Sub-compact hatchback organization

[PlacidWaters]

Wondering if anyone travels in a sub-compact hatchback and has any special outfitting for the car.

I considered removing the back seat but decided I didn't want to lose the sound insulation of the seat. The seats are folded down, of course.

I and it seems like others really enjoying creating compact, self-contained boxes etc to increase organization and comfort. Most of my trips include gear for camping, hiking, kayaking, and biking so things can get chaotic in the car.

 

[libarata]

What exactly are you driving? I primarily use softbags for car stuff. I have two Plano Sportsmans trunks(medium) that I plop everything into now. But, duffels were my primary source of storage beforehand.

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

I personally don't like built in, vehicle specific stuff, you never know when you may need to change cars. Of course with a small car you have to consider weight as well. I really like these Wolf Packs, we carry two in the Jeep but I have been thinking of trying out my wife's Fiat for a weekend trip. In that box is everything I need to cook and eat. On the left is a tent the Fiat may actually fit in!

 

[life_w_vagabonds]

Don't get hung up on the big and the expensive, that this site can sometimes portray. Just get out and go, doesn't matter what you drive, keep it light and simple. Don't forget your camera!

 

[calicamper]

With our Subaru I like soft bags. They conform to the space you have etc. My hard boxes get strapped to our Life Time Tent trailer deck. I do pack the car in layers. The dog gets top layer in his bed. Lol

 

[IdaSHO]

You mean something like this?

Not a hatch, but it is a very small wagon.

1984 Subaru

Pretty simple box that provides enough stowage to keep most things out of sight, as well as allow for sleeping in the car with gear out of the way.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...Upgrades-84-Subaru/page2?highlight=subcompact

 

[PlacidWaters]

You mean something like this?

Not a hatch, but it is a very small wagon.

1984 Subaru

Pretty simple box that provides enough stowage to keep most things out of sight, as well as allow for sleeping in the car with gear out of the way.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...Upgrades-84-Subaru/page2?highlight=subcompact

Yes, that's what I'm thinking of, thank you plus some clever storage boxes with drawers or something like that. Just looking for people's creative ideas that I might not have thought of. I have a tiny Scion. I do like the two-layer feature of your design.

 

[Thirty-Nine]

Our adventuremobile is a 1995 Suzuki Sidekick two-door, which is pretty dang small. We've done a few things that really help us maximize space.

• We got a cargo net and run it across the inside of the vehicle behind our front seats. This allows quick access to water bottles, maps, snacks, or whatever we might need.

• We also found storage boxes that fit inside our vehicle. We're using Sterilite footlockers for most of our camping gear. They have rollers on one end that helps get them in and out of the vehicle.

• Stacking up is your friend! Having the ability to stack helps a lot in a hatchback. It's one of the bodystyle's best qualities. This was the first time out for more than a couple of days with the rig. We've since learned to pack more efficiently (and the trailer and roof rack help)

• We also have a roof rack and cargo basket if things get really cramped. We also invested in a small trailer.

 

[PlacidWaters]

Thirty-Nine, it looks like you don't have much visibility out your rear window.

I hadn't considered using the roof rack. I usually have a kayak up there. It's 24" wide so it only takes up one half of the roof. I suppose the kayak already cuts down the gas mileage. Should I get some kind of container to put on the roof rack? (Simple Thule square bars.)

 

[Thirty-Nine]

Thirty-Nine, it looks like you don't have much visibility out your rear window.

I hadn't considered using the roof rack. I usually have a kayak up there. It's 24" wide so it only takes up one half of the roof. I suppose the kayak already cuts down the gas mileage. Should I get some kind of container to put on the roof rack? (Simple Thule square bars.)

True. However, like I mentioned, we've learned to pack more efficiently so we can actually see out the rear window!

A roof rack can be a great addition to a subcompact car for added storage and there are plenty of options.

 

[LR Max]

In my experience, you remove the seats but retain sound proofing because you've put crap in its place that dampens the sound. So its a wash in the end. Only time its in an issue is when you are empty. Even then its mainly the sound of the fuel pump.

Soft bags and go lightweight.

 

[Yarjammer]

Predominantly soft storage is the only way to go when you are concerned about economy of space and weight. Even though I have some hard cases, I still rely on duffel or gym bags to shove between them or take advantage of oddly shaped areas. I only use hard cases for stuff that is heavy enough to make a duffel unwieldy like my kitchen items or for my "random camping stuff" box that has outdoor games, stakes, a mallet, camp lighting, etc. in it. I may be in a JKU now, but I successfully used this same approach when I had my Mini.