Custom Radio Carry Case – Perfect for Portable Sessions - January 2026

Portable radio sessions are meant to be simple: grab a case, head out, and have everything you need in one place. Over time though, my original radio carry case started showing its limitations. While the outer shell was still solid, the internal layout just wasn’t keeping up with the number of radios and accessories I wanted to take with me.

That led to this project: a custom internal upgrade to an existing carry case, focused entirely on improving usability without compromising strength or portability.

Why Upgrade the Internals?
The original case did its job, but it was never designed to safely carry multiple radios along with antennas, batteries, chargers, and assorted accessories. Radios would shift, accessories needed separate storage, and packing for a portable session became more fiddly than it should have been, including another bag for some accessories.

Rather than replacing the case entirely, I decided to redesign the internal layout while keeping the proven external shell.

Design Goals
Before starting, I set some clear goals:
- Carry more radios safely without them knocking into each other
- Preserve the external integrity of the case
- No external holes
- No screws or modifications to the shell
- Snug internal fit so everything stays put during transport
- Minimal weight increase, using the lightest timber possible
- Improved accessory storage so everything fits in one case

These constraints shaped every design decision and ensured the case remained practical for real-world portable use.

The Build Approach
The new internals were designed to be a precision fit, using lightweight timber to create structured compartments. Each radio has its own snug space, reducing movement and protecting controls, screens, and connectors. The fron compartment was added for accessories, allowing cables, antennas, batteries, and small tools to be neatly organised.

Because everything fits internally, the case retains its original strength, weather resistance, and appearance — no visible modifications from the outside.

The End Result
The finished case delivers exactly what I was aiming for:

• ✅ Radios fit snugly and securely

• ✅ Plenty of space for accessories

• ✅ Only a minimal increase in overall weight

• ✅ No compromise to the case’s external strength

• ✅ Everything fits into one single carry case

For portable radio sessions, this makes a huge difference. Packing up is quicker, setup is easier, and there’s confidence that the gear inside is properly protected.

Final Thoughts
This custom radio carry case upgrade proves that you don’t always need a brand-new case — sometimes the best solution is improving what you already have. With thoughtful design and lightweight materials, it’s possible to dramatically increase capacity and protection without sacrificing portability.

For anyone serious about portable radio operations, a well-designed internal layout is just as important as the radios themselves.

Video

Start of the design process.

My ugly mug, yes I am allowed to use tools unsupervised...

Testing layout. I have a 6mm piece of MDF in the bottom to mount the dividers on.

Test layout of the two dividers. One to divide the radios and one to divide the radio from the front accessories area.

Screwing the front divider in.

Test fit of the middle divider.

Both dividers installed and rear mounting block. This stops the rear radio from moving during transport.

Finished - External View.

Finished - Internal.

Finished - Internal Dividers.

Finished - Internal Dividers.