What Is Smell-Proof Storage?
Smell-proof storage is a container that closes tightly enough to keep odor in and water out. The seal comes from a gasket, usually an O-ring, compressed between a threaded lid and the container body. The container material matters as much as the seal, because a material that absorbs odor holds onto smell and releases it later even when the lid is closed. Our Go Case and Go Tube are machined from solid aluminum and sealed with a compressed O-ring.
Learn more about smell-proof storage
Key Terms
- O-ring (gasket): a flexible ring that fills the gap between a lid and a container body when compressed.
- Airtight: designed so little to no air passes in or out when closed.
- Smell-proof: designed so odor stays inside the container.
- Waterproof: designed to keep water out when the lid is closed tightly.
- Friction-fit lid: a lid that presses on with no threads and usually no gasket.
- Machined vs. stamped: a machined container is cut from solid metal, and a stamped container is pressed from thin sheet metal.
Types of Small Storage Containers
Small storage containers fall into five common types, and they differ most in how they seal and whether the material holds onto odor.
Friction-Fit Tins
Friction-fit tins are stamped metal containers with a press-on lid. They are inexpensive, but the lid can pop open in a bag, odor escapes at the seam, and the thin walls dent if something heavy sits on them.
Plastic Containers and Bags
Plastic containers and resealable bags are light and cheap. Plastic absorbs odor over repeated use and releases it later, and it can warp or stain.
Silicone Containers
Silicone containers are soft and flexible, which makes them easy to seal. Like plastic, silicone absorbs odor into the material over time.
Glass Jars
Glass jars with a gasket seal well and do not absorb odor. Glass is heavy for a pocket or bag and breaks if dropped.
Machined Aluminum
Machined aluminum containers are cut from solid aluminum and closed with a threaded lid over an O-ring. They combine a real seal with a light body that resists warping, staining, and absorbing smell. The Go Case and Go Tube are both built this way.
How to Choose Smell-Proof Storage
Choosing smell-proof storage comes down to six factors.
- Seal: a threaded lid over a compressed O-ring holds a seal. A friction-fit lid does not.
- Material: aluminum and glass contain odor, while plastic and silicone absorb it.
- Durability: solid machined aluminum resists denting and is far less likely to shatter than glass.
- Form factor: a puck-shaped case like the Go Case suits a bag pocket, drawer, or desk. A slim tube like the Go Tube clips onto your keys.
- Capacity: match the interior size to what you carry. The Go Case is 2.5 inches across, and the Go Tube is 4.95 inches long and 0.65 inches wide.
- Cleaning: a smooth interior with no seams or texture wipes clean easily.
How Storage Materials Compare
Machined aluminum with an O-ring seal is a strong all-round choice for small smell-proof storage you carry. It beats a friction-fit tin because the threaded lid stays closed and the O-ring seals the seam. It beats plastic and silicone because aluminum contains odor, while those materials absorb it and release it later. It suits carrying better than glass because aluminum is far lighter and much less likely to break if dropped. Glass remains a good option for a container that stays on a shelf.
Go Case vs. Go Tube
The Go Case is the better choice for storage in a bag, drawer, or desk, and the Go Tube is the better choice for something you want clipped to your keys. The Go Case is a 2.5 inch aluminum puck with a threaded lid and a silicone O-ring. It is airtight, smell-proof, and waterproof when closed tightly. The Go Tube is a slim 4.95 inch aluminum tube with a screw cap, a rubber O-ring, and a built-in split keyring. It is smell-proof and waterproof when closed tightly.
Common Myths and Mistakes
- Myth: any metal tin is smell-proof. A tin usually seals only if a gasket is compressed under a threaded lid. A friction-fit lid leaks odor at the seam.
- Myth: plastic and silicone containers are as smell-proof as metal. They can seal when new, but the material absorbs odor and releases it later.
- Mistake: closing the lid loosely. The Go Case and Go Tube are smell-proof and waterproof when the lid is closed tightly. A loose lid does not compress the O-ring.
- Mistake: closing a wet container. Dry the threads and the O-ring before closing, so no moisture is sealed inside.
Storage Specifications
Storage specifications are the measured dimensions and seal details of the Go Case and Go Tube.
