Packing a truck for a hunting trip is part logistics, part intuition. Every loadout is shaped by variables — weather, terrain, trip length, and who’s riding with you — but the goal is always the same: arrive with a camp that’s safe, efficient, and comfortable enough to recover for the next day’s hunt.
After nearly a decade of loading a Ram 1500 for hunt and fish camps, I’ve learned that the best truck camps aren’t overpacked — they’re intentionally packed.
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Below is a system that works across seasons and styles of hunting.
Step 1: Start With the Variables
Before a single tote goes in the bed, define the conditions that dictate your loadout.
Ask Yourself:
- What’s the weather window (and worst-case forecast)?
- How remote is the access?
- How many people — and dogs — are riding?
- Will camp stay put or move daily?
Warm spring hunts and late-season storms demand very different approaches. Planning for those differences upfront prevents repacking in the driveway — or worse, at camp.
Step 2: Build the Bed From the Ground Up
The truck bed is your foundation. Pack it like one.
Warm-Weather, Lightweight Camps
For fair-weather hunts, simplicity wins.
Core Bed Gear
- 2-person tent
- Camp chairs
- Compact grill
- Cooler
- Food and water totes
With a 6’4” bed, there’s room to spare — space that can be used for morale items like a guitar or camp games, as long as they’re secured.
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Cold, Wet, Late-Season Camps
When conditions turn serious, comfort becomes safety.
Cold-Weather Priorities
- Larger tent with vestibule
- Ground rug for boot changes
- Propane firepit or sheltered warming area
- Extra dry layers
- Weatherproof storage
Packing Tips That Matter
- Load heavy gear forward, closest to the cab
- Use cargo straps — every time
- Stack sealed totes, and then tarp everything
- Keep wet gear isolated from dry essentials
You’d be surprised how much you can safely carry when weight is balanced and secured correctly.
Step 3: Think Beyond the Bed
Some hunts require creative hauling.
Boats, Canoes, and Specialized Gear
Remote alpine or wilderness access often means transporting gear twice — truck to water, and then water to camp.
Smart Adjustments
- Hitch-mounted racks for boats or canoes
- Strap anchors for roof transport
- Gear packed in canoe-friendly totes
- Bear-safe food containers
- Water filtration and sterilization tools
The flexibility of the Ram 1500 makes it easier to adapt without compromising safety.
Big Camps, Big Meals
Large hunt camps mean shared cooking responsibilities. If there’s a propane tank in the bed, chances are camp is eating well — smokers, fryers, and group meals all need space, balance, and proper tie-downs.
Step 4: Lock In the Non-Negotiables
Some gear never leaves the truck — regardless of season.
Always-Onboard Safety Kit
- Towing straps
- Tire iron
- Tire inflator
- Cargo straps
- Basic tool kit
- First-aid kit
Seasonal additions change (snow chains, for example), but safety gear is permanent. Under-seat storage in the Ram 1500 keeps these items accessible when they’re needed most.
Step 5: Standardize With Totes
Consistency saves time. Heavy-duty storage bins are the backbone of an efficient loadout.
Why Totes Work
- Stack cleanly
- Protect gear from weather
- Simplify packing decisions
I keep six identical bins ready to go, which makes it easy to:
- Choose the right cooler based on bin count
- Strap a firepit or stove on top
- Load and unload without reshuffling
When every bin has a purpose, packing becomes fast — and repeatable.
Step 6: Don’t Forget the Cab Crew
A good loadout considers everyone on board.
Driver and Passenger Comfort
- Neck pillow and packable blanket for shift changes
- Lap desk for writing, reading, or meal prep
- Easy-access snacks and hydration
The Dog Zone
Half the backseat folds up in the Ram 1500, creating a flat space for:
- Dog bed
- Blanket
- Favorite toy
- Kennel (optional)
It’s a simple setup, but a comfortable dog makes for a calmer ride — and a better camp.
Final Thought: Pack for the Experience
A truck camp is more than gear in a bed. It’s early mornings, bad weather, great meals, long hikes, and quiet moments you don’t forget.
No matter how the loadout changes, the goal stays the same: arrive ready, stay safe, and enjoy the time in the field with the people — and dogs — you trust. If you see a black Ram 1500 roll into camp, packed tight with gear and a happy dog watching out the window, that’ll be me.
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This post is sponsored by Ram Trucks.
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