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Friday, 01 June 2007

Reliable waterproof storage for valuables

Although I'm yet to put the pictured waterproof Pelican Micro cases to the real-world test (in a dumped kayak, for example), I can speak with conviction on the reliability of this series of waterproof cases. The reason for that is that I used to sell them, as well as the fact that I used to own one, before losing it to the ether while shifting house. And the Pelican Micro cases weren't the only ones we sold, but they were the only ones we never got back with complaints - something that I always take as a good sign.

Pelican Micro Case series

It's not just the fact that these cases are reliably waterproof that I am so fond of them. It's also that their base is lined with electrometric rubber (whatever that is) that creates a soft shock absorbing padding for stored items, as well as forming part of the seal. And unlike the 'waterproof' roll-top satchels that I've been using, they're also crushproof. They even have their own automatic pressure purge valve for ease of opening. And to top all this off, they're guaranteed for life.

Tales from the tank

All of these factors are why I chose the Pelican Micro cases as my foolproof storage solution for kayak fishing purposes. Whilst they are more expensive than most other solutions around, I have full confidence in these to do their job reliably. Of the 7 assorted sizes, I selected 3 - the 1010, 1040, 1060. The latter of which is large enough to hold my GPS, UHF Radio and Mobile phone, the 1040 to hold my wallet and keys (pictured above, photographed from the depths of a fish tank) and the 1010 for my Olympus 725 SW digital camera.

Sure the camera is already waterproof and all, but that doesn't mean I want salt water splashing over it all day long - but I do want it on stand by and readily accessible. The little Pelican 1010 model is perfect for this, as are the others I selected for their intended purpose. Safelty attached to the Outback carry handle by it's lanyard, the camera is nicely protected from water and impact and is accessible enough for small windows of photographic opportunities.

The Bubble wrap mod

You will note that in the photo of the 1010, I've taped some bubble wrap to the top of the lid. This part of the case isn't cushioned and I reckon that this little addition will provide just that bit more protection for valuables, as well as reduced noise from things bumping around.

Unlike most products that I purchase whenever reliability is paramount, I actually picked these up through an online store. The main reason I took this path was simply that they are so much cheaper in the states than in Australia - even when you pay for the freight yourself. These things are hideously expensive in most of the retail stores I've seen them in (including the one I sold them from), so given my confidence in the product was already high it was easy for me to take that plunge. My fellow Aussie kayaking comrades may just want to visit Gad-Zooks.com to see just how much cheaper they are.