Moody
Needs to get out more
At the recent Sportsman’s Exposition in Sandy, Utah i’d had enough of the outfitters selling guide services to Alaska when I ran into a booth that was more my style. A nice Land Rover Discovery with roof tents and awnings attached caught my eye. I had the opportunity to meet Roualeyn de Haas who is the owner of BunduGear.com. Roualeyn has begun distributing the Howling Moon line of roof tents and related gear to the US Market.
After some serious evaluation of both the roof tents and the trailer, I noticed some uniform boxes labeled, ‘Bundu Box’ sitting nearby. Turns out they were yet another product de Haas is bringing to the US market. Modeled after the South African Army’s ammunition boxes, they are constructed of plastic and are stackable. Additionally, the boxes fit neatly inside Howling Moon’s specially constructed covers, made of the same waterproof material the roof tents are made of. BunduGear.com offer bags for two or three boxes. Before I left the show, I was sent on my way with two of the boxes and a matching cover.
I loaded them up with all of the easter goods my kids were to receive on our upcoming camping trip, and after putting them in the cover bag, I strapped them to the roof of the cruiser. There are nicely sewn slots on the top of the bag to aid in securing them to the roof.
I gave them a good flogging as I drove through snow, rain, and significant wind over a 6 hour period. I was concerned that with the amount of moisture, I would have some leaks. Once we arrived in camp, I was pleased to find the contents of both boxes perfectly dry. Sized about the same as a small Rubbermaid Actionpacker, they are made to stack on top of each other, and are strong enough to sit on.
I only have two nitpicks, which weren't a problem for me, but could be a potential issue:
1- Latches are made of plastic. I was told they sell replacement latches, though an aluminum or steel replacement could solve the problem permanently.
(Special thanks to Jonathan, my high-paid hand model)
2- The storm flap on the bag stops about an inch before the end of the zipper on each side, leaving an open avenue for moisture to enter the bag.
Both proved to not be an issue for me, and I am pleased with the quality overall. I plan to order up some more for gear storage inside my vehicle, as well as organization of gear in the garage...
www.bundugear.com