6 Best Tack Totes For Pigs That Withstand Barn Life

There’s nothing more frustrating than needing a specific syringe or a bag of electrolytes and having to dig through a damp, disorganized pile of supplies in the corner of the barn. A flimsy plastic bin that cracks in the cold or a canvas bag that soaks up moisture just won’t cut it. The right tote isn’t a luxury; it’s a critical tool for efficiency, biosecurity, and keeping your valuable supplies protected from the harsh realities of farm life.

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Key Features of a Barn-Ready Pig Supply Tote

The single most important feature is durability. Look for totes made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or impact-resistant polypropylene. These materials resist cracking in cold weather and won’t shatter if a gilt decides to use it as a scratching post. Reinforced corners and sturdy, lockable latches are signs of a well-built tote that can handle being kicked, dropped, or stacked.

Cleanability is a close second, and it’s a non-negotiable for biosecurity. The ideal tote has smooth interior walls without a lot of complex ridges or textures where dirt and bacteria can hide. You need to be able to scrub it, disinfect it, and let it dry completely. This is why fabric bags are a poor choice for anything other than show-day grooming supplies.

Finally, consider portability and weather resistance. A tote is useless if you can’t get it where you need it, so think about handle design, overall weight, and whether you need wheels for heavier loads. A tight-fitting, gasket-sealed lid is crucial for keeping feed supplements dry, medications safe from humidity, and everything free from dust, debris, and curious rodents.

Stanley Mobile Tool Chest for Bulk Storage

When you need to move a significant amount of gear at once, a rolling tool chest is the answer. The Stanley Mobile Tool Chest is a common sight in barns because it’s built to withstand job site abuse, which is a pretty good parallel for a pig pen. Its large, rugged wheels can handle uneven ground, gravel, and packed dirt with ease.

This is your solution for bulk items. Think a 50-pound bag of milk replacer, multiple bags of supplements, a full set of show supplies, and sorting boards all in one place. The telescoping handle makes it easy to pull from the feed room to the trailer or out to the far pasture. It’s essentially a mobile supply closet.

The tradeoff, of course, is its size. This isn’t the tote you grab to carry a few medications into a farrowing crate. It’s a macro-organizer, designed for transport and central storage rather than nimble, pen-side tasks. But for consolidating your operation and keeping everything in one secure, weatherproof location, it’s hard to beat.

Rubbermaid Brute Tote: Indestructible Utility

The Rubbermaid Brute is the definition of a workhorse. It’s simple, overbuilt, and utterly reliable. If you need a container that you can leave in a pen without worrying about it being destroyed, this is the one. Its strength comes from the thick, commercial-grade plastic that remains pliable in the cold and resists impacts.

This tote’s greatest asset is its straightforward, no-frills design. There are no complex latches to break or small parts to lose. The snap-on lid is secure enough to keep out rain and pests, making it a fantastic option for storing smaller bags of feed or minerals. It’s the perfect all-purpose container for things that don’t need careful organization, like piglet heat lamps, extension cords, or a collection of sorting paddles.

Don’t look to the Brute for internal organization; that’s not its purpose. It’s a rugged box designed to hold and protect. For many daily chores, from hauling tools to keeping a spare set of boots dry, that’s exactly what you need. Its simplicity is its strength.

DeWalt TSTAK Deep Box for Medical Supplies

For organizing medications, syringes, and treatment supplies, a basic open tote is a biosecurity risk waiting to happen. The DeWalt TSTAK system, particularly the deep box with a lid, offers a far better solution. These are designed for tools, so they are tough, but their real value is in organization and protection.

The TSTAK boxes feature strong metal latches and an optional gasket seal that keeps contents clean and dry. This is critical for protecting sterile supplies and preventing moisture from degrading medications. Most models include a removable inner tray, which is perfect for separating items you need to access quickly—like needles and marking crayons—from the bottles and tubes stored below.

