Small but sturdy cache containers

[+Web-ling]

I have a cache in a high-traffic urban area that has been soaked twice. I don't want to move it, because it's a cool location. The problem is, what can I use as a sturdy, water-tight container? Small Rubbermaid doesn't last long before it starts to leak. Altoids tins are too leaky. I'm looking for something a little smaller than a VHS tape - maybe not as long, but maybe a little thicker. Needs to be watertight, as the hiding spot is near a sprinkler head. If all else fails, I'll probably have to go to a 35mm film canister, but that leaves almost no room for trinkets. But at least they're water-tight.

 

Any suggestions? Do they make ammo cans that small? If so, where do I find one?

 

[Zuckerruebensirup]

I'd check in the camping or boating areas of a sporting goods store. I'm sure I've seen small watertight containers (that are bigger than film canisters) somewhere...but I can't remember exactly where.

 

I did a quick search of the Cabelas site and found this container. (It's kind of expensive, though, at $20.)

 

[This message was edited by Zuckerruebensirup on April 07, 2002 at 10:05 PM.]

[+Whidbey Walk]

This is a great container. It’s small enough to hide easily in most places, yet big enough for a log and a few small trinkets. It’s water tight. The lid is attached to the body with a strap and hook, which opens lots of possibilities for creative hiding. They are extremely sturdy. Sort of a Tupperware meets ammo can product. The dimensions sound just about right for you. About 4.5” x 3” x 2”. www.rangersurplus.com has them on sell for only $1.35. They are listed under G.I. Accessories. They used to contain decontamination kits, so they have warning labels on them. However, the main label can be peeled off, and a little sanding takes the caution off the lid.

 

[+Jamie Z]

Unfortunately, I've had some trouble with film canisters.

 

Not too long ago, I tested a Fuji (clear) film canister by filling it with tissue paper and dropping it in a sink filled with water. I let the water run over the top of it for several minutes as I poked at it and submerged it multiple times. Then I let the thing float in the water overnight.

 

In the morning, the tissue paper was bone-dry.

 

My experience in real life has not been so good. Seems like the micros I've found have always been very damp inside. One local micro was a Kodak (black) canister, was in terrible shape, so I replaced it with a Fuji canister. The results are no better. Two recent finders commented that the insides were very wet.

 

Anyone have other ideas for micros? Prescription bottles, are they watertight?

 

Anyway, not to drag this off-topic, but I wanted to relate my experience with film canisters.

 

Jamie

[+T-storm]

The biohazard decon kit containers that Whidbey Walk suggested are exactly what I thought of when I read your note, Webling. I've seen them used in a couple of people's caches local to us and was thinking of using some in future caches myself.

 

Whidbey... know anything about pick-your-own berry farms in your part of the world and seasons for different berries? Coming that way later this year and I always seem to miss the raspberries so I wondered what else might come in later.

 

T-storm

 

http://www.cordianet.com/geocaching

[+briansnat]

This may sound gross, but I've used the white plastic jar that Tucks hemmorhoid pads come in. It's about the size of a cup. I wash them thoroughly and sandpaper off the painted label. Just funny asking grandma not to throw them away when she's done, because you want the jar.

Also I've seen small plastic food jars, such as those for peanut butter used. Of course they have to be washed really well, otherwise the animules may come a huntin' for your cache.

[Zuckerruebensirup]

quote:

---

Originally posted by BrianSnat:

Just funny asking grandma not to throw them away when she's done, because you want the jar.

---

 

Yeah, sure...they are "grandma's". {wink, wink}

[m2fun]

Try the igloo 1/2 gallon water container. They are $5.

[+Kodak's4]

If watertight is a requirement, you might consider a Pelican case. The Pelican Micro 1010

is 4.5x3x1.75 inches, pretty small. The are

unfortunately expensive, but it will be completely watertight. So watertight that it has a purge valve to let air in/out when the barometric pressure changes. I've used Pelican cases for camera gear, and if you close them at 5000 feet, you can't get them open at sea level because of the change in air pressure (until you use the purge valve). They are gastight.

 

Pelican 1010 at REI

[+GatoRx]

I've seen peanut butter jars used before, and that seemed to work pretty well. They come in several different sizes too, so you could probably find one to fit your needs.

As for prescription med bottles, I'm not particularly sure. A lot of drugs need to be kept dry to keep from breaking down, but humidity is generally the problem, not a sprinkler or standing water (unless a really clumbsy person is trying to take their drugs while walking over a bridge. ) If you used one, the bottle would probably need to be kept upright, so water wouldn't stand on the inside edges of the cap.

Another possibility would be a bottle from an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Look for something with a non-childproof, screw-top lid - it'd be along the same lines as the peanut butter jar, without as much washing. You might have to go to Sam's or CostCo (or one of the other discount warehouse places) to find a container of drugs big enough, but you could probably find something.

[+GatoRx]

I've seen peanut butter jars used before, and that seemed to work pretty well. They come in several different sizes too, so you could probably find one to fit your needs.

