Weather proofing a big cache.

[+Totem Clan]

A little background info first. Two years ago I placed a series of nicely done nanos that lead you around town and then to the memorial called the "Little Cache" series. They have really been enjoyed and I have gotten lots of good logs.

Now in order to restore the cache size balance in the area, I've started a 'Anti-Micro' series. Here's the first cache in the series.

I found a large 'ammo can' for the last one. It really an explosive crate.

 

I need some ideas on how to weather 'proof' this cache.

 

 

That's a .30 cal ammo can next to the box for size comparison.

I have considered using contact spray adhesive and lining it with viscuine. Then using weather stripping around the edge of the lid. Of course no matter what, plenty of Ziploc will be included.

[+infiniteMPG]

Seeing as you're in ND and assuming this will be placed exposed to the weather, it's going to have a tough life. If the wood is not pressure treated or protected in some way, the sealing should occur from the outside rather then the inside. If you're going to weather tight the inside then at the least, treat the outside with Thompson's Water Sealer or something like that. Untreated the wood will rot and grow mildew and it will take away from the cool look of the box.

 

My recommendation would be to measure the inside of the box and search around for a BIG Tupperware style storage container that would fit inside the crate. The crate would protect the container from physical damage from the elements (and critters in the elements) and the Tupperware would protect the contents from water. Even Wally-World carries a ton of stuff like that. The plastic container might not be made 100% water tight but it would be much easier making the internal container water tight then a wooden crate

 

Not sure of the security of unique caches up there but you may consider stainless cabling the crate to a tree or something and securing the container inside the crate to keep your hard work from wandering off with the first person who thinks it might make a neat tool chest for their pickup

[+Totem Clan]

Seeing as you're in ND and assuming this will be placed exposed to the weather, it's going to have a tough life. If the wood is not pressure treated or protected in some way, the sealing should occur from the outside rather then the inside. If you're going to weather tight the inside then at the least, treat the outside with Thompson's Water Sealer or something like that. Untreated the wood will rot and grow mildew and it will take away from the cool look of the box.

 

My recommendation would be to measure the inside of the box and search around for a BIG Tupperware style storage container that would fit inside the crate. The crate would protect the container from physical damage from the elements (and critters in the elements) and the Tupperware would protect the contents from water. Even Wally-World carries a ton of stuff like that. The plastic container might not be made 100% water tight but it would be much easier making the internal container water tight then a wooden crate

 

Not sure of the security of unique caches up there but you may consider stainless cabling the crate to a tree or something and securing the container inside the crate to keep your hard work from wandering off with the first person who thinks it might make a neat tool chest for their pickup

Yes the box will be treated and painted to help protect the wood. Also it will be cabled to tree to keep it from walking off. Of course if it ends up where I want it to, the only visitors will be cachers and die hard nature lovers/hikers. I have a spot in a prairie preserve maintained by a private trust.

 

I like the idea of a container in the container. Maybe even multiple containers in the container. One for the log and sig items, one for TBs and Coins, and one or two for swag. I could even secure them in place and label them.

[+infiniteMPG]

I like the crate and I think you just about have enough room for a tent and a sleeping bag in there, too, just in case it was a really long hike to get there

 

Good luck!

[+Renegade Knight]

...I like the idea of a container in the container. ..

 

This solve the problem of not having a lip on the lid. The lip would prevent wind blown rain from seeping under the seam. That's going to be an issue even IF you dip the entire box in wax and seal the wood or use the perfect sealer.

 

I like your idea for the series.

 

One way to waterproof something is to recognize that water will seep in and control where it seeps so it's a non issue. That's the container in a container idea, and a few others.

[Clan Riffster]

My thoughts:

It is my opinion that no force on this planet will make that box waterproof. Wood, even after rigorous treatment, is subject to flexing, stretching, shrinking, etc, and this will always impact any seal you manage to create. The affordable solution is the "box in a box" that's already been mentioned. You'll still have a lot of moisture related issues within the exterior shell, but the swag should be OK. If you've got more money than Gaia, there's an expensive solution. Pelican makes a waterproof case that's 24"x24"x24", (Pelican 0370) along with several other extra large sizes.

[+Isonzo Karst]

I might go the opposite of trying to weather-proof it. Go with some ammo cans inside, camo paint the exterior appropriate to your prairie local, then drill holes in the bottom and along the bottom edge of the side so it can drain.

Perhaps lift it off the ground slightly (with rocks? or bring or attach some pressure treated lumber to raise it off the ground a tad). Allowing it to drain dry will probably provide it the longest life expectancy.

 

In a sufficiently remote location, it may not even need camo paint. There was a yellow 5 gallon bucket "hide" in a preserve here, just sitting in a clearing. It was a hike, and then a modest bushwhack. Did okay until it burnt.