Customer Reviews

Contico 23-gallon Storage Locker

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have used these for decades and loved them because they were so useful for the price. [...].

Because these were strong, inexpensive and lightweight, I have found them a godsend for for air travel. They are allowable size for transatlantic airline luggage (check with your airline, or course). I have checked two of these as my baggage allowance. I think it is pointless to pay a lot for heavy luggage--you want the weight to be for the stuff you want to move, not the container. Customs will occasionally ask what's inside ("household items and toys") but have never looked inside. The latches can open in transport, so they need to be taped closed. If the contents are very heavy, it helps to tape the hand-grips on the ends. I usually tape around the whole thing for good measure.

These can crack if they get bumped hard, especially on the wheels or the corners. This has happened, but not a big problem as the shell is hard enough to keep all the stuff inside even when cracked--and they used to be inexpensive enough to buy a new one. I have used the same ones for several flights before they cracked. If they crack they are still good for storage.

I am a Photographer and I now own 5 of these lockers, there made of heavy PVC and hold up to just about anything, I even find myself standing on it from time to time to reach something on the upper shelf. They lock into each other so there easy to store, one on top of another. I take one with me to a shoot, more then enough room for all my equipment and the wheels on one end makes it easy to haul around.. Just wish they would have put a handle on the other end.. So I bought one at Home Depot.

Just received this locker for summer camp trip. It will work, but barely. It is not strong enough. The lid is weak, you cannot sit on it. The breather holes will let bugs in. It does roll. The latches look ok. I'm afraid it will not hold up for camp.

Increased rating to a 3, since box and latches have held up under light use.

I am the Scoutmaster for a Boy Scout Troop and we have used this storage Locker for 11 years without problem. It is lockable (a must for summer camp) and resilient. The real big pluses include:
It fits neatly under the cot for storage during the day and at night without interfering with sleeping.
It stacks nicely in a trailer, letting you maximize use of space. This is very important to us since we take over 70 Scouts to summer camp each year...space is at a premium.
It is large enough to handle clothes and other camp necessities for the week.
It protects against clothes getting wet from the rain, but has some vents under the handles to allow it to breath if some moist air does get in. (most likely from wet swim trunks or towels which should have been hung up to dry)

I have seen another review that says:

"It is not strong enough. The lid is weak, you cannot sit on it." Another review says an adult stands on it...I have found it plenty sturdy enough for a youth to sit on and even an adult, but we try and encourage them to sit in chairs and not on their lockers.
"The breather holes will let bugs in." I have not found bugs crawling into these lockers. The holes are there to let the locker breathe...after a week at summer camp you will appreciate the holes when you open the locker to remove the clothes, at least some of the stench has been allowed to "air out."
"I'm afraid it will not hold up for camp." I have been using the same tote for summer camp now for 11 years. My son used his for 8 years of summer camp and it is still in great shape. You be the judge.

So overall I can say this review represents the cumulative experience of hundreds of young Scouts and adults using this tote at summer camp without reservation or reluctance.