Car camping is a popular outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the great outdoors while still having the comfort of your own vehicle. However, to make the most of your car camping experience, you need to have a well-organized and efficient storage system. Car camping storage bins play an important role in this system, helping you keep your gear and supplies in order, protected, and within easy reach.
In this article, we will take a look at the 20 best car camping storage bins available on the market, with a focus on durability, capacity, portability, ease of use, and water resistance. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, this article will provide you with the information you need to choose the best storage bin for your car camping needs.
Related: 14 Best Camping Storage Boxes With A Lid
How to Pick the Best Car Camping Storage Bins
When choosing car camping storage bins, there are a few key criteria that you should consider. These include:
- Durability: Look for bins made from sturdy, weather-resistant materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
- Capacity: Consider how much gear and supplies you need to store and choose a bin with enough space to accommodate your needs.
- Portability: Look for bins that are lightweight and easy to carry, especially if you’re camping in remote areas.
- Ease of use: Choose bins with features such as easy-to-open lids, convenient handles, and stackable design for effortless storage and access.
- Water resistance: Ensure that your storage bins are water-resistant or waterproof, to protect your gear from the elements.
By keeping these criteria in mind, you can be confident that you’re choosing a car camping storage bin that will meet your needs and provide long-lasting performance.
Top 20 Car Camping Storage Bins
Now that you know what to look for in a car camping storage bin, it’s time to take a look at the top 20 options on the market. That said, with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start when it comes to choosing the best car camping storage bin for you. But fret not! We’ve done the research and compiled a list of the top 20 car camping storage bins that are sure to fit the bill.
From rugged and durable to sleek and stylish, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, grab a cup of joe, and let’s get started!
1. Pelican Elite Cooler
This Pelican Elite Cooler bin is made from tough, rotomolded plastic and can keep ice frozen for up to 10 days! With a spacious interior, a variety of sizes to choose from, and a lifetime guarantee, it’s the perfect solution for all your food storage needs.
2. Tuff Stuff Heavy Duty Overland Gear Storage
This overland gear storage solution is built tough and designed to handle anything you throw at it (or in it!). With its durable construction, water-resistant design, stackable capability, and reinforced corners, it’s a must-have for any serious camper.
3. YETI LoadOut Bucket
This bin is the ultimate all-rounder. Not only does it feature a tough and rugged construction, but it also has convenient features such as a non-slip bottom, tie-down points, and an ergonomic handle for easy carrying. Plus, it’s available in a variety of colors to suit your personal style.
Related: Best Camping Storage Boxes With Wheels
4. IRIS Airtight Storage Container
If your goal is to keep your gear dry and protected, this IRIS Airtight Storage solution has got you covered. With its airtight seal, it’s ideal for storing items that are sensitive to moisture or humidity. Plus, with a variety of sizes to choose from and snap-tight latches to keep the lid securely closed, you’re sure to find one that fits your needs.
5. Coleman Steel Belted Cooler
This classic cooler is made from high-quality stainless steel and features a rust-resistant design. With a spacious interior, four cup holders molded into the lid, and a hinged lid with a built-in handle, it’s perfect for keeping your food and drinks cold on your camping trips.
6. Engel Deep Blue Cooler
The Engel Deep Blue Cooler is designed to keep your food and drinks cold for days on end. With its tough rotomolded construction, airtight gasket, and freezer-grade seal, it’s perfect for any camping trip. And with its bear-resistant certification, you can be sure your food will be safe from curious wildlife.
7. Rubbermaid ActionPacker Storage Container
This Rubbermaid ActionPacker Storage Container is perfect for those who value convenience and ease of use while camping with their car. With its collapsible design and an easy-to-carry handle, it’s a great option for those who want to maximize their storage space without sacrificing portability.
And with its heavy-duty, impact-resistant construction, you can be sure it will stand up to the wear and tear of outdoor use.
8. Decked Pickup Truck Bed Storage System
This Decked Pickup bin is perfect for those who own a pickup truck and want to make the most of their bed space. With its waterproof design, customizable storage options, and 100% recyclable construction, it’s a great option for those who want to keep their gear organized and protected. And with its ergonomic design, it’s easy to access your gear, even when you’re on the go.
9. Plano Field Locker
This Plano Field Locker is built tough and designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With its weather-resistant design, secure latches, and reinforced hinges, it’s a great option for those who want to keep their gear protected and organized. Plus, with its customizable storage options and stackable design, you can make the most of your storage space.
10. Eagle Heavy Duty Outdoor Storage Container
This bin is designed for those who want a heavy-duty solution for their storage needs. With its durable construction and weather-resistant design, it’s perfect for storing tools, gear, and other essentials on your camping trips. Plus, with its lockable design and convenient carrying handle, you can be sure your items will be secure and easy to transport.
11. ARB 50QT Fridge Freezer
The ARB 50QT Fridge Freezer is a must-have for campers who would like to keep their food and drinks cold, even on the go. With its built-in compressor, it’s capable of cooling down to 0°F, making it perfect for storing frozen foods and keeping your drinks ice cold. Plus, with its durable construction and secure locking mechanism, you can be sure your food and drinks will be safe and protected.
12. Igloo MaxCold Cooler
This bin is designed for those who want to keep their food and drinks cold for days on end. With its Ultratherm insulation and MaxCold design, it’s capable of keeping ice frozen for up to 5 days. And with its sturdy construction, convenient carrying handle, and variety of sizes to choose from, it’s a great option for all your food storage needs.
