Gear Review: DECKED D-CO Honcho 80 Case
The Honcho 80 is solid, roomy enough for day trips, and keeps gear close at hand. Photo: Rick Mikesell
Between my full-time job, weekend guiding, Trout Unlimited projects, and chasing kids around, fishing rarely gets the all-day treatment anymore. More often, it’s a pull-off-the-road-on-the-way-home kind of affair. That means my truck needs to be rigged and ready, always. I picked up the DECKED D-CO Honcho 80 case to keep things organized, dry, and secure, and after a few weeks of use, it’s proven to be a solid addition.
I mounted mine directly to the T-tracks on my roof rack, which required four holes drilled through the bottom, four 22mm M6 bolts, four 18mm T-nuts. No brackets, no janky mounting kits, and no rattling down dirt roads. It’s locked in tight, but easy enough to remove if I ever want to move it into the bed or a DECKED drawer system down the line.
The author keeps his Honcho 80 loaded with gear for him and the whole family, so they can be ready for adventure in a flash. Photo: Rick Mikesell
Weather- and Dust-Proof
The weatherproofing isn’t just marketing copy. It’s been a wet few weeks in Colorado, and everything inside has stayed dry, no leaks, no damp corners. Over Memorial Day, I drove a bunch of dusty dirt roads in the high country, and dust intrusion was minimal. That’s pretty rare for a rooftop box.
It’s not aerodynamic, but it’s lower profile than some of the other roof cases I’ve seen, and I haven’t noticed any whistling or change in gas mileage. It also plays nice with my Riversmith River Quiver and leaves enough clearance to stash my stillwater fishing ladder in between.
More Than You’d Expect
At 80 liters, it’s not the biggest rooftop case out there, but the layout is efficient. I’m currently using mine without the included dividers to make room for odd-shaped gear, specifically a mid-handle net and a full sling pack. Right now it holds:
- Mid-handle net
- Small net for my daughter
- Sling pack
- Extra rain jackets for the whole family
- First aid kit
- Plus room to spare
It’s just a bit too short and narrow for my over-size carp net, but everything else fits well. The case doesn’t feel huge, but the open layout makes good use of the space.
Made in the USA and built to last, the Honcho 80 has stood up to heavy rain and long drives on dusty dirt roads.
Build and Materials
Build quality is solid. The hinges, latches, and handles feel well-made and haven’t shown any signs of wear yet. The built-in lock seems plenty adequate, and there are ports for padlocks if you want to add some extra protection. I also like that it’s made in the U.S.—not something you see a lot anymore, especially with plastic gear.
The case is available in three colors: black (which I have), ranger green, and desert tan. DECKED also offers a PuzzleFoam™ insert option if you want padded, compartmentalized storage, though I opted for the open layout. Even though I’ve got mine mounted on the roof, it would work just as well as a standalone case in the bed, in a DECKED drawer system, or even stashed in the garage.
The built-in lock means that you can park without worrying if your stuff will be there when you return. Photo: Rick Mikesell
Good for Anglers . . . and More
As a brand, DECKED has been showing up more in the fly-fishing world lately, supporting events, partnering with shops, and connecting with folks who actually fish. It’s good to see a brand put some energy into our community, and even better when the gear holds up.
The Honcho 80 has done exactly what I needed it to do: keep my gear dry, secure, and easy to grab. Whether it’s pulling over for a quick solo session or an afternoon fishing with the kids, it’s made staying rigged and ready way easier. It’s built with anglers in mind, but it’d be just as useful for hunting, camping, or any other kind of truck-based adventure.
