Field guide
The road trip guide
Three chapters on loading smart and getting home safe — with the gear we'd pack for each.
Outempire on the trail — loading, recovery and camp setup.
Pack the trunk like a pro
Start with zones. An organizer and a set of dividers turn one chaotic pile into 'recovery', 'kitchen' and 'daily' compartments so you can grab what you need without unloading the whole car.
Heavy and rarely-used gear goes low and forward; daily items stay reachable at the tailgate. A trim-to-fit floor mat keeps spills and mud off the carpet.
Load the roof safely
Use cam-buckle straps rated above your load and run them through anchor points, not just the rack rails. Pad the buckles so they don't chew your paint, and re-check tension after the first 10–15 minutes of driving.
Never exceed your roof rack's rated load — it's lower than most people think. Confirm the rating before you stack.
Recover without drama
If you wheel off-pavement, carry a kinetic recovery rope and know how to use it. Inspect the rope, loops and shackles before every use, connect only to a rated recovery point — never a tow ball — and keep everyone well clear of the recovery zone.
Recovery and off-road driving carry real risk. Go slow, communicate, and follow the road and off-road laws where you are.
Pack this trip
Cargo & Storage
Trunk Cargo Organizer
Heavy-duty collapsible organizer with adjustable dividers and a no-slip rubber base.
Recovery & Off-Road
Off-Road Recovery Rope
3/4" kinetic recovery rope with reinforced loops, two soft shackles and grip gloves.
Trail Comfort
Insulated Trunk Cooler
Collapsible insulated cooler with a leak-resistant liner, base pad and carry strap.
Trail Comfort
Foldable Trunk Table
Aluminum folding table that sets up off the tailgate or stands on its own at camp.