The nylon webbing on it looks secure enough too hold up during use, very handy. When I read your post I couldn't help thinking of the old stinky box. Don't give up on airing it out, keep the lid open, use baking soda, char coal. Keep it in a dry heated room, let direct sunlight reach the innside for an hour or so on a sunny day. I had a very (!) musty box for a zigzagger, it took two years with the lid off before it was gone. The worst aired off within a few weeks, but the rest took time.