Seasonal adventures are fun. Seasonal packing? Not so much.
Whether you’re gearing up for a winter ski weekend, shipping the kids off to summer camp, or juggling spring sports equipment that seems to multiply on its own, your vehicle can only take so much chaos before something’s got to give.
That “something,” of course, is a smarter storage system. Ideally you want one that lives outside your vehicle, protects your gear from weather, and keeps the clutter under control. That’s where hitch carriers, rooftop cargo bags, and roof rack baskets come in clutch.
Let’s break down the best hacks for storing, hauling, and accessing seasonal gear like a seasoned pro (while keeping your sanity intact).
❄️ Winter: Ski Trips, Snowboarding Weekends & Cold-Weather Chaos
Winter gear is bulky, wet, and usually coated in something that melts into the back seat. Use these setups to stay organized:
1. Turn Your Hitch Carrier Into a Mud-and-Slush Zone
Snow boots and ski bags have no business inside your car. Load them onto a cargo hitch carrier and secure them with a cargo net. Let the slush drip outside where it belongs.
2. Use a Waterproof Rooftop Bag for Puffy Jackets & Soft Gear
A 20 to 35 cu ft rooftop cargo bag is perfect for:
- Parkas
- Snow pants
- Helmets
- Mittens and random orphan gloves
- Duffle bags
The extra capacity compresses bulky layers so you can finally close the trunk without wrestling it.
3. Don’t Mix Wet + Dry Gear
Keep the wet stuff in the hitch basket.
Keep the dry stuff in the roof bag.
Future-you will be grateful.
☀️ Summer: Camp Drop-Offs, Road Trips & Everything-But-the-Dog Packing
Summer gear is lightweight, but there’s a lot of it. And summer camp packing lists? They read like you’re preparing your kid for a solo expedition through the Amazon.
1. Pack “Quick Access” Items in a Roof Rack Basket
Extendable roof rack baskets shine in summer because everything is:
- Light
- Awkwardly shaped
- Suddenly needed the moment you close the trunk
Great for:
- Sleeping bags
- Trunks
- Water jugs
- Fishing gear
- Tennis rackets
- Camp chairs
- Extra souvenirs
Tie-down straps = ✔️
Cabin clutter = ✖️
2. Use a Hitch Carrier + Bag Combo for Bedding and Bulk
A waterproof hitch bag is your hero for carrying:
- Bedding
- Pillows
- Towels
- Duffels
All the soft stuff stays clean, dry, and mildew-free even during those “surprise” summer downpours.
3. Color-Code for Easy Camp Unloading
One of the best parent hacks:
- Black bags = clothes
- Blue bags = bedding
- Red bags = sports gear
You’ll unload in minutes instead of the usual 40-minute excavation.
🍂 Fall: Sports Season, Tailgates & Cabin Getaways
Autumn is basically “the season of gear.” Football pads, soccer bags, hiking packs, tailgate setups, coolers, and blankets all demand space.
1. Use a Narrow Roof Rack Basket for Sports Equipment
A narrow-style basket (like an 85" x 24") keeps:
- Sticks
- Cleats
- Balls
- Cones
- Training ladders
…all in one long, easy-to-reach spot. No digging under car seats for shin guards again.
2. Hitch Carriers Make Tailgates 10x Easier
Stack coolers, folding tables, and grills on the hitch rack so the trunk stays open for personal bags and snacks.
*Bonus hack: A hitch stabilizer eliminates rattling during stop-and-go stadium traffic.
3. Keep a “Seasonal Grab Bag” in Your Cargo Bag
Fill it with:
- Blankets
- Ponchos
- Hand warmers
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
Fall weather can’t make up its mind. This solves half your packing stress.
🌷 Spring: Cleanouts, Switchovers & Everything In Between
Spring means swapping out gear, reorganizing, and finally discovering where all the winter hats went.
1. Use Your Cargo Bags for Off-Season Storage
Yes, it's great for travel, but a hitch bag is also an excellent storage bin when not in use. Fill one with winter accessories and stash it in a closet or garage until next season.
2. Move Yard Tools and Garden Supplies in a Hitch Basket
Spring projects usually require:
- Soil bags
- Mulch
- Seed trays
- Bulky tools
Don’t destroy your trunk. Use the carrier.
3. Pack Neatly → Store Neatly
If you organize gear in packing cubes inside your cargo bags, you can move those cubes straight from the vehicle into storage without repacking.
🚗💨 Year-Round Gear Storage Essentials
No matter the season, these rules always apply:
1. Keep Wet & Dirty Gear Outside the Cabin
(Your future nose will thank you.)
2. Use Waterproof Bags for Anything That Must Stay Dry
3. Use Cargo Nets for Anything That Could Shift
4. Overestimate How Much Space You Need
(You will always bring more than expected.)
⭐ Final Tip: Build a “Seasonal Setup” You Can Reuse
Once you figure out what storage combo works for your family—roof bag + hitch basket, roof rack basket + cargo bag, etc.—label it, pack it, and duplicate it next year with zero guesswork.
Reclaim Your Season. Reclaim Your Adventure.
No matter the weather, your Mockins carrier system is designed to adapt. By understanding which carrier works best for each seasonal need, you can spend less time stressing about packing and more time enjoying the open road.
Stop struggling with stuffed cars. Start hauling smarter for every season.
Explore the full range of durable and weatherproof Mockins Cargo Solutions today! ➡️
