THE ADVENTURE DISPATCH

View Original

Ultimate Waterproof & Durable Gear Storage: Gregory Alpaca 45 for Your Outdoor Adventures

Imagine this: You’re deep in the heart of a rugged wilderness, the sky suddenly darkens, and a torrential downpour begins. As the rain pelts down, you realize you’re cool as a cucumber. Why? You know your essential gear is safely tucked away in the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box. No frantic midnight scurries to cover gear, or sorting soggy equipment—just peace of mind. May as well crack another hazy. I’m a gear organization nerd, a trait that I share with many outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and gearheads alike. Having reliable gear storage can make all the difference.

Let’s talk about the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box - a game-changer for me in the world of outdoor storage solutions and gear organiztion. This is part of the Alpaca Gear Organization System that Gregory released this year (2024). The kit consists of these Storage boxes, Gear Pods, Gear Basket, 30L Tote, Gear Wagon & 2 duffels. In this blog post, I’m only focusing on the Gear Box. I’ll jump into the standout features, pros, and (very few) cons of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box, and suggest why it belongs in your car camping setup.

Remember that I receive a tiny commission whenever you buy something after clicking one of our links, even if you decide to buy something else. This is a major factor in keeping our content free and funding our my team, and I appreciate your help!

USE CODE “NICK15” at Gregory.com to save 15% on your order!!

Features of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box

  1. Unmatched Waterproof and Dustproof Protection

The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box is engineered to shield your gear from the harshest elements. With an IP65 rating, this storage box is both waterproof and dustproof. What’s that mean? Your equipment stays dry and clean regardless of where your adventures lead you. Whether you’re set up in a rainy forest or alongside a dusty trail (I’m looking at you, Arizona), the Alpaca 45 stands strong af. Gregory has slapped it with rigorous water jet tests, and it won - meaning it can withstand being sprayed from any angle without allowing water to get in. This level of protection is crucial for outdoor enthusiasts who depend on their gear to perform flawlessly in all weather conditions.

2. Innovative Clearview Lid

One of my favorite features of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box is its Clearview Polycarbonate lid. This transparent lid allows you to instantly locate your gear without the need to open the box. I currently own 2 of these. One is my camp kitchen set, and the other is my camp equipment set - things like a tent, chairs, hammocks, electronics bag, and tarp. The Clearview lid is equipped with a gasket seal, ensuring a tight closure that keeps out water and dust. Made from high-impact polycarbonate, the lid is not only transparent but also exceptionally durable and resistant to heavy impacts, safeguarding your valuable gear from potential damage.

3. Removable, FlipFlop Hinged Lid

The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box lid is also a removable, FlipFlop hinged lid. This innovative design allows you to open the lid from either side, providing easy access to your gear from multiple angles. The combination of hinges and latch mechanisms guarantees that the lid remains secure during transit while offering flexibility in how you access your gear. I can’t even begin to tell you how useful this is both at camp and while packing at home. Though I have seen boxes use this feature, I haven’t seen it executed as well as Gregory has done with it.

4. lockable Lid slots

Dude, this is HUGE! The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box can also be locked by using the 2 slots on either side of the lid. Just drop a combo padlock (like these) on either side and, boom, you’re secure! Bonus: you don’t have to remove both of them to access your goods in the box thanks to that dual hinge. I keep everything in the bed of my Tacoma and although I have a bed rack that covers most of it, it still leaves things accessible for any (asshole) to reach in a grab things. This was actually the first question I had asked when the Gregory team had told me about these Gear Boxes coming out. So stoked they included a way to lock them!! You could also pass a strap through these slots if you wanted to securely tie these down. The slots are 1” long.

5. Built for Durability

Durability is a cornerstone of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box. The molded bottom is designed to handle heavy loads and rough handling, ensuring that the box remains stable and secure even when fully packed. Constructed from 50% recycled materials, the bottom not only reflects Gregory’s commitment to sustainability but also maintains exceptional strength and durability. Additionally, the box’s stacking design allows multiple units to be stacked neatly, optimizing storage efficiency and saving valuable space.

6. Water Channeling and Drainage Design

Beyond its waterproof properties, the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box features a sophisticated water channeling and drainage system. The top lid is meticulously designed to channel water away and facilitate efficient drainage, preventing water from pooling on the box’s surface. This is particularly beneficial in wet environments, as it ensures that no excess water remains on top, further protecting the contents inside. Real world example of how badass this is: I often use these as a tabletop surface on the tailgate of the Tacoma. I wasn’t paying attention after adding in all of the spices to my Ramen dinner and the Jetboil overflowed - spilling goodness everywhere. The liquid rolled straight off the Gear box, and not a single drop of ramen juice got inside.

