changing up how we pack using large duffels
- Thread starter Honu
- Start date
theksmith
Explorer
a vote here for the Watershed brand waterproof duffels. made in usa, comes in lots of sizes, tough, and is truly submersible (i.e. won't leak when doing 80 on the freeway in a heavy sideways downpour). the rubber "zipper" is a little bit of a PITA, so if you don't need a waterproof duffel then look elsewhere - but if you stow or might need to stow on the roof or a pickup bed, these rock.
i did a mini writeup on the idea of duffeling and using these bags a while back: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1398
Cabelas has roll-top duffels that come in many sizes, but the reviews seem to indicate they have some quality control issues when it comes to being submersible. i tried a medium sized one and would rather deal with the Watershed "zipper" thingy than the roll-top personally. however, they make one even larger than Watershed's biggest, which i might get for an upcoming trip where i need to store chairs, multiple sleeping bags, and sleeping pads on the roof.
i did a mini writeup on the idea of duffeling and using these bags a while back: http://offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1398
Cabelas has roll-top duffels that come in many sizes, but the reviews seem to indicate they have some quality control issues when it comes to being submersible. i tried a medium sized one and would rather deal with the Watershed "zipper" thingy than the roll-top personally. however, they make one even larger than Watershed's biggest, which i might get for an upcoming trip where i need to store chairs, multiple sleeping bags, and sleeping pads on the roof.
xplrn42
Adventurer
I recently scored two Pelican cases off of CL for a great deal, a 1650 for my cooking gear for camping, then my recovery gear fits in the 1610.
I want one more, probably a 1540 for other small items and dry goods.
With this set-up and the duffels, all our gear fits very nice and low in the FJ without blocking too much view, and leaving some area for our cat to lounge in the back with a cool (hard plastic) location.
I will be looking into the Watershed duffels mentioned above (thanks!), pefect sizing and something that I could put on the rack without any worries. Slowly but surely I'm getting this figured out.
I want one more, probably a 1540 for other small items and dry goods.
With this set-up and the duffels, all our gear fits very nice and low in the FJ without blocking too much view, and leaving some area for our cat to lounge in the back with a cool (hard plastic) location.
I will be looking into the Watershed duffels mentioned above (thanks!), pefect sizing and something that I could put on the rack without any worries. Slowly but surely I'm getting this figured out.
Inyo_man
Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.
I'm a fan of large duffles as well.
Currently, I'm using two XXL waterproof bags.
One to store sleeping gear (two tents and sleeping bags)
http://www.gul.com/bags/gul-150-litre-dry-backpack_lu0123-bkre-onesiz.html
The other holds all the clothes:
http://www.overboardusa.com/waterproof-ninja-duffel-bag-130ltr-black.html
Currently, I'm using two XXL waterproof bags.
One to store sleeping gear (two tents and sleeping bags)
http://www.gul.com/bags/gul-150-litre-dry-backpack_lu0123-bkre-onesiz.html
The other holds all the clothes:
http://www.overboardusa.com/waterproof-ninja-duffel-bag-130ltr-black.html
Honu
lost on the mainland
At this point just strapped down on the roof rack once we get a bigger rig will just go inside
Have a couple sherpa packs we got for cheap we can put them in to keep them clean since they come inside our tent and we handle them prefer to keep them clean
Have a couple sherpa packs we got for cheap we can put them in to keep them clean since they come inside our tent and we handle them prefer to keep them clean
Inyo_man
Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.
I too throw my duffels on the roof rack with an ActionPacker (lid sealed with weather striping), and appropriate seasonal gear. I prefer cam straps, or the like, to secure the load.
Unfortunately, I don't have a good photo of the rack fully loaded.
Below is a snapshot from the top of Imogen Pass, CO.
Unfortunately, I don't have a good photo of the rack fully loaded.
Below is a snapshot from the top of Imogen Pass, CO.
Honu
lost on the mainland
if things get wet and we had to pack away ? we would pack away wet and pull out next destination or when we got home ?
as far as the bags being on the roof rack they are in a large roof rack bag not sure what the UK equiv is but a sherpa bag is a kinda cheap got one of mine at REI garage sale cheap the other on sale about $80 or so bucks a big vinyl bag I have two on my roof and they hold everything in those except some harder outside stuff
here is what they are http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Y61Z0SDSTHF4JZ819WA
have had the sherpa packs in a 4 day Oregon coast driving rain and no leaks one had a bit of water in it but very little and just wiped off the outside of the stuff inside and things were fine
one reason I also chose the bags is the outside is smooth and again the large opening to get in and out of them easy when camping
I did go through the OK do I want for sure %100 water proof or easy access & water resistant like the TNF and figured we are going to be getting in and out of them a lot more than we are doing anything where they would be bare to the elements and might leak so we chose the easy access
I guess if somehow some of us got our clothes really wet and muddy we could repack some stuff and share a bag then have one for muddy wet clothes ?
