Sterilite 20 Quart Gasket Box Clear Storage Bin Review (2026)

Who this bin is sized for

This box targets campers who want to organize a scatter of small items, first-aid kits, spare batteries, cables, matches and fire starters, rather than bulk storage for clothing or sleeping gear. According to retailer listings, the box measures roughly 16.125 by 11.25 by 10.875 inches on the outside, with an interior around 12 by 8.625 by 9.625 inches, a footprint closer to a shoebox than a large tote. That makes it easy to tuck into a corner of a trunk, a cabinet shelf, or stack alongside other bins without eating a huge amount of space. Anyone trying to consolidate camp kitchen gear, a tent, or bedding into one bin will find this size frustrating, since it simply is not built for anything bulky. For its intended job of keeping small essentials sorted and protected, though, the compact size is exactly the point.

Gasket seal, latches and clear body explained

The defining feature of this line is the gasketed lid, a rubber seal built into the lid edge that closes against the base to resist dust, moisture and pests better than a plain snap-on lid. Durable latches on both sides pull the lid down tight against that gasket, so the box holds its seal even if it gets jostled or stacked under other bins. The clear plastic body and lid let you see what is inside without popping the latches every time you need something, which speeds up finding a specific item in a stack of similar bins. Sterilite's 12 quart and 20 quart gasket boxes share the same lid design, so bins of different sizes can stack in the same footprint. It is worth noting some retailers sell this box in multi-packs, so check the listing quantity before ordering if you only want a single unit.

Living with it at camp and in storage

At the campsite, the sealed lid is the main selling point, keeping matches, electronics and first-aid supplies dry if the bin gets rained on or sits near a damp cooler. Between trips, the same bin works as home storage for the same category of small items, so it does double duty rather than sitting empty in the off season. The clear sides make a real difference when you are digging through a packed trunk at dusk trying to find a specific bin without opening every one. Because the box is plastic and relatively light, it is easy to carry loaded in one hand, but the trade off is that a fall or rough handling can crack or scratch the clear panels over time, especially with repeated stacking and unstacking on rocky ground.

How it compares with larger Sterilite bins and organizers

Sterilite sells the same gasket box line in bigger sizes, including 32, 37 and 54 quart versions, which make more sense for bulkier camp gear like bedding, larger cookware or a full clothing changeover. If your camping storage needs go beyond small essentials, stepping up to one of those larger gasket boxes keeps the same sealing design while adding real capacity. Against a soft sided option like the FORTEM Trunk Organizer with a built-in cooler, the Sterilite box wins on weather sealing and rigidity but loses on the compartmentalization and cooler function that a soft organizer offers. The right choice usually comes down to what you are storing: small, moisture sensitive items favor this gasket box, while bulky, mixed gear favors either a bigger bin or a compartmentalized organizer.

Verdict and when to size up

The Sterilite 20 Quart Gasket Box in clear does its specific job well: a compact, see-through bin with a real weatherproof seal for small camping essentials that need to stay dry and organized. It earns its keep for first-aid kits, batteries, cables and similar small gear, and its low cost makes it easy to buy a few for different categories of supplies. Campers who need to store bulky items like sleeping bags, tents or a full cookware set should look at Sterilite's larger 32 or 54 quart gasket boxes instead, since this size will simply run out of room. Treat the clear plastic with reasonable care, since scratches and cracks are the main long-term wear point, and it will keep small gear organized and dry trip after trip.

Frequently asked questions