As for prescription med bottles, I'm not particularly sure. A lot of drugs need to be kept dry to keep from breaking down, but humidity is generally the problem, not a sprinkler or standing water (unless a really clumbsy person is trying to take their drugs while walking over a bridge. ) If you used one, the bottle would probably need to be kept upright, so water wouldn't stand on the inside edges of the cap.

Another possibility would be a bottle from an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine. Look for something with a non-childproof, screw-top lid - it'd be along the same lines as the peanut butter jar, without as much washing. You might have to go to Sam's or CostCo (or one of the other discount warehouse places) to find a container of drugs big enough, but you could probably find something.

[+MissJenn]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Whidbey Walk:

http://www2.rangersurplus.com/long.asp?tgs=282004:6896790&cart_id=&item_id=1648 It’s small enough to hide easily in most places, yet big enough for a log and a few small trinkets.

---

I just ordered 4 of 'em.

 

-----

[+geospotter]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Whidbey Walk:

Sort of a Tupperware meets ammo can product.

---

 

I am using these decon containers for the clue portions of my new cache. However, despite what the ad says, they are NOT completely waterproof. Put one in a sink of water and the inside got wet. No bad, just not dry. Not going to stop me though. I think that under MOST conditions (short of being sunk) they should keep things dry.

[padfoot]

Otter boxes are very water proof. Maybe a little spendy for a cache box. I intend to get one for my e-map. http://www.otterbox.com/

[+shybabe924]

quote:

---

Originally posted by m2fun:

Try the igloo 1/2 gallon water container. They are $5.

---

 

I've found a few of these, and they're great...but one thing! Saw off the lil spout thingie on the inside of the lid that hangs down! Whenever we tried putting the lid back on...at all the ones we found, it seems that the spout was tearing open the ziplocs inside as we turned the lid!

 

Something similar to film canisters- m&m mini tubes. I've seen an aspirin bottle for a micro, but it seems that squirrels like to chew holes in those things!

 

[BigDoggie]

Drop by any Walmart or similar place and take a look in the kitchen department. They carry a vary a variety of screw-lid clear plastic containers of different sizes, from a few ounces to a gallon capacity.

 

=================================

Interested in Geocaching in the state of Georgia? Visit the Georgia Geocachers Association at http://www.ggaonline.org

[+Whidbey Walk]

quote:

---

However, despite what the ad says, they are NOT completely waterproof. Put one in a sink of water and the inside got wet. No bad, just not dry.

---

When I ordered mine most of them had a small rubber gasket in the lid to seal them. A few came without the gasket. I stuffed toilet paper into one with a gasket and submerged it overnight. It came through bone dry inside. Without the gasket they will let a little water seep in, but it still should keep out the elements far better than anything else in the same price range.

quote:

---

Whidbey... know anything about pick-your-own berry farms in your part of the world and seasons for different berries?

---

Not too much. Driving around caching last summer I was surprised at the number of help yourself stands that pop up around farms. Loganberries are a raspberry and blackberry hybrid that I had never heard of until I moved here a few years ago. I think the peak season is the end of July to mid August.

 

[+Whidbey Walk]

quote:

---

However, despite what the ad says, they are NOT completely waterproof. Put one in a sink of water and the inside got wet. No bad, just not dry.

---

When I ordered mine most of them had a small rubber gasket in the lid to seal them. A few came without the gasket. I stuffed toilet paper into one with a gasket and submerged it overnight. It came through bone dry inside. Without the gasket they will let a little water seep in, but it still should keep out the elements far better than anything else in the same price range.

quote:

---

Whidbey... know anything about pick-your-own berry farms in your part of the world and seasons for different berries?

---

Not too much. Driving around caching last summer I was surprised at the number of help yourself stands that pop up around farms. Loganberries are a raspberry and blackberry hybrid that I had never heard of until I moved here a few years ago. I think the peak season is the end of July to mid August.

 

[+Alan2]

Here's a couple of ideas.

 

http://www.loadup.com/static/130.html Waterproof match container

 

http://www.oshmans.com/product/index.jsp?productId=428951 fishing tackle kinda large but nice seal.

 

Also, try sporting goods stores - swim wear or travel section. Or boating stores. There are small waterproof cases that come with neck lanyards to wear while you're swimming at the beach. I've seen them in round and flat design. Normally people keep cash, keys, credit cards, etc in them.

 

Alan

[+Alan2]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Alan2:

...I've seen them in round and flat design. Normally people keep cash, keys, credit cards, etc in them.

 

Alan

---

 

I meant to say, "Normal people..."

 

Alan

[Captain Leno]

I have not ventured into the Micro thing yet..

But If I Was Too.....

 

I would cut me a piece of PVC as big as I wanted, Cap one end (using primer and glue), and then get a rubber screw type plumbers plug for the other end....

That should hold out any moister....

But that is what I would do....

[fly tyer]

Check with Home Depot or Lowes. PVC pipe comes in different sizes. You can cut it to length then put on the ends, one of which can be a screw on. It comes in white, but can be painted. fly tyer

[fly tyer]

Where did that post above mine come from? HA It wasn't there last night! fly tyer

[magellan315]

Try your local army surplus store or if you have a store in your area that buys and sells surplus parts and equipment. I have found that there are used first aid boxes that are about the size your looking for that come with a rubber gasket. Although they don't seal quite as tight as an ammo box.

