Keeping gear secure in the backcountry can be a challenge when that gear is in an open pickup bed. In the past, we relied on less-expensive ATV chests for lightweight storage, but they had cheap (or no) weatherstripping and cheap latches. Our gear being coated with dirt and moisture was a constant problem.

Weather Guard builds quality truck boxes designed to take abuse. They feature real weatherstripping, a tamper-resistant retracting lock, and a rotary latch for one-touch operation. For the back of the midsize Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon, the Weather Guard 644-5-01 Compact Aluminum All Purpose Chest works well. Ours is finished in black Armor-Tuf powdercoating.

With its unique offset hinge, the box can be mounted flush against the truck and the lid still opens 90 degrees. This is important, as getting bulky, large gear into and out of the box is tough to do if the lid doesn't open far enough. The Weather Guard chest has quality gas struts that open the lid easily yet aren't too stiff.

On the trail, even fine talcum dust can't get in our Weather Guard chest. Washing the truck at the high-pressure car wash doesn't wet down the equipment inside, either. We're sure we won't have to test Weather Guard's lifetime warranty as the chest is built so well.

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