so far when kids clothes get really dirty here its often not mud but dust
my long term goal is to get a large vehicle and everything goes in inside and we use the roof rack for some kayaks
as far as the bags being on the roof rack they are in a large roof rack bag not sure what the UK equiv is but a sherpa bag is a kinda cheap got one of mine at REI garage sale cheap the other on sale about $80 or so bucks a big vinyl bag I have two on my roof and they hold everything in those except some harder outside stuff
here is what they are http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Y61Z0SDSTHF4JZ819WA
have had the sherpa packs in a 4 day Oregon coast driving rain and no leaks one had a bit of water in it but very little and just wiped off the outside of the stuff inside and things were fine
one reason I also chose the bags is the outside is smooth and again the large opening to get in and out of them easy when camping
I did go through the OK do I want for sure %100 water proof or easy access & water resistant like the TNF and figured we are going to be getting in and out of them a lot more than we are doing anything where they would be bare to the elements and might leak so we chose the easy access
I guess if somehow some of us got our clothes really wet and muddy we could repack some stuff and share a bag then have one for muddy wet clothes ?
so far when kids clothes get really dirty here its often not mud but dust
my long term goal is to get a large vehicle and everything goes in inside and we use the roof rack for some kayaks
jeepgc
Adventurer
Thanks for the link honu.
Yes, exactly.
You leave home, everything's dry. During your expo it rains, wet tent, wet chairs etc so you put designate a "wet" bag to store the wet stuff in so that everything else stays dry when packing up - sorry I meant on a multi destination trip.
That makes sense.
I like that you mention the kids and getting muddy etc, on our last trip out, our youngest thought it would be good getting her boots soaking wet playing in a stream. Was ok with it, but it was about 45F degrees and no hope of drying them off, she had to wear her sandles for the next 2 days
Yeah I like the idea of being able to put everything into the back, but that won't work for me for a few good years yet.
The things that go on our roof are:
Tent
4xchairs
2xtables
Exhaust jack.
We also have a roof box at the rear to store our sleeping mats, bags, pillows, toolbox and cooker.
I was thinking of grouping the tables into 1 bag and the chairs into another so I don't have to load/pack them individually.
Probably not that important when staying in one place, but loading and unloading every day soon becomes a chore.
Thought maybe the large bag/duffel would help ease this and it looks like it might.
It's just me that packs the roofrack as I'm the only one. that can reach maybe my daughters'll be tall enough one day.
Yes, exactly.
You leave home, everything's dry. During your expo it rains, wet tent, wet chairs etc so you put designate a "wet" bag to store the wet stuff in so that everything else stays dry when packing up - sorry I meant on a multi destination trip.
That makes sense.
I like that you mention the kids and getting muddy etc, on our last trip out, our youngest thought it would be good getting her boots soaking wet playing in a stream. Was ok with it, but it was about 45F degrees and no hope of drying them off, she had to wear her sandles for the next 2 days
Yeah I like the idea of being able to put everything into the back, but that won't work for me for a few good years yet.
The things that go on our roof are:
Tent
4xchairs
2xtables
Exhaust jack.
We also have a roof box at the rear to store our sleeping mats, bags, pillows, toolbox and cooker.
I was thinking of grouping the tables into 1 bag and the chairs into another so I don't have to load/pack them individually.
Probably not that important when staying in one place, but loading and unloading every day soon becomes a chore.
Thought maybe the large bag/duffel would help ease this and it looks like it might.
It's just me that packs the roofrack as I'm the only one. that can reach
maybe my daughters'll be tall enough one day.
Honu
lost on the mainland
in the past we have just used plain old garbage bags if things get really bad with wet and dirt
2 kids wife and I and and a dog in a FJC so tight beyond belief
lucky here the rain comes then goes and dries off
when we had our trailer we had some rain soaked days day after day ?
I used to do a lot of bicycle touring so being rain soaked was part of it
on our roof is our bags our tent which is large and a few other misc things
inside is our IGT tables fridge and some misc camp stuff that fits in spaces then outside on rear rack thing is propane and jerry cans
our problem here in AZ is dust ! anything on the back of your rig is insane dirty
I have to off load everything from our rack
you are not alone
some spots we go there is no water so you have to bring enough to last which is a pain in a way ? I do miss the tanks on our trailer
so we might need 4 or more jerry cans of water
loading 4 bags 4 pads 4 chairs 4 bags of clothes is not as easy as just 4 bags and not having the bags to heavy
while this has been a expensive setup I do like that it weighs less over all have to weigh everything one day
next trip we are going to leave our small lifetime table at home ? we love it and use it but going to see if we can get along with out it
2 kids wife and I and and a dog in a FJC
so tight beyond belief lucky here the rain comes then goes and dries off
when we had our trailer we had some rain soaked days day after day ?
