Cache Container Test Results

January 13, 2005

The "24" test

Two days ago I went to the local MotoPhoto, asked if I could have some film canisters, and five minutes later, I walked out with a bag of 180 film canisters. Then I realized that I didn't know which styles are more waterproof. So I decided to test them. I weighed down the following containers with coins and immersed them in cold water for 24 hours:

(I didn't bother testing an ammo can, since everybody knows there are waterproof when sealed properly :unsure: )

Plastic Almond Container (Yeah, I knew this would not be waterproof, but I wanted to provide the new cachers with conclusive proof that Gladware is not waterproof.) :lol:

Altoids Tin

Cookie Cutter Tin

Kodak Advantix film canister (They are the ones that look flattened)

White film canister/Grey Lid

White film canister/White Lid

Black film canister/Grey Lid

Black film canister/Black Lid

Canning Jar

On the film canisters, all lids fit on the outside of the film can except for the white-ish translucent film can, that lid fits inside the can

After 24 hours, I drained the sink, completely dried off the outside of the containers, opened the containers, and noted the amount of water in each. The results are as follows:

Plastic Almond Container (A large amount of water) Advice for using this container: Don't

Altoids Tin (A small amount of water and tiny amount of rust) Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

Cookie Cutter Tin (A small amount of water and a small amount of rust) Advice for using this container: Don't leave it anywhere where it will be sitting in water. If possible, put it in a Ziplock bag.

Kodak Advantix film canister ( No water :lol: ) Advice for using this container: These film canisters seem to be one of the best for micros.

White film canister/Grey Lid (Damp, small droplets) Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

White film canister/White Lid ( :huh: Dry :huh: ) Advice for using this container: These film canisters seem to be one of the best for micros

Black film canister/Grey Lid (Small droplets) Advice for using this container:

Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

Black film canister/Black Lid (Small droplets) Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

Canning Jar ( Bone dry )Advice for using this container: They seem to be by far the best for a small hydrocache Now if only we could get a plastic canning jar :lol:

I hope these results are helpful when you are selectiong a cache container <_<

NOTE: These tests do not take into consideration user error, such as leaving the lid off

Yerocrg

Edited January 14, 2005 by Yerocrg

7.2k · January 13, 2005

By white film can do you mean the white-ish translucent film can?

Thanks for the experiment!

But as you mentioned, even the mighty ammo box can be compromised by carelessly closing it. One of our caches we found with the chain from a TB hanging out of it! We're glad it didn't harm the TB, but the gasket was compromised. The location is not likely to get wet much less threaten to soak the cache so we left it in the same box.

One issue, could you say which style of lid for each film can? Some go in the can and some go on the outside.

Thanks!

1.6k · January 13, 2005

Thanks for testing these.

January 13, 2005

That's very interesting.

I've found a number of damp microcache logs in black film cannisters and attributed it to people not closing the lid securely. Now I wonder....

~erik~

38.2k · January 13, 2005

That's very interesting.

I've found a number of damp microcache logs in black film cannisters and attributed it to people not closing the lid securely. Now I wonder....

~erik~

I find that newer film canisters, the Kodak ones (black with grey lid) don't seal very well.

Then I found a stash of old film Kodak canisters dating from 10-15 years ago. The seal is extremely tight on them.

I had one of the old ones attached to a guardrail, exposed to rain and it also spent a few months under a snow bank and it stayed bone dry. Another cache using newer canisters leaked constantly.

24.7k · January 13, 2005

It would help if you posted photo's of the container to go with the description.

For example I have had zero luck with Altoids Tins and the Advantix (oval?) type film canisters. I was suprised you did better with a few droplets in the one case and none in the other.

3.3k · January 13, 2005

I have excellent results with plastic matchboxes. http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=plastic+...s/matchbox2.jpg

One log got wet because a cacher logged his find, in a downpour.

2.5k · January 13, 2005

The problem is finding those clear/whitish containers.

I searched absolutely everywhere for those... after six trips to Walgreens I had a total of 150 containers and only about 30 were white like that.

7.2k · January 13, 2005

The problem is finding those clear/whitish containers.
I searched absolutely everywhere for those... after six trips to Walgreens I had a total of 150 containers and only about 30 were white like that.

Well, dadgum, how many are you going to put out? :rolleyes:

2.5k · January 13, 2005

I needed 12 for my Zodiac series.

It took me all those trips to get at least 12.

5.3k · January 13, 2005

the white style as I recall are used for Fuji branded film and Fuji while very good film is not used my most film purchasers.

