The Complete Guide to Overland Storage and Organization

Storage units come in various sizes, from small 5x5 units to large 10x30 units, with prices ranging from under $100 to over $1,000 per month.

Renting a storage unit is a good idea for people who need to free up space in their homes or businesses.

The cost of renting a storage unit depends on the size of the unit, the location, and the amenities offered.

A typical storage unit has a door that can be locked with a padlock or a combination lock, and a roof to protect the contents from the elements.

Storage Solutions are a crucial aspect of overlanding, and there are many options to choose from.

Consider minimalism when selecting storage equipment and consider how much payload remainder you have, your roof load rating, and the number of occupants in your vehicle.

Drawer systems offer benefits such as organization, efficiency, and stacking, loading, and lashing, but can be heavy and costly. Soft luggage, on the other hand, is wear-resistant and can be stored higher on the vehicle, making it a great option for gear that needs to be accessible in hotels.

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One of the best soft luggage options is the North Face Expedition Duffel, which features loops for lashing and weather resistance. Other great options include the RedOxx and Watershed Duffel.

For those who prioritize durability and weatherproofing, hard luggage is the way to go. The Pelican Aire and Wolf Packs are top-notch options, but can be bulky and expensive.

Here are some key features to consider when selecting a storage case:

Boxes and cases are a staple in any overlanding setup. The Dometic Go Hard Storage 50L is a solid choice for those looking to balance features and budget, retailing for half the price of more expensive options.

The Expedition 134 Box is a no-frills storage solution made to endure extreme conditions, weighing in at 8.7 pounds and offering 73 percent more storage than the lightest case.

For storing electronics or sensitive equipment, Pelican Cases are the way to go, but they're bulky and take up more space than necessary. Alu Boxes, on the other hand, are lightweight and perfect for storing non-delicate items.

Soft bags are also a great option, especially for storing items inside the cab of a vehicle. Red Oxx bags are a favorite among overlanders, offering a standardized and organized way to store gear.

Here are some key features to consider when choosing a box or case:

A roof console is a great storage solution for overland vehicle owners with limited space in the driver's area. It can be especially useful for those who plan to communicate with other 4WD drivers in their team.

It has built-in lights, which can be a game-changer for nighttime driving or navigating through low-light areas. The console also has a spot to insert a radio, which can be a convenient feature for staying connected on the road.

A microphone cable holder and Bluetooth speaker holes are also included, providing a convenient way to set up a communication system.

Consider Minimalism with all equipment and storage decisions. This will help you make the most of your space and keep your kit as lightweight as possible.

Think about your payload remainder and roof load rating. If you have a lot of gear, consider removing part of the rear seats to free up space.

Your vehicle weight balance is also crucial. Aim to distribute your gear evenly to maintain stability.

The more of your gear that is removable, the better. This will make it easier to access your emergency equipment in case of a breakdown.

Drawer systems offer organization, efficiency, and stacking, loading, and lashing benefits. However, they can be expensive, heavy, and restrictive.

Soft luggage is a great option for gear you take into hotels or need to store higher up. Look for wear-resistant, weather-resistant options like the North Face Expedition Duffel or RedOxx.

Hard luggage, such as Pelican Aire or Wolf Packs, provides a more secure way to store fragile items. Consider using these for valuable or sensitive gear.

Remember to store your emergency equipment in an easily accessible location. This will save you time and stress in case of an emergency.

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Testing and evaluation are crucial steps in determining the quality and reliability of overland storage cases. We put each case through a rigorous series of tests to simulate real-world experiences.

We evaluated the durability and versatility of tie-down points by securing one side of the case with a ratchet strap and applying pressure until we saw a noticeable deformation or reached 150 pounds of pressure.

Our tests revealed some notable issues. Integrated plastic lashing points are prone to bend, while some cases are not fully waterproof.

We also looked at the materials used in each case. Some materials allow for flex in the body, which can lead to breaking.

To assess water resistance, we sprayed each case with a standard hose at highway speeds in various orientations. Not all cases passed the test.

We also evaluated dust resistance by hauling cases down dusty roads and using a leaf blower to swirl dust around them. The results were mixed, with some cases showing significant dirt and dust on the interior.

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A key aspect of overland storage is the ability to use cases as a chair or step. We tested this by stepping on and off of the center of the lid with a size-15 boot.

Here's a summary of the key issues we found:

In our testing, we also looked at the design and functionality of each case. Some cases had uninspiring aesthetics and lacked accessories and features.

We subjected each case to a loaded drop from a tailgate to assess its durability. The results were varied, with some cases showing signs of cracking and difficulty opening or closing the latches.

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Overland Storage has a rich history that spans several decades. The company originally manufactured IBM-compatible 9-track tape drives.

In January 2000, Overland acquired Tecmar and its line of small system tape drives, including the WangTek and WangDAT brands. This marked a significant expansion of the company's product offerings.

Overland continued to grow through smaller acquisitions, including the purchase of Zetta Systems in 2005. This acquisition helped the company grow its disk-based backup business.

In June 2008, Overland acquired Snap Server from Adaptec, further expanding its product line. The company also made significant executive team changes in 2009, including the appointment of Eric Kelly as CEO and Jillian Mansolf as vice president of worldwide sales and marketing.

Here's a brief timeline of some of the key events in Overland Storage's history:

In February 2010, Overland debuted the SnapServer S2000, the company's first iSCSI SAN. This marked a significant milestone in the company's history, as it expanded its product line into the SAN market.

Overland continued to innovate and expand its product line throughout the 2010s, including the release of the SnapServer N2000 in July 2010. This product was designed for virtualized environments running VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Citrix XenServer.

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Overlanding can be a game-changer for frequent travelers, especially those with limited space in their 4WD vehicles. Overland vehicle storage solutions can help you organize your gear and increase accessibility to essential items.

Using overland storage solutions can make a big difference in emergency situations. You can store emergency tools and equipment in an easily accessible location.

Overlanding requires careful planning and preparation. Knowing what you need and where to store it is crucial for a successful trip.

A well-organized vehicle can make your life easier on the road. It's essential to maximize your storage space to keep your gear within reach.

Overland storage solutions can help you stay organized and focused on the road. By keeping your gear in order, you can enjoy your trip without unnecessary stress.

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