No one makes magnetic storage pouches?

Posted by brainhack3r@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 18 comments

I have an RSI Smartcap and unfortunately (but maybe not) it doesn't support MOLLE panels (long story).

However it LOVES neodymium magnets.

I've been experimenting with some hooks and carabiner setups for holding some of my gear.

Which made me realize that the PERFECT setup would be to use packing cubes (basically, square synthetic bags with a mesh, for transparency, and a zipper) with a magnet on each corner.

They'd be CHEAP for starters. The magnets are like a quarter each if they're not the super strong 70lb kind.

The idea is you just throw your gear in the pouches and throw it at your truck cap/camper and it will just stay there.

No expensive MOLLE panels. No drilling, and cheap.

What I like about this is it also supports all kinds of configurations.

Like I could put them on the ceiling, on the doors, to the side of the doors, etc.

Then if you want what's inside, either un-zipper it or just pull it off.

You could even do things like just bring the whole bag into the office or your house, then slap it back on your truck when done.

The problem is NO ONE MAKES THESE THINGS!

So I'd have to buy packing cubes, then hire a tailor to sew the magnets in.

Am I missing something? Why hasn't anyone done anything like this before?

Maybe I just invented yet another overlanding product.

Stand by while I launch a website and start selling them for $150 each.

Now for HEAVY things like fire extinguishers, you'd still want to use MOLLE or keep them on the floor.

But I think this would work really well for like 80% of my gear.

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211logos@reddit

From sad experience I know it's best to hang bags from magnets, or find some other way to isolate the magnet from what's being stored. Otherwise all the steel things stored inside get attach to the magnets and it makes a mess. Not an issue if storing non ferrous stuff, but still.

brainhack3r@reddit (OP)

To be fair I'm not sure how much ferrous stuff I have.

I don't imagine much. Maybe 10% ?

But I can keep that elsewhere.

Shmokesshweed@reddit

Get magnets with hooks or clips. Done.

FrogFlavor@reddit

Harbor freight has good magnet hooks I use to use them in my old steel body truck. Had a little secret area for my keys lol.

Secret-Ad-7909@reddit

They also have individual magnets for projects like this. A few different types

While you’re in there grab one of the magnet tool mats and see what you can do with that.

MargeryStewartBaxter@reddit

Shit.

Just realized I forgot to buy something when I was there a couple hours ago lol (not real far, but not around the corner either)

Those USG magnetic tool holders are fantastic and cheap as well!

I bought some experimental magnets to test with. Let's see if it works!

ninjawinch@reddit

Too many things I might want to store that don't play well with strong magnets.

Empyrealist@reddit

Slapping magnets, especially if they aren't thick/robust enough, can often cause them to break and shatter

HighwayHeathens@reddit

Not magnetic, but not near as expensive as molle, I used pegboard in my setup. Modular and easy for me in my fiberglass shell.

The thing about making a product that is ten minutes of home-style hand stitching or hot-gluing away from being a different product is just… business decisions. The market for truck cap or overland accessories is SMALL despite all the many ads on my/your feed for RTTs, plastic drawer systems etc may lead you to believe.

Also this is fun my friend developed a couple of products for Vanagon campers and both were ripped off by the people he sold to wholesale. They like literally bought some and once the items were popular enough sent our made in USA product to China to have them reverse engineer it to sell for higher profit. So like even if a product is a good idea and profitable to sell what’s the point if you don’t already have an audience for it?

I’m only kind of salty but you know what. Stitch your magnet pouches (you can get a magnet in a non woven pouch as an upholstery accessory) into your cubes and go on your merry way. If your post here gets 10,000 replies then you have a market for it but otherwise it’s just a cute little craft you came up with that other people can diy. Which still has value just not the dollar kind.

Revolutionary_Gas551@reddit

Maybe check out the motorcycle world. I know a lot of tank bags at least use them.

blackcatwizard@reddit

Man, just make it - good project. I just finished these privacy/reflectix curtains with neodymium straps on the top so they're height adjustable

Oh nice... that's a good one.

JollyGreenGigantor@reddit

Hire a tailor? Why? Every 13 year old boy scout I grew up with knew how to sew well enough to sew in some magnets. If they can, you can.

If you still can't be bothered, glue them on the inside of the bag so you're never pulling against the magnet.

beef966@reddit

I know this isn't very helpful but I am 100% sure someone does because I saw them at Overland Expo a few years ago. I went to Bend, Flagstaff, and Loveland (no, I'm not crazy, all three were for work) so I'm sorry but I can't even narrow it down to which Expo location I saw them at... but I know they exist. Check their website or sponsors pages, or you could even download the PDF venue maps if they still have those and look through the vendors there.