When it comes to staying organized on hunting trips, the right gear storage system can make all the difference. After two years of field testing the RUX Gear Box system across multiple hunting expeditions, I’ve found it to be an indispensable tool for any serious hunter looking to maximize time in the field.
My Journey with RUX: From First Purchase to Complete System
I purchased my first RUX 70L before a South Dakota hunting trip in 2023, and it quickly became my go-to gear organization solution. Since then, I’ve built a comprehensive RUX collection through both personal purchases and field testing opportunities. The system has accompanied me on every hunting adventure over the past two years, from antelope hunts in Wyoming to extended deer hunting trips, upland expeditions and even family camping trips.
Building Your RUX Hunting Kit: Strategic Organization
My approach to the RUX system focuses on creating dedicated boxes for specific hunting scenarios and gear types. This strategy ensures I can quickly grab exactly what I need for each trip without sorting through mixed equipment. The key is having enough units to properly organize all your essential hunting gear while maintaining easy access.
Why Organization Matters for Hunters
Time spent searching for gear is time not spent hunting. Quality organization allows you to:
- Maximize actual hunting hours during limited trip windows
- Quickly access critical equipment when opportunities arise
- Maintain gear condition through proper storage
- Reduce stress and focus on the hunt itself
Field-Tested Setup: My Wyoming Antelope Hunt Configuration
During my recent Wyoming antelope hunt, I refined my RUX system setup to perfection. Here’s how I configured my gear boxes for maximum efficiency:
The Three-Box Truck System
- Two RUX 70L boxes: Positioned on the outside seats, these held all cooking equipment, food supplies, and pantry items organized by category
- One RUX 40L box: Centered between the 70L units, this served as my complete kill kit with processing knives, field tools, headlamps, game bags, gloves, and butchering essentials
- Top storage space: The flat surface of the center 40L provided a convenient spot for jackets and daily-use items
This configuration kept everything accessible in my truck’s second-row seating area, allowing instant access to any item throughout the week-long hunt. The system proved adaptable enough to modify as conditions and needs changed daily.
RUX Design Features: What Makes Them Hunting-Ready
Collapsible Storage (With a Caveat)
While RUX boxes feature collapsible design for compact storage, mine stay permanently deployed because they’re in constant rotation. However, for hunters with limited storage space, this feature offers significant value between seasons.
Upgrading Your RUX: Recommended Accessories
Based on extensive field use, I recommend these upgrades:
- **RUX MOLLE Panel Pair: These panels add rigidity to prevent corner collapse during transport and use. While the boxes function well without them, the panels eliminate the occasional need to pop corners back into place
- **Press Seal Lid:** Currently installed on my 40L, this heavy-duty TPU lid significantly outperforms the standard tri-fold lids on my 70L boxes. Benefits include:
- Quick one-piece installation and removal
- Easy cleaning after field use
- Doubles as a washable food prep surface
- Superior weather sealing
The Color-Coding Organization Strategy
RUX boxes come in multiple color options—use this to your advantage. I assign specific colors to gear categories:
- Green box: Kitchen and cooking equipment
- Orange box: Dry goods and pantry supplies
- Additional colors for: Kill kit, clothing, camp gear, etc.
This color-coding system allows instant identification of needed gear boxes, especially valuable during early morning hunts or when you’re tired after a long day in the field.
Modular Customization: The RUX Ecosystem
The true power of the RUX system lies in its modularity. Each box accepts various organizational accessories that transform basic storage into a customized gear management system.
Essential RUX Accessories for Hunters
I equip each of my 70L boxes with the RUX Essentials Set, which includes:
- Internal RUX Bag for smaller items and valuables
- External RUX Pocket for frequently accessed gear
- Additional organizational dividers and pouches
This modular approach ensures critical items stay exactly where you need them, reducing search time and keeping you focused on the hunt.
RUX vs. Cheap Plastic Bins: The Value Proposition
Understanding the Investment
Let’s address the elephant in the room: RUX Gear Boxes aren’t cheap. They represent a significant investment compared to basic plastic storage bins from discount retailers. However, this price difference reflects genuine value for serious hunters.
Why Premium Matters for Hunting Gear
- Durability: Cheap plastic bins crack, fade, and deteriorate after a single season of hard use. RUX boxes withstand years of rough treatment, extreme temperatures, and demanding field conditions
- Weather resistance: Discount bins leak and allow moisture penetration. RUX systems protect expensive hunting gear from the elements
- Organization efficiency: Time saved through superior organization pays dividends in actual hunting success
- Long-term cost: One RUX system outlasts multiple replacement cycles of cheap alternatives
Real-World Performance: Two Years of Hunting with RUX
After 24 months of field testing across diverse hunting scenarios and environments, the RUX system has proven itself as an essential component of my hunting kit. These boxes have:
- Survived countless miles of rough road transport
- Endured extreme weather from Wyoming winds to freezing temperatures
- Maintained organization through multiple hunting seasons
- Protected valuable gear and equipment investments
- Streamlined my hunting preparation and field time
Who Should Invest in RUX Gear Boxes?
The RUX system makes sense for hunters who:
- Take multiple hunting trips per year
- Value organization and efficiency in the field
- Transport significant amounts of gear and equipment
- Hunt in varied weather conditions requiring gear protection
- Want a long-term storage solution that won’t need replacement
- Appreciate modular, customizable organization systems
Final Verdict: Are RUX Boxes Worth It for Hunters?
After two seasons of intensive field use, I can confidently say the RUX Gear Box system has transformed how I approach hunting trip organization. While the initial investment exceeds budget alternatives, the combination of durability, organization capability, and field performance makes RUX boxes a worthwhile upgrade for dedicated hunters.
The system keeps me organized, prepared, and ready to capitalize on every hunting opportunity. When you’re paying for licenses, tags, travel, and time off work, having gear that helps you maximize your actual hunting time becomes invaluable.
Learn more about the complete RUX system at Rux.life.
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