Armor Totes 101

[Asgardianhammer]

This post will be a well collected trove of info for all of you traveling with armor and armor storage.

Information
So a few quick notes about the types of totes available. Even though there are a lot of totes out there today we will focus on two Sterilite Totes in particular:
1. The Sterilite Plastic Foot Locker with Wheels - 31 1/4" x 17 5/8" x 13 7/8" and retails for around $30.00 USD

2. The Sterilite Jumbo Tote with Wheels - 37"x21"x18" 40 gallon and just under $60.00 USD and available in red and yellow accents.

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Both readily available and easy to find online or in your large box store. The upside to both of these units is if you fly on Southwest these fly free if they come in under 50lbs. We will talk more about that later.

The lid captures on both ends of the 40 gallon tote can be removed and stored inside the tote until your destination is reached. The top is made with four pass through holes for bungie cords or zipties and or locks (i don't recommend locks for TSA purposes.)

The Foot Locker will require two 1/4" holes to be drilled through the top and the bottom on each end to secure the lid closed as you do not want to rely on the hasps to secure this in travel.

I have been told that an entire ODST Kit will nest up nicely in the Foot Locker. It will take one of each size more than likely for Spartan Armor. It did with mine.

Painting:
So as a general rule of thumb for all purchased parts: CLEAN THEM!!
I clean all surfaces with some isopropyl alcohol. Let it dry throughoughly before applying any stencils. Stencils can be made from tape, vinyl etc. Make sure to squeegee down all masked edges well, to help avoid paint creep.

Next I prefer to use Duplicolors Adhesion Promoter and apply according to manufacturer instructions. All of my paint for these applications I choose again Duplicolor or another brands lacquer based paints. Don't apply so heavily that your paint runs. Next I peel all of my masking while the paint is still soft or wet.
I am attaching my stencils to this thread for your use. Any overspray from painting can be cleaned up with a rag and some acetone.

You can see all of the various totes from fellow members in the last shot. These were folks who traveled from various parts of North America and I am certain their experiences were each unique for traveling.

Packing and Traveling:
When packing your items experiment with how to best nest your soft and hard parts. Make accommodations for any extras such as repair items and make sure lids close properly without pressing down on parts. Add any padding necessary such as a towel or foam to avoid scratches when traveling. Keep in mind that TSA if you are flying may need to go through your boxes so ensure you have enough space that if they repack you won't have items getting damaged.

Checking your tote as luggage, Like i said previously Southwest flies two checked bags for free as long as they each weigh less than 50lbs. Airlines calculate the size of the bin as width+height+depth. If it is under 80" you are usually okay. the 40gallon tote is just slightly over this but they accepted it anyways.

Lastly most helmets are best kept in a drawstring bag and on your person while traveling. Take this as a carry-on item when flying. It makes for a great conversation starter!

Last items to note. Place a ziplock bag attached to the inside lid of your totes with additional zipties should TSA need to gain access to your bin there will be extras for TSA Agents to secure your Armor Bin. I also placed one last item in my bins. Here you can see my Ziptie locations on my boxes. You can see where I drilled holes on the end of the 22gallon tote.

A photo reference of the contents and on the wearer with contact information and and gentle note to Agents requesting care and an approximate value of the items along with an explanation of what it is. Keep in mind that everyone does not know what Cosplay is but most people know what Costumes are. Here is what my laminated Armor Packing Notification looks like.

Also as a SIDE NOTE: I have never flown with Prop weapons and as a result do not know how that goes over with Agents. I would take the utmost care to make sure those items are peace bonded with zipties with notes tied to them as to what they are and non-functioning.

A well painted armor box makes a great addition as scenery in a con booth as well and is free advertising for your regiment and the 405th as a whole.

On the whole my armor has flown across the country and back with no issues. Not paying an additional charge to ship what i thought for sure would be oversized was a huge cost savings. The more professional you can make your gear look while in storage and traveling the less likely it will be mistreated. That is not to say that will always be the case.

I hope this has been insightful and there are further references attached to this post. Please share your bins and any travel experiences you have had.
Until next time kids..and don't forget to put the toilet seat down.

 

[Ashuraa]

I recently followed Asgardianhammer s instructions in doing a tote for another person.
So.

Here is the tote and supplies..

First, I wased with a general cleaner.

Then I dried it.

The next step was to wipe and dry it with isopropyl.

I used 70٪

Once that was done, I started laying out the stencils onto the tote. You squeegee down all the sides, and make sure everything has a good adhesion.

Now, sadly here is where I had an issue.
A major storm came in. I was not able to get it all done in one day.

Massive plow winds, and rain slammed me, the tote, and the stencils.

I barely managed to save everything.
It also made it so i had to stop this project for a few days. This.... affected the final outcome.

So, word for the wise. Do everything possible to do the whole project on 1 day.