For just a side note, I know someone who paid for the empty film cans.

3k · January 13, 2005

Anybody have any experience with those mini-M&M containers? I've got a micro made out of one which so far seems to be holding up well. Its exposed, but not on the ground. It is somewhat exposed to snow/rain/ice, however. I'm wondering how it will do in the long run.

January 13, 2005

What does a Kodak Advantix film canister look like? Do they say Kodak on them? Were all of these 35mm?

January 13, 2005

For just a side note, I know someone who paid for the empty film cans.

Never pay for empty 35 mm film canisters. A lot of places will give them away if you just ask. In SC we have Eckerds, Walgreens, and CVS. Any of these that offer photo developing will almost always have a supply of empties on hand.

January 13, 2005

The "24" test

Altoids Tin (A small amount of water) Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

Cookie Cutter Tin (A small amount of water) Advice for using this container: Don't leave it anywhere where it will be sitting in water. If possible, put it in a Ziplock bag.

The problem with Altoids and other tins is that they are tins. They rust, and bleed rust all over the log paper. Plastic is usually a better idea. Bison tubes are better still. And crack vials are the smallest of all, and don't leak. And, no, I don't use them for crack or anything else, but have seen them used as cache containers.

4.2k · January 13, 2005

Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

I'll point out the obvious and say don't leave ANY cache where it's going to get immersed in water.

As for the crack vial: nah, too easy. :rolleyes:

Good post - I'm sure it will help those who see it.

38.2k · January 13, 2005

Anybody have any experience with those mini-M&M containers? I've got a micro made out of one which so far seems to be holding up well. Its exposed, but not on the ground. It is somewhat exposed to snow/rain/ice, however. I'm wondering how it will do in the long run.

THey get very wet, very fast.

1.3k · January 13, 2005

I have excellent results with plastic matchboxes. http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062883/K=plastic+...s/matchbox2.jpg

One log got wet because a cacher logged his find, in a downpour.

This is also what I use for micros.. A bit of Camo tape and voila...

January 13, 2005

Now, I'm personally not big on micros, and if I were to hide one I would use something better than a film can*, because they will all leak eventually. That said, is there a way to improve the seal on one? I was thinking if you applied some 'Shoe Goo' or something similar to the lid in the right way, would that help keep the water out?

*e.g. waterproof match container, Bison Capsule or the Groundspeak Micro Cache Capsule.

7.3k · January 14, 2005

I've gotten pretty limited in what I use, bison tube, and ocassionally in a camoed urban hide its inner liner. Matchsafe. Decon container, and ammo can

The stainless bison-type tube from

IMS surplus $1, to the left of it in the picture its inner liner. The orange matchsafe $0.86 from walmart, next to it a small homemade camo bag for hanging and a DeCon container from my local army surplus (PJ's) $1. Ammo cans $4, or $6 same source. For 86 cents, why mess with film cans, or M&M containers? I have seen the matchsafe at the army surplus in OD green for $2.50. I had 4 matchsafe hides out along rivers that extreme high water after the 4 hurricane summer. One was gone, the other three all in water for months were dry when recovered.

Edited January 14, 2005 by Isonzo Karst

January 14, 2005

Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

I'll point out the obvious and say don't leave ANY cache where it's going to get immersed in water.

Why not? What's wrong with a submerged cache? IIRC, there's some that you can only get to with SCUBA / Snorkeling gear, as they are underwater. I've got a location near me which would be perfect for a submerged cache... I've decided against it, because all the good submerging areas are pretty well trafficed, but I did scout them out, and seriously consider a submerged cache.

3.3k · January 14, 2005

Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

I'll point out the obvious and say don't leave ANY cache where it's going to get immersed in water.

Why not? What's wrong with a submerged cache? IIRC, there's some that you can only get to with SCUBA / Snorkeling gear, as they are underwater. I've got a location near me which would be perfect for a submerged cache... I've decided against it, because all the good submerging areas are pretty well trafficed, but I did scout them out, and seriously consider a submerged cache.

There is nothing wrong with submerged caches. He was only saying that you shouldn't use film canisters for submerged caches.

January 14, 2005

What does a Kodak Advantix film canister look like? Do they say Kodak on them? Were all of these 35mm?

They can be black or white-ish, they are oval-shaped, and yes, all of the film canisters tested were 35mm.

Yerocrg

January 14, 2005

Here is the matchstick holder from Army Surplus, about $3.00

38.2k · January 14, 2005

Here is the matchstick holder from Army Surplus, about $3.00

They're about half that price at Walmart. Only problem is that they're orange, but a little camo tape takes cre of that.

was thinking if you applied some 'Shoe Goo' or something similar to the lid in the right way, would that help keep the water out?

