Vehicle Cargo Racks and Other Overlanding Storage Solutions

As overlanding grows more popular, more drivers are looking for storage solutions for their long trips into the wilderness. There are a host of options out there, from the humble roof rack to more specialized equipment racks. But which storage solutions should you be looking at for your vehicle, and what do the different types offer?

The Importance of Storage when Overlanding

When you’re planning to camp in a remote area or heading out into the wilderness for days on end, you’ll need to consider storage solutions. After all, you need to bring food, water, and emergency supplies, among other things. Keeping things tidy is also important considering the limited amount of space in your vehicle, and you’ll want essential items close at hand at all times.

What To Consider When Picking Storage Solutions

When picking storage solutions for your overlanding or offroading trip, remember to consider your vehicle’s type and measurements. There are different options for pre-installed and after-market storage for different types of vehicles.

Cars and SUVs have internal cargo areas, which means your things are protected but the size of the things you can load are fairly limited. Open-bed trucks meanwhile offer all the ease of an easy-to-load storage area with ample space at the cost of exposure to the elements and potential thieves.

Popular Types of Overlanding Storage Solutions

There are many types of overlanding and offroading storage solutions. Each has their own benefits and drawbacks, which we’ll be explaining in detail.

Roof Racks

A truck cargo rack is the most basic storage solution available for offroading and overlanding. They are usually attached to a set of crossbars on top of your vehicle using factory or aftermarket rails. They aren’t only available for trucks. Roof racks can be found for almost every vehicle. More often, you’ll notice that other storage solutions attach to the roof rack, so it’s best to purchase a quality rack as the foundation for the rest of your roof storage.

The main drawback of roof racks and other roof-mounted storage is that they will inevitably alter your vehicle’s height. This means you’ll need to avoid areas with low clearances like public parking garages.

Specialty Equipment Racks

If you plan on bringing any particularly large sports equipment such as a kayak or a mountain bike on your overlanding trip, you might want to consider a specialty equipment rack. These specialty racks attach to roof racks and are made to accommodate specific types of gear. Equipment racks keep your gear protected from the weather and the bumps along the trail. The ones that are fully covered offer the most protection for your specialty gear.

However, if you have a specialty equipment rack attached to your roof rack, you can say goodbye to it as a space for other things. Costs can also add up depending on how many different specialty racks you need for your different equipment.

Clamshell Cargo Boxes

Clamshell cargo boxes are another roof-mounted storage option for your overlanding trips. These have been around for years and are a popular option for summer road trips as well. They attach to roof racks, luggage racks, and roof crossbars. They’re more secure than simply strapping down your cargo as they’re watertight, but they do have a limited amount of space and may crack or get damaged when struck by rocks or tree branches.

Cargo Nets, Tie-Downs, and Ratchet Straps

Cargo nets, tie-downs, and ratchet straps are popular options for tying things up on top of your vehicle. These include nets, straps, and bungee cords. Interior cargo can be held down with bungee cords while heavier items may need ratchet straps. Strapping items down to your roof rack is a viable option as well, but items will end up exposed to the elements this way.

Drawer Systems

Some SUVs and trucks may have built-in drawer systems for storage. Many drawer systems have locks that prevent theft. They can also have additional storage inserts that fit into the drawers for easier organization. Unfortunately, drawer systems do require a large amount of space, and custom sizes aren’t available for all vehicles. You might need to customize a universal option if you want one in your offroading vehicle.

Roof-Mounted Safari Baskets

Safari baskets are a type of roof rack that attach to roof racks. They mimic the look of a basket and were a popular choice for African safaris, hence the name. They’re versatile and you can tie anything onto them as long as the items don’t weigh more than your roof’s weight capacity. Exposure is the main concern with safari baskets. You can opt to add a cargo bag to offer some protection.

Hitch-Mounted Cargo Carriers

A non-roof-mounted option for overlanding is a hitch-mounted cargo carrier. As its name implies, this carrier attaches to the vehicle’s receiver hitch, allowing you to lighten the load on your roof. They’re easy to install and provide quick access to gear. However, having one attached reduces your departure angle, and it’s thus very difficult to use while off-roading. If you plan to use a hitch-mounted cargo carrier, you’ll need to stick to very tame overlanding trails.

Roof Consoles

Roof consoles are attached to the inside ceiling of your vehicle, typically near the front to provide easy access to smaller items. It’s helpful for keeping things close at hand and to avoid losing smaller items, but the amount of space it provides is limited. Roof consoles typically have built-in lights with the option to insert a radio and a microphone.

Truck Bed Storage and Overlanding Racks

Truck bed cargo racks paired with truck bed cargo boxes are an excellent option for truck owners. They fit over the top of truck beds to provide more storage space. Truck cargo racks can easily hold tires, kayaks, and bicycles. Truck bed cargo racks do tend to be rather large and limit other truck bed options you might be considering.

Cargo Storage Totes, Cases, Containers, and Boxes

Other overlanding and truck bed storage ideas involve the use of storage totes, containers, and boxes. These storage solutions come in different shapes and sizes, and you’ll need to pick the ones that best suit your needs and space. Many specialized cargo containers even have waterproof qualities to keep your most sensitive gear safe in case of the worst case scenario. These cases all aim to provide increased protection from the elements and the inevitable bumps from overlanding.

Cargo boxes, totes, and cases meanwhile each have their own niches. Use them to organize and store tools, gear, and other items. The real question for overlanding and offroading storage isn’t so much if you have options but rather which ones will you choose to use?