Storage Bins

Discuss being prepared for contingencies and emergencies. Oh yeah, and the coming Zombie Apocalypse, of course!
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campinginaz
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Storage Bins

#1

Post by campinginaz »

I'm wondering what you guys are using for storage bins to store your be prepared items. I have a Rubbermaid Action Packer for camping storage that is pretty durable.

Here is a link to the one I have. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubbermaid-2 ... lsrc=aw.ds

I definitely want something durable but not too expensive as these items can add up quickly.

What are you using?


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Re: Storage Bins

#2

Post by Kingjoey »

These are what I use, they are much stronger than a regular tote, they latch shut, and they stack like Legos

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plano-s ... -100168779
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Re: Storage Bins

#3

Post by AZ_Five56 »

Kingjoey wrote: November 7th, 2022, 6:29 pm These are what I use, they are much stronger than a regular tote, they latch shut, and they stack like Legos

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plano-s ... -100168779
This is what I use too, and they're awesome. They do come in different sizes, and I think I've purchased them at Home Depot.
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campinginaz
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Re: Storage Bins

#4

Post by campinginaz »

Thank you both, I'm looking into those now as well. Much cheaper for sure!!!

Also found this size for 5 more bucks.

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/plano-m ... rage-trunk
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Re: Storage Bins

#5

Post by baja »

I've used and own both the Action Packers and the Planos. I think they're both good boxes, just depends on your individual needs.
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Re: Storage Bins

#6

Post by campinginaz »

baja wrote: November 8th, 2022, 3:32 pm I've used and own both the Action Packers and the Planos. I think they're both good boxes, just depends on your individual needs.
Do you feel that one is better quality than the other? I want these to hold be prepared items on shelves and then be able to stack them in the truck bed with my camper shell. I don't think they will get much abuse (unless SHTF lol).
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Re: Storage Bins

#7

Post by baja »

The Action Packers are probably the toughest for sheer abuse, but, they don't lock together when stacked, on the smaller one the sides angle in a lot so the bottom is quite a bit smaller than the lid and the lid is basically flat.

The Planos fit together when stacked, the side walls are straighter making the Interior roomier and the lid is slightly domed for yet more room.

I used to use the AP's for camping but switched to the Plano. Oh, and I like the color better. 😎

If you can, check them both out in person.
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Re: Storage Bins

#8

Post by Azgunlover69 »

campinginaz wrote: November 7th, 2022, 12:53 pm I'm wondering what you guys are using for storage bins to store your be prepared items. I have a Rubbermaid Action Packer for camping storage that is pretty durable.

Here is a link to the one I have. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubbermaid-2 ... lsrc=aw.ds

I definitely want something durable but not too expensive as these items can add up quickly.

What are you using?
I will tell ya that when my uncle passed away he had a ton of stuff stored away in those action packers and the containers just didn't seem to hold up well over time. I have no idea how long he had them stored but I'm sure it was 20+ years. Maybe thats good, maybe not. Just food for thought.
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Re: Storage Bins

#9

Post by campinginaz »

baja wrote: November 8th, 2022, 5:15 pm The Action Packers are probably the toughest for sheer abuse, but, they don't lock together when stacked, on the smaller one the sides angle in a lot so the bottom is quite a bit smaller than the lid and the lid is basically flat.

The Planos fit together when stacked, the side walls are straighter making the Interior roomier and the lid is slightly domed for yet more room.

I used to use the AP's for camping but switched to the Plano. Oh, and I like the color better. 😎

If you can, check them both out in person.
Definitely a great idea, I have an Action Packer (just one) but I'll have to see if a store has both, if not I can get by with seeing the Plano in person.
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Re: Storage Bins

#10

Post by campinginaz »

Azgunlover69 wrote: November 8th, 2022, 10:16 pm
campinginaz wrote: November 7th, 2022, 12:53 pm I'm wondering what you guys are using for storage bins to store your be prepared items. I have a Rubbermaid Action Packer for camping storage that is pretty durable.

Here is a link to the one I have. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubbermaid-2 ... lsrc=aw.ds

I definitely want something durable but not too expensive as these items can add up quickly.

What are you using?
I will tell ya that when my uncle passed away he had a ton of stuff stored away in those action packers and the containers just didn't seem to hold up well over time. I have no idea how long he had them stored but I'm sure it was 20+ years. Maybe thats good, maybe not. Just food for thought.
Oh good to know, I just have one Action Packer that I keep my camp stove and camp grill in, so far it has been good. I've only had it for a couple of years or so.
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Re: Storage Bins

#11

Post by campinginaz »

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Re: Storage Bins

#12

Post by AZ_Five56 »

campinginaz wrote: November 9th, 2022, 2:31 pm I might look at these as well.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Gal- ... /205978361
I have some of these. The totes are fine, but the lids can crack if weight is not distributed evenly on top of them. I also don't like that the lids sink down below the edge of the tote.
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Re: Storage Bins

#13

Post by campinginaz »

AZ_Five56 wrote: November 10th, 2022, 12:21 am
campinginaz wrote: November 9th, 2022, 2:31 pm I might look at these as well.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Gal- ... /205978361
I have some of these. The totes are fine, but the lids can crack if weight is not distributed evenly on top of them. I also don't like that the lids sink down below the edge of the tote.
Great points for sure, I looked at these yesterday but didn't buy them.
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Re: Storage Bins

#14

Post by campinginaz »

I went to Home Depot yesterday (much closer than Bass Pro for me). I compared these 3 bins. While i don't think any of these are as sturdy as my Action Packer they are much cheaper and I think any of these will do. I really like the Plano 56 Qt. so I will probably order those from Bass Pro (since they are cheaper and in green). The size seems like a great fit for my shelves and my truck bed.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plano-56-Qt ... /308744534

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Plano-68-qt ... /312081519

https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Gal- ... /205978361

I took pictures to show a comparison but I'm having trouble uploading them.

Edit. I just ordered 8 of these from Bass Pro, got free express shipping, signed up for text alerts (that I will cancel) and saved an extra $10 which basically paid the tax plus a few extra pennies.

Thank you everyone for your input on this!
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Re: Storage Bins

#15

Post by Epic_Ed »

Those Plano totes are solid. The HDX tote with the yellow lid has held up well, but it's an oddball size and doesn't stack or rack very well with my shelving. If you're just looking to use these for home storage or out in the garage, you'll really want to consider which size and dimensions work well with your shelving options.

If you're looking for bomber totes for the vehicle that can be attached to the roof rack, you'll want to spend the extra dollars and get a Pelican, ROAM, or similar.
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