So how does everyone pack things onto their roofracks?  I've been using one of those cheapo rooftop bags and just using ratchet straps to hold it down.  Problem is, it's not waterproof...

Also, on a side note, what does everyone store on their roofracks?  Until I find something absolutely waterproof my wife won't let me put any of the sleeping bags or clothes onto the roof.

When I had a roofrack I carried light stuff up there.  Sleeping bags, pillows, tents, and garbage.  Most of that goes in the RTT now instead.

Pelican or Storm cases are waterproof.  I used to keep my sleeping bags in dry bags like those made by Seattle Sports.  They are big enough to hold a sleeping bag, pillow, and therma-rest.  http://www.rei.com/product/684851

Let me think about it, but I might have a couple of them for sale if you are interested.

You guys are lucky. You can have a roof rack, my soft top won't tolerate it.

I do use a waterproof container to store my clothes and items that need to stay dry. X military box used to transport medical supplies. I checked into the Pelican containers but they were way to spendy. Got this one from ...of course...a military surplus outlet.  Made from 1/8'' aluminum and 11 h x 20 w x 32 long with rubber gasket and ten latches, with handles on each end, very waterproof. ...and about the same size as the 1650.

In an emergency water landing I can use it as a flotation device.

Yeah, it is OD but with a rattle can it can be any color, to match your rig....or your girlfriend's lipstick color.

Morris

Hey Morris, that's fantastic, I did not realize that they had rattle cans in "Tangerine Hussy"  to match my wifes lipstick... 

Larry, If you are in Bend sometime, try the surplus store next to the train crossing on HWY 97 Business route.  they have all kinds of those containers.  Might also try a call to Andy and Bax or the surplus shop in Damascus.  I have found Aloha surplus to be overpriced and limited in what they carry.

Todd, You are da' man. How many guys know their wifes lipstick color?

I have seen these items at Federal Surplus in Seattle on 2112 First AV. , but I got mine from Colemans (www.colemans.com)

In the catalogue they are labled U.S. G.I. Aluminum Transport Chest and come in three sizes, 11, 17 and 22 inches tall, any choice for $80. The shipping may get you though, some of them are really heavy to go through shipping. I bought a bunch of stuff at one time and got the shortest one so the shipping was not so bad.

Morris

I was in Seattle yesterday at Federal Surplus and they had two of the Medical Transport Boxes. They were much less than I paid for mine. They were listed at $69.99, and they looked to be in real good shape. Far less than the Penguin boxes (whatever). If I did not already have one I would have gotten one of these.

I don't get a kickback, just letting you know.

Morris

A roof rack has been my saveing grace, the more I contemplate the organization of said roof roof rack the more I justify the cost. Over the years I have found a very comfortable way to sleep in the back, the problem was getting everything in and out in order to sleep or get on the road with out holding everyone up or rushing the load. With solid works 3d modeling, I configed the space 60"x50" to hold all the spare parts. carry any type of fuel, canopy tarp, poles, rope and pegs, recovery gear, chain saw, axe and shovel. Inside are 1 cooler with cold foods and water, 1 container with dryfoods and cooking gear, 1 socket set, 1 tool box, bed roll and dry clothers and boots on the front passenget seat. 

To set up it is simply to pull out the cooler and dry food/cooking gear....then roll out the bed roll. If bad weather(sun or rain) I can set up the canopy useing the roof rack and poles pretty quick for a max area of 20' x 50' of coverage.

Probably nothing new to you guys, but on a shoe string budget has kept me up many a cold night thinking about this, the last piece of the puzzle was finding heavy duty colapsable poles which I just purchased off e-bay. found poles that collapse to 42" and expand to 9' plus a duffle bag for storage of all the poles,pegs, rope and hopefully the tarp.

Next project is the lighting of the rack, I am looking for flush mounting lights for area not distance to mount on the sides and back, to the front I have headlights and aux. Hella lights to show me the way.

Sorry a little long winded, any ideas please let me know, its neat how different yet alike we all are.

Steve

You may also want to consider the zip duffle bags from SealLine. I've got several of them that I've used on my roof rack to pack things from clothing, sleeping bags, and tents to other vitals while in the backcountry. These bags are 100% waterproof and exceptional quality, and are also easy to pack and less heavy than cases. You can check them out here:

http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/packs-and-duffles/zip-duffle/product