Many canoe trippers like to use a box or wannigan for their camp kitchen components. Unfortunately, these containers can be uncomfortable to carry, and because they are difficult to seal, they can fill with water after a capsize.

Keep your cookware dry

A lighter and waterproof alternative is a plastic box inside a waterproof portage pack. A Rubbermaid brand"Roughneck Rough Tote" Storage container, size 24" x 16" x 12.5" (63 liter/quart), just happens to fit into a Cascade Designs Boundary Pack or Pro Pack waterproof vinyl portage pack in the 6,940 cu in (115 liter) size.

The box slides in more easily with Armor-All or car wax such as Turtle Wax on the edges of the tote and the inside of the pack.

To keep the box lid on, attach with a webbing strap diagonally around the handles as in the photo.

Insert with the lid side of the tote to the shoulder strap side of the bag - that way the straps will be out of the bilge water. The lid has a raised lip that you may be able to feel against your back when carrying, but I make the lid flat and soft by filling the recess in the lid with the folded kitchen tarp.

Buoyancy bonus - this waterproof box system will also provide useful flotation even when empty, as long as it is lashed down firmly into the boat.

Move on to The old rolltop drybag trick

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