The challenge was simple: plenty of space; protection for the contents; must withstand the elements; simple for one person to manage.

In preparation for a road trip across America from Charleston, South Carolina, to Prescott, Arizona, in a Unimog, I opted to transport all my gear in an aluminium case. The idea was to pack everything I needed for the 14 day journey, except my camera, lenses and electronics, into the case for the flights to and from the US. Once on the ground and in the truck, I would rearrange everything and safekeep my photographic equipment in the case en route. The case needed to be easy to manhandle on my own and should have adjustable partitioning inside. Upon my return to Germany, it was already earmarked to store my bike gear, except for my helmet, when I’m travelling by car or truck between rides.

The candidate: Zarges K 424 XC full equipment package 41817. Measuring 800 x 400 x 455 mm and capable of consuming 99 litres, this case is able to cope with everything I wanted on my trip as well as my boots, jacket, trousers, protectors and other small biking items in future. Two integrated wheels and a telescopic handle turn heaving it across an airport into a simple stroll. Inside there is a removable inner case with dividers which can be positioned at will and held in place with velcro. Attached to the inside of the lid is a document bag large enough to hold my iPad and other desktop utensils I need when I’m out of the office.

It’s been nearly twelve months since the beginning of this relationship and we have been on several long and short haul flights as well as trips where the case has been in the back of a 4×4, on the bed of a pick-up or in the storage bay of a truck. Since the outset, there is little to show other than a small dent and the disappearance of one of the locks, both of which can be traced back to baggage handlers and airport security—the latter problem can be avoided if you use TSA-padlocks.

The inner case has proven exceptionally useful in organising contents and preventing sensitive equipment from being thrown around if the case is not filled completely. The integral wheels and trolley handle are a blessing on smooth floors and can be improved with a longer axle and two large rubber wheels for more demanding terrain.

Despite the telescopic handle and integral wheels, the case can still be stacked and does not forfeit any of the other typical Zarges properties.

Challenge accepted and fulfilled!

ZARGES

This post was originally published in the Autumn 2017 issue of Overland Journal Europe

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General construction is 1- to 1.5-mm formed aluminum with beaded walls and corners for increased dimensional strength. All joints are riveted and sealed, the stainless steel piano hinge is robust, and spring-loaded handles on each end make for an easy carry. The lid opens to about 110 degrees and is held in place by two webbed straps. When the lockable, stainless steel latches are cinched down, a polyurethane gasket on the lid seals the cases airtight. All are IP54 rated for water intrusion (IP65 is available), ATA (Air Transportation Association) 300 Category I approved, and meet MIL-STD-810 and 461 standards for structural integrity.

The K470 series is available in 25 standard sizes, but custom units can be built for specific needs. My cases are 23.6 x 15.7 x 13.4 inches, weigh in at 11 pounds each, and fit perfectly with my other gear (the cost for this size is $305). I’m using one for my mess kit, the other for food storage. Another nice feature is the formed cast-aluminum corners, which allow me to stack one case atop another without fear of having it shift or slip off. I suggest they thread the corners and offer adjustable, screw-in legs to allow the case to be used as a table.

Although the cases come from Zarges unlined, Bauer Cases now offers CNC-cut, .25-inch, 6-pound Stratocell (closed-cell) foam liner kits. I found two distinct advantages to the liner: protection of content and sound insulation. Overall I’ve been really happy with this storage upgrade. The K470s are lightweight, rugged, and weather resistant. If I need to pack them for a flight, I know they are certified for most consumer products. Bravo!

ZARGES

This article first appeared in the Summer 2016 edition of Overland Journal Europe.

Words and images: Chris Collard

The post Zarges K470 Cases – Quality storage solutions for the long haul appeared first on overland-europe.