OtterBoxes

As hunters and/or anglers, there’s one major factor we have to deal with in the pursuit of the sport we take pleasure in… the weather!  In this country it’s gone haywire, one minute snow, the next rain, but more often just damp, dismal, and dull. Well out of that ‘doom and gloom’ can come some good and for me it was discovering the excellent range of OtterBoxes distributed in the UK by Whitby and Co.

The strange and almost ironic way I happened across these boxes was, at the back end of the season when my ‘piking buddy’ produced a trump card from his ‘tackle tart’ armoury of kit - an OtterBox!  “Pete, ever seen these”, he said. I just nodded saying “Yeah, they float, they’re waterproof, bombproof but when they leak you’ll chuck them in the bin.”

Now being one not to overlook something recommended – it was probably the fishless, very cold session that initially made me show little interest but I did ‘clock’ the name on the box. I checked on the web, and low and behold a range of waterproof boxes manufactured for items as diverse as cases for mobile phone, cases for iPods and laptops. As I perused around the American based website, I happened across a series of cases named ‘waterproof’ in the extensive OtterBox range that suit all outdoor activities, particularly hunting and fishing.
I began to read the build specifications, detailing and imagining the potential use of them. Then I realised I’d seen the name on the Whitby and Co website. So after a quick e-mail, they kindly sent a selection showing the range that will interest the hunter the most. So I’m now in a position to tell you of a range of products I feel have been sorely overlooked by many - especially me.

Waterproof

Basically, all OtterBoxes in the Waterproof series are the ones that should concern us due to the impressive build characteristics. The range consists of boxes denoted Series 1000 up to 8000. Basically the higher the number the larger the box, that’s with the exception of the 8000 series as these are a more specialised design being differently shaped from the others and configured to suit certain needs. More on those later, but first I’ll detail the OtterBox build as all share certain major traits that make them so useful and robust.

Made from a very hi-impact polymer material, they’re rated waterproof down to 100ft, ‘crushproof’, airtight and they float. OtterBox use the term ‘DryBox’ when referring to them and quite frankly I can’t think of a better term due to the specifications. All have piano hinges with high grade stainless steel pins on one side with one or two ‘clip over toughened ABS’ catches that secure the box closed. All the boxes have a lining of semi-hard foam to protect objects inside from scratches. Lids have very strong inner seals that mate up with seals on the inner rim of the lower part of the box. All have lanyard points (suitable lanyards supplied) but they also have a small hole for a padlock should you want to secure goods held inside when travelling or storing.

Little and Large

The 1000 series are the smallest but still useful as they measure 3.7” X 2.3” X 1.0” internally with an external measurement of 4.8” X 3.6” X 1.6”. These use a single clip over clasp to secure the lid opposite the piano hinge. As all are available in Clear or Black. The Clear version is ideal for a mobile phone or radio.

Next up are the 2000 and 2500 series. The difference here is the ‘500’ in the main number relating to this half sizing as it relates to it is almost a third deeper than the ‘K’ rating. For instance the 2000 measures 5.7” X 3.1” X .97” Internally and 6.8” X 4.5” X 1.8” externally. Move up to the 2500 models and you’re looking at the same length and width but almost a third more in depth. This can be used as a rule of thumb across the range until we come to the 8000 series as here the design/shape of the box changes drastically as they’re designed to be held on a belt. The lid is much narrower and they do have the look of a small litter bin but are just as robust as any in the range. The 8000 series all feature belt clips as well as lanyard points.  Very useful for kit needed to hand such as binoculars or rangefinder that can easily get soaked if left hanging around your neck.

There’s an OtterBox in the range to suit almost all eventualities and when you get to the larger 3250 series you’re looking at a box that would hold ammunition and such like while the lower 2000 or 2500 would be very useful for holding a first aid kit. Larger OtterBoxes are ideal for accessories or NV kit and some even used as hard range bags. In a word, these boxes are ‘Superb!’

OtterBoxes are priced as follows; 1000 £12.95, 2000 £17.95, 2500 £19.95, 3250 £24.95 and 8000 £21.95. For more information on the range and where you can buy them, contact Whitby and Co. on 01539 721032 or visit www.whitbyandco.co.uk