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Best Overlanding Storage Containers 2024

Sturdy, weather-proof overland storage boxes are a must for long backcountry adventures. Whether you are on the trail or hanging out at camp, overlanding storage containers hold, organize, and protect your supplies and gear – all of the stuff outlined in our Essential Overlanding Gear Guide.

As with many things, your choices for an overlanding storage system come down to your needs and your budget. Here, we’ll share our picks for the best overlanding cargo cases on the market and offer some criteria to consider when choosing one of the many options.

Pelican Cargo Cases

If you’re looking for top-of-the-line storage boxes for overlanding, look no further than Pelican Cargo Cases. Pelican makes incredibly durable and watertight cases that are used by professionals of all stripes to keep safe expensive and sensitive gear, such as cameras and electronics. In early 2020, the company announced the release of its Cargo Cases line, featuring cases in eight sizes.

Pelican Cargo Cases
Pelican Cargo Cases come in eight sizes

The cases have metal attachment points build in that are designed to pair with Pelicans for attaching to roof racks and truckbeds. When you use this feature, you can open the cases even when they are attached to the rack. Super handy.

These are bombproof cases that include a lifetime warranty. This kind of quality comes at a price, but they are designed to last many years and will give you peace of mind. The cases run in the $200-$450 range. For more info, visit the links for specific boxes below, or check out my hands-on review of the Pelican cases.

Pelican Cargo Case Sizes

The cases range in size from 1.22 cubic feet to 6.92 cubic feet of internal storage.

BX50 Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX50
Dimensions

Internal volume: 9.1 gallons
Internal: 13 × 12.3 × 13.3 in
External: 17.25 x 17.25 x 16.00 in

BX55S Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX55S
Dimensions

Internal volume: 9.6 gallons
Internal: 32.38 x 8.00 x 8.52 in
External: 36.63 x 13.00 x 11.50 in

BX80 Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX80
Dimensions

Internal volume: 14.2 gallons
Internal: 20.75 x 12.25 x 13.25 in
External: 25.00 x 17.25 x 16.00 in

BX85S Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX85s
Dimensions

Internal volume: 1.53 gallons
Internal: 51.75 x 8.00 x 8.52 in
External: 56.00 x 13.00 x 11.50 in

BX90R Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX90R
Dimensions

Internal volume: 18.4 gallons
Internal: 32.38 x 15.00 x 8.75 in
External: 36.62 x 20.00 x 11.50 in

BX135 Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX135
Dimensions

Internal volume: 25.7 gallons
Internal: 36.80 x 12.25 x 13.20 in
External: 41.00 x 17.25 x 16.00 in

BX140R Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX140R
Dimensions

Internal volume: 30.1 gallons
Internal: 41.75 x 19.00 x 8.75 in
External: 46.00 x 24.00 x 11.50 in

BX255 Cargo Case
Pelican Cargo Case BX255
Dimensions

Internal volume: 51.8 gallons
Internal: 42.80 x 16.25 x 17.20 in
External: 47 x 21.25 x 20 in

Here’s Pelican’s propaganda video on the cases:

Plano Storage Trunk

Plano Sportsman's Trunk
Plano Sportsman’s Trunk

The Plano Sportsman’s Trunk is another great budget option for overland storage boxes. Plano makes products for hunters and fishermen, and the Sportsman Trunk is designed to withstand the rigors of the backcountry.

While not waterproof the cases come with a snug-fitting lid and heavy-duty latches, and the lid can be locked with a padlock. The cases are designed for stacking and have tie-down extensions for securing them. The Plano cases also have two wheels on one side, which is handy for rolling them when fully loaded.

The Sportsman’s Trunks come in three sizes, with an internal storage capacity of 108, 68, and 56 quarts, respectively.

