A Guide to Choosing Storage Gear for Camping! Tips for Tidy Organization and Recommended Products

The Importance of Storage Gear for Camping

The true joy of camping lies in setting up a tent or tarp in the great outdoors to create your very own “campsite.” Whether you’re relaxing, cooking, eating, or sleeping, you’ll spend all kinds of time at your campsite.

To create a comfortable and functional space, you need “storage gear”!

• Items for kitchenware and tableware
• Containers for fuel for campfires and barbecues
• Items for organizing tent and tarp setup gear

By sorting and storing these items by category just like you would at home, you can get started smoothly as soon as you arrive at the campsite.

Storage gear isn’t just about “being able to hold a lot of stuff.” It’s also important to consider convenience—like leaving it on the campsite to use as a table or chair, or opening the drawers to use it as a shelf.

You’ll also want to consider the visual aspects—such as how the items match the atmosphere, color scheme, and design of the other gear you’ll use at the site. Of course, you’ll need to consider functionality as well: items should be easy to carry, simple to store once packed, and washable if they get dirty.

Since there is a wide variety of excellent camping storage products available that meet these criteria, many people find it difficult to choose when making a purchase.

That’s why we’re here to share information on how to choose camping storage gear, storage tips, and recommended products!

How to Choose Camping Storage Gear

Here, we’ll explain the different types of camping storage gear available and what to look for when choosing them.

① There are mainly three types of storage gear shapes

Camping storage gear basically comes in three shapes.

－Hard Type

"Hard-type" refers to box-shaped "hard containers." They are typically made of durable, waterproof materials such as resin or metal.

They protect items inside from impact and keep them dry in case of sudden rain. Because they’re sturdy, you can use them as tables, sit on them as chairs, or stack items on top to use them as makeshift camping shelves.

Many feature stylish designs intended for placement directly at the campsite, and they look good even when stacked.

However, they become heavy when loaded, making them difficult to carry. Since their size and shape remain unchanged even when empty, they take up a lot of storage space. They are best suited for people who have ample storage space in their car or home.

－Soft Type

The soft type refers to "soft containers" made from materials such as soft vinyl or fabric. Since the container itself is lightweight and more flexible than the hard type, it’s easier to pack items inside.

When loading them into a car, there’s no need to worry about them bumping into other gear or windows and causing damage.

Additionally, many models can be folded when not in use, so you won’t have trouble finding storage space at the campsite or at home.

However, because the material is soft, it is vulnerable to external pressure and impact, and is prone to wear and tear over time, such as scratches and fading.

－Foldable Type

Foldable types are hard-sided containers made of resin that can be folded. When not in use, they can be folded up compactly for storage.

However, they lack the strength and durability of hard containers, and since they are heavier and bulkier than soft containers, you should choose one based on your intended use.

② Check the Size and Capacity

When purchasing storage items for camping, be sure to check the external dimensions and how much they can hold.

Before purchasing, decide what you’ll be storing inside (cooking utensils, tableware, seasonings, etc.) and calculate the approximate size needed to fit everything comfortably.

Especially if you’re buying multiple hard-sided containers, be sure to measure your storage space—such as how many you can fit in your car or whether you have room to store them at home. If you plan to use them as chairs or tables, check the container’s weight capacity as well.

③ Stackable containers are convenient

With hard-sided containers, stackability is a big plus.

Not only can you stack containers of the same size, but if they have a clever design—such as being able to stack two 20L containers side-by-side on top of a 50L container—you can organize them compactly when loading them into your car, at home, or at the campsite.

④ Dividers make sorting easier

Containers with internal dividers make it easier to organize and sort items when storing them.

Generally, soft-sided containers are more likely to feature dividers, pockets, and loops, and many products are designed to help you organize and store small items separately.

⑤ Choose a design and color that matches the atmosphere of your campsite

Since storage boxes are placed directly on the campsite, choosing a design and color that matches the site’s atmosphere helps create a cohesive overall look.

For example, if your tent, tarp, and mat are earth tones that blend naturally into the surroundings,

• khaki
• beige
• camouflage patterns
• neutral colors like white or black
• or stark steel colors
  

go well with this.

Tips for Storing Camping Gear

Camping gear comes in various types and sizes. Organizing and storing it neatly not only makes it easier to use and put away but also helps prevent items from getting lost.

Tip 1: Store by category

While this varies depending on the purpose of your trip and the number of people, organizing by "category" is the basic approach.

[Tents and other shelter-related items]

Tents, tarps, stakes, groundsheets, mats, sleeping bags, etc.

[Cooking Gear]

Cooking utensils, dishes, cutlery, seasonings, etc.

【Campfire and Barbecue Gear】

Fire pits, firewood, charcoal, stoves, fuel, tongs, burners, etc.

