussed recently, they eventually decided to not make the cache watertight, but I beleive it was for scuba divers and they were worried about them getting the bends: Scuba cache containers

 

Hope they help!

Edited January 19, 2006 by Dew Crew

[+Sugar Glider Sweatshop]

Well, this bison tube seems to be staying very watertight.

[+sbell111]

There are many micro containers that would stay watertight. Examples include bison tubes, and cryo tubes.

 

There have been ammo containers that have survived for considerable periods underwater (on purpose or otherwise). Obviously, with an underwater cache, you rely on finders to close up the cache correctly. Of course, the same is true about regular caches.