Plano Sportsman’s Trunk Sizes

Plano Sportsman's Trunk Large
Dimensions

Internal volume: 108 gallons
Internal: 34.75 X 16 X 13.5 in
External: 37.19 X 18.25 X 14 in

Plano Sportsmans Trunk 68
Dimensions

Internal volume: 68 gallons
Internal: 26 X 11.25 X 11.25 in
External: 30 X 14.25 X 12.75 in

Dimensions

Internal volume: 56 gallons
Internal: 13 X 15 X 24 in
External: 20 X 12 X 11.5 in

Radius Outfitters Gear Boxes

Radius Outfitters Gear Case

Radius Outfitters Gear Boxes offer a unique alternative to traditional hard-shell cargo cases typically used for overlanding and camping storage. These soft-bodied cases, available in three sizes – Gear Box 5500 (55 liters), Gear Box 3500 (35 liters), and Gear Box 3000 (30 liters) – provide a customizable and quieter storage solution for various outdoor settings. The run in the $220-$250 range as I write this.

The key differentiating factors of these Gear Boxes are the Cordura exterior and the quilted interior, which help reduce noise during transit, especially when off-roading. This is a significant advantage for in-vehicle storage over hard-shelled cases, which tend to rattle and create distractions. Additionally, the Gear Boxes feature movable velcro dividers that enable users to arrange the storage space according to their specific needs, similar to customizable camera cases.

These probably won’t serve all of your gear storage needs–as they may not be suitable for protecting gear in harsh outdoor conditions but do offer an innovative and high-quality option for organizing and storing smaller gear and electronics inside vehicles during overland adventures. For more info, check out my review on the Radius Outfitters Gear Box that I own.

Radius Gear Boxes Sizes

Gear Box 5500
Radius Outfitters Gear Box 5500
Dimensions

Internal volume: 14.5 gallons
Internal: 21 x L 14.25 x H 11.125 in
External: 25.25 x 16.75 x 12.25 in

Gear Box 3500
Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3500
Dimensions

Internal volume: 9.2 gallons
Internal: 21 x 14.25 x 6.375 in
External: 25.25 x 16.75 x 7.375 in

Gear Box 3000
Radius Outfitters Gear Box 3000
Dimensions

Internal volume: 9.2 gallons
Internal: 21 x 14.25 x 6.375 in
External: 25.25 x 16.75 x 7.375 in

Rubbermaid ActionPacker

ActionPacker boxes stacked in the back of my Jeep.

Rubbermaid wisely came to the realization that people were using their plastic bins for outdoor adventures and released the ActionPacker line, a purpose-designed collection of bins for camping and other outdoor activities. I have several of these and they are a solid option for a basic storage system for overlanding.

The ActionPackers come in four sizes: 48 gallons, 35 gallons, 24 gallons, and 8 gallons. The plastic bins nest together for easy stacking and have latches to hold the lids on. You can secure the lid closed with a padlock. Two 8-gallon containers will fit snuggly inside the 48-gallon box.

They aren’t fully waterproof, but you can leave them outside in the rain or snow and the contents stay dry. The lid is double-walled and can support up to 100 pounds. They run in the $30 to $70 range depending on the size.

ActionPacker Sizes

Action Packer 8 Gallon
Dimensions

Internal volume: 8 gallons
Internal: 14 x 11 x 10 in
External: 26 x 18.3 x 17 in

Action Packer 32 gallon
Dimensions

Internal volume: 32 gallons
Internal: 20 x 14 x 15 in
External: 26 x 18.3 x 17 in

Action Packer 35 gallon
Dimensions

Internal volume:: 35 gallons
Internal: 31 x 16 x 14 in
External: 35.25 x 20 x 17.25 in

Action Packer 48 gallon
Dimensions

Internal volume: 48 gallons
Internal: 40 x 17 x 14 inches
External: 44. 25 x 20.625 x 17.25 in

Front Runner Wolf Packs

Front Runner Wolf Packs
Front Runner Wolf Pack boxes

Front Runner Wolf Packs are popular overland storage boxes built by a company focused on the adventure vehicle market. They are made of durable high-density polyethelene (HDPE) plastic. They have sturdy clips to hold the lids closed, but they aren’t lockable.