Might keep cachers out too :huh: .

Edited January 14, 2005 by briansnat

January 19, 2005

I use containers that Safeway brand Trail Mix comes in, they seem to work well. I prefer ammo cans but sometimes it tough hiding them because of their size.

I found a cache in September that was hidden in Pringles potato chip container. Not the tall ones but the short kind you'd find in a convenience store. Its had to have been snowed upon this season but apparently its in good condition. Its also a Where's George cache, only full of dollars. Hopefully it will last.....

January 19, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

5.3k · January 19, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

Yes, there is a cacher around here who has hidden both the racquetball and tennisball containers. They work very well. That O-ring and the course threads really seal it up tight. They are not cheap, though.

January 19, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

Yes, there is a cacher around here who has hidden both the racquetball and tennisball containers. They work very well. That O-ring and the course threads really seal it up tight. They are not cheap, though.

they are when I play everyday at lunch

thanks for the info; I will save them for hiding some caches

January 19, 2005

The transluscent 'white' ones are put out by Fuji, but some cheaper, no-name brands are very similar looking. You can tell the difference because the Fuji ones have a nice solid 'snap' when you put the lid in. (I say 'in' because they are the ones that fit inside.

That may be a reason the Kodak ones (black can, gray lid) are more popular; since the lid goes ON instead of IN, there is slightly more room inside them.

The people in the one-hour photo places usually know which ones are which.

If you're unsure, it is quite easy to test them yourself, whichever ones you may have on hand.

5.3k · January 19, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

Yes, there is a cacher around here who has hidden both the racquetball and tennisball containers. They work very well. That O-ring and the course threads really seal it up tight. They are not cheap, though.

they are when I play everyday at lunch

thanks for the info; I will save them for hiding some caches

I wasn't talking about these:

This is what I meant:

These run about $10, but are very durable and waterproof.

January 19, 2005

These run about $10, but are very durable and waterproof.

ahhhhhhh

so the disposables ones are no good for caching?

January 19, 2005

Thank you for this information. I'm considering placing a few new caches, and this is very timely.

5.3k · January 19, 2005

These run about $10, but are very durable and waterproof.

ahhhhhhh

so the disposables ones are no good for caching?

I haven't seen one used before, so I couldn't say.

1.3k · January 19, 2005

Here is the matchstick holder from Army Surplus, about $3.00

They're about half that price at Walmart. Only problem is that they're orange, but a little camo tape takes cre of that.

The Wal-Mart match safe is one of the preferred micro containers down here.

They are 86 cents (plus tax) - or at least they have been for the past 2 years. I haven't checked in the past month or so.

We all paint them. I've used various kinds of paint - all with good results. I've rarely seen a painted one fade - it seems the paint fuses with the plastic.

sd

1.3k · January 19, 2005

Altoids Tin (A small amount of water and tiny amount of rust) Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

Which kind of altoids tin are you talking about? I know of at least 4 kinds.

The regular altoids mints. (rectangular)

Altoids breath strips (very flat and rectangular - small containers)

Altoids sours (round)

Another Altoids - perhaps gum - that's shaped like a pack of gum.

I think there may be more.

I've used the round one with pretty decent success. I paint them with rust resistant primer and put the logsheet in a "ziploc" bag just in case.

southdeltan

24.7k · January 19, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

Yes, there is a cacher around here who has hidden both the racquetball and tennisball containers. They work very well. That O-ring and the course threads really seal it up tight. They are not cheap, though.

they are when I play everyday at lunch

thanks for the info; I will save them for hiding some caches

I've used them with good success. The cheap ones. Not the ones Stunod was talking about. Actually I have to admit looking back I would not of expected them to work out as well as they did. I still have a couple. Bigger than a decon but not really big.

January 19, 2005

This test wasretty well thought out and the results were clear and concise. Only one problem i could find, its the largest variable... WEATHER!!! It doesn't matter which film can you use, weater conditions are going to affect the film can. In cold weather the cans will shrink a bit and become brittle. In warme weather they expand and are more pliable. Now add moisture into the equation and things get real interesting. If the canister is in a spot that gets moisture, not talking rain here either, just dew, add in winter temperatures and I guarantee you old Mother nature will get in. Water when it freezes expands, the plastic shrinks, plus moisture is very determined.. ever seen the Grand Canyon? I say film canisters are no competition for Mom Nature.

