Is This Air-Tight Storage Bin From Lowe's Good For Camping? Here's What Reviewers Think

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If you're an RV or car camper, you may already be a fan of storage bins for packing and keeping camping messes tidy. But campers and road trippers swear by different kinds of organization gear, mostly depending on individual needs and space. Many campers say families and groups — as well as van-lifers and RVers who are more often on the road than not — may want to consider one extra-large storage solution from Lowe's: the IRIS Weather Tight X-large tote. 

The bin's overall rating on the Lowe's website is 4 out of 5 stars at the time of writing, with about 71% of reviewers recommending it. Many reviewers highlight the bin's capacity and use for organization. On the Lowe's website, anastasiiar8_3353 said, "They provide ample space for storing various items, from clothing to camping gear." Amazon user Jessica also noted their usefulness for storing bulky blankets and sheets, saying, "I use this to keep my bedding dry when I'm camping and it works pretty well," and adding, "I love that it has 6 latches so I can just throw it in the back of my truck and not worry about it." However, others mention a full bin can get heavy and take up a lot of space. So whether it's good for your trips will depend on your camping style and how you use it.

This storage bin is big — at 25.75 gallons capacity, it's 23.63 inches long by 17.75 inches wide by 18.75 inches high. It has wheels on one end and a handle for moving around easily, as well as a latching lid with an airtight, weather-resistant seal. Plus, they're stackable and clear so you can see the contents at a glance. This could be the storage bin for you if you want to stash a lot of gear, or you're planning multi-camp stays where you need storage that protects from weather and pests.

Here are how people use the IRIS bin in camping contexts, and where it shines or falls short. On the plus side, the airtight and weather-resistant seal is beneficial for protecting contents from the elements. This matters when packing sleeping bags, clothing, food packs, or electronics that can't tolerate moisture. For example, Redditor u/cloudshaper said, "I use an Iris weathertight tote as my pantry." The large size helps when storing full-size items upright as well, like sauce bottles, larger boxes of cereal, and anything else too tall for a shorter bin. 

Another commenter, u/airhighfive, said, "They have a great gasket on the lid and are more durable than they look." Redditor u/Kerensky97 recommended them because they're "weather proof and latching to keep out varmints, but not bears." That brings up a good point that campers should always take precautions to pack food safely when in bear country — many campsites and national parks require bear-proof containers for food storage, like this UDAP Bear Canister.

Gear reviewers, while they generally love the bins, say they aren't so great in freezing temperatures and can lose latches with heavy-duty use. So hardcore campers who love the winter wilderness may find them lacking. When full, they can get heavy, which isn't ideal for campers looking to save weight in their vehicle or at walk-in campsites. While they have wheels, dragging a heavy bin is easier said than done on rocky or muddy ground. The IRIS Weather Tight X-Large bin seems like a strong choice for car campers who want weatherproof storage. However, if your camping involves hiking or needing lightweight gear, this bin's size and weight are drawbacks. But for setups where weight isn't a limiting factor, many reviewers think it's worth it.