Storage Boxes

When camping organization is incredibly important and often overlooked as sleeping bags, coolers, boats, suitcases and everything else is loaded in the back of the vehicle. As part of designing a storage platform for tools and other emergency gear I took some time to think about how the rest of the camping gear would fit in an organized and safe fashion. 

In order to prevent gear from bouncing around the vehicle closed containers are required. My goal was to have a modular system with as few pieces as possible where everything fit and could be tied down securely with a one or two straps. The decision was made to have two camping boxes, on for gear and the other for food. When selecting the boxes it's important to choose ones that will latch securely. I would not recommend waterproof boxes because if dishes are damp or anything is wet when put away the moisture can not escape.  Also the additional seals and latches add unnecessary complexity. 

Our selection was the 43 quart Stor-it-All Tote from the Container Store, but depending on the vehicle and what gear you plan to take there are many more suitable options.

The 43 quart size comfortably fits the following gear with the second providing space for food for two people for up to 2 weeks depending on the composition:

• Clear Plastic tub (can be used as wash basin and also provides a separate compartment)
• Small waterproof container with:
  • Sponge
  • Biodegradable soap
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Biodegradable shampoo
• Folding wood saw
• Spare Lantern Mantles 
• White Gas Lantern
• MSR water filter
• MSR 2 Liter water bag
• MSR 30oz Fuel bottle
• MSR 2 Pot Kit
• REI Non-stick 10in. fry pan
• Box - strike anywhere matchs
• Garbage bags
• Zip Lock Bags
• 4 each - Fork, Knife, Spoon
• 1 - Sharp cutting knife
• Spatula
• Serving Spoon
• Pasta Strainer
• Cheese Grater
• Bottle Opener
• Can Opener
• Hot pads
• GSI Outdoors espresso maker
• REI 4-person plate and cup set
• 2 - stainless wine glasses
• Portable speakers