I recently bought some containers that I wanted to use for geocaches. They're similar to Lock & Lock containers, but are different brands, namely Rubbermaid and Sterilite. Unfortunately they're not watertight, so I'm not sure that I'll be able to use them. (I think the problem is that their sealing rings are made of plastic, and are too rigid to form a tight seal.)

I've seen other brands used for caches; I think they're SnapWare or SnapLock. I don't know if they're any better than the ones I've tried.

Does anyone know which brands work well? Is Lock & Lock the best? Where can I buy them locally? I've tried Target and Kmart, and only found the inferior ones that I mentioned.

We've had good luck so far with Snapware - they're decent-quality containers that fit within our budget, and the sealing ring is pretty pliable. Unless you're planning an underwater cache (hey, there's an idea!), they stand up to Humboldt weather nicely. We get them at Hensel's in Arcata at the little housewares satellite store, across the parking lot from the main store.

Thanks, humspuds! I'll stop by Hensel's next time I'm in Arcata.

When you're on your way to log The "Day" Challenge you might want to stop at the Folsom Factory Stores and check out the two kitchen stores. Several years ago I bought an entire Lock n Lock nested combo pack for a good price. I might still have a few around the house; if so, I'll drop one off at All about the Numbers for you. Now, where was that cache again?

If you're going to the Folsom Factory Stores, don't miss Nocturnal Immersion (A Night Cache), but watch out for rattlesnakes.

I was at Costco today and noticed that they sell Snapware, including a 13-piece set for $18.99. The fine print said:

• Airtight. Keeps food fresh
• Not recommended for puzzle caches.

Now you tell me. I bought 3 pieces for $15.23 at Hensel's today.


Luckily the ones I bought had no such warning.

And they do seem to be watertight. Of course, if they get sand around the lids, they may not stay that way. I guess I'll have to come up with some really difficult puzzles, so the caches won't get opened very often.

Don't forget that "13 pieces" may mean six containers, six lids, and the box they come in. I should have paid more attention, but since none of them had logbooks inside I didn't linger. (Hey, there's an idea!)

NO YOU CANT... well i guess you could

I checked again at Costco but couldn't find the 13-piece Snapware set. They had the glass Snapware and the 30-something set, but the 13-piece set was mysteriously missing. But then on my way out I saw them in a display up near the registers disguised as a Snapware lunch kit with six containers, six lids, and a handy tote bag. I guess the bag is for swag.

LULZ