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Best Overlanding Storage: Zarges K470 Aluminum Boxes

Writer: Muddy Ruttzz
Muddy Ruttzz
Dec 21, 2022
5 min read

Updated: Aug 18

Affiliate Disclosure: This post is unsponsored, I don't take products for free to do reviews on them. To support the studio, I use affiliate links from Amazon and eBay. If you click and purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

⚡ TL;DR: Quick SummaryBuilt for Extreme Durability: 

Engineered in Germany with heavy-duty aluminum, reinforced extrusions, stainless steel hardware, and solid rivets designed to last 30+ years.Lighter & Holds More Than Plastic: Up to 50% lighter with 15% to 20% more internal capacity than bulky double-walled plastic cases, while holding up better in extreme temperatures.IGBC Bear-Resistant Certified: Select models keep camp food secure and protect wildlife by preventing bears from becoming food-conditioned pests.Fully Customizable: Easily tailored for your rig with roof rack mounts, custom laser-cut foam inserts, top-mounted cutting boards, and casters.

What You Will Learn In This Post

If you are tired of bulky plastic bins that crack, warp in the heat, and eat up valuable payload capacity in your rig, it is time to upgrade your setup. In this guide, we dive into the Zarges K470 aluminum storage boxes—a legendary piece of German-engineered gear that sets the benchmark for secure, lightweight, and weather-resistant overlanding storage.


You will discover how Zarges outperforms traditional plastic cases by offering significantly more packable space at roughly half the weight, making your loadout more efficient. We will also cover essential camp safety features, including IGBC-certified bear resistance to protect both your rations and local wildlife on backcountry trails.


Finally, we’ll take a close look at the sheet metal construction and build quality—from heavy-duty corner castings and stainless steel latches to perimeter welds. You’ll also get a breakdown of the top accessories available, including custom foam inserts, roof-mounting systems, and utility add-ons to build your ultimate field setup.


📺 Watch the Video: The video and this article are best when used together. Watch the step-by-step video above on the Muddy Ruttzz YouTube Channel!
Overlanding setup at night with illuminated storage boxes on a trailer. Text reads: "Zarges: The Best Overlanding Storage". Logos present.
Zarges K470 40678 Aluminum Box in Xventure XV-3 Trailer

Zarges Cases: Premium Cases Ideal for Overlanding and Beyond

Hey there! So, you might have noticed those cool Zarges Cases popping up in movies like "Casino Royale" or "Die Another Day" where they’re all about transporting cash. But they’re not just for the big screen! These cases are perfect for safely carrying around everything from firearms to camera gear, drones, lithium batteries, and a bunch of other high-value stuff.

Personally, I love using mine when I go camping. It keeps those pesky bears from getting into our dry foods and other smelly goodies! Plus, there are several IGBC-rated models available, so you can find one that fits your needs. Super handy, right?

Zarges Best Overlanding Storage Boxes: Designed and Built in Germany (Aluminum)


If you’re into cool design and top-notch manufacturing, you’ve probably heard of Zarges. These guys have been around since 1938, making boxes that became a staple for anyone in the industrial scene. Fast forward to 1978, and they started crafting boxes for all of us hobbyists and home warriors out there. Then in 2008, they opened up a Zarges Tech Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, which really helped them get their awesome boxes into the hands of folks all over the USA. How cool is that?


Zarges best overlanding storage aluminum box with locks, label made in Germany,
Zarges Cases are Made in Germany

Protecting Food From Bears and Keeping Bears Safe From Humans

Heading to bear country? A IGBC rated bear resistant Zarges is the best Overlanding storage box. It can prevent two bad outcomes. First, a curious bear investigating your campsite looking for delicious human food won't find any. Second, bears don't learn that campsites are a great place to find a easy delicious meal. When a bear learns to invade campsites for food it can become a "nuisance" bear. Nuisance bears often end up having to be euthanized. That is a tragic outcome. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee tests and rates containers and coolers ability to stop a bear from accessing what is inside. Zarges offer several IGBC rated models.


Zarges Aluminum Cases Carry More Stuff and Weigh Less Than Plastic


Aren't you just over plastic? When it comes to the best storage for Overlanding, aluminum is where it’s at. Zarges has some impressive claims—like being 50% lighter and offering 15% to 20% more capacity, all while being tougher than your average plastic container. And trust me, they really are stronger! I swapped out two of those popular plastic containers for just one Zarges K470, and it made a world of difference.

You see, for plastic to hold up, it usually needs to have thick or double walls, which just adds extra weight. Plus, Zarges isn't affected by temperature extremes like plastic can be, so you can count on it in all kinds of weather. Pretty cool, right?


Best Overlanding storage, Zarges Aluminum lightweight boxes
Zarges Aluminum Boxes are lightweight and carry more

Zarges Aluminum Containers Constructed for Strength, Durability and Utility


Durability of 30+ years? 40 years in the sheet metal industry taught me how to spot a well made sheet metal product. The Zarges containers tick all the boxes. The extrusions attached to top and bottom of box and lid are firmly attached. A wide bead adds stiffness to the aluminum sheet. Stainless steel hinge, latches and corners solid riveted to the sheet metal. The quantity of spot welds in the seems show the Zarges is built to last. A very useful product built for the long haul.




Customize and Accessorize your Zarges Box to Make it the Best Overlanding Storage For Your Outdoor Adventures


Want to mount your Zarges on a roof rack? Safely carry delicate items? Zarges offers a whole line of accessories to customize the box so it works best for you. There are laser cut foam liners available for carrying everything from camera gear to handguns. DIY foam is also available. Cutting boards that fit the top of the cases, casters to move them around. You can even come up with your own ideas but be careful not to void the warranty.





Conclusion: The Zarges Aluminum Box: A Favorite Piece of Gear (Top Overland Storage On The Market)


You love the outdoors and you appreciate gear that is there for you when you need it to be. Useful, durable, well made gear that won't let you down. Zarges are going to get the job done for many years to come.


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✅ - Zarges Aluminum Cases - Best Overlanding/Camping Storage Made In Germany



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