Gregory Alpaca Camp Boxes: First Impressions After a Few Months

When I first saw the Gregory Alpaca storage boxes at REI, my reaction was pretty simple: that's a lot of money for a plastic box.

I kept looking at them, though. They felt well made, the design was interesting, and there were a few features I thought might actually solve some storage problems in our Airstream.

So I bought one with the thought that if I didn't like it, I could easily return it to REI.

I didn't return it.

Instead, I bought three more.

I purchased these boxes at REI with my own money. This review is not sponsored. The Amazon links below are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why They Work So Well in Our Airstream

We have a small Airstream 16X, so storage and organization are always a work in progress. Before buying the Gregory boxes, we had gear spread between different bags and storage areas. I felt like I was constantly moving things around or trying to remember where something was.

The dimensions of these boxes happen to work extremely well for our setup.

I'm using the 50L Gregory Alpaca Camp Box for kitchen gear, including utensils, pots and pans. The deeper shape works particularly well for that type of equipment, and the box slides nicely into the rear of the Airstream.

The clear lid is more useful than I expected. Instead of opening boxes or digging through bags, I can quickly see what's inside.

But my favorite feature may be the lid itself. It can open from either side or be removed completely. In a small space like the Airstream, that means I don't have to think about which direction the box is facing when I put it away. I slide it into place and open whichever side is accessible.

Gregory calls this its FlipFlop dual-access hinge system. Both the 45L and 50L boxes also use clear polycarbonate lids and gasket seals.

The 45L Solved a Different Problem in My Truck

I also use a 45L Gregory Alpaca Gear Box in my truck, and that one solved a problem I wasn't originally shopping for.

I have a DiamondBack setup on my truck with a tool bin. It works well, but I've had water get into the bin from time to time, and some of my tools have started to rust.

I've moved the more important tools and gear into the Gregory box.

There's another benefit that has nothing to do with organization.

When we're camping, I'll often have our kayaks loaded on top of the truck. That can make getting into the DiamondBack storage awkward. Depending on how everything is loaded, I may have to move a kayak or awkwardly reach in to get a tool or strap.

Having frequently used tools and straps in the Gregory box makes them much easier for me to get to. It's a small thing until you've had to fight with your storage system several times during a camping trip. This has made it less frustrating and physically easier for me.

Gregory rates the 45L Gear Box IP65 for water and dust protection and says the gasketed lid passed a water-jet test from multiple angles. I haven't done my own water test, so I'm not going to make any long-term claims about how waterproof it is. I can only say that moving my important tools into the box has given me a better storage solution than what I was doing before.

I Added NFC Tags to Keep Track of Everything

This isn't a Gregory feature, but it's something I've added that makes the boxes even more useful for me.

I put an NFC tag on each box. When I tap the tag with my phone, it opens a note showing me what's supposed to be inside, including a list of items and photos.

After a camping trip, I can quickly check the box, see what's missing and replenish it for the next trip.

I'm trying to get to the point where the same things live in the same boxes every time. The combination of the clear lids and my NFC inventory system is making that much easier.

My Biggest Question Is Durability

This is still where I'm withholding judgment.

They're plastic boxes. They're going camping. They're going to get moved around, loaded into the truck, slid in and out of the Airstream and eventually banged into things.

For what these cost, I want to know how they hold up.

Gregory describes the clear polycarbonate lid as impact resistant and says the molded bottom is designed to take heavy hits. The 45L is also backed by Gregory's limited lifetime warranty. Gregory Those are manufacturer claims and specifications, though. I've only owned mine for a few months.

So far, I like the build quality, but I'll have a much better opinion after a year or two of actual camping.

Are They Worth the Price?

That was my biggest objection when I first saw them, and I still think they're expensive for what initially looks like a plastic storage box.

But I've changed my mind about their value.

I'm not buying them simply because they're nicer-looking storage bins. The dimensions work for our Airstream. I can see what's inside. I can open them from either direction. They've consolidated gear that used to be scattered between different bags. And the 45L has made accessing tools and straps in my truck considerably easier.

The best evidence of where I landed is probably what happened after I bought the first one.

I bought three more.

I'm not returning them.

The Two Gregory Boxes I'm Using

Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45L
10.6" H × 17.5" L × 26.8" W. Gregory lists a 50-pound maximum carry weight and an IP65 rating.
Amazon affiliate link: Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45L on Amazon

Gregory Alpaca Camp Box 50L
15.2" H × 17.3" L × 19.9" W. Its deeper design is intended for taller camping items, which is one reason it works well for the kitchen gear I'm storing in it.
Amazon affiliate link: Gregory Alpaca Camp Box 50L on Amazon

Amazon may show multiple sizes or configurations on the same product listing, so check the selected size before ordering.

I'll Update This Review

This is a first-impressions review, not a long-term durability review.

I've had the boxes for a few months and they've already changed how I organize our Airstream and truck. Now I want to see how they hold up to real use over time.

I'll update this review after they've been through more camping trips and I've had a chance to see how the hinges, lids, latches and boxes themselves hold up.