Because the system is modular, you can stack multiple boxes. You might have one for farrowing supplies, one for general herd health, and another for wound care. This level of organization saves precious time in an emergency and helps you keep a clear inventory of what you have on hand. It turns a chaotic medical kit into a professional, easily managed system.

Weaver Leather Grooming Tote for Show Pigs

Heading to a show is a completely different context than daily chores, and your tote should reflect that. The Weaver Leather Grooming Tote is purpose-built for the show ring environment. It prioritizes access and organization for a multitude of small items over brute-force durability.

These totes are typically made of durable nylon or canvas and feature an array of external and internal pockets. This design is perfect for keeping brushes, combs, sprays, polishes, and clippers separated and instantly accessible. When you have a pig in the wash rack or waiting for a class, you don’t have time to dig through a deep bin.

While this tote excels at the show, it’s not meant for the rigors of daily barn life. The fabric construction is difficult to sanitize properly, and it won’t stand up to the abuse that a hard-sided plastic tote can. Think of this as a specialized piece of equipment for a specific job, not your everyday carry.

Husky Pro Waterproof Tote for Feed & Meds

The Husky Pro Waterproof Tote strikes an excellent balance between the ruggedness of a tool box and the simple utility of a storage bin. Its standout feature is an integrated waterproof and dust-proof seal in the lid. For anyone storing expensive pelleted feed, supplements, or moisture-sensitive medications in a damp barn, this is a game-changer.

Built from heavy-duty polypropylene with strong metal latches, this tote can handle significant abuse. It’s a clear step up from standard consumer-grade storage bins. The seal not only protects from water but also helps contain odors, which can be useful for certain supplements or medications.

This tote is a fantastic mid-size option. It’s more portable and manageable than a giant rolling chest but offers far more protection and security than a simple snap-lid tote. It’s an ideal choice for a primary medical kit or for storing a week’s worth of specialty feed right where you need it, without fear of it getting ruined by humidity or a leaky roof.

Tuff Stuff Muck Tub: A Versatile Open-Top

Sometimes the best "tote" doesn’t have a lid at all. A flexible muck tub, like those from Tuff Stuff, is one of the most versatile tools on a small farm. Made from a pliable yet incredibly tough plastic, these tubs can be bent, twisted, and kicked without cracking.

Their primary use is for moving things. They are perfect for mucking out a farrowing stall, carrying feed to a group of hogs, or mixing milk replacer. The soft rope handles are comfortable and strong, allowing you to haul heavy, awkward loads much more easily than with a rigid bucket.

Of course, the lack of a lid means it offers no protection for long-term storage. This is not where you keep your medical supplies or feed. Instead, view the muck tub as an essential tool for active tasks—a durable, multi-purpose vessel that simplifies the physical work of raising pigs.

Maintaining Totes for Biosecurity & Longevity

A tote is a potential vector for disease, and keeping it clean is just as important as choosing the right one. A dirty tote can easily transfer pathogens from one group of pigs to another, or bring something nasty home from the feed store or a show. Regular cleaning is a simple, high-impact biosecurity practice.

The process is straightforward. First, completely empty the tote of all contents and debris. Scrub the interior and exterior with a stiff brush using a detergent to break down organic matter, then rinse. Follow up by spraying or wiping all surfaces with a farm-appropriate disinfectant, like Virkon S or a 1:32 bleach-to-water solution, ensuring you follow the product’s contact time requirements.

Finally, rinse the tote thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely, preferably upside down in the sun. UV light provides an extra layer of sanitation. Making this a routine part of your chores not only protects your herd’s health but also extends the life of your equipment by preventing grime and residue from degrading the materials over time.

Ultimately, the best tote is the one that fits the task at hand. You’ll likely end up with a few different types: a rolling chest for bulk storage, a sealed box for meds, and an open tub for daily chores. Investing in the right tools for the job doesn’t just make life easier; it builds a more resilient and efficient farm.