This is what I use (Mountain Smith Modular Hauler). I just use the modules in my box. Nice because it doesn't take up much room, is flexible, can be used as a tote up to camp, etc. I usually divide my kitchen/utensil stuff into one, lunch in another and dinner in the third. Works great off the river for other gear too.

 

I use plastic containers for everything that fits. Spices, plates, silverware in the kitchen box. In the other box I use a plastic container for bread and chips so they don't get smashed. Friends of mine make dividers out of thin plywood. The key is to right-size the containers so they barely contain what they need to.

 

We use the same thing as Storm. Very handy. They are made by Mountain Smith, but only cost about $6 ea. I don't know where my GF found them, but they only came in a dark red color. So, we don't have the fancy colors, but they have a clear plastic pocket on top for placing a list of items that are in each one.

 

Trader Joe's grocery bags

I like the reusable grocery bags from Trader Joe's. They are just the right size for my drybox, stand up on their own, and they only cost a couple of bucks each. I generally use them to hold food organized by snack or meal, so when it's time to be used, you just pull that bag out and carry it to camp. It's the same concept as the Mountainsmith bags, which I've coveted as a total gear geek, but a lot cheaper. Downside to the TJ's bags is they can't be zipped closed like the Mountainsmiths, so if you do go wrong side up they won't hold everything in.

 

I just find cardboard boxes that fit snugly in my dry box. Use them for dry goods. I'm always surprised at how much they can hold if packed & layered properly. I found one the perfect size and it's been in there for years.

 

I use square buckets. And keep food In an ammo can

 

Boy that Mountainsmith Modular Hauler 3 System looks sweet.
Not just because of hauling convenience but also most everyone flips sometime.

{One could get that a little cheaper with one of the coupons at Sierra Trading Post and also in a slightly larger Hauler 4 System set up.}

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I also like the ammo can for food because if you leave the dry box in the boat who's to protect the starch at night?

- - - - - - - - -

I'm thinking combo

Thanks.

I bet these threads recycle every spring and that's fine by me.

 

My drybox looks like a game of tertris. I have the Kelty version of the bags that Storm shared. One holds my small loose stuff and my DO and skillet are in a second.My bowls and plates nest into my big pot, Stove slides down the side. Utensils are in a tupperware as are spices. Knives and cutting boards are in a chief's knife bag which lays across the top. Food, what food? I fit in whatever dry stuff I can on the top of the box. Most of my food is in the cooler.

 

Kelty Binto Hauler 3
Kelty Binto Hauler 3 - YouTube

Its got a shoulder strap, zippered top and is bigger.

 

Center of my kb has a milk crate with plates bowls and such. The left side has the stack of a couple DOs with nested pots in. The right side has a large stainless stock pot that holds plates, utensils and stuff.

Seat box dry box gets a few liquor store cardboard boxes to keep the bread and chips from getting crushed. Side boxes get a Zip loc 4 pak cardboard box ( think Costco bulk pak).

Had to laugh at the Tetris reference. I don't think it's too hard but some really struggle with the order of the loading. And the order shall only work one way. And the way is good.

 

Yup

And the order shall only work one way. And the way is good.

Too true! Drives my wife nuts!

 

The Kelty Binto 3 is apparently no longer offered.
Kelty Camp Accessories | Kelty Camp Kitchen | Kelty Chairs

REI-OUTLET
has just the main bag for $54 on a closeout.
Then you can separately order just the green binto for $18.
No shipping.

kelty binto at REI-OUTLET - FREE SHIPPING With $50 minimum purchase.

 

I store all of my food in convenient, easily packed, 12 oz. cans. The rest gets thrown into the dry box.

 

most importantly, to keep the dry box tidy, don't bring crap you don't intend to use. Lots of people bring lots of stuff they don't actually use on a specific trip

 

No! Really! Damn, for years I've try to pare down and I still come home with stuff I didn't use. Like all of the granola bars that I bring so I don't starve to death...and the extra t-shirts....and....

 

I create compartments out of cardboard and strapping tape. That way I build it to the trip. Carrying the stove and lantern inside? Create them separate compartments so they slide right back into their little homes, and everything hasn't crashed down and filled those voids. Fruit that you don't want mashed? Make a compartment the width of the oranges and apples (gc trip). Carrying lots of food for a gc trip? Multiple compartments so you empty one at a time and create usable empty space instead of just having the level go down. You can even break them down if you want, or modify them with duct tape.

 

And the way is good



I enjoy esoteric analysis of order within the chaos of puzzles.

