Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes, Polycarbonate, NALGENE 3117-0160, Case of 10 Review

Let’s Dive into Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes, Polycarbonate, NALGENE 3117-0160, Case of 10

The Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes from NALGENE are designed for a specific purpose, but I’ve found they can be repurposed for various outdoor and tactical applications far beyond the lab. These 16mL polycarbonate tubes are built to withstand extreme temperatures and high G-forces, and while the intended use is for scientific centrifuges, the durability and clarity make them surprisingly versatile in the field. They’re sold in cases of 10.

My initial interest in these tubes came from a need for rugged, reusable containers to store small, delicate items during demanding field exercises. I was tired of crushing medications, damaging small electronics, and ruining tinder in poorly protected containers. I needed something that was clear enough to see what was inside, tough enough to survive a beating, and small enough to be easily integrated into my kit.

While there are specialized containers designed for survival kits, such as pre-filled vials for medications or specialized waterproof boxes, many are overpriced or don’t offer the clarity I was looking for. Compared to using zip-lock bags or flimsy plastic containers, the Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes offered a significant upgrade in protection and visibility. The round bottom also proved advantageous for organizing smaller items that can be easily retrieved from the bottom of a container.

My first impression was surprise at the rigidity and clarity of the polycarbonate material. I was expecting something more akin to thinner lab-grade plastic, but these tubes felt exceptionally robust. They are definitely not a cheap throwaway, and I was excited to test their potential in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes, Polycarbonate, NALGENE 3117-0160, Case of 10 to the Test

First Use Experience

My first field test involved using the Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes on a three-day backcountry navigation exercise in the Appalachian Mountains. I packed a couple of tubes with essential medications, another with water purification tablets, and a third with cotton balls soaked in petroleum jelly for fire starting. The tubes were placed inside various pockets of my tactical backpack, exposed to rain, mud, and significant jostling.

The tubes performed flawlessly, keeping the contents completely dry and protected. The transparency of the polycarbonate allowed me to quickly identify the contents of each tube without opening them, which was particularly helpful when I needed immediate access to the water purification tablets. The tubes proved easy to handle, even with gloved hands, and the round bottom didn’t cause any significant stability issues when temporarily placed on uneven surfaces.

There were no immediate issues after the first use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use on various outdoor adventures, including hunting trips, range days, and camping excursions, the Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes have proven to be exceptionally durable. There are some minor scratches on the exterior, but the integrity of the polycarbonate remains intact. They haven’t cracked, warped, or shown any signs of degradation despite exposure to varying temperatures and harsh handling.

Maintenance is incredibly simple. A quick rinse with water is usually all that’s needed to clean the tubes, and they are autoclavable, meaning they can be thoroughly sterilized if necessary. I’ve found them to be far more convenient and reliable than carrying multiple small zip-lock bags or relying on the often-fragile packaging of individual medications and survival items.

Compared to previous attempts at using generic storage containers, the Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes have exceeded my expectations in terms of durability, clarity, and overall utility. They are a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a rugged and versatile storage solution for small, essential items in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes, Polycarbonate, NALGENE 3117-0160, Case of 10

Specifications

• Volume: 16mL. This provides adequate space for storing small medications, tinder, or electronics components.
• Dimensions: 18.1 x 100.6 mm (Diameter x Length). The slim profile allows for easy storage in various pockets and pouches.
• Material: Polycarbonate. This provides exceptional clarity and impact resistance.
• Temperature Range: -135 to 135°C (-211 to 275°F). This extreme temperature tolerance makes them suitable for use in virtually any environment.
• Maximum RCF (Relative Centrifugal Force): 50,000 g. While not relevant to tactical applications, this specification speaks to the inherent strength of the tubes.
• Closure: Supplied without closures; Polypropylene closures available separately (see 21010-852 series). This is a drawback that needs to be considered when purchasing.
• Quantity: Case of 10. A decent quantity for creating multiple kits or for long-term use.

These specifications matter because they define the limits of the tube’s performance and its suitability for various tasks. The polycarbonate material and temperature range are critical for ensuring the contents remain protected in extreme environments. The capacity dictates what can realistically be stored inside each tube, and the dimensions influence how easily the tubes can be integrated into existing gear.

Performance & Functionality

The Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes perform exceptionally well as rugged storage containers. They excel at protecting small items from impact, moisture, and temperature extremes. Their clear polycarbonate construction allows for quick and easy identification of contents.

The primary weakness is the lack of included closures. This requires an additional purchase and adds to the overall cost. The round bottom, while offering certain organizational benefits, can make the tubes less stable on flat surfaces.

The Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes meet my expectations for rugged, reusable storage containers. The NALGENE brand is known for reliable products, and these tubes are no exception.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of these tubes is outstanding. The polycarbonate is thick and feels incredibly durable. The tubes are lightweight, which minimizes added weight when carrying multiple tubes in a pack.

The tubes are easy to handle and use. There is no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

These tubes are built to last. The thick polycarbonate construction can withstand significant abuse.

Maintenance is simple: rinse with water or sterilize as needed. The polycarbonate is resistant to most chemicals, making it easy to clean.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes do not come with any specific accessories, requiring the separate purchase of polypropylene closures (21010-852 series).

Customization is limited to labeling the tubes with markers or adhesive labels to identify the contents. They are compatible with standard pouches and pockets designed to hold cylindrical objects.

Pros and Cons of Nalge Nunc Round-Bottom Centrifuge Tubes, Polycarbonate, NALGENE 3117-0160, Case of 10