【Lighting】

Lanterns, LED lights, light stands, etc.

【Clothing and Textiles】

Change of clothes, towels, blankets, tablecloths, napkins, etc.

It’s a good idea to list the necessary gear by category first, then determine what size storage case you’ll need.

Tip #2: Store large and small items separately to prevent loss

If you simply toss both large and small items into a single container, it becomes difficult to tell what’s where.

If the container has built-in dividers, use them to separate items into sections. If there are no dividers, use pouches, small storage boxes, or baskets to sort items into smaller groups before storing them.

Tip 3: Create a dedicated box for items that get dirty easily

Items like fire pits and barbecue grills are placed directly on the ground, so they tend to get covered in mud and dirt. If you set aside a dedicated box to store these items together, you won’t have to worry about dirt transferring to other items.

Having all the items you need to wash after returning home in one place makes maintenance much easier. Please refer to our articles on storing cooking utensils, tableware, and camping gear.

TOKYO CRAFTS’ Storage Items Packed with Ideas

"TOKYO CRAFTS" is a Japanese original outdoor brand that pursues not only the high functionality required of outdoor gear but also a high level of design packed with attention to detail.

Let’s take a look at items that go beyond ordinary “storage cases” with thoughtful design features.

Bucket Shelf Mesh

The “Bucket Shelf Mesh” is a storage solution consisting of a soft-sided black polyester mesh box and a stainless steel folding stand.

The flexible mesh material of the main body can hold more gear than it appears. Since it can be stacked in two tiers, you can load it into your car with small items inside and carry it directly to your campsite. When not in use, it can be folded away.

By rotating the stainless steel stand section halfway upward, it functions as a "handle," allowing you to carry the unit while it’s still loaded with gear. The mesh section is removable and washable, making it easy to keep clean.

The stylish black and stainless steel color scheme and design add a cool touch to your campsite.

Float Case

You’ll want to keep frequently used camping gear and important small items close at hand so you can grab them immediately when needed.

The "Float Case" prevents the chaos that often ensues when items get tossed into a backpack—where you end up wondering, "Wait, where did that go?"

This rectangular box-shaped case opens wide when you unzip the full-length zipper, making it easy to take things out and put them away.

The interior—both the main body and the lid—features pockets and loops for sorting and storing small gear, making organization a breeze.

When you stand up the stainless steel frame on the sides, it acts as legs, so the main body never touches the ground directly.

You can also hang the entire case by hooking the outer loops onto a hook or carabiner.

When used with the optional connection belt, the case can stand upright in a mountain shape, making it even easier to access the contents.

COORDUNIT Multi-Bag

At first glance, the "COORDUNIT Multi Bag" looks like a simple, horizontal duffel bag. When you open the zipper, the opening is wide, making it easy to pack and unpack.

Additionally, there are loops at each corner of the bag; by hooking these loops onto the separately sold "COORDUNIT" stand, it transforms into a storage box with legs.

Inside the bag, there are six snaps where you can insert and secure a bag, making it convenient to use as a trash bag! Since it’s made from water- and stain-resistant material, the fact that it’s washable is another great feature.

When the zipper is closed, the bag retains its shape, making it easy to carry.

Gear Bunker

The Gear Bunker is an innovative outdoor storage container that combines a sturdy aluminum frame with flexible fabric.

Its dual-opening design—opening from both the top and front—allows you to quickly retrieve necessary gear even while it’s loaded in your car. It also stacks exceptionally well, allowing for stable stacking up to two tiers, making organization in the trunk or at the campsite a breeze.

Its large capacity accommodates everyone from solo travelers to families, and it offers exceptional usability with handles on both sides and belt loops.

By attaching the top board from the Cord Unit to the top, you can use it as a table.

Storing your gear properly keeps your campsite tidy and helps prevent lost items!

There are many types of camping storage gear available.

By effectively using both hard and soft storage options and designating specific spots for your gear, you’ll be able to take things out and put them away much more smoothly.

When camping, where you use a variety of items ranging from large to small, the key to staying organized is assigning a "home" for each item! Having a designated spot for everything also helps prevent loss.

If you need multiple items, matching their designs and colors creates a neat and stylish look when placed at your campsite. Find the storage gear that’s perfect for your camping gear.

TOKYO CRAFTS offers a wide variety of outdoor camping tables, including the Zika Table, Zika Manai, COORDUNIT, MFT, and Coside Table, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your camping style. In particular, the MFT Multi-Frame Table—a folding camping table released in 2025 that meets IGT standards (allowing the use of flat burners)—has received an overwhelmingly positive response for its innovative design.Whether for barbecues, as a campfire table for solo camping, or for family camping, its compact storage makes it incredibly convenient to use.