This thread is heaven.

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I'm now in favor of interlocking slotted masonite until further rebuttal.

 

Eww...Masonite isn't a real long-term durable material. Cost vs lifespan is a lot better for cardboard...or really thin plywood.

 

Eww...Masonite isn't a real long-term durable material. Cost vs lifespan is a lot better for cardboard...or really thin plywood.

Here you go, Bill. Slotted, but not quite interlocking.

Masonite aint so bad. Especially if you get some for free somewhere. No splinters like 1/4" plywood. I find it to be a weird combination of paper and wood.

I keep extra dividers on the far end of the box.

Everytime I think, "That can't possibly work!", someone posts up with proof it's working great. Nice work, EZ. I learn something new every day! :beer:

 

Try using corrugated plastic ( plastic cardboard ) for your comprtments. Just in case it gets wet. For longer and larger group trips we take a photo of the kit. box lay out to help people when repacking the box. Seal the photo or print from water.

 

Good use for the election signs they keep putting up down the street

 

I have a pretty good setup using milk crates and a plastic container for utensils. I agree with trying to not bring excess crap. Another thing I have found is do not let anyone else grab items out of or attempt to put them back. By only me touching the kitchen box it tends to stay more organized.

 

I go to great lengths to find small boxes that fit inside larger boxes to help organize...when I find one I try my best to get a back up. That way I can really stack things up and replace them easier (especially the bottom items). I'll sometimes even cut custom containers out of cardboard....and often give them a shot of scotch guard to protect them.


I bring everything though (at least in my kitchen box and my tool box)...alot of stuff I don't always need...but when I do it's great to have!

I do that for two reasons: #1 I always know where something is. #2 It saves me prep time between trips. I don't hafta customize the gear depending on the trip: Car or raft camping> the same boxes go with the same stuff in them. I just throw them in suby and go.

The only time I customize gear for a trip is backpacking.

 

A place for everything and everything in its place!

 

Good god EZ, give yourself a gold star, truly FTW!!!!! That setup is so awesome! I'm sure there's a way to make small compartments within those, using the holes as a foundation for a cross-wall. Small like for a lantern, but I've only done that once. What wondrous method did you use for attaching the wood slotted pieces? Advice on how a non-woodworker could create those cuts nicely?

 

May I speak for EZ?
The slotted pieces are held in place by being full length to the extra dividers and the masonite being a snug width.

However, in an unscheduled inversion having at least a couple of the masonite cross pieces being T shaped and holding the divider down could be desirable. This may be what EZ has already done with the additional dividers.

There has to be some sort of plastic goodie that would just happen to work in the holes as an additional cross divider holder. Hmmmmmmm

 

You could use small wooden dowels maybe?

 

EZ, that is pretty sweet, just what I was looking for. Combining your set up with some kelty bags will be the ticket. Thanks for everyones input!
Dave

 

I see this thread has turned in "Kitchen/Dry Box Porn".....

 

Hey Hey Hey.

Look what Home Depot has:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202021...{keyword}&cm_mmc=shopping-_-googleads-_-pla-_-202021876&ci_gpa=pla#.UV8QB3AhOp0

Enlarge the photo and check out the 5 standard spring clips and the 5 extended spring clips, (bottom right & upper center).
I wonder if they could work and if they are offered separately?

 

FYI - those Kelty divided bags show up on steepandcheap.com from time to time. I actually own the four bag version for keeping kids stuff in while traveling. I'm thinking it will be too big for the dry box, but might be worth "borrowing" if it fits!

 

That's where I bought mine. They match the width of my drybox just fine.

 

By jove EZ. Simply brilliant.

Pegboard and not just plain hardboard.

Elementary.

http://compare.ebay.com/like/140944827796?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

 

This thread is so full or rafting geekiness it almost makes us look obsessed or something.

But if it makes going down the rio smoother I am right there with you.

I even have a small very thick cardboard container in my personal ammo can to help keep it organized. A buddy was so impressed he took a picture. I also carry a coffee table that I get shit for until it is out and then everyone puts something on it. That's it under the ammo can.

 

makes us look obsessed

I even have a small very thick cardboard container in my personal ammo can to help keep it organized. A buddy was so impressed he took a picture. I also carry a coffee table that I get shit for until it is out and then everyone puts something on it. That's it under the ammo can.

You could do that with masonite pegboard.

Kidding.

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A separate small table is a way to keep the cook happier.
Set it up away from the kitchen and place snacks and drinks on it to get a faster dinner.