I used to do a lot of bicycle touring
so being rain soaked was part of it on our roof is our bags our tent which is large and a few other misc things
inside is our IGT tables fridge and some misc camp stuff that fits in spaces then outside on rear rack thing is propane and jerry cans
our problem here in AZ is dust ! anything on the back of your rig is insane dirty
I have to off load everything from our rack
you are not alone
some spots we go there is no water so you have to bring enough to last which is a pain in a way ? I do miss the tanks on our trailer
so we might need 4 or more jerry cans of water
loading 4 bags 4 pads 4 chairs 4 bags of clothes is not as easy as just 4 bags
and not having the bags to heavy while this has been a expensive setup I do like that it weighs less over all
have to weigh everything one day next trip we are going to leave our small lifetime table at home ? we love it and use it but going to see if we can get along with out it
brushogger
Explorer
I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a couple of these
http://www.etrailer.com/Cargo-Bags/Rightline-Gear/RL100D90.html
The reviews online look pretty good. They're about the right size for bedding, chairs, etc.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
http://www.etrailer.com/Cargo-Bags/Rightline-Gear/RL100D90.html
The reviews online look pretty good. They're about the right size for bedding, chairs, etc.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
brushogger
Explorer
As for water, I haven't found anything to beat these.
http://www.surplusplanet360.com/Wat...-452700.html?gclid=Clmv3Yml2LkCFejm7Aod6RcADA
These are indestructible. Just fill with water and 1/2 cub of baking soda for a week to kill the bit of rubbery taste. Do this 2 or 3 times. They can ride on a rack, in the bed, or in the floorboards. I've got one I've been using 15 years and only had to replace the O ring in the cap one time.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
http://www.surplusplanet360.com/Wat...-452700.html?gclid=Clmv3Yml2LkCFejm7Aod6RcADA
These are indestructible. Just fill with water and 1/2 cub of baking soda for a week to kill the bit of rubbery taste. Do this 2 or 3 times. They can ride on a rack, in the bed, or in the floorboards. I've got one I've been using 15 years and only had to replace the O ring in the cap one time.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk - now Free
jeepgc
Adventurer
in the past we have just used plain old garbage bags if things get really bad with wet and dirt
2 kids wife and I and and a dog in a FJC
lucky here the rain comes then goes and dries off
when we had our trailer we had some rain soaked days day after day ?
I used to do a lot of bicycle touring
on our roof is our bags our tent which is large and a few other misc things
inside is our IGT tables fridge and some misc camp stuff that fits in spaces then outside on rear rack thing is propane and jerry cans
our problem here in AZ is dust ! anything on the back of your rig is insane dirty
I have to off load everything from our rack
you are not alone
some spots we go there is no water so you have to bring enough to last which is a pain in a way ? I do miss the tanks on our trailer
so we might need 4 or more jerry cans of water
loading 4 bags 4 pads 4 chairs 4 bags of clothes is not as easy as just 4 bags
while this has been a expensive setup I do like that it weighs less over all
next trip we are going to leave our small lifetime table at home ? we love it and use it but going to see if we can get along with out it
Thanks for the tips Honu and the support
Yeah, I suppose I should quit my moaning, you can't do anything about the weather except for moving on somewhere else
You are lucky to be living in Arizona.
Our last trip was our first major one, we had all kinds of weather, well no (falling) snow and we had a load of dust, which is still covering our Jeep.
I like the large bag idea. I'll start the discussion with my boss lady and see if we can use it.
Honu
lost on the mainland
its working for us cant say it would work for everyone
one thing I am going to do for next trip is get a cot for the bags to sit on the wife does not like them on the ground to low kinda harder on the back getting in and out
we also had all these little spiders one trip ? kept em zipped so they stayed out but seemed to be all over them every night !
I hate spiders and moths creep me out !!!!!!
but I do think what also makes it work was smaller sleeping bags and the pads are inflatable so they pack down smaller and of course the chairs I might guess if one had large bags and self inflating pads the idea might not work cause the bag and pad would take up a good portion of the bag ?
got to get to Ikea again they had these bag organizers we got last time super cheap should have just picked up 4 sets ? but wanted to try them first
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30235115/#/30235115
but quite nice actually and cheap compared to name brand kinda ones what I like is the screen is rubber backed so wet or dirty stuff is sealed off
and
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50237627/
makes it easier to get to things like socks in one etc.. also trying to get our kids 4 and 9 more into helping and doing things around camp so being in charge of there bag is kinda fun for them
cant say it would work for everyone one thing I am going to do for next trip is get a cot for the bags to sit on
the wife does not like them on the ground to low kinda harder on the back getting in and out we also had all these little spiders one trip ? kept em zipped so they stayed out but seemed to be all over them every night !
I hate spiders and moths creep me out !!!!!!
but I do think what also makes it work was smaller sleeping bags and the pads are inflatable so they pack down smaller and of course the chairs
I might guess if one had large bags and self inflating pads the idea might not work cause the bag and pad would take up a good portion of the bag ? got to get to Ikea again they had these bag organizers we got last time super cheap should have just picked up 4 sets ? but wanted to try them first
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30235115/#/30235115
but quite nice actually and cheap compared to name brand kinda ones
what I like is the screen is rubber backed so wet or dirty stuff is sealed off and
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50237627/
makes it easier to get to things like socks in one etc.. also trying to get our kids 4 and 9 more into helping and doing things around camp so being in charge of there bag is kinda fun for them