The 7 Best Camping Storage Boxes, Tested
6 / 7
Most Durable Hard-Sided Camping Storage Box
YETI Loadout GoBox
The YETI Loadout GoBox is submersible in water and completely dustproof, with YETI claiming that it’s “virtually indestructible” (terminology the brand uses because, as stated on the website, they can’t legally advertise the box as unbreakable).
It certainly feels unbreakable, though, I’ll say. I have the 15-liter YETI Loadout GoBox, and this thing is sturdy. Empty, it weighs 7 1/2 pounds, a tribute to the thick, durable plastic used in its construction.
This box meets the international ratings for IP65 (dust-tight and protected against water jets) and IP67 (dust-tight and protected from the effects of water immersion up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes). We’re definitely not suggesting that you should intentionally submerge your GoBox, but we are saying that you can certainly take this out on the water and not worry about the contents getting saturated, even on white-water rafting trips.
Similar to a tackle box, the GoBox 15 comes with one organizational caddy that works well for storing loose items. I’ve packed and unpacked my GoBox multiple times to see what it best stores for my purposes, and I’m leaning toward dedicating it as an extra camp pantry. There’s not much cabinet space in my camper van, and the GoBox offers plenty of space for camp snacks. (It’s not a cooler, so don’t put ice in it.)
That said, the 15-liter size would also make for a great first-aid box, a dedicated space for camp and RV cleaning supplies, a tackle box for anglers, or even a watertight, dustproof camera case.
The GoBox is available in a 30-liter size and a 60-liter size, too, both of which can be used to store and organize everything from a full camp kitchen to a hobby gear set.
Pros
- Completely submersible in water
- Dustproof
- Extremely durable
- Flip-up handle
- Comes with a caddy and/or dividers depending on size bought
Cons
- Expensive
- On the heavier side when empty
7 / 7
Best Budget Camping Storage Box
Ozark Trail Marine Storage Box
If you’re looking for a simple, inexpensive storage box for camping, I recommend the Ozark Trail Marine Storage Box. Ozark Trail may be known as “the Walmart brand,” but honestly, there’s nothing wrong with that. Not only do I like the Ozark Trail Marine Storage Box for keeping small items safe and dry, but I also have an Ozark Trail hiking backpack that I’ve been using for more than six years and prefer over my packs from higher-end brands.
The Marine Storage Box is a great pick for anyone who needs reliable, dry storage but isn’t worried about ultra-durability or complete waterproofness. Not that it isn’t durable or water-resistant—it is—but it’s not built like the YETI GoBox or RUX 70L. However, it also costs less than $20, so I say that’s a mighty fine trade.
This box features dual clasps with stainless steel hardware to prevent rust and corrosion, and it comes with a caddy to organize small items, making it a perfect choice for a tackle box. That’s far from the only use, though. I use mine to store safety and first aid items, as well as a variety of tools. From Band-Aids to allen keys to fire starters and extra headlamps, this box is perfect for miscellaneous camp essentials.
One of my favorite features is the molded caddy, which helps organize loose, small items such as safety pins, clothespins, rolls of tape and microfiber clothes. The box itself is lightweight, weighing just 3 pounds when empty, and it has a flip-up handle on the top for transporting it. When the handle is down, the lid is designed so that you can stack another Ozark Trail box on top.
While it may not be as robust as some of the other best camping storage options, you can’t beat the Ozark Trail Marine Storage Box for less than $20.
Pros
- Very budget-friendly
- Comes with an organizational caddy
- Lightweight
- Stainless steel hardware
- Comfortable handle
- Compression-fit lid for water resistance
Cons
- Not as robust or durable as more expensive options
Other Camping Storage Boxes We Considered
Here’s a look at a few other products we considered for this guide.
- ROAM Rugged Case 83L Rugged Case: This is a good option for roof storage on a vehicle with a compatible roof rack. It’s low-profile, great for storing long, slender items like foldable camp chairs, multi-burner camp stoves, or outdoor tools like shovels.
