
It is said that, ’challenges are what make life interesting’ and taking on the development of the expedition box and starting a small business definitely have made life interesting.
Our journey along this path has been lengthy, starting near on two years ago. There has been lots of backwards and forwards with design, prototyping and 3D printing to prove or disprove functions on the Expedition134 box. Needless to say, we look forward to the challenges of the next phase of our project.

Currently the exciting part is the tooling component (think of a massive block of steel, precision routed to take the shape of various parts of the product). It is nearing completion and we hope to have the first ‘off tool’ samples to test before the end of February. We can’t wait to get our hands on these to test functionality in design and make any necessary adjustments to the tool to change the look or finish or improve general functionality.
This will also be our first opportunity to really test the water and dust proof seal and the Gore Industries pressure equalisation valve to ensure their integrity and ability to meet the high standards we demand.

As I type, we are finalising a list of testing methods for these initial key areas and whilst this will not be the final tests, especially with regard to material selection, this is the most important phase for the product and the tool to ensure the overall integrity and usability. Are we nervous about this? Absolutely! All the ‘what if’ questions are bouncing around our brains at the moment. It’s a challenge that’s for sure but a challenge we were both prepared for and have enjoyed, to get this far.

While the product’s development has continued, and we have taken it from an idea formed while sitting around Ben’s broken down truck in the middle of the Simpson Desert (sharing this part of the story never gets old), we have been learning all the other aspects of what developing a new product to take to the market requires.
Right now, we are working all those the behind the scenes small business requirements, from accounting, to marketing, websites, branding, having meetings with industry experts and mentors, and continually seeking market feedback. Most importantly we are slowly bringing all the bits and pieces together we need to launch this product to market in early 2018. It’s been one great big learning curve entering this world of small business, that’s for sure.
Essentially, we are now very close to the production of a 100% Australian Made and Owned product which is designed for our harsh Australian outback and marine environments and incorporates the following features:

While they say ‘challenges make life interesting’ they also say ‘overcoming them makes it meaningful’. We look forward to progressing the first Expedition134 product to market in 2018.
OPEN SKY TOURING REVIEWS
from 97 reviewsOrdered this box after seeing so many positive reviews of the Expedition 134 box. And it doesn't disappoint! What an outstanding, Australian made product. Not only is it tough and durable it looks the bomb as well. Will be getting another one for sure! Can't recommend enough.
Recently bought a pink storage box after buying 3 last year. It’s just as tough and perfect as my previous ones. I’ll continue buying these awesome boxes to go into my new trailer project.
Great product! Love using them and would highly recommend to anyone
Easy to use, and great value
Great product and well made
Does just what it says on the box! (bad dad joke there...) Great to now have 3 of these in my collection.
Survival Snake Bite Kit™
Purchased the Expedition 134 to use for the wife's scent hound business. The dogs are used to find truffles, so not only does the box store all the harnesses and other dog gear, any booty located also goes into the box, safe and secure. Great product indeed..
Great kit. Saw on Pat Calligan’s show and immediately bought. This will definitely save a life from snake bite. The pressure bandage has markers to show how tight to wrap. So clever.
One of the best products I have used in my forty plus years of camping very well made and waterproof. It’s a pleasure to do business with a great Aussie company.
Survival Snake Bite Kit™
Very happy with the boxes. Def can hold adult standing on lid and solid latches. Easy to hose out and dust and water proof for 4WD trips!
I am impressed with the rigidity and quality of the box. it's worth every cent!
These boxes are exactly what I wanted! Delivered on time, great quality and great price! Thanks Open Sky team!
This is my 5th box and they’re fantastic. Will be the replacement for my drawer system in my Landcruiser to keep weight down. They are the ideal combination of size and manageable to handle when full.