I drive a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek; I have gear tucked all over my vehicle. Within the vehicle I have created different systems and kits that all work together. It is almost like a Russian nesting doll type of situation.

Vehicle Systems

Door Cubbies- I have some mini trash cups that fit in both the door cubbies, I have a Patagonia Houdini wind layer in my driver side door which is super handy to have as a small extra layer and easy to get to. Each door cubbies (passenger and driver) have a seat belt cutter with a glass breaker from amazon.

Glove Box- I keep a toiletry kit that has perfume, deodorant, a razor, nail clippers and lotion. This is probably the thing I reach for most out of everything else in the car. In addition to that I also have a travel pack of tissues. The tissues are clutch! Previously I had a bloody nose and didn’t have anything to stop it, it ended up being quite the mess. The tissues are of course nice to have to just blow my nose as well. After those two items I just have normal glove box stuff like registration insurance, etc.

Center console- Inside of here I found some amazon pouches that fit perfectly into the console. It came with a pack of four so one pouch has some pens and pencils, another has a quick boo boo kit. Inside that is antiseptic wipes and band aids, this pouch is much more accessible to get in and out of rather than the big first aid kit from the backseat. The third pouch has just an extra head lamp and the charging cord. The fourth is just misc. gear I put it in the pouch, so it isn’t just floating around. I then have my phone charger plugged in.

Headrest Pouches- Luno Life

Headrest Pouches- I use the Luno life headrest organizers,they aren’t too bulky but still offer a bit more room. I have a head lamp and bug spray and sunscreen. I try not to fill these too much as when I camp in my car its great storage as well.

Headrest Pouches- I use the Luno life headrest organizers, they aren’t too bulky but still offer a bit more room to store misc. items. Behind the driver side I have coozies and a bottle opener for obvious reasons. The passenger side is in the mail and when it arrives, I plan on putting some bug repellent lotion and sunscreen. I try not to fill these too much as when I camp in my car its great storage as well.

Backseat Floor- I store my vehicle first aid kit that I will dive deeper into on a seperate post. There is also a step that hooks on to a door hook to help get in and out of the basket and cargo box I have on the roof.

Vertx Overland Backpack

I have a Vertx overland backpack that I had laying around and converted into a kind of get home bag, as well as a smaller kit I can take into other vehicles with me if needed so I always have the gear I need. A backpack is also just a very versatile piece of gear of to have.

Under Seat Storage-I have some Blue Ridge Overland Gear mesh packing cubes that fit under my seats. One of the packing cubes is all my change of clothes. In that cube is shorts and a t-shirt, (both synthetic material) leggings and a long sleeve (both synthetic material). I chose synthetic because it makes the most sense to have in Colorado. We have sunshine for 300 days out of the year and synthetic is known for being quick drying during and after being active. I have also utilized these as a change out of work clothes for a happy hour and non-adventure-based tasks. The other packing cube has extra layers. In there is Patagonia Torrent shell 3L rain jacket and a Simms synthetic puffy jacket. These cubes also fit inside the Vertx backpack if needed.

Built in pocket on Backpack- In this pocket I keep items that keep me warm. I have hand warmers, a survival blanket, waterproof matches, flint and steel and fire starter.

Vertx Overflow Mesh Pouch Medium- Inside this pouch is a backpacking stove, MSR fuel canister and a spoon. This can be used to in conjunction with the nesting cup to boil water or melt snow. This accomplishes a bunch of things like making food and purifying water.

Vertx Overflow Mesh Pouch Small- There are electronics in this pouch (as you can see its label). There is a power bank and a 5 in 1 cord I got off amazon. This can charge just about anything I have.

Vertx Overflow Mesh Pouch Small- Paracord and Duct tape

Vertx Overflow Mesh Pouch Small- In this pouch I have paracord and duct tape. The paracord can be used to help create a shelter, secure things together as well as an abundance of other things I can’t think of at the moment. The duct tape is also to help secure or repair things and is a secondary fire starter.

Side Pocket- Inside this pouch is Grayl water purifier with the 30 oz Geopress nesting cup with a lid. This is my backup water filter, and the nesting cup can be used to boil water in conjunction with the fuel and stove in another pouch.

Side Pocket- In this pouch there are three ramen packets, a couple of hot chocolate mixes and instant coffee mixes.

Admin area- Glow sticks, sharpies and flashlights.

Top compartment- in this compartment there is work gloves another sharpie and rite in the rain notebook. It is really nice to have the ability to leave notes as well as take notes of various things.

Rux

This is a storage option I found last year and have absolutely loved it! It is 70 liters and has a bunch of accessories you can attach to the rail system. If I am ever not using it collapses and with the attached straps you can make it very slim and secure it so it stays that way. Those straps can also be used to make it into a backpack if needed. The lid can be used for an assortment of things such as a sit pad or changing mat. I highly recommend looking into these, there is a high price tag but I’ll have this thing forever it feels like.

Inside of the Rux I keep some of the bigger bulky items. I have a tool bag from blue ridge overland gear, which is great for tools (duh) and also some recovery gear like a tire plug kit, a jump starter battery pack and a tire inflator. I can do a deeper dive on this kit in a separate post as well. I keep a Yeti one gallon rambler full of water in here as well. What else is there to say besides water is good to have. There are some work gloves that are fleece lined that are a built-in redundancy as I have another pair, but I find hand protection is essential. Plus who likes cold hands? I rolled up a Simms taco bag for changing and muddy boots. In the front pocket I have an extra dog bowl and extra dog leash as well as some treats and some dog food. This is for my two dogs and any strays I come across. I have a pair of muck boots for wintertime and inside those are some thick wool socks. I have a rinse kit water bottle that has a spray lid and can be used to clean of myself, gear or animals. This has come in handy more times than I can count and it’s a more recent addition. An extra Fanny pack is included as well; I can stuff items into it and be mobile. I also have snacks and drink mixes, these can be extras for adventures, a little boost on a road trip or everyday life cravings.

Rux Side Panel

The top of the organizer has three small pockets, and the bottom has two big pockets. In one of the top small pockets is a tire pressure gauge and wipes for easy access. In the bottom two bigger pockets I have a high vis vest and a matador blanket. The vest is helpful for being seen when needed and the matador blanket is just handy to have as a shelter, ground covering or lightweight blanket.

Rux Bag

Sitting next to the Rux is the Rux bag, inside is a bin of kitty litter for traction if stuck and extra windshield wiper fluid. Finally, I have a small shovel leaning against it and a fire extinguisher in the back cargo area as well. In the summer time the Rux bag and shovel are not kept in the car and my extra boots aren’t mucks they are some old hiking boots.

Overall, this is what I have gathered over a couple of years, and I am always looking to improve and upgrade my gear and systems the more I use them and as life changes. As I was taking pictures and writing this I thought of some different pieces of gear as well as downsizing on some things. This is a process and will always be something I work on so stay tuned for an updated post as that happens.