Comments on: Gear pick of the year 2018: Plastic storage bins

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 01:41:19 +0000

In reply to wsp_scott. Indeed! Our pantry has a lot of those items ready to go. :)

By: wsp_scott

wsp_scott — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 18:45:49 +0000

A large bin with backpacking food makes a quick trip very easy
Assorted Harmony House fruits and veggies
Oatmeal and grits
Dried Beans
Powdered cheese
Ramen and rice and couscous

And some meals already in ziplocks ready to throw in my pack

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 19:19:24 +0000

In reply to Michelle. A few years ago, I camped out at the Great Sand Dunes NP one late November. My partner at the time and I noted how experienced people seem to gravitate towards similar methods. Only four or five sites in use spaced out over the campground, but everyone had plastic totes for organizing their camp setup!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Wed, 05 Dec 2018 19:14:37 +0000

We have a bin system for in the back of the cars too. The boot bins so we can throw in muddy boots and wear something clean and comfy home. The spike, snow shoe, and gaiter bin. And then one for the packs and misc. it’s saved us so much time and we don’t lose things. I love the google docs labeling setup! We’ve been using small Avery labels and since both passing 40 we can’t read them anymore lol.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 18:13:12 +0000

In reply to steve h. Or printed spreadsheets curated with Google Docs for easy updating! :)

By: steve h

steve h — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 16:47:17 +0000

Along with the “bins” is a lable maker. You don’t know what’s in the bins unless you lable it.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:38:20 +0000

In reply to phillip poulakis. Indeed. We find that being organized does help us get out more and to enjoy the time when we are out.

By: phillip poulakis

phillip poulakis — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 18:20:30 +0000

In reply to Paul Mags.

Awesome!
Thank you so much, organization is key…

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Sun, 02 Dec 2018 15:56:28 +0000

In reply to Phillip.

Sure!
* Misc bin: Mainly extra “stuff” such as tarps, candles for the candle lanters, batteries, hammocks, stuff sacks
* Winter clothing bin: Puffy pants, heavier base layers, balaclavas, shell pants, thick mittens, etc. I keep the blaze orange clothing in here, too.
*Three-season clothing: Base layers, hiking pants, trail work pants, briefs, socks,
*Tools and gear maintenance bin: Hammer, nails, various tapes, sno seal, ODB code reader, etc.
*”Technical bin”: Climbing gear, ice axe, helmet, microspikes, crampons
* A pre-packed and ready to go car camping bin.

I also have ziplocks or stuffsacks in each bin to organize further. Spreadsheets are on the front of the bin to help see at a glance what is in the bin.

I also have some IN PLAY kits. My “go to” ski gear and clothing is one large stuff sack, A duffle is always packed with the clothing I take for winter camping this time of the year and
double for winter backpacking clothing, and I have an “in play” box full with different stove, pots, fuel types, and similar I swap in and out depending on trip type.

Joan has a similar, but different, system. For example, she sews and organizes her fabric.

By: Phillip

Phillip — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 06:51:53 +0000

How about a quick rundown of how you would organize the totes? Categories?
Thanks