13. Grizzly Coolers Bear Resistant Container
Next comes the must-have car camping storage bin for those who are serious about protecting their food from curious wildlife. With Grizzly Coolers Bear Resistant Container’s bear-resistant certification and tough construction, you can be sure your food will be safe and protected on your camping trips.
And with its convenient carrying handle and variety of sizes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that fits your needs.
14. Frigid Rigid Marine Cooler
The Frigid Rigid Marine Cooler is perfect for those who are looking for a high-quality marine cooler. With its heavy-duty construction, freezer-grade gasket, and fish measuring ruler molded into the lid, it’s a great option for fishing trips and other boating excursions. And with its variety of sizes to choose from, you can be sure you’ll find one that fits your needs.
15. Engel Deep Blue 30qt Cooler Dry Box
This bin is perfect for those who want to keep their gear dry and protected. With its airtight seal and tough construction, it’s perfect for storing items that are sensitive to moisture or humidity. And with its variety of sizes to choose from and convenient carrying handle, it’s a great option for all your storage needs.
16. Seattle Sports Paddle Tough Duffel
Seattle Sports Paddle Tough Duffel is perfect for those who are looking for a high-quality waterproof duffel. With its heavy-duty construction, water-resistant design, and variety of sizes to choose from, it’s a great option for kayaking, canoeing, and other water-based activities. And with its convenient carrying handle and removable shoulder strap, it’s easy to transport.
17. Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler Backpack
This Pelican ProGear Elite Cooler Backpack is perfect for those who want a convenient and portable solution for their food storage needs. With its tough construction, spacious interior, and backpack design, it’s perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor adventures.
And with its variety of sizes to choose from and a lifetime guarantee, you can be sure it’s a great investment for all your food storage needs.
18. Plano All Weather Tactical Gun Case
This bin is the perfect solution for those who want to keep their firearms protected and secure during camping trips. Made from heavy-duty materials and designed to withstand all types of weather, this case is a must-have for anyone who wants to ensure their firearms stay protected from moisture, dust, and impacts.
With its secure locking mechanism and customizable foam interior, this bin is great for those who want to keep their firearms organized and easily accessible. Whether you’re a hunter, marksman, or simply want to ensure the safety of your firearms, this case is a great choice.
19. Igloo Marine Ultra Square Cooler
The Igloo Marine Ultra Square Cooler is a heavy-duty option for car camping and outdoor activities. With its square design, it offers ample storage space for your food and drinks, and it can keep your items cold for days. It’s made of high-quality materials and features a UV inhibitor that protects against sun damage, making it ideal for use in a variety of outdoor environments.
One of the standout features of the Igloo Marine Ultra Square Cooler is its Ultratherm insulation in the body and lid, which provides superior ice retention. This means you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time worrying about your food and drinks going bad.
20. Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Pack
This item isn’t exactly a car camping storage bin, but it’s still a must-have for anyone who wants to keep their food and drinks cold. With its reusable design and ability to stay frozen for up to 48 hours, it’s a great option for those who want to save money and reduce waste by not having to constantly buy new ice packs. Simply freeze, pack, and enjoy the convenience of having cold food and drinks for days on end.
And there you have it, folks! Just a few of the top 20 car camping storage bins on the market. Whether you’re a fan of tough and rugged or sleek and stylish, there’s something for everyone on this list. So, get out there and start exploring!
7 Tips for Using Car Camping Storage Bins
By following the additional tips below, you can ensure even further that your camping trip is as enjoyable and organized as possible.
1. Label your bins
Once you have your storage bins, make sure to label each one with the contents inside. This will make it easier to find what you need when you need it and will save you time and frustration trying to search through unlabeled bins. You can use a permanent marker or printable labels, whichever works best for you.
2. Pack smart
When packing your storage bins, try to utilize the space as efficiently as possible. Roll clothing to save space, place heavier items at the bottom of the bin, and use smaller bins for items that can easily get lost in larger containers. Additionally, consider packing items that you’ll need first, such as sleeping bags and clothing, in a more accessible bin for quick and easy access.
3. Keep like items together
When packing your bins, try to keep like items together. For example, keep all of your cooking supplies in one bin, all of your clothing in another, and all of your electronics in another. This will make it easier to find what you need and keep your gear organized. It will also prevent items from getting lost or mixed up with other gear, ensuring that you have everything you need when you need it.
4. Utilize the lid
The lid of your storage bin can be used for additional storage. Consider using small containers, such as plastic bags or containers, to store smaller items on top of your larger items in the bin. This will save space and ensure that smaller items don’t get lost in the bottom of the bin.
5. Consider a bin with wheels
If you’ll be transporting your storage bins over uneven or difficult terrain, consider purchasing a bin with wheels. This will make it much easier to move your gear from one location to another and will save you the hassle of carrying heavy bins over long distances. Look for bins with durable wheels that can handle rough terrain, and consider a bin with a sturdy handle for easy maneuvering.
6. Protect your gear
Consider purchasing storage bins with padding or interior dividers to help protect your gear from scratches and impacts. You can also wrap fragile items, such as electronics, in cloth or towels for added protection. If you’ll be storing gear in the trunk of your car, consider using a bin with a secure lid to prevent items from shifting during transit and causing damage.
7. Plan ahead
Before you head out on your camping trip, take some time to plan out what you’ll need to bring and how you want to store it. Make a list of all the gear and supplies you’ll need, including food, clothing, cooking equipment, and any other essentials. This will help you choose the right storage bins for your trip and ensure that you have enough space to store everything.