Hey there campers and welcome to my post discussing my three best camping storage boxes to keep things organised this year. We all know that camping is a fun pastime however it is not without its challenges. And without putting anybody off, we all know that we may have to deal with unexpected issues such as bad weather and keeping our camp food stash away from foraging wild animals whilst we are out there.
However, there is something we can do in regards to another difficulty we often face which is organizing our camping gear and considering this, camping storage boxes are an excellent camping hack. So, to help you out, I have lined up my top three choices below…
My three recommended camping storage boxes
I will review these in more detail below, but if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
| Camping Storage Box | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Outdoor Products Watertight Box | $ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Plano Storage Trunk | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | YETI LoadOut GoBox Divided Cargo Case | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are camping storage boxes?
Storage boxes, generally speaking, are organizational solutions that help us store and arrange any kind of items. They come in various sizes and can carry a variety of objects, making them an excellent way to save space while also keeping our tents tidy and organized. In short, there are two main reasons to utilise a good storage container for camping. These are as follows:
- Packing – We all know that trying to fit all that camping gear in the back of the truck can be a bit like a game of Tetris. Not to mention that jamming stuff in here and there is not good for it either. Camping storage containers can definitely assist here and are also long-lasting and reusable as well.
- Campsite organisation – As above, once you are at the campgrounds and unpacked, then a storage box can help to simply just keep things neat and organised. For example, we put all of our covers and carry bags for our camp chairs, kitchen, grill and tent bags etc. in them to keep them off the ground and out of the elements.
What should you be looking for?
Below are some of the main factors you should take into account as you shop for a good camping storage box:
- Capacity
- Weight
- Waterproof
- Weather-resistant
- Security
- Additions
Capacity
Typically, storage box capacity is determined by the number of quarts it can hold. This feature is essential since the box’s capacity will determine how much gear you can store inside. If you plan on stashing all of your larger stuff such as cookers, power stations and lights etc. then the larger the better. Of course you will need to take into account of the size of larger boxes in regards to fitting them inside your vehicle as well.
Weight
Most regular storage boxes are designed to be lightweight so that you can quickly move them around when not in use. The standard material for camping storage boxes is plastic which explains why products made are durable and portable.
The weight of the items will also influence the type of storage box you choose. If you intend to store heavy items, a storage box that provides support and extra strength in the overall structure is a good idea. This way, it will not buckle under the weight of the items inside.
Waterproof
As above, you never really know what kind of weather to expect when out camping. That is why it is always a good idea to obtain additional protection and in this case, a waterproof storage box for camping gear is definitely an advantage. So, when it rains or even storms outside, a watertight option will keep all of your belongings secure and dry.
Impact-resistant
Whenever we are exploring the wild, it is a requirement for our gear to withstand any type of rigorous situation we subject them to. The different terrains of the great outdoors would test any camping storage box, which is why impact and tear-resistant products are a good idea as well.
Security
The locking system of storage boxes protects the camping valuables stored inside and keeps them secure. Latches are the most popular option however, some manufacturers provide holes on the corners that fit padlocks or cable locks. Sophisticated ones even have combination locks integrated into the storage container for more reliable security.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Wheels – These help to easily move the storage box from one location to another especially if full of heavy camping gear.
- Transparency – This addition allows you to see through the object to identify what gear is inside .
- Dividers – These are useful in creating smaller compartments within the box to organize smaller items.
- Caddy – This is a small compartment within the storage container that could keep your handy items for camping, such as keys, compasses, lighters, etc.
What do I use?
We have a plain plastic box (photo below) that we use for two needs. The first is that we take all of our food in it when we pack so that it is dry and protected when in transit. Once at the campsite, we empty our food into a portable camping wardrobe that works as a pantry for us and then as mentioned earlier, we place all of our empty carry bags inside.
Oh, and it doubles as a pretty handy ‘coffee table’ when we are enjoying drinks and nibblies around the fire as well!!
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Outdoor Products Watertight Box
My first option here is a definitely not as large as the choices below however it is a recommendation made based on my own experience when it comes to keeping your gear secure whilst camping. In short, it is the perfect option for keeping all of those small necessities such as lighters, matches, cables, keys and so on safe and dry – you could even fold your LED lights into it if need be. See its specification below:
- Brand: Outdoor Products
- Capacity: 1 quart
- Item weight: 1 pounds
- Dimension: 3.5 x 6.8 x 8 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
Other inclusions it has:
- Made from transparent shatterproof translucent polycarbonate
- Rubber key clip and strap attachment poi
- O-ring closure for watertight seal
Why have I chosen it?
As above, this is a perfect solution to the ongoing problem of keeping all of those ‘easy to lose’ items securely and safely in the one spot. My advice would be to pick one of these up and keep it inside any of the larger options below for transportation. Take it from me, this is not a purchase you will regret!
2. Plano Storage Trunk
This next product is excellent for organizing the items you will bring on any camping adventure. It is large enough to store a good range of gear with an overall structure designed to keep your outdoor equipment secure, protected, and organized. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Plano
- Capacity: 108 quarts
- Item weight: 9.9 pounds
- Dimension: 35 x 18.1 x 15.9 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
Other inclusions it has:
- CNC machined aluminum flight track
- Pre-Installed String Dampeners
- Wheels
- Key lock holes
- Molded grooves for ease of stacking
Why have I chosen it?
This is a great option for those who have a lot of camping ‘bits and pieces’ that they want to easily transport and store with great stacking moulds for ease of packing in a vehicle. All in all, this is a great storage box for a very decent price.
3. YETI LoadOut GoBox Divided Cargo Case
My last recommended item is certified water-resistant, impact-resistant and weather-resistant. It has an innovative design for storing and securing your equipment reserved for the great outdoors from an extremely well-known and trusted brand. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Yeti
- Capacity: 29 quarts
- Item weight: 11.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 20.9 x 15.2 x 11.9 inches
- Waterproof: Yes
Other inclusions it has:
- Divider and lid organizer for multi set packing
- Caddy
- Rubber stoppers
- Rubber seal
- Lock holes for added security
Why have I chosen this?
This last product is a good camping investment with a double wall system that guarantees that whatever you put inside will be protected from any outdoor elements. With the help of its divider, you can maximize the space inside for you to arrange your gear effortlessly and the caddy is best for holding your little camping essentials. And not to forget the integrated lid organizer that can fit your maps and other valuables as well. It is nearly indestructible and can withstand the sun as well as negative temperatures in the field.
Conclusion
And there they are, my three best camping storage boxes to keep things organised this year. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
