There is no doubt that overlanders use a lot of gear: camping gear, recovery gear, tools. After dozens of overland trips, I have learned that it is important to have the proper overland storage gear to pack all of your equipment.
After the 2020 Holiday season, off-roaders will find themselves with even more gear to store. Luckily, there are many options available when it comes to transporting your overland gear.
Hard Case / Hard Chest
Hardcases are the most durable and protective storage option when going off-road. A good hard case will keep its contents safe from any damage—some are even strong enough to be driven over by a truck. If you overland, I recommend getting one that is waterproof, so your gear is protected from the rain and mud.
The main downside is that they are heavy and take up a lot of space. Additionally, they are not cheap, but for a good quality hard case, it is to be expected. If you are willing to pay for the extra protection, they are a solid option.
I recommend Pelican Cargo Cases. Pelican has always been a trusted brand with quality gear that is extremely protective and durable.
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Cargo Bags
Durable, weatherproof bags are another way to store your gear. A large bag can hold all of your contents while lighter and less rigid. It is a simple option, to fit a large amount of gear on top of your vehicle. It can keep your gear safe from rain, mud, and dirt.
Although, not as resistant to falls and crushes as hard cases, a cargo bag is an excellent option for most overlanders. It is easy to strap onto a roof rack and head out for an adventure. A good cargo bag will be durable so that it can carry the heaviest of gear without breaking.
I recommend the Zone Tech Roof Top Waterproof Bag for a cheap yet rugged bag.
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Cargo Boxes
Cargo boxes are a great attachment for any roof rack system. Most are simple to attach to your roof rack and universally fitting. A cargo box provides great protection for your essential gear. Whenever you store gear on top of your car it is more exposed than when inside your vehicle. More exposed to the elements as well as potential thieves. It is a plus to have the protection of the hard-shell box and the added security of a lock, which most come standard with.
The Thule Pulse Cargo Box is a great option for off-roaders.
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For a list of roof rack attachments, check out our article Roof Rack Accessories.
MOLLE Car Panels
MOLLE Panels are another great overland storage option. They are essentially panels that let you strap on small to medium sized gear for easy access. You can attach them to the back of car seats or the side panels in the trunk. They can convert unused space into gear storage with minimal effort.
Some gear that can be attached for easy access include: fire extinguishers, flashlights, first aid kits, knifes and other tools. You can see how it would be helpful to quickly grab these items in an emergency situation.
These panels work great for carrying smaller gear. You may want to consider having some other cargo options to store the big stuff.
For specific information on Food Storage, check out our article Tips for Food Storage.
New Products
Roof Rack Awnings
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High-Quality, Durable Roof Rack Awnings for Off-Roaders, Overlanders, and Adventurers.
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1 comment
Thank you, this is helpful!!