As for the Altoid tins, they rust, fast in a climate like Delaware has.. Also moisture will find its way in under freezing and thawing conditions.

So, what to do? Give up on Micros? No. Just find something better than film cans and Altiod tins.

7.3k · January 20, 2005

Thanks for the Raquet Ball container picture. Hadn't seen them before. That does look like a good container.I like anything with an O ring. Freezing not much of an issue in Florida, it's all about water.

January 20, 2005

Altoids Tin (A small amount of water and tiny amount of rust) Advice for using this container: Don't hide one of these anywhere where it may be immersed in water

Which kind of altoids tin are you talking about? I know of at least 4 kinds.

The regular altoids mints. (rectangular)

Altoids breath strips (very flat and rectangular - small containers)

Altoids sours (round)

Another Altoids - perhaps gum - that's shaped like a pack of gum.

I think there may be more.

I've used the round one with pretty decent success. I paint them with rust resistant primer and put the logsheet in a "ziploc" bag just in case.

southdeltan

I tested the round type of Altoids tins.

Yerocrg

3k · February 3, 2005

Anybody have any experience with those mini-M&M containers? I've got a micro made out of one which so far seems to be holding up well. Its exposed, but not on the ground. It is somewhat exposed to snow/rain/ice, however. I'm wondering how it will do in the long run.

THey get very wet, very fast.

Follow-up on the mini-M&M container: I just checked this cache and it is (so far) completely dry inside. We've had lots of precipitation this winter around here, so I'm feeling fortunate about the condition of the cache (its placement doesn't allow any pooling of moisture on or near the container, but the snap-lid is exposed directly to the rain and snow).

I'm taking Briansnat's remark to heart, though. I think perhaps so far I've been lucky. I'll probably swap it out for a waterproof match container at some point.

February 3, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

Yes, there is a cacher around here who has hidden both the racquetball and tennisball containers. They work very well. That O-ring and the course threads really seal it up tight. They are not cheap, though.

I've got two of these at my house from my tennis playing days. I always thought they'd make great cache containers. I mean if they are airtight to the point they can contain like 12lbs of air pressure then they sure keep water out. They're even positively pressurized. I think I'm going to go dig them out and give them a coat of camo....

February 3, 2005

has anyone tried out racquetball containers, the kind with the screw-on lids?

Yes, there is a cacher around here who has hidden both the racquetball and tennisball containers. They work very well. That O-ring and the course threads really seal it up tight. They are not cheap, though.

they are when I play everyday at lunch

thanks for the info; I will save them for hiding some caches

I wasn't talking about these:

This is what I meant:

These run about $10, but are very durable and waterproof.

The tennis ball savers are bigger since they are made to hold 3 balls rather than two...those are the type I have at home. I can't wait to hide them!

February 4, 2005

Now if only we could get a plastic canning jar

Try saving food containers. Mayo jar, peanut butter...etc..

My Guess is that they would have to be put throught the dishwasher a couple of times. FWIW :rolleyes:

2k · February 4, 2005

Now if only we could get a plastic canning jar

Try saving food containers. Mayo jar, peanut butter...etc..

My Guess is that they would have to be put throught the dishwasher a couple of times. FWIW

The pundits will soon be here to point out that used food containers should never be used for caches since animals are attracked to them. If they work for you I say go for it. Just be prepared to replace the cache if it gets mauled.

BTW: dishwasher then soak in a solution of bleach overnight.

5.8k · February 4, 2005

To add a little about some posts here

I've been using tennis ball cans that I picked up around the courts, and they seem to work fine. Only one has gotten wet inside, and it also had mud in it so I don't think it was from a regular leak.

In our area (SF Bay Area) there are a lot of "Longs Drugs" stores, and they are always running specials with fuji film (also their processor) so that would be a good place to get the white (translucent) ones which have the inside snap lid.

Another advantage to the APS style (Advanced Photo System) (Kodak brand calls theirs "Advantix") they are oval shaped and allow slightly larger trade items, but the lid fits inside so your log sheet must be a tiny bit narrower.

Thanks for sharing your results!

5.8k · February 4, 2005

BTW, without any real test I have to say the best film can I found was clearly from a high end brand, it was black with a blue lid that snapped inside. I only found one, but now that I think about it, maybe they could be found not at the corner store but at custom photo labs.

20.7k · February 4, 2005

The problem is finding those clear/whitish containers. ...

I got mine from this place. They have a bin just inside the front door. Help yourself to as many as you need.

Cache Container Test Results

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