[+GatoRx]

quote:

---

Originally posted by shybabe924:

I've seen an aspirin bottle for a micro, but it seems that squirrels like to chew holes in those things!

 

---

 

Perhaps the squirrel just had a headache, and didn't realize there wasn't any aspirin inside.

[+GatoRx]

quote:

---

Originally posted by shybabe924:

I've seen an aspirin bottle for a micro, but it seems that squirrels like to chew holes in those things!

 

---

 

Perhaps the squirrel just had a headache, and didn't realize there wasn't any aspirin inside.

[+geospotter]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Whidbey Walk:

 

When I ordered mine most of them had a small rubber gasket in the lid to seal them. A few came without the gasket.

---

 

Just checked mine. No Gaskets! Thanks for the note. I'll go get more, this time with gaskets.

[+VentureForth]

Biohazzard Decontamination containers: $1.35. Pelican 1010: $12. Otter Boxes: $14.95 and up.

 

Gotta love military surplus!

 

---------------

Go! And don't be afraid to get a little wet!

[+idahoflyer]

Here is another option Water-Resistant Treasure Keeper by Coleman

[+SamDeG]

I've found that perscription medicine bottles make great small caches. Just remember to black out the label, as it can be very embarassing for the whole world to find out you need viagra! Seriously, they are watertight and durable, but are generally fairly small, though bigger than 35mm film containers. Living in NYC, I've found an abundant source of free, durable, waterproof cache containers in the plastic take-out soup containers from Chinese places.

[+GatoRx]

quote:

---

Originally posted by SamDeG:

Living in NYC, I've found an abundant source of free, durable, waterproof cache containers in the plastic take-out soup containers from Chinese places.

---

 

Now that's a pretty good idea... perhaps I'll have to get Chinese take-out more often now. I could enjoy some wonton soup and get a cache container...

[+GatoRx]

quote:

---

Originally posted by SamDeG:

Living in NYC, I've found an abundant source of free, durable, waterproof cache containers in the plastic take-out soup containers from Chinese places.

---

 

Now that's a pretty good idea... perhaps I'll have to get Chinese take-out more often now. I could enjoy some wonton soup and get a cache container...

[+TheGertridgeExplorers]

I just picked up a new type of plactic container at Zellers. I have also seen them at Walmart. They are the Starfrit Lock&Lock containers. They have seal on the lid and the label claims they are liquid-proof and airtight, freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe. They come in a variety of sizes. I bought on that is 3.5"x4.5"x2" and one that is 7"x9"x4". I hope to be using the bigger one for my first cache, and the smaller one when I find a good place for an urban cache. They were not expensive. $8.49 and $2.49 CA (pocket change for Americans )I hope they live up to their claims!

 

- Donna G.

 

[This message was edited by DonnaG on April 13, 2002 at 01:10 PM.]

[+TheGertridgeExplorers]

I just picked up a new type of plactic container at Zellers. I have also seen them at Walmart. They are the Starfrit Lock&Lock containers. They have seal on the lid and the label claims they are liquid-proof and airtight, freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe. They come in a variety of sizes. I bought on that is 3.5"x4.5"x2" and one that is 7"x9"x4". I hope to be using the bigger one for my first cache, and the smaller one when I find a good place for an urban cache. They were not expensive. $8.49 and $2.49 CA (pocket change for Americans )I hope they live up to their claims!

 

- Donna G.

 

[This message was edited by DonnaG on April 13, 2002 at 01:10 PM.]

[+newoldstock]

What about Nalgene containers? Anyone have any experience with those? I recently placed one thinking it should endure and be fairly waterproof. At least they are when backpacking.

 

barefoot

[+Ttepee]

Came across these today and thought they looked pretty cool.

you can check them out here

[Big Bird and son]

Has anybody tried a plastic (white top) Kool Aid container for a cache container? I've been reading about pvc pipes as cache containers, and I would avoid using them since they may resemble a pipe bomb.

[+KD7MXI]

the ones for cameras

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CacheAcrossAmerica

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest_cache.asp?u=KD7MXI

http://www.cachunuts.com

[+KD7MXI]

the ones for cameras

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CacheAcrossAmerica

http://www.geocaching.com/seek/nearest_cache.asp?u=KD7MXI

http://www.cachunuts.com

[+rbdupuy]

I've made some cache containers from a set of (Rubbermaid) plastic salt/pepper shakers. I hot glued the tethered snap cap onto the screw cap and that was just about it. Since it's a screw cap it's fairly water tight, although I'm sure not totally. It also has a decent amount of space inside for small treasures (If you roll your log sheets tight).

 

I have seen some larger prescription containers, that are made to be water tight, but haven't tested them, and I heartily second the M&M Minis containers, although the space is quite limited for anything other than a sign-in sheet and pencil, or they work good as a set of clues for a multi-mini cache. They have come out with an M&M Minis MEGA TUBE, which is about 1 1/2 times as long as the normal ones. I have yet to see a M&M container leak at all.

RBDupuy