5 Products For Organizing Your Cargo Area

When it comes to overland adventure travels, packing out everything needed for even a simple weekend getaway can become a bit cluttered and disorganized. With gear piled up and not easily accessible in the cargo area, the simple need to access an item at the bottom requires unloading and reloading gear. By adding simple storage and organization, you can save time and sanity.

Let’s talk about 5 storage items that I’ve found helpful in keeping my rear cargo area organized. With them, I spend less time shuffling around gear and more time enjoying the weekend.

1. R4T Cubby

This is a relatively new product and a match made in organization heaven! Developed for Cali Raised or Rago fab MOLLE panel top shelves, this cubby attaches to the bottom and adds a good amount of storage.

A rigid top and bottom support prevents sagging and the included side and bottom mesh pockets are perfect for storing small items like USB charging cables. R4T also includes a couple of interior dividers for even better organization. This is a great storage solution for gear you want to be protected from getting smashed in the general cargo space.

Find It Online:

• R4T Cubby: Check Price

2. Cali Raised Window MOLLE Panel + Shelf

When it comes to maximizing the storage in your 5th Gen 4Runner, this is one of the best options on the market. In my opinion, this should be one of your first mods to get organized. It gets gear off your cargo floor while keeping it all easily accessible. You can mount just about anything you can think of via straps or MOLLE mounts.

Find It Online:

• Cali Raised Cargo MOLLE Panels: Check Price

3. Drawer System

Nothing screams Overlander like a rear drawer system, and there is no shortage of creative options. These can range from basic single-drawer setups to crazy “transformer” configurations. There’s pretty much a setup for anyone’s storage needs.

Honestly, rear cargo drawers are probably one of the most convenient additions for maximizing storage and organization. Being able to open a drawer to access items quickly is such a game-changer.

If you’re handy and have a few simple tools, a DIY drawer system can be easy enough to build for a very satisfying weekend project. Lots of DIY plans can be found here. Also, check out our Drawer System Buyer’s Guide.

4. Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro

For all the years I’ve been camping, my storage containers have evolved over the years. I started with inexpensive plastic bins sold at most big box hardware stores. They did the job and were better than nothing, but the overall shape wasn’t very space-saving. Also, most of them weren’t securely stackable.

In comes the Wolf Pack Pro boxes from Front Runner Outfitters. I’ve used these storage boxes for several years and they have held up very well. They pack up nicely with the perfect footprint and height, stackable design, and a watertight/dust-resistant latching lid. These have been perfect and my “goto” boxes for the ultimate in storage and organization.

Dedicating each box for specific items means these can stay packed and easily loaded in and out of the 4Runner. I keep one box for recovery gear, another for cooking supplies, etc. They can be used to pack anything that fits.

Find It Online:

• Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro: Check Price

5. Tool Rolls

Having the right tools can be the difference between a simple trail repair or a bail-out call in distress. It’s the insurance and peace of mind to know I’ve got what I need when someone else needs it. Yes, I use my tools most of the time to repair others’ rigs.

However, storing tools in the 4Runner takes up valuable space. I have always been a “keep my tools in the cases they came in” kinda dude and a good tool roll is the perfect way to have what I need while taking up minimal space. With pockets to keep things organized like wrenches separate from sockets, it’s been another way to keep things stored and organized.

A fully packed tool roll fits perfectly in that cargo tray above the rear wheel wells. In my opinion, everyone should have tools, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher in their vehicle.

Find It Online:

• Ryker Bag Tool Organizer: Check Price

Final Thoughts

As mentioned above, there is no shortage of products to help add storage and organization to your overland rig. There is no “one size fits all” as we all have different needs. Those needs will dictate what will work best for your setup.

If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and super unorganized when packing for adventures, start with this list of basic items. From there, you’ll be able to dial in your organization through trial and error. For my needs, these 5 items have been the perfect combination to maximize my storage space.