Updated 06/17/2026

Having a mix of organization bins, totes, and packing cubes for camping gear makes getting ready for a trip easier — and streamlines loading and unloading the car.

It can be a lot of work to get ready for a camping trip – from gathering all of the gear needed to packing and loading it – so for me it’s essential to have a system for organizing my gear. Doing so means that it’s much easier to be ready to go, and I’m likely to go more often when it’s less of a chore to get ready.

I used to just throw everything into large plastic bins and duffel bags, but there wasn’t a method to it – and it wasn’t uncommon to forget something in the process. Over time, I’ve found a variety of gear organization items that work better for the gear that I have, and it makes loading and unloading the car easier too.

Large Bins

When I first started camping, I used multiple hard-sided plastic bins for packing bulky items. The problem with this method was that they were tricky to pack since their rigid shape made it hard to fit everything. In looking for a better solution, I found REI Trailgate Bins — and they’ve really improved my packing system.

Made from heavy-duty fabric with foam-reinforced panels, these bins come in three sizes: 60, 100, and 140 liters. I use the 100- and 140-liter versions for bulky gear like sleeping bags, camp chairs, and other large essentials. The flexible fabric lets me squeeze in more than I could with plastic bins — just when I think they’re full, I can usually tuck in one more item.

Multiple handles on all sides make them easy to move, and when they’re not in use, they fold flat for compact storage. Switching to these bins has made packing for camping so much easier, and I can’t see myself going back to rigid plastic – at least for larger camp items.

Camp Kitchen Gear Bin

For kitchen gear, I used a generic plastic bin for years before switching to a better option — the Gregory Alpaca Gear Box 45. The lid on my old bin was difficult to open, and it didn’t offer much protection from critters, which I learned the hard way on more than one trip when raccoons managed to get inside it.

The Alpaca Gear Box has a secure lid with two side latches, yet it can be opened from either direction for quick access at camp. The transparent, impact-resistant top makes it easy to see what’s inside, and the gasket seal helps keep out water and dust.

The 45-liter size and horizontal shape work especially well for camp kitchen gear because it lets me pack items without stacking everything too deeply, so it’s easier to find what I need. The bin also has sturdy grab handles for loading and carrying, and the overall construction feels built to last. I use smaller bins inside for utensils and other small items, then nest the rest of my gear around them to maximize space. When it’s time to cook, the bin stays next to my stove so everything is within arm’s reach. At night, I store it in my car, then bring it back out when it’s time to cook.

Packing Cubes

When I’m camping, I’ve found that keeping similar items together makes a big difference when it comes to setup and daily camp life. I use packing cubes inside larger bins to organize smaller gear by category, which makes it much easier to find what I need without sorting through a jumble of loose items. Lighting, repair gear, and other camp essentials each have their own dedicated cube, keeping everything accessible and easy to manage.

The Gregory Alpaca Gear Pods are great for keeping smaller camp items organized and easy to access. The mesh lid makes it easy to see what’s inside, so I can quickly identify the contents without opening each pod. A top grab handle makes them convenient to pull out of storage bins or carry around camp, and the loop-style zipper pulls are easy to operate when I need access to the items inside. The padded sides and bottom help the pods stand on their own instead of collapsing when they’re empty or only partially filled. The structured design also makes them easy to stack and pack efficiently.

I use the 5-liter pod in my camp kitchen for items like kitchen towels, trash bags, and additional cooking supplies. The larger 10-liter size works well as a camp tool kit, keeping gear like tent hardware, cordage, first aid supplies, and other small tools in one place.

The REI Trailgate Adjustable Cube comes with two adjustable dividers for keeping smaller items organized. The cube holds 25-liters and has a heavy-duty outer fabric with a zippered mesh top, so I can see what’s inside at a glance. It also has side carry handles and is designed to stack with other REI Trailgate Cubes inside larger REI Trailgate Bins. I use this cube for all of my camp lighting and electronics.

Tote Bags

Gear totes are one of my favorite ways to keep camping essentials contained and easy to move between the car and campsite. Unlike traditional storage bins, soft-sided totes are easier to pack into tight spaces while still providing quick access to frequently used gear. These are two of my favorites for organizing everything from jackets and water bottles to other camp essentials.

The Gregory Alpaca Utility Tote 35 is a sturdy, padded tote that stands open and holds its shape better than most soft-sided bags. The aluminum handles provide a secure grip and help support heavier loads, while interior bottle pockets keep water bottles upright and within reach. Zippered pockets provide space for smaller items like maps or trip documents, and exterior gear loops offer additional attachment options. On a recent camping trip, it held several jackets and shoes along with multiple water bottles, giving me a dedicated spot for the gear I reach for throughout the day.

The REI Trailgate 45 Tote is designed with road trips and camping in mind, with a shape that fits conveniently in the footwell of most vehicles. The expandable upper section provides extra capacity when needed, while the drawstring top keeps contents secure and folds out of the way for easy packing. A durable bottom protects gear from rough surfaces, and the multiple carry options make it easy to move between the vehicle and campsite. I like this tote for storing quick-access items such as layers, snacks, and other camp gear.

Duffel Bag

I use the North Face Voyager 42 liter Duffel to carry my clothes on camping trips. It has a removable divider for keeping items separated, a large mesh zippered pocket on the inside, and three external pockets – great for carrying an extra pair of shoes and smaller items like socks.

Shower Kit and Toiletries

Not every campground has showers, but when they do, I always bring a small shower kit. I use a lightweight Osprey daypack for my change of clothes, plus a packing cube for towels and washcloths, and I toss in my shower shoes inside a plastic bag. My quick-dry travel towels are a big space-saver compared to cotton towels from home, and they dry much faster.

I used to keep my toiletries in a travel bag, but I’ve switched to a small plastic bin. Most camp bathrooms don’t have a spot to set things down, so the bin lets me place it on the floor without worry, and everything is easier to grab than in a bag with multiple zippered compartments.

I only bring the essentials in travel-size containers and use zip pouches to keep the small items organized. The bin’s handle makes the trip from camp to the bathroom simple and spill-free.

Having a good packing system has taken the stress out of getting ready, so I can focus on relaxing at camp.

Video Walkthrough

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