Toiletry Bag Radio Scanner Case with Hard Case: My Goldilocks Moment

[pb_lonny]

I didn’t need another radio case. My collection of cases, bags, and boxes for storing radio equipment could rival the stock of a small travel shop. Yet, while browsing at my local SuperCheap Auto, I stumbled across a small, sturdy hard case priced at just $10. It was one of those deals you can’t leave behind—practical, versatile, and shockingly affordable. So, naturally, I grabbed it.

When I got home, I had no immediate plans for the case. It was more of a “this will come in handy someday” purchase. However, as I mulled over its potential, I remembered an unused plain black toiletry bag in my stash of supplies. Initially, it was just a passing thought, but curiosity got the better of me.

To my surprise, the toiletry bag turned out to be the perfect size. It neatly housed my custom UHF loop aerial, a small UHF CB radio, and various other bits and pieces I frequently use. The combination of the toiletry bag’s flexible storage and the hard case’s solid protection was unexpectedly ideal.

Much like the tale of the three bears, I’d spent a long time cycling through cases that were either too big, too small, or too impractical. But this setup? It feels just right.

The plain black design of the toiletry bag is another bonus—it keeps everything low-profile. To the casual observer, it’s just another nondescript bag. Inside, though, it’s a carefully organized kit tailored to my needs.
In the hard case: Uniden BC95XLT, Aerial, AA Battery Charger, USB Cable, Spare Batteries and Ear phones.
In the Toiletry Bag: I have my custom designed UHF Horizontal Wire Loop Aerial (UHFHWLA), 0.5W UHF CB, some spares AA batteries and room for a small note pad and pen.

Could this finally be the perfect radio scanner setup I’ve been chasing for years? Time will tell, but for now, I’m thrilled with this simple yet effective solution. Sometimes, the perfect setup doesn’t come from flashy or purpose-built gear but from a bit of creativity and a lucky find.

If you’re looking to improve your own radio gear storage, maybe it’s worth thinking outside the box—or bag, as it were. Who knows what treasures you’ll discover in the aisles of your local store?

Toiletry Bag Radio Scanner Case with Hard Case: My Goldilocks Moment

A blog about my hobby of radio band monitoring across the VHF and UHF bands.

launcestonradiomonitoring.blogspot.com

 

[slowmover]

The Tool Department of the big box hardware chains, Walmart, and Military Surplus retailers, have both been sources of zipped “cases” for different needs of mine. Hard or soft.

There are those occasional limited buys by retail associations such as True Value or Ace Hardware where an item which would work for us shows up in a one-time appearance. Always time to walk through to re-acquaint one’s self.

— Hunting & Fishing gear provide more. And don’t forget women’s cosmetics. Sports gear where small parts & tools are carried on ones person.

— Agreed that the main thing is to stay ahead and simply buy what’s available as use always follows.

Gladstone Bags carry for me a fair amount of radio-related gear. Subdivision within by zippered envelope is the norm. Not perfectly so, but to keep together that which retail packaging once bundled.

What for me is the Radio Case analogous to this thread topic is what carries my PRESIDENT Randy as pickup truck backup radio . . and that which improves its solo/walkabout performance as described just above. Main Case & subdivision-by-duty and will fit under rear seat thereby.

— My Antenna Tuning Kit is similar, but based in a padded laptop backpack. A round zippered case for automobile jump start cables now carry's a heavy-gauge fleet tractor power cable set. Divisible fishing tackle boxes carry a myriad of radio install small parts. Limitations on total storage for my home and vehicle dictate condensing to minimums. The unplanned benefit is easier inventory.

As the OP relates, it’s an affirmation to have things come together at this level.

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