7. Customizable Storage Options

Organization is key when it comes to managing outdoor gear, and the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box doesn’t show up to the party alone. The box is compatible with 5L and 10L Alpaca Gear Pods (sold separately), allowing you to tailor the interior layout to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re organizing camping equipment, photography gear, tools, or other essentials, these Gear Pods provide dedicated spaces, ensuring that everything has its place.

8. Lifetime Warranty for Peace of Mind

Gregory stands firmly behind the quality and durability of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box with a comprehensive lifetime warranty. This assurance provides customers with confidence that their investment is protected and that their gear will remain secure and well-maintained for years to come. Whether you’re venturing into the wilderness or simply storing equipment at home, the lifetime warranty underscores Gregory’s commitment to delivering reliable, long-lasting products.

Pros and Cons of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box

While the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box offers a plethora of impressive features, it’s important to consider both the advantages and potential drawbacks to make an informed decision. If I’m being 100%, I am stretching on trying to come up with cons, but I want to try to deliver the most accurate and unbiased review - though, I admit, I am biased. These are the jam!

Pros

1. Exceptional Waterproofing and Dustproofing:

The IP65 rating ensures that your gear remains dry and protected from dust, making it ideal for various outdoor conditions.

2. Clearview Lid for Easy Access:

The transparent polycarbonate lid allows for quick identification of contents without opening the box. Convenient AF.

3. Flexible Access with LOCKABLE FlipFlop Hinged Lid:

The ability to open the lid from either side provides versatile access, especially in tight or awkward spaces. Having slots to drop padlocks into and keep sticky fingers out is a huge benefit - especially to those with pickup trucks. Those slots are also about 1” long so a strap could pass through if you wanted to tie these things down.

4. Durable Construction:

Built from high-impact materials and 50% recycled content, the Alpaca 45 is designed to endure heavy use and harsh environments.

5. Efficient Water Drainage:

The water channeling and drainage design prevent water accumulation, adding an extra layer of protection for your gear.

6. Customizable Storage Solutions:

Compatibility with Alpaca Gear Pods allows for personalized organization, catering to a wide range of gear types.

7. Lifetime Warranty:

Gregory’s lifetime warranty offers peace of mind, ensuring long-term reliability and support.

8. Stackable Design:

Multiple boxes can be stacked neatly, optimizing storage space and maintaining organization.

Cons

1. Higher Price Point:

To some, the advanced features and durable construction of the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box come at a premium price, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. In the end, it’s just a storage container, right? Nope - I personally disagree. It’s a storage container on steroids that feels like it was built just for people like you and me.

2. Additional Cost for Gear Pods:

While the storage options are customizable, the Alpaca Gear Pods are sold separately, potentially increasing the overall investment needed for optimal organization. Again, this isn’t so much of a con because the gear pods are incredibly useful outside of being used with the gear box.

3. Size:

This is a brand new product, so it is only available in the 45L size. I would love to see a larger version of this in the future. Right now I use the popular 24 Gal Action Packer for my bigger items. It works, but I would like to get the features of the alpaca line in that size.

4. Limited Color Options:

Depending on user preference, the available color options for the gear box might be limited. It comes in 2 colors right now: Mirage Tan and Slate Blue. I think they nailed it with these. Again, not bright ass red like the Husky boxes, and by giving 2 options, it makes it easier to identify your boxes by color. “Kitchen in Blue. Sleeping Gear in Tan.”


Conclusion

The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box transcends the typical storage solution, offering a robust, protective, and versatile container tailored to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts and travelers. Its waterproof and dustproof construction ensures that your gear remains safe and dry, no matter the conditions. Innovative features like the lockable Clearview lid and FlipFlop hinged design provide unparalleled convenience and accessibility, while the durable build guarantees longevity even under the toughest circumstances. The customizable storage options with Alpaca Gear Pods allow for personalized organization, making it easier than ever to keep your gear in order.

Whether you’re braving the elements on a wilderness campout or simply seeking a dependable way to store your equipment at home, the Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box stands out as one of my personal favorites. Its lifetime warranty further reinforces its reliability, giving you the confidence to invest in a storage solution that won’t let you down. Ready to upgrade your gear storage? The Gregory Alpaca 45 Gear Storage Box is waiting to be your new adventure companion. Don’t leave your next expedition to chance—equip yourself with the best and embark with confidence.


Share on Pinterest!


See this gallery in the original post