RUX Pocket Review: How I Use It to Organize Small Gear in My Van
How I keep small gear organized and easy to find in my van.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and RUX
I've been using two RUX 70L bins in my van for quite a while now, and they've become one of my favorite storage solutions. One holds most of my clothes, while the other stores jackets, extra layers, and other gear. They keep everything organized, stack neatly, and are easy to move around when I need to rearrange the van.
But there was still one problem I hadn't solved.
It wasn't the big stuff. It was all the little things.
Charging cables, batteries, a headlamp, lip balm, sunglasses, and other everyday items always seemed to end up loose somewhere in the van or buried at the bottom of one of my storage bins. None of those items take up much space, but they were usually the things I found myself looking for.
That's what led me to the RUX Pocket.
Why I Bought the RUX Pocket
I wasn't looking for another storage pouch. I already had plenty of small bags that could hold loose items. What I wanted was something that worked with my existing storage system and gave those everyday essentials a permanent home.
The RUX Pocket attaches directly to the RUX 70L, so instead of throwing small items into a large storage bin, I could keep everything together in one place that's easy to access.
It sounded like a simple idea, but sometimes it's the small improvements that make the biggest difference when you're living or traveling in a van.
How I Use It
My RUX Pocket stays attached to one of my RUX bins inside the van. It has become the place where I keep the smaller items I reach for throughout the day instead of tossing them wherever there's an empty spot.
Depending on the trip, you'll usually find charging cables, spare batteries, my headlamp, sunglasses, lip balm, camera accessories, a flashlight, and a few other odds and ends inside. None of those items are large, but together they can quickly create clutter if they don't have a dedicated place.
Now I always know where they are.
That may not sound like a big change, but when you're living in a small space, little things like this make everyday life easier. Instead of opening multiple bins or digging through clothing to find one charging cable, I unzip the Pocket, grab what I need, and keep going.
If RUX is new to you, I wrote more about the company and what first caught my attention in Outdoor Brands You Might Not Know, But You Should — RUX.
You Can Attach the RUX Pocket to the RUX 70L
The RUX Pocket can attach directly to the outside of the RUX 70L, keeping smaller items within easy reach. Photo courtesy of RUX.
The RUX Pocket can also be attached to the outside of the RUX 70L, which gives you another way to use it depending on what you're carrying. It keeps smaller items within easy reach without taking up space inside the bin, and you can move the Pocket around as your storage needs change.
I use two RUX 70L bins in my van for clothing and other gear. If you're interested in the larger storage system, you can read my RUX 70L Review to see how I use them as removable storage in my van.
The Size Is Just Right
The RUX Pocket measures 11 inches wide by 8 inches high. Photo courtesy of RUX.
The Pocket isn't designed to replace another storage bin, and I wouldn't want it to.
Its size is what makes it useful.
It's large enough to hold the items I use most often but small enough that it doesn't become another place where things disappear. Once it's full, that's usually my reminder that it's time to clean it out instead of stuffing more inside.
I like that it encourages me to stay organized instead of becoming another catch-all bag.
Build Quality
Like the RUX 70L bins, the Pocket feels extremely well made.
The materials are durable, the stitching is clean, and everything feels like it was designed to handle years of travel. The magnetic closure is one of my favorite features because it's quick to open with one hand and snaps closed securely without having to fuss with it.
After using other organizers over the years, this one simply feels more refined. It's a small detail, but when you're opening and closing something multiple times a day, those little details matter.
What I Like
The biggest thing I like isn't a specific feature—it's how much easier the RUX Pockets have made it to stay organized. I keep my GoPros in one. In another, I keep cords for all my devices, along with a little vacuum. And in another, I keep socks. I always feel like I'm searching for socks.
Everything has a home now. I know where my smaller gear is, and I'm no longer wasting time looking through larger bins trying to find one item. It also keeps clutter off my counters and out of the seats, which makes the van feel cleaner and more organized overall.
I also like that the Pockets integrate with the RUX system rather than feel like random pouches floating around the van. They become part of the storage setup rather than something else to store.
A Few Things to Know
The RUX Pocket isn't something everyone needs.
If you already have a storage system that works well for smaller gear, you may not find much value in adding another organizer. It also makes the most sense if you already own a RUX 70L, since that's where it really shines.
Like most RUX products, it's also a premium accessory. You're paying for quality materials, thoughtful design, and how well it integrates with the rest of the system.
Is the RUX Pocket Worth It?
For me, it is.
The RUX Pocket didn't transform my van or suddenly create more storage space. What it did was solve one of those small everyday frustrations that comes with living in a compact space.
I no longer wonder where my charging cable ended up or which bin I tossed my headlamp into. Everything I use regularly has a dedicated place, and that's made my van feel a little more organized every time I head out.
If you already own a RUX 70L and find yourself constantly searching for the smaller things, I think the RUX Pocket is a worthwhile addition. It's one of those accessories you don't realize you'll appreciate until you've used it for a while, and now I wouldn't want to be without it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RUX Pocket used for? The RUX Pocket is designed to organize small everyday items like charging cables, batteries, a headlamp, and other essentials so they're easy to find.
Does the RUX Pocket attach to the RUX 70L? Yes. It attaches securely to the RUX 70L, making it easy to keep smaller gear organized without taking up space inside the main bin.
Can you use the RUX Pocket by itself? Yes. While it's designed to work with the RUX 70L, it can also be used as a standalone organizer.
What fits inside the RUX Pocket? I use mine for charging cables, batteries, a headlamp, sunglasses, lip balm, camera accessories, and other small items I use regularly in my van.
Is the RUX Pocket waterproof? No. It's made from weather-resistant materials that help protect your gear from the elements, but it isn't fully waterproof.
Is the RUX Pocket worth it? If you already own a RUX 70L and want a better way to organize smaller gear, I think it's a worthwhile addition. It keeps everyday essentials in one place and makes them much easier to find.
Does the RUX Pocket add much weight? No. It's lightweight, so it adds very little weight while giving you a convenient place to store small items.
Who is the RUX Pocket best for? I think it's a great accessory for van life, camping, overlanding, and anyone who wants to keep smaller gear organized instead of digging through a larger storage bin.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares the gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to desert rides in the West. She values quality and craftsmanship and believes in buying less, but buying better. The gear she recommends is gear she uses herself.Some links on Overland Girl may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Michele may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.