In 2007 we started designing a bear-proof dry box for river rafting in Alaska that had to meet the following criteria.

• Fits raft frames conveniently
• Fits in Cherokee 6 and/or Cessna 185 or 206 aircraft
• Can be portaged if necessary
• Will hold a Gott 120-qt. cooler
• Lids can be removed
• Boxes will nest inside each other

After designing three prototypes, we came up with a dry box that meets all of the above criteria and has been tested and approved at the Missoula Technology and Development Center (USDA Forest Service). This facility conducts tests for the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Bear-Resistant Container Testing Program.

Specifications

• The box is constructed of #5052H32 aluminum with a thickness of .12 inches.
• Box dimensions at the top are 22" W x 42" L x 19" H. The base is slightly smaller to accept nesting.
• Box weight is approximately 60 lbs.
• The lid is hinged with 5/16 diameter cap screws that slide through tubing and are held in lace with Nylock nuts. The front is locked in place with the same tubing arrangement with two detent pins.
• D-rings can be added to individual specifications.
• The box can be made smaller or non-nestable. If the box is enlarged more than a couple of inches, Dick Karsky (USDA, Missoula, MT) would have to be consulted. His telephone number is 406-644-5729.

Fabricator

Our prototype boxes were fabricated by Waterman Welding in Kanab, Utah.
435-644-5729.

For More Information