DeWalt TSTAK Mobile Storage Clipboard

First impressions and setup

I brought the TSTAK clipboard onto a couple of site visits and a week of desk-to-truck errands to see if it could replace my usual aluminum storage clipboard. It’s immediately bigger than a standard clipboard, about 2.5 inches thick, with the familiar hi‑viz yellow/black DeWalt palette. The extra bulk isn’t just for show; it buys you real organization: an internal paper clip, a ballistic nylon zippered pouch for small bits, and a shallow cavity that swallows a healthy stack of paperwork.

Out of the box, the integrated LED work light runs on a single AA (included), and the one‑handed auto‑latch is ready to go. I was able to pop it open with my non‑dominant hand while juggling a tape and phone in the other, which is the litmus test for any field clipboard.

Build and design

The shell is plastic, not metal, and that’s a trade-off. It keeps weight in check and plays nicely with other TSTAK modules, but it doesn’t have the dent-proof confidence of aluminum. The hinge runs the full width and feels smooth, with no grinding or flexing under a normal load of paper and a pen. The edges are slightly radiused so it’s comfortable to carry, and the flat top gives a decent writing surface even when you’re leaning against a wall or truck bed.

The exterior paper clip is strong enough to hold a thick packet without creeping loose, and the internal clip keeps forms tidy when you’re on the move. The internal pouch is the surprise star: the ballistic nylon feels tough, the zipper track is smooth, and the pocket is deep enough for business cards, a small flashlight, and a handful of pens or markers without bulging the lid.

LED work light

The LED is a smarter addition than I expected. Mounted near the top, it throws a clean pool of light that’s perfect for reading a work order in a dim mechanical room or filling out forms in a truck cab at dusk. It’s not a jobsite headlamp and won’t flood a room, but for close-range tasks it’s genuinely useful. The fact that it sips a single AA is a win—no proprietary batteries to chase, and the included battery got me through the week with plenty of juice left. I’d call the beam a medium spot with enough spill to make writing easy without glare.

Ergonomics in the field

With paperwork loaded, the clipboard is still very manageable one-handed. The auto-latch does what it says: you can open and close it with one hand, and the latch is positive enough that it never popped open while bouncing around in the back seat. The size does mean it’s not pocketable or something you’ll casually tuck under an elbow for long walks; if you’re constantly carrying tools and samples, you’ll occasionally “armpit” it to free up a hand. That said, the balance is good, and the flat back makes it easy to steady against your hip for quick notes.

Writing comfort is close to a conventional clipboard. The lid has just enough give that you don’t get a hollow echo when scribbling, and the external clip stays out of the way. If you regularly fill out carbon copies, the firm backing helps transfer pressure cleanly through the sheets.

Storage and organization

Capacity is the main reason to step up from a simple board, and this unit delivers. It comfortably holds a thick stack of letter-sized printouts—think a foamed-in-place 100-sheet block—without fighting the hinge or mashing the edges. The internal clip grips tight, so wind gusts won’t turn your forms into confetti when you open it outside. The zippered pouch separates small items from the paper pile. I used it for:

• Business cards and a mini stapler
• A few binder clips and markers
• A compact flashlight when I didn’t want to wear a headlamp

If you like to tweak your kits, there’s room to add a thin magnet strip inside for loose paper clips or screws, and a couple of adhesive cable clips stick nicely to the plastic to route a pen tether.

Modularity and compatibility

This clipboard is designed to stack with TSTAK portable storage modules, and it clicks in as expected. If your mobile kit is already built around TSTAK, that’s a practical advantage: the clipboard rides on top without needing bungees or a separate bag. In my tests, it did not interface with ToughSystem 2.0 rails or latches—plan on treating it as a standalone piece if your setup is ToughSystem-based. The footprint pairs best with the smaller TSTAK organizers rather than big rolling boxes, where it can feel dwarfed.

Durability and protection

While the plastic shell is sturdier than the average office clipboard, it’s not bombproof. I wouldn’t toss it off a tailgate or sit on it in winter and expect it to shrug it off. The corners are reinforced enough to survive daily use, and the latch hasn’t shown any wobble, but this is not a weather-sealed case. Light rain is fine if you keep the opening downhill; a downpour or muddy jobsite calls for a dry bag. The internal pouch protects sensitive items from scuffs and dust, which is a nice touch.

On the bright side, the plastic cleans easily with a damp rag, and the yellow/black color makes it easy to spot on a cluttered bench or in a truck bed. DeWalt backs it with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, which helps offset the material trade-offs.

Performance highlights

What stood out over a week of use:

• One-handed access works in real life, not just on the spec sheet.
• The LED light is practical for quick reads and notes in low light.
• Internal organization is thoughtful without overcomplicating the space.
• External and internal clips both have strong spring tension.
• Plays well with TSTAK stacks; stays put during transport.

Where it falls short:

• Bulkier than a standard clipboard; not ideal if you need ultra-compact.
• Plastic shell can scuff and will likely crack if abused or dropped hard.
• No gasket or weatherproofing; papers need protection in heavy weather.
• Doesn’t integrate with ToughSystem 2.0 setups.

Use cases

The clipboard earns its keep in roles where paper and small essentials need to travel together efficiently:

• Estimators, inspectors, and service techs who juggle forms, cards, and a few accessories.
• Homeowners who want a central “project board” for receipts, paint chips, and punch lists.
• Anyone already invested in TSTAK who wants a top-side document station that rides with the stack.

If your work is extremely rough-and-tumble or routinely soaked, a metal or gasketed field desk might be a better fit. If you rarely carry more than a single form, a slim aluminum board is simpler.

What I’d change

A more ruggedized shell—thicker plastic at the corners or a rubber overmold—would boost confidence without adding much weight. A light weather gasket around the lid could keep splashes out. And while the single AA LED is handy, a slightly warmer color temperature would reduce glare on glossy forms.

The bottom line

The TSTAK clipboard strikes a sensible balance between a basic board and a full-blown field desk. It’s genuinely useful: easy to operate with one hand, bright enough to read by in the dark, and organized enough to keep small items from wandering. The trade-offs are clear—size and plastic construction—but they’re reasonable for the intended use, especially if you live in the TSTAK ecosystem.

Recommendation: I recommend this clipboard for anyone who needs more than a flat board but less than a briefcase, particularly if you already use TSTAK modules. It keeps paperwork tidy, adds real low-light utility, and integrates into a mobile kit without fuss. If you prioritize maximum durability or weather sealing, look to a metal or gasketed alternative; otherwise, this is a practical, well-thought-out upgrade for everyday field paperwork.