Pelican "Pencil Boxes" vs. Lock n Lock boxes

[+CacheMule]

I've recently bought a pelican box from REI. I bought the box to hold some of my gear not thinking it could be a good container for a cache. Now that I have seen the pelican boxes for sale on the geocaching website here. My question is this, has anyone used a pelican box as a cache yet and if so how superior is it? Is it worth the money? I know it costs more than a lock and lock box, but maybe it's worth it.

Edited April 30, 2014 by CacheMule

[+ByronForestPreserve]

I just asked about containers a few days ago. General consensus was that Lock 'n' Locks are great and Pelican boxes are also great. I think the only difference would be how wet the place is--I used a Pelican box next to a spring because the ground is completely saturated at times and they are seriously waterproof.

[+NJSquirrel]

I've seen a few caches that use the pelican box. What I have seen is that, if used correctly, they are equal to lock-n-locks. However, when not handled correctly, the seal can attract dirt which is hard to clean off and will compromise the contents. Lock-n-locks seem to be easier to keep clean since the lid separates completely from the container and the seal tends to be a bit more accessible to wipe off.

[+Ambrosia]

I have a couple pelican cases that were given to me, but I've been afraid to place them because I don't want them stolen. My only thought is to place them way out in the wilderness, but not sure if I have to worry about maintenance (like previous poster stated dirt can get in seals, etc.).

[+CacheMule]

I have a couple pelican cases that were given to me, but I've been afraid to place them because I don't want them stolen. My only thought is to place them way out in the wilderness, but not sure if I have to worry about maintenance (like previous poster stated dirt can get in seals, etc.).

 

I'd probably only use them for the wilderness too.

[+T.D.M.22]

Let's see; Pelican cases $15-$20 each. For a small cache. I bought 4 or 5 boxes of LnL's for $10 each, 2 years ago. Still haven't used them all. Or even an ammo can for up to $20-which is bigger.

 

So the pelican cases have their price as a con. I have used them-one which went missing, and one I gave away. They went over quite well, though I had a hard time painting them, compared to a LnL. I think people just like them because they are different, but for an underwater cache, that's what I'd use.

[+Manville Possum]

For a good water-proof geocache container I like the Plano Guide Waterproof Stowaway boxes. For under $5 you can't beat them. I use a couple in my pack for my camera and GPS unit, anything that needs to stay dry. They are also crush proof unlike polycarbonate boxes.

[+briansnat]

At about a cost of $20 to $2, I'll take the Lock n Lock if it was even marginally worse, but I find them to be about equal so I'll save thge $18 and go with a Lock n Lock.

[+CacheMule]

Where can I get that Plano box online for that price?

Edited April 30, 2014 by CacheMule

[+mcgreggor57]

Where can I get that Plano box online for that price?

Here 7-3/8" x 4-1/2" x 1-3/4

[+Isonzo Karst]

I've placed 2 pelican cases, neither did especially well.

 

The gasket material is fairly soft and fairly exposed. It dents easily if someone catches anything in it (pine needle in the larger case). And because the latching mechanism is only moderately tight, it breathes, and the gasket grows on organic film that creates capillary action, drawing moisture into the container as it breathes (same is true of lock n lock or just about any case, other than an ammo can).

 

For the money, i'd go ammo can where possible, and/or a buy a couple of lock n locks, and replace the first one when it fails (how long it takes to fail depends on many factors...but I'd expect it to have the same or better life as the pelican case).

Edited April 30, 2014 by Isonzo Karst

[+UMainah]

Walmart carries these in their camping section for a decent price http://outdoorproduc...tertight-boxes/

They had a few different sizes and colors. They're kind of like an off-brand pelican knock-off.

They don't seem to be for sale on their website, but they are cheaper in-store than what amazon has them listed for http://www.amazon.co..._pr_product_top

[+Manville Possum]

Where can I get that Plano box online for that price?

I get mine at Wal-Mart. I also use the Krylon fusion paint to camo them and leave the bottom clear to view the contents if I'm using it for a geocache container.