.......
So, the next step is peeling back the transfer tape.

To do this you want to fold the transfer tape completely back, until it is flat. Pull slowly.
Watch to make sure everything that is supposed to be on your project stays.
If not, back the transfer tape up and re-adhere the missing vinyl down.

Once all the stencils are clear, you then make sure to mask off everything you do not want to be painted.

next is to use a plastic adhesion promoter.
Follow the directions on the can, exactly.

Now, you get to drop your first coat of paint. I used white on everything as a base coat.

I then addded red over top the white.

Do each coat as soon as you can. So they stay a bit tacky between layers.

Then, after it has started to cure, but hasnt gotten a full cure,
Pull off your stencils.


Go slow. Dont be aftaid to cut up the stencils to be smaller for removal.

Now, to what went wrong because I had to pause. I had some bleeding of the paints. Some of my stencils did not want to stay on the best.

I had to go in with acetone, and paint thinner with qtips, and a paintbrush. This was to clean up some of that bleed.

 

[TH3TA]

This is awesome! Thank you so much for sharing! I was wondering how I'd safely transport my armor whether by plane or car. I definitely will be referring to this later.

 

[Creativity4ever]

Awesome thinking on storage ideas! Will definitely try this out when traveling to conventions!

 

[Asgardianhammer]

Keep us updated with your experiences in this thread please!

 

[MadHeartParagon]

Do you think you could fit 2 sets of foam Marine gear in one of these?

 

[Asgardianhammer]

It's pushing it to fit an ODST kit in the footlocker. I mean I woukd buy one and see how much space you have remaining after packing one and that way you can determine if a second is necessary.

 

[NobleofDeath16]

Okay, cause I gotta ask, what in the WORLD are you guys using to make your massive stencil pieces cause I need that equipment in my shop ASAP. Gone are the days of custom making mine with layered tape, a pencil, and steady hand. I need machined quality, damnit!

 

[Asgardianhammer]

The shop I run has a 54" wide printer/plotter so I can run vinyl and print on it.

 

[SSGLordElmo]

Have you had any issues with the totes?

 

[Asgardianhammer]

Have you had any issues with the totes?

Can you be a little more specific?

 

[SSGLordElmo]

Like do they hold up really good? Like if you were to drop it does it still hold up or does it break easily? I am thinking of getting it.

Can you be a little more specific?

 

[SSGLordErne]

Do y'all line the totes with foam to keep it from bouncing or just put the armor straight into the totes?

 

[SSGLordBert]

I may have missed it, but are there like foam inserts for dividing inside?

 

[Fallen]

Do y'all line the totes with foam to keep it from bouncing or just put the armor straight into the totes?

Up to the owner if they want to. For example, if my suit is mostly foam, I don't worry about it b/c the foam flexes and whatever 3D prints I have get stored in the middle surrounded by foam armor. If the majority of the suit is 3D printed, I'm more likely to pad the outside with extra foam.

I may have missed it, but are there like foam inserts for dividing inside?

Can't speak to the foot locker, but the totes w/ wheels shared do not have dividing inserts, and that's probably for the best. Depending on how much space your suit takes up it can already be a puzzle piece to fit everything without squishing any parts.

Like do they hold up really good? Like if you were to drop it does it still hold up or does it break easily? I am thinking of getting it.

As someone who uses the same storage bins, I've never had one break through normal use. If you're still concerned about it, these Husky bins or these by Dewalt are more rigid still.

And to get/stay on the topic of customizing armor totes, would love to see anyone who has one of those and has done customization to it share what/how they customized theirs.

 

[MrJamin]

Okay, cause I gotta ask, what in the WORLD are you guys using to make your massive stencil pieces cause I need that equipment in my shop ASAP. Gone are the days of custom making mine with layered tape, a pencil, and steady hand. I need machined quality, damnit!

If you are willing to spend for it the silhouette has up to 24" wide X with basically infinite Y.

Silhouette America

Discover the creative world of Silhouette. Shop desktop cutting machines

www.silhouetteamerica.com

 

[Deltaraven]

This is a great idea !! I have my armor in storage bins but wheels seems logical.

 

[SSGLordBert]

Is there a better way to organize this?

I got everything but my helmet in it.

 

[Emp Frosty]

Do y'all line the totes with foam to keep it from bouncing or just put the armor straight into the totes?

I dont pad mine with foam since everything fits snug.

Is there a better way to organize this?View attachment 321357 I got everything but my helmet in it.

I also never store the helmet directly in the box, just sit it on top till I load it up in my car. Then it rides shotgun with me.

 

[Reclaimara]

Oooh. Those totes to bring and be able to transport whole costume even when traveling with air plane? That's amazing.
My question tho - Sterilite is available only in US. Anyone have perhaps any recommendations for durable totes that could survive air-plane transport and such and are available in Europe?