Organize Car Camping Gear with a Trash Pak

By Kelty · Kelty | Published: 2026-10-19

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to use the Kelty Trash Pak to keep your vehicle clean and organized during car camping trips. Practical steps for setup, packing, and disposal.

Quick answer

Mount the Kelty Trash Pak to your vehicle to store waste and recycling separately, keeping your car organized and reducing campsite mess.

Why the Trash Pak beats a loose bag

A standard grocery bag tips over, leaks, or gets crushed under gear. The Trash Pak is built to withstand sun, rain, and wind, so you can focus on camping instead of chasing trash.

What the Trash Pak can and cannot hold

It's designed for a weekend's worth of waste and recycling—think food wrappers, cans, and paper plates. Don't expect it to hold large items like broken camp chairs or extra firewood.

How to set up and use the Trash Pak

1. Choose your mounting spot: Attach the Trash Pak to a roof rack, hitch, or rear hatch using the included straps. Make sure it doesn't block your taillights or license plate. Avoid mounting it near exhaust pipes—heat can damage the material.
2. Line it with a bag: Use a standard 13-gallon trash bag or a heavy-duty contractor bag for wet waste. Tuck the bag edges over the rim so the Pak stays clean. Double-bag if you're packing smelly food scraps.
3. Sort as you go: Keep one side for trash and the other for recyclables (cans, plastic bottles). This saves time at the dump station and reduces what goes to landfill. Rinse cans before tossing them to avoid attracting insects.
4. Secure the load: Zip the Trash Pak closed fully after each use. If you're driving on rough trails, use a bungee cord to keep the lid from bouncing open. Check the straps periodically—they can loosen on bumpy roads.
5. Empty and clean: At the end of your trip, dump the bags at a designated waste station. Wipe the inside of the Trash Pak with a damp cloth and let it air dry before storing. Store it flat or rolled—don't fold it while damp to prevent mildew.

Product details

Trash Pak: The Trash Pak mounts to most cars and is built to withstand intense sun, rain, or wind. You can leave it on your vehicle overnight without worrying about weather damage or animals tearing into it.
Trash Pak