How to Pack for that Last Trip of the Season

Whether you’re heading out for a short weekend getaway or a long-haul overlanding trip, there’s an art to how you pack that hatch.

This past summer, I found myself sitting in the stop and go traffic that defines those last few miles to the beach. You know, the ones measured in boredom and butt cramps while a tantalizing whiff of refreshing salty air mocks your stillness. Faced with indeterminate highway congestion, my mind wandered to the Subaru Outback in front of me. Or, well, the “U” in front of me, as every other letter was missing from the badge plate.

“U” was an older model, likely minted sometime during Biden’s first stay in the White House. Dark green, with just enough body rust to indicate she’d seen a few things off pavement. Making up for the missing badge letters was a collage of bumper stickers representing various causes. Basically, there was a lot to look at. So much, in fact, that I almost missed U’s most alarming feature – the sheer insanity with which she had been packed.

Seriously, if you found yourself on one of those early MTV shows – the kind where you had to judge a person’s date-worthiness by how they pack – even the producer would be screaming at you to run fast and far.

This was… unhinged. Precariously-stacked coolers, with duffels and beach bags barely supporting their weight. Rogue toys, shoes, snacks and stray clothes looked like they’d been thrown in a fit of anger. Metal beach chairs sat at menacing angles, waiting to impale a passenger in a hard-braking scenario. And the cherry on top – a baby stroller casually leaning against the back window like a tiger waiting to pounce on the poor fool unlucky enough to open the trunk.

Yikes.

Now, I’m not quite sure how a person gets to this point of sheer apathy. (Though, the baby stroller seemed like a solid clue.) But the whole experience got me thinking about the art of packing. Because, despite what U’s owners would have you believe, it is an art – a rewarding one, too.

And whether you’re headed to the beach for a week-long retreat, hitting the slopes over the weekend, or committing to some serious off-grid travel, there are tried-and-true tips you can employ to ensure you won’t cause a Looney Tunes level avalanche upon opening the hatch.

Consider Your Constraints

Before you begin tossing in items with abandon, a little recon is in order. This will help you truly understand the space you’re working with – and its limitations.

Ask yourself questions like:

• Exactly how long is this trip going to take, and what portion of it will be spent in the vehicle?
• How many people need to fit comfortably?
• Will kids be along for the ride? Pets? If so, do they have any special requirements like booster seats or harnesses?
• How easy will it be to stop along the way for basic necessities?
• Is it possible to buy, rent or borrow items at the final destination?
• Is the weather going to be cold? Hot? Both?
• Can any items be shared with travel partners, to avoid packing duplicates?
• Do all these items need to come back home?

In addition to considering what’s coming along for the ride, think about the ride itself. Do you want to be able to easily remove part of your rig – like the roof on your Jeep or Bronco? What about that giant moonroof you jumped up trim levels for? If you’re packing topside cargo, these features are likely off the table.

Take Inventory for Efficient Loading

Before packing the car, it helps to lay everything out on the ground or garage floor and sort it into piles for easier loading.

Heavy items go in first, as well as the stuff you anticipate using the least during your trip. For casual travelers, this may look like “big and bulky” coolers, plastic tubs and suitcases. For more intrepid explorers, think: extra recovery gear, tool kits, spare parts and tire repair.

Loading these items first ensures all that extra weight stays over the vehicle’s axles. It also keeps things safe and secure at the bottom of the pyramid if you slam on the brakes. Speaking of which, if any items have sharp edges or exposed metal (like a collapsible stroller or that beach chair that lost its storage bag somewhere back in ‘02), consider adding a little cushioning. Bubble wrap is ideal, but a soft kitchen towel gets the job done.

Next, focus on the items you need easier access to during your journey. Maybe the diaper bag can’t squeeze into the back seat. If so, load it into the trunk space last, so you can quickly grab it once you open the hatch. Same goes for pet supplies or overnight duffels.

For you long-haulers hitting off-grid locales, these items may look more like compressors, camp kitchens, everyday tools and a tent. First aid kits and fire extinguishers are always the last in, so they can be first out in an emergency.

Think Outside (and Around) the Box

Is that a duffel-shaped void I see between those two coolers? Those odd little spaces are great for squeezing in soft and bendable items like blankets, pillows, small bags and coats. As an added bonus, they serve as bumper guards to larger luggage or containers that might shift around during transit.

Utilizing every bit of space is key if you plan to be on the road for a long time. (Let’s be honest, it’s also important when you’re toting around accessory-happy kids.)

Over-the-seat organizers are great for snacks, toys, books and wet wipes, as are stretchy mesh bags that attach to consoles, doors and even ceilings. Stacking containers come in handy too, especially when they are collapsible or portable. And if you’re driving a Jeep, platforms and deck enclosures make nice use of all that squared-off space, while soft roller-bar bags create storage where you least expect it.

Safety First

In addition to providing a little aesthetic joy, packing items in a tidy and secure way also ensures the safety of your passengers – and fellow drivers. When you’re not constantly checking the rear view, your eyes are focused on the road ahead.

Here are a few other safety-minded packing tips to consider:

• The less weight on a roof rack or carrier, the better.
  Keeping your center of gravity down low will result in better handling and fuel economy. Plus, who wants to heft heavy things over their head?

• Bins are great for corralling loose items, but big bins quickly grow heavy.
  Managing that size and weight can be a pain – for you and your back. Keep in mind that smaller containers can be lifted by one person, and it’s easier to find what you need.

• Bungee cords or safety nets are worth the extra effort.
  This is especially true if you have heavy items or piled luggage in the hatch.

• Be mindful of your vehicle’s carrying capacity.
  Remember, you still have humans to ferry around in addition to all that cargo.

• Visibility out the rear window is key to safe driving.
  Make sure you leave enough space to see what’s happening out back.

Remember, we learn by practice – not theory. So, the more trips you take, the more you’ll figure out the best use of space based on your unique needs.

Meet TrailFX

When it comes to quality and affordable cargo solutions, TrailFX fits the bill. From heavy-duty racking systems and work-ready toolboxes, to versatile roof baskets, bike carriers, cargo nets and more, the brand’s catalog is practically bursting with options to make your travel experience safe, secure and comfortable.

To learn more about TrailFX’s innovative products, visit: https://www.trailfx.com/