Go Case Storage Puck
- Diameter: 2.5 inches (6.35 cm)
- Height: 1 inch (2.54 cm)
- Weight: 2 ounces (57 g)
- Material: 100% machined aluminum
- Seal: threaded lid with a silicone O-ring, airtight, smell-proof, and waterproof when closed tightly
Go Tube Storage Keychain
- Diameter: 0.65 inches (1.66 cm)
- Height: 4.95 inches (12.57 cm)
- Weight: 0.4 ounces (11 g)
- Material: 100% machined aluminum
- Seal: screw cap with a rubber O-ring, smell-proof and waterproof when closed tightly
- Included: split keyring
Caring for Aluminum Storage
Caring for aluminum storage means keeping the seal clean and dry. Hand wash the Go Case with warm soapy water, and dry the threads and the O-ring before closing the lid. The Go Case O-ring is removable, so you can take it out to clean it or replace it. The smooth interior has no seams or textured surfaces to trap residue, so a wipe clears it easily.
What to Keep in Smell-Proof Storage
Smell-proof storage suits many small items you want protected from moisture, odor, and impact. People use the Go Case for dried herbs on camping trips and while traveling, medicines and vitamins, rings and earrings, fishing tackle, guitar picks, and earplugs. The Go Tube's split keyring attaches it to a keychain or bag, so the same protection comes with you without taking up a pocket.
Pairing Storage With a Grinder
A sealed container is the natural partner to a herb grinder, because it keeps what you grind contained until you need it. The Go Case measures 2.5 inches across, the same diameter as the OG1 herb grinder. Our herb grinders page covers grinder materials, closures, and how to choose.
Returns and Shipping
The Go Case and Go Tube are covered by our 30-day satisfaction guarantee. You can return or exchange them within 30 days of delivery, even if nothing is wrong, as long as they come back in original condition and packaging. You pay return shipping unless the item arrived defective, damaged, or incorrect. We ship within the US only. Our shipping policy has the details.
Explore Our Storage
See the full details on the Go Case Storage Puck and the Go Tube Storage Keychain. To grind before you store, start with the OG1 304 stainless steel herb grinder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a container smell-proof?
A container is smell-proof when a gasket, usually an O-ring, is compressed between a threaded lid and the body, and the container material does not absorb odor. The Go Case and Go Tube combine a compressed O-ring with solid machined aluminum, which contains odor instead of absorbing it.
Is the Go Case airtight and waterproof?
Yes. The Go Case is airtight, smell-proof, and waterproof when the lid is closed tightly, because its threaded lid compresses a silicone O-ring against the aluminum body.
Is the Go Tube smell-proof?
Yes. The Go Tube is smell-proof and waterproof when the cap is closed tightly, because its screw cap seals against a rubber O-ring.
Is aluminum or plastic better for smell-proof storage?
Aluminum is better for smell-proof storage, because it contains odor while plastic absorbs odor over repeated use and releases it later. Aluminum also resists warping and staining. The Go Case and Go Tube are machined from solid aluminum.
Is glass or metal better for storage?
Metal is better for storage you carry, and glass works well for storage that stays on a shelf. Both contain odor, but glass is heavier and breaks if dropped, while machined aluminum like the Go Case and Go Tube is light and much less likely to shatter.
What is the difference between the Go Case and the Go Tube?
The Go Case is a 2.5 inch aluminum puck for a bag, drawer, or desk, sealed with a silicone O-ring and airtight when closed tightly. The Go Tube is a slim 4.95 inch aluminum tube with a rubber O-ring and a built-in split keyring for carrying on your keys.
What size is the Go Case?
The Go Case measures 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in diameter and 1 inch (2.54 cm) tall, and it weighs 2 ounces (57 g).
What size is the Go Tube?
The Go Tube measures 4.95 inches (12.57 cm) tall and 0.65 inches (1.66 cm) in diameter, and it weighs 0.4 ounces (11 g).
What can I keep in a Go Case?
People use the Go Case for dried herbs while camping or traveling, medicines and vitamins, rings and earrings, fishing tackle, guitar picks, earplugs, and other small items they want protected from moisture, odor, and impact.
Does the Go Tube attach to keys?
Yes. The Go Tube includes a split keyring, so it attaches to a keychain, a bag, or other personal items.
How do I clean the Go Case?
Hand wash the Go Case with warm soapy water, then dry the threads and the O-ring before you close the lid. The smooth interior has no seams or textured surfaces, so residue wipes out easily.
Can I replace the O-ring in the Go Case?
Yes. The silicone O-ring in the Go Case is removable, so you can take it out to clean it or replace it.
Can I return the Go Case or Go Tube?
Yes. You can return or exchange the Go Case or Go Tube within 30 days of delivery, even if nothing is wrong, as long as it is in original condition and packaging. You pay return shipping unless the item arrived defective, damaged, or incorrect.
