Keeping your camping gear and tools safe from damage is imperative, or else you could find yourself in tricky situations in the wilderness, and have to replace expensive devices.

However, an expertly engineered hard case can offer invaluable protection to your goods in outdoor environments.

Equipped with their knowledge of protective cases and custom foam inserts, our specialists explain exactly what you should look for when choosing a suitable and dependable case for safeguarding your camping equipment.

What should a reliable equipment case look like?

When shopping for a new container to carry your outdoor kit securely and guard it against the elements, it should exhibit the following traits:

Extreme protection against damage

From impacts to extreme temperatures, your new case must be extremely durable and resilient.

You could encounter some tough terrains out in the great outdoors that may lead to slips or falls, causing you to drop your equipment from steeper heights onto harsher surfaces.

This means the case you select must provide exceptional levels of protection from knocks, impacts and crushing to shield your camping gear from impact damage.

A good way of evaluating a case’s durability against impacts, vibrations and extreme temperatures is by checking its accreditation.

Peli cases for example, have undergone strict tests for water and dust ingress protection (IP), to achieve their IP rating rated to keep out dust & moisture – IP67 can withstand submersion in 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes.

Stanag 4280/Def Stan 81-41 certification signifies that a case is compliant with the standards set by both the UK military and NATO, so you know it will preserve your expensive camping goods.

A custom foam insert

Custom foam inserts are the key to offering the best protection for your outdoor equipment – these are the bespoke interiors that slot into the case and keep your items firmly in place within cushioned pockets, ensuring your belongings stay organised and don’t shift as you move from A to B.

Without a custom foam insert for your case, your delicate tools, devices and instruments could break, become scratched whilst loose in the case & not separated in specially cut compartments cut to the shape of the items.

What’s more, they could also be exposed to vibration damage – but with a foam interior, the foam material absorbs the vibrations and weakens their force.

Custom foam inserts are cut to your exact specifications and can therefore hold all kinds of camping gear, such as:

Fishing rods and bite alarms
GoPros, drones and cameras
Portable chargers, power units and fans
Mobile signal boosters
GPS devices

And much more!

Waterproof

An effective protective case needs to keep your fragile camping equipment safe from water damage while in the countryside. Water infiltration is a common threat, especially if you plan on trekking near streams or fishing beside a lake. Plus, you could experience heavy rain or humid weather.

That’s why your case should feature a water-repellent shell and watertight engineering, such as silicone o-ring seals that prevent water and moisture from entering your case.

Dustproof

Dust particles are surprisingly destructive and can hinder the functioning of electronic camping equipment and degrade its appearance, reducing its lifespan. Therefore, purchasing an airtight case that dust can’t infiltrate should be a priority.

IP67-rated cases are tested and certified as entirely dustproof and watertight, so be sure to look for this accreditation while shopping for a new case.

Lockability

Sadly, protection against the elements isn’t the only threat you need to consider. Opportunist thieves could strike at your campsite, so it’s important to ensure your belongings can’t be taken from your case.

An effective hard equipment container with padlock hasps or a built-in combination lock will prevent easy access and discourage theft.

Case ranges to consider from Hofbauer

Safeguarding your camping or expedition gear from damage or theft has never been easier thanks to our selection of high-specification cases and custom foam inserts.

We stock protective plastic cases from elite and reputable manufacturers including Peli, Thermodyne and ourselves!

We also provide custom foam inserts made entirely to your exact requirements and dimensions.

Get in touch

If you need a hard-wearing case or bespoke foam insert to shelter your outdoor equipment, we’ve got you covered! Browse through our stock today to find your ideal case at a price that suits you.

For product recommendations, you’re more than welcome to contact our helpful and experienced specialists using our easy-to-use message form.