Storing your gear - Rolling gear box

[JustJoe-TX]

Having just returned to diving after a few years, I found the need to store my gear in a manner that keeps it safe, dry, and away from the critters who may like to use my wetsuit as nesting material. Before I sold my old gear (about 13 years ago) I had this HUGE backpack that held everything except the tank. It was quite cumbersome and highly inefficient and very obvious as to what was inside of it. This time around I needed a safe rolling container that would keep my gear safe and have the added benefit of being less obvious so I went on the hunt. Dive shops had some great offerings ranging in price from $50 to $200 with fancy names scrawled across their sides. Mares makes a solid box ($$) and so does Scubapro ($$$), but none of the boxes I found met the requirement of subtlety I was looking for. Along comes Sterilite to the rescue! Wal-Mart has a rolling Sterilite box with a capacity of 40 Gal. for just over $20. Compared to the Mares at $80 and the Scubapro Porter Gear Bag at $180, this was a steal. The link is below if you are interested.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-40-Gallon-Wheeled-Industrial-Tote-Black/48194359

Remember to dry you gear before you store it - no one likes a funky smelling diver.

 

[WarrenZ]

Another option that some of the people around here use is the husky plastic rolling toolboxes.

Husky 37 in. Mobile Job Box Utility Cart Black-209261 - The Home Depot

I prefer my mesh boat bag for carrying gear to the site but I have seen people use that box as a mobile dive shop and table at the dive sites.

 

[flyboy08]

Yep, mesh bag for all except BC. BC slightly inflated on a hangar in the spare closet

 

[WarrenZ]

I have too much crap it exists on hangers, shelves, and bags in a closet for storage.

 

[Bob DBF]

I have too much crap it exists on hangers, shelves, and bags in a closet for storage.

Yeah, and since I've moved, half of mine is still packed in boxes. At least I have enough out to go diving when I want.

I do have a number of different boxes, mesh bags, old school Naugahyde bags, and backpacks none of which have wheels, but do have a couple of hand trucks folding and non, to avoid carrying gear when possible. I have not yet found one solution for transporting gear that works for every occasion. I have been diving for quite a while and have collected a number of trys at the perfect solution.


Bob

 

[maj2]

I use something like the Husky box shown by WarrenZ. Mine is made by Stanley though.

I cut some slots in the top of the box and use a couple of ratchet straps to fit up to two tanks on top of it. Very handy for at the quarry, or for other shore dives where there may be a longer walk from where I park to where I am diving. The tank arrangement means one trip instead of multiple trips. You will see that the top of the Husky box, that there are two depressions running the length of the box. Each one cradles a tank quite nicely. Just need to secure them (hence the slots and ratchet ties).

Note that the Husky and Stanley versions have bigger wheels and sturdier axles than the WalMart one. Much better for gravel rolling through gravel lots or other uneven terrain. I tried a different WalMart box for my daughter when she first got certified. Didn't take long before I got her the same box as I use. The little wheels on that box just didn't handle gravel parking lots very well.

Interesting aside... my daughter does equestrian (hunter-jumper) as well as scuba. Many of the other riders at her barn use the same boxes to haul their tack and supplies to equestrian shows.

 

[CanadaDan]

I have one of those portable closets with a breathable cover for in house long term storage. Keeps it hung, dry and clean. For transport and traveling (both to local sites and by air to more exotic locations) I use a Samsonite F'Lite GT Spinner suitcase. I just open it up when I get home, hang everything to dry and pack it up when I'm off on my next adventure.

 

[J322Y]

I was in Walmart and checked out the Sterilite. Seems a little lightweight....

 

[Plankton1066]

Bought this Mares Box. It's made for the job, more expensive than Walmart/Home Depot stuff but I've had it for two years, given it loads of abuse and it's going strong.

 

[Resqdivemedic]

I have been using the smaller version of the Husky box mentioned above. I added an aluminum plate with brackets and an old tank strap to haul a tank. It's just big enough to hold all me gear for any dive.

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• Resqdivemedic
• Mar 9, 2017

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• Resqdivemedic
• Mar 9, 2017