While they are generally water-resistant, they have two small holes on the bottom, presumably to let spills drain. We like the look of these – they have more of a hardy expedition feel than the ActionPackers.

One advantage to the Wolf Packs is that they integrate with the Front Runner roof rack system and other accessories, including their Monsoon Bags, which are waterproof and dustproof. Another thing we like about the Wolf Packs is that they have various channels and corners that make it easier to lash them to a rack. They run around $40 each.

Front Runner Wolf Pack

Wolf Pack Dimensions

Internal volume: 8 gallons
External: 20.1 x 15.8 x 9.1 in
Internal: 17.7 x 17.7 x 8.1 in

If you are looking for something a bit more compact than the Wolf Pack, Frontrunner makes a smaller set of cases called the Cub Pack which are worth checking out.

Front Runner Cub Pack

Cub Pack Dimensions

Internal volume: 5 gallons
External: 17.3 X 12.4 x 8.3 in
Internal: 15.2 x 10.6 x 7.3 in

Zarges Standard Cases

Zarges Standard Boxes
Zarges aluminum cases

Zarges makes aluminum cases that are designed to withstand extreme punishment. Along with the Pelican cases featured above, these are the durable and protective camping boxes on our list. They aren’t waterproof like the Pelican cases, but they are water and dust resistant, and arguable tougher when it comes to heat and sharp objects.

Zargas Standar Box

The cases come with cast-aluminum stacking corners, which makes them stay put when stacked. The aluminum frames are fully-welded and the joints riveted which makes them highly stable. The make their standard case in more than two dozen sizes.

Similar to the Pelican cases, these are a premium product that you probably only need if you are planning some serious overlanding trips. That said, these are the kinds of cases that you can purchase once they will last for many years.

To see all the models and current prices, visit the Zarges store on Amazon.

This promo video from Zarges shows a Grizzly going after one of their cases:

Choosing Overland Storage Boxes

Below are a few questions to ask yourself as you consider what overlanding cargo cases to choose.

How will you carry them?

Whatever storage system you use, it will have to fit inside your vehicle, be mounted to the outside, and/or be carried on a trailer. It’s important to consider in advance how you will fit your gear and passengers into your vehicle. One temptation is to put all the gear on top, but this can make your vehicle top-heavy and raise the risk of tipping over.

Some camping boxes are designed to stack, which is more stable and saves on space. Some containers have tie-down features, such as holes or groves, that help you securely fasten inside your vehicle or lash them to an external rack, whether it’s a roof rack, tow hitch rack, or an overlanding trailer.

More recently, companies have created storage systems where the containers fit into a rack system. These are a nice addition to the overlanding gear market. The downside is the high cost and that they only fit on certain vehicles. 

Are they waterproof/weather resistant? 

Truly waterproof camping boxes are expensive (see Pelican Cargo Cases below). That said, keeping your gear dry in wet weather can be priceless. Waterproof boxes are especially useful if you plan on carrying them on the outside of your vehicle and exposed to the elements or if you’ll be traveling in an especially wet climate. If you plan on carrying your overland storage cases inside your vehicle, and rain is less of an issue, you might be able to get away with a less watertight system.

Are they durable?

Again, cost is a big factor here. Super-sturdy, professional-grade storage boxes cost a pretty penny. You can find much cheaper plastic boxes at Home Depot or other big-box retailers, but they won’t last long under rugged use. Maybe that’s okay for a time. You can always buy replacements, though having them break during a trip can be a hassle.  

Conclusion

Having a durable set of cargo containers will help you get organized and protect your gear. Hopefully, you found something that will suit your purposes highlighted above. It’s also important to make sure you don’t overload your vehicle with too much weight. For more information on that, check out our article on overlanding vehicle payload capacity.

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