- Stacking Shelf Container 50: This interesting, origami-like storage solution is more like a bucket or tray than a box. It doesn’t have a lid, but is infinitely stackable with other Stacking Shelf Containers. These containers fold open to store bulky or odd-shaped items like firewood.
- Plano Storage Trunk: Lockable and airline-friendly, the Plano Storage Trunk would be a good option for someone who needs to fly with a gear box. This trunk also has wheels on the underside for easy transportation, and it’s available in three sizes.
What to Look for When Buying Camping Storage Boxes
While we’re sure you won’t be disappointed by any of our top picks for the best camping storage boxes, we encourage you to determine your individual needs before purchasing one. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Interior Capacity
The first thing to determine before buying a camping storage box is how much space you need. Box ratings are typically presented in liters or quarts; obviously, the higher the number, the more items it can fit.
10 to 20 liters: Personal-sized, easy to carry, lightweight; great for first-aid or emergency boxes, fishing equipment, small miscellaneous items, snacks, or bringing on a small water vessel such as a kayak.
25 to 50 liters: Medium-sized, still easy for one person to carry; ideal for some camp kitchen items,
More than 50 liters: Large, likely heavy when full; ideal for storing an entire camp kitchen including a stove, as well as bulky or oddly shaped gear.
Construction
Decide if you want a hard-sided or soft-sided box. Hard-sided boxes are ideal if durability is your main concern, but soft-sided boxes are great for saving space when not in use, since they can collapse or fold.
Additionally, look for these features:
- Padlock compatibility
- Organizational caddies or pockets
- Exterior storage, such as a daisy-chain
- Non-skid exterior bottom
Depending on your needs, some or all of the above features will come in handy.
IP Ratings
IP ratings tell you how protective a box is against solid objects, like dust, and water. The first number in an IP rating refers to the protection against solid objects; the second number refers to the level of protection against water.
If you are concerned about either, you’ll want a box with an IP rating of at least IP54, which indicates that the product is dust-resistant and protected from splashing water at any angle.
The highest rating is IP69, which indicates that the product is completely dustproof and waterproof against severe jets of water at high temperatures from any angle. The IP68 rating indicates that the product can be submersed at a depth of up to 1 meter for more than 30 minutes (as specified by the manufacturer) without damage.
Carrying Handles
Smaller boxes typically only come with one flip-up handle or a pair of side handles, but larger boxes should be equipped with more than one way to carry it. Depending on your preferences, you may want a storage box with tote handles, long handles you can sling over your shoulder, or backpack-style straps (or all of the above, as on the RUX 70L).
Why You Should Trust Us
Not only am I an outdoors enthusiast with years of camping experience (who is moving into a camper van full-time and getting very good use out of these camping storage boxes), but I am also an experienced commerce writer who knows how to pick out the great, good, bad, and ugly of a product. I’ve been testing, reviewing, and writing about products for the better part of a decade, and it has always been my goal to lead buyers to the products that are right for them and within their budget.
How We Found the Best Camping Storage Boxes
This guide to the best camping storage boxes began with research—lots and lots of research. Our team of expert shoppers and editors combed through webpages to find the best boxes with the best specs for the best prices. We also read customer reviews on manufacturer sites and on Amazon to understand customer sentiment around these products and see if certain products lived up to their reputation.
Our team then created a shortlist of products, ordered them, and sent them out for testing. I personally tested the Dometic GO Hard Storage Box (50L), Dometic GO Soft Storage Box (20L and 10L), YETI Loadout GoBox (15L), North Face Base Camp Box (58L), and Ozark Trail Marine Storage Box (large). Family Handyman Shopping Editor Mary Henn tested the RUX 70L box.
After testing, each box was assigned a superlative based on its best features and the special uses we think it brings to the table. For instance, the RUX 70L has proved to be the most durable soft-side box based on its construction and performance, so it earned that title in this guide. Ultimately, this guide to the best camping storage is the culmination of our experiences with the products, customer sentiment, and our expertise as shopping editors.
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