Keeping Equipment Safe and Dry
Waterproof Storage Boxes for Your Canoe and Beyond
by Aaron Bible
Stowing gear in a canoe is a touchy subject. It's not like a kayak where you can just stuff a drybag behind the cockpit and forget about it. And you can't
just clip it on to a frame like you can on a raft. If your canvas portage bags
are getting worn out, consider using the following modern-day counterparts:
the best in hard-shell, waterproof storage boxes for your open boat, whether
you're taking it on the flats or the rapids, for days or for weeks. Keep in
mind, however, that these cases are not limited to canoes. The following boxes
have been used on international rafting expeditions by professional
photographers, on SCUBA expeditions by divers, and by countless others with
valuable equipment to protect. So say goodbye to soggy canvas and take
advantage of hard-shell technology. Your equipment will be glad you did.
Pelican Products
Torrance, Calif.'s Pelican Products manufactures bombproof cases for
adventure travelers, field technicians and extreme conditions photographers.
Because of their durability, they might even be too much box for the
recreational canoeist with a few sandwiches, some sunblock and a spare hat to
keep dry. But if photography is your game, look no further. The boxes are made
from a copolymer/polypropylene structural resin, making them rigid and strong;
latches are snap-down ABS; pins are stainless steel; foam is two-pound
polyester; and the O-ring is a 250-neoprene sponge. Pelican cases are
available in 13 sizes ($27.45 to $259.95), made to fit inside everything from
a whitewater playboat to a Voyageur canoe. We tested the #1500 ($133.65, 7
lbs.; black, silver or orange) which was ideal for our laptop and camera and
fit nicely inside a tandem canoe. We also checked out the suitcase-sized #1650
($289.95, 23 lbs.; black) featuring six latches and wheels, again bomber for
any application imaginable--especially if you're planning to make a video
documentary of your next Grand Canyon trip. Accessories span from in-box
lighting systems to photo-organizer inserts. Pelican Products has a testing
program involving a stacking test, a drop test, an immersion test and humidity
cycling; however, the company's reliability in paddlesports for 22 years is
also good R & D. Pelican Products feature a lifetime warranty, and are
distributed by Perception (800-595-2925), Northwest River Supplies
(800-635-5202), and Wildwasser Sport USA (303-444-2336). Info.: (800)
473-5422.
York Packs
Yarmouth, Maine's York Pack is built specifically to endure the rigors of use
on harsh Northeastern canoe trips, but they've also been used on expeditions
on every continent on earth. The York Pack 200 ($119.95/ 5364 cu. in.) is
roto-molded for professional use. The York Pack 80 ($69.95/2325 cu. in.) is
blow-molded and designed for the recreational paddler. There are 10 built-in
tie-down points on each model, and two one-inch nylon straps secure the lid.
With optional padded shoulder straps ($39.95) the York Pack can be carried
like a backpack during portages. Other accessories include the York Pack 80
Photo Organizer ($119.95), the York Pack 200 Organizer ($49.95) for added
camping convenience on canoe trips, and Cable Locks ($19.95 for the 80/$25.95
for the 200) for shipping-all UPS approved. Both sizes can be used as seats,
and lids invert into work trays. York Packs are distributed by Voyageur
(802-496-3127), and by Northwest River Supplies (800-635-5202). Info.: (800)
787-6649.
Northwest River Supplies
Moscow, Idaho's Northwest River Supplies (NRS) offers a selection of hard-
shell boxes for all of your paddling needs. Besides two models of plastic
barrels, NRS sells the NRS Waterproof Box ($6.25) and the Diver's Dry Box
(Small $26; Large $29.95). Plastic Barrels range from five gallons ($13) to 50
gallons ($37) and were originally used to import food products; and Cur-Tec
Barrels are imported from Europe and come in 1.7-gallon ($15.95), five-gallon
($27.25), and 18.3-gallon ($58.95) sizes. NRS Waterproof Boxes are made of
polyethylene and feature a neoprene gasket. They work well for first aid kits,
repair kits and personal items and come in red, yellow and blue (7.25" x 4.25"
x 2.65"). The Diver's Dry Box is made of high-impact, break-resistant plastic
and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. A smoke-gray lid lets you see inside,
and a neoprene O-ring seals out water. It includes a strap and is available in
blue. Info.: (800) 635-5202.
GSI Outdoors' Utility Boxes
Already well known in the camping world, Spokane, Wash.'s GSI Outdoors now
offers a high-quality waterproof box for paddlers. It's made from Lexan--the
hardest of the polycarbonate plastics. The key word here is utility-the box is
clear so you can look before you open, and is available in three sizes (small,
$13.95; medium, $17.95; and large, $23.75). The hinge features a stainless
steel pin, the seal is rubber, and the plastic "easy-snap" latches are easy to
open and close yet won't open when you don't want them to. Attachment loops on
both sides of the box work well to secure them with straps or webbing to any
craft. Info.: (800) 704-4474.
Canoe Safe by Roadtrip
Jim Thorpe, Pa.'s Canoe Safe manufactures a unique crossover between a barrel
and a box. The Canoe Safe ($28.50; 1,280 cu. in.) is made from polyethylene
plastic and is designed to fit under the seat of your canoe. This niche item
provides waterproof, durable and convenient storage at 16"X10"X 8". The Canoe
Safe includes a screw-on watertight lid with a rubber liner, easy access
straps and buckles, and comes in four colors. It has a universal fit and is
easy to get on and off. The box is distributed through Northwest River
Supplies (800-635-5202) and is also available direct from the manufacturer.
Info.: (717) 325-7660.
Wildwasser Sport USA/Prijon
Boulder, Colo.'s Wildwasser imports a waterproof barrel with screw-on lids
perfect for gear and food storage on extended canoe and raft trips. These
heavy-duty barrels (white only with red lids) are rugged and odor-free and can
be lashed onto any craft. Lids feature rubber gaskets for an impervious seal.
The 25-liter barrel is included with Prijon's Taifun Badria touring kayak
($599) and is deck-mounted on the stern. Four sizes are available and can be
special ordered from Wildwasser. Info.: (303) 444-2336.