Hard OR Soft storage

[Backcountry Traveller]

So I've been trying to decided what would be better for storing the bits and bobs which I'm going to be Carrying in the van.

Im trying to decide on either a hard sided case like a pelican case or Similar design or a soft bag type design like a duffle or bag.
Or a combination of the above.

I'm looking forward to you're input.

Sam


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[fiddypal]

Probably a mix of both. Oddly shaped things and small bit's in bags and bulkier items in solid bins.

 

[rayra]

Hard-sided only if you need to protect fragile things. Otherwise they're a hug ewaste of volume if they aren't crammed full, or as their contents are consumed.
One caveat - if they are sturdy enough to serve as seating. Dual-use.

Soft-sided lets you more fully use a given space. Particularly if the spaces are odd-shaped or space is at an overall premium.

On had-sided too, I've always liked the idea of the roof coffins. They let you throw all kinds of odd and loose gear in and close the clam shell and forget about it. And all that stuff is OUT of the vehicle, which makes a big difference if your vehicle is smaller.

 

[Kerensky97]

Soft sided bags tend to et squished and disorganized. Definately have a mixture but I'd reccomend a bunch of hard sided containers that fit your cargo area. Just like when you move from one house or apartment to another. It's much easier to move and shuffle a bunch of boxes around than a bunch of garbage bags.

 

[Backcountry Traveller]

Thank you for the replies and the help. It is much appreciated.
I think I'll go for a mixture based on the comments.
I'll definitely go for some hard cases for the important things like the 'kitchen' and shelter kits.

My next question would be what would be better for a recovery kit. Hard or soft storage.

Tia

Sam


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[Robert Bills]

. . . My next question would be what would be better for a recovery kit. Hard or soft storage.

I like the recovery gear bags from http://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/.

I use two of their Small Recovery Bags:

I also use two of their Overland Oil Bags.

 

[georgiadrifter]

Rayra hit the nail-on-the-head....this is why bush pilots in AK tell you to pack a duffle. They conform to a given space and pack into cramped quarters so much easier. Of course Pelican or similar for electronics and fragile items.

 

[WyoCherokee]

I use a mixture of both. I throw my sleeping bag, tent, pad, camp chair, blanket in a oversized duffel. and all my kitchen goods, camp gear and food go in smaller hard sided containers.