Prepare Your Truck Storage for Outdoor Adventure

Prepare Your Truck Storage for Outdoor Adventure

By Jessica Graham

My first introduction to deer hunting was tagging along with my Dad during Iowa’s first shotgun season. Every year, he would get together with his two brothers and Dad to hunt the southern Iowa timber and farmland that they loved. The hunting party grew as they got married, had kids, and I was able to stick closely by my Dad as we scanned the frosty timber for deer. Because the season is short, we piled all of our gear into his truck. We had to pack for at least a few days of hard hunting, being out from sun up to sun down. I watched our truck cab and bed stuffed with our gear, clothes, and bedding. Our gear went where it could fit, and the set up wasn’t by any means as structured as it could be.

There must have been several generations of hunters like us; piling gear into a pickup without the best systems for organization and storage. Today, you can have your dream set-up to deck out your whole vehicle for a hunting or trapping rig. Or, if you prefer, you can add a few pieces to your vehicle to make transporting and temporarily storing your gear easier on you and your equipment.

Seat Storage
If you were to start one place, seat storage is a good place to start. Compared to a lot of options, they don’t cost a lot of money to purchase one or two of these, and they provide a surprising amount of storage. You can easily remove these storage options after hunting and trapping seasons, or you can use them for other purposes. Under-seat storage bins are custom-fit storage bins that fit beneath the rear seats of trucks. They typically come in various sizes and configurations to maximize space utilization. Under your seat, you can store ammo, calls, field dressing knives, gloves, saws, game bags, ratchet straps, and most small items.

Back seat organizers are pretty versatile, and I like them because they add storage at the seat level where things are easy to grab. They also allow you to store guns, bows, and accessories on the front of the back seat or back of the front seats. These save a lot of space if you want to leave your bow case at home. These often attach to the back of the rear seats and provide multiple compartments and pouches for storing smaller items such as hunting knives, flashlights, first aid kits, and field gear.

Pickup Toppers/Camper Shells
Overall, adding a pickup topper expands the storage capacity of your truck and provides a versatile and protected space for storing fishing gear, dog crates, and other essential equipment. Whether you’re embarking on a fishing expedition, hunting trip, or outdoor adventure, a topper-equipped truck offers convenience, security, and peace of mind for sportsmen on the go.

A pickup topper provides a secure and enclosed space in the bed of the truck, protecting your gear from theft, weather elements, and some road debris. This is particularly advantageous for storing fishing gear such as rods, reels, tackle boxes, and electronics. With a topper in place, you can confidently leave your gear unattended while exploring remote fishing spots or stopping for meals on the way to your destination.

Pickup toppers come in various styles and configurations, allowing for customization to suit your specific storage needs. You can install shelving, racks, or storage bins inside the topper to organize fishing gear, hunting equipment, camping supplies, and more. Additionally, many toppers feature built-in tie-down points or cargo management systems, providing secure attachment points for larger items like coolers, kayaks, or dog crates.

Keeping your gear dry is crucial for maintaining its integrity and functionality, especially when it comes to fishing gear. A pickup topper provides a sheltered environment that shields your gear from rain, snow, wind, and UV exposure. Whether you’re transporting fishing rods, tackle boxes, or waders, having a dry storage space ensures that your equipment remains in optimal condition and ready for action whenever you hit the water. One drawback to toppers is they can vacuum in gravel dust if they do not have a tight seal.

For sportsmen who hunt with dogs, a pickup topper offers a safe and comfortable space to transport canine companions. You can install a dog crate or kennel inside the topper, providing your four-legged hunting partner with a secure and sheltered area during travel. This eliminates the need to squeeze dog crates into the cab of the truck or expose them to the elements in the bed, ensuring your dogs’ safety and well-being throughout the journey.

Drawer Systems
Some of the most elaborate outdoorsman storage systems have slide-out drawers. These are usually installed in dedicated vehicles for the active sportsman. I’ve seen these store guns, clothing, camping supplies. Generally, these feature two full-length drawers that roll out to provide easy access to gear while maximizing the use of the truck bed space. It’s customizable with dividers and accessories. You can also get secure storage solutions with lockable drawers and customizable configurations. They’re made of heavy-duty materials and is available in various sizes to fit different truck models. Some drawers are weatherproof and ergonomic storage system with drawers that can carry up to 200 pounds each. They’re heavy, but durable.

Racking Systems
Depending on what you’re wanting to use your truck for racking systems might be advantageous. Racks offer sturdy integrated mounting points for securing gear. They also offer optional accessories like tool holders and accessory bars. There are also adjustable rack systems that mount to the bed rails and provides a platform for securing gear such as kayaks, bikes, or rooftop tents.

Gun Cases and Safes
If you carry handguns with you, you might consider a console type gun safe. This safe installs discreetly inside the center console of trucks and provides secure storage for firearms, valuables, and other items. For long firearms, truck bed safes and lockers mount to the bed of the truck and provide secure storage for rifles and shotguns. They feature lockable doors and can be accessed from the side or rear of the truck.

There are a plethora of options for you to organize your gear and prepare for this upcoming camping, hunting or trapping season. By adding a couple of organizers, not only will your gear travel securely, but you will be able to carry more and maximize your space.