Bag or bin for 'compact' float tube storage?

Hey all,

I saw numerous posts from those of you who leave your float tubes inflated/partially inflated and either hung or set upright in the garage, etc. I don't have the 'luxury' of doing that with limited space (both in the garage and car), so I expect to have to inflate and deflate every time I go out. That said, for those of you in the same boat (heh) do you use a storage bag, duffel bag or plastic bin to store your float tube and gear? I'm inclined towards a bag but now I'll have to go looking for one that isn't gonna break the bank - I'd prefer not to have to buy a FT-specific bag either.

Anyway, any suggestions on a good storage solution that is pretty cheap? Obviously, large plastic storage bins would be the cheapest. I might end up getting that regardless so the question is more around bags I guess.

Go to a military surplus store and buy a duffel bag. I learned to pack a lot of crap in one, military experience. They are made of heavy canvass, with reinforced bottom so you can drag it around when packing your stuff..........GT

I use the large hard container that came with the hard top that I refashioned into my tray to work on. It sticks out but is the perfect size. I'm with you, I have to deflate it every time then wash it off then put it away in the container between each use.

I use a large canvas travel bag that has a waterproof lining. They're easy to find on Amazon or eBay. It works great for me. The waterproof lining protects the car on the way home and the bag gets turned inside out and rinsed off with everything else during clean up. When everything is dry, it all goes into the bag. My fins, rod holder and net become the floor, and the folded tube sits on top. I use a grocery bag to hold everything that goes into the pockets when I'm on the water, so its easy to look in there and check everything. It also fits in the canvas bag. I usually leave the bag unzipped so everything can breathe. Except for my battery pack and rods, everything I need to go fishing is in one easy carry bag.

Lately, I've also been carrying a waterproof bag for clothes, so I can float tube via Lyft.

Ornery Bob wrote:

Lately, I've also been carrying a waterproof bag for clothes, so I can float tube via Lyft.

wow now that's dedication!!!

Thanks all. What are some of the dimensions of your boxes and bags? Would love to get the feedback so I have a better idea. I'm looking around on Amazon but my benchmark is the Outcast Float Tube bag: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.] (29.5x24x11 or almost 8000cu in).

A few I stumbled across:
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Any links you have for ones you may have purchased, specifically, would be great too.

For your reference, the bag I have is 36x17x17 and holds much more than just my float tube. It actually holds everything I take except my poles.

Ornery Bob wrote:For your reference, the bag I have is 36x17x17 and holds much more than just my float tube. It actually holds everything I take except my poles.

Great to know Bob - thanks!

I remember seeing your bag while you were waiting for your Lyft/Uber. I'm not sure why it didn't cross my mind to ask any of you guys about this while we were all there in person LOL

What do you guys think about the top-loading military duffels? My initial thought is that they would be difficult to get the float tube into since you're loading it lengthwise as opposed to stuffing it in horizontally.