Tailgate storage solution for hunters

I was heading off to my local 4×4 camping and outdoor expo. The sun was shining, I had my daughter in tow, so snacks and slushies were on the menu.

Meanwhile, my wife Kath was out of town. She knew about the expo and had explicitly stated that I was not to buy anything. And, knowing me as a self-confessed survivalist and prepper (she calls it hoarding), I can see why she might have said that. After all, we’ve already accessorised our dual cab Hilux, modified our Echo 4×4 Kavango camper, remodelled our ex-military Land Rover 6×6 into a remote area camper, and have a garage full of camping knick-knacks and do-dads. So, to a non-prepper, it may look like we’ve got everything we need.

That said, you can never have enough of a good thing, right?

So, here we were, walking around licking ice creams, when I saw it! I knew I was going to have to contravene Kath’s instruction. I mean, I’m sure you know that feeling when you see something, and it just makes sense? And you know you have to have it? Well, this was one of those moments.

In front of me was a storage bag to hang on the outside of a vehicle. And while we’ve all seen rubbish carriers secured to the rear doors of wagons and spare wheels, this one was different. This was a Ute Bumbag, with claims to be ‘the ultimate original tailgate bag’.

Looking closely, I could see why the manufacturers would make such an ambitious claim. For one, this bag is made from mesh rather than the canvas material that we commonly see for this type of purpose. So, it has obvious utility for transporting wet swimmers, snorkels and flippers outside of the vehicle to stop salt water and sand causing rust in the rear tray. The same can be said for storing muddy boots and snatch straps after a vehicle recovery.

But I saw another function too. Here was a bag to hold a night’s bounty of spotlighting rabbits and hares. And I could also envisage a trophy rack of antlers and horns sticking out of it to save blood dripping in from the back of the ute. I mean, who wants to finish a hunt having to strip out the toolbox, fridge and other clutter from a ute tray so you can hose it out? Not me, for one.

Unlike canvas bags that rot, fade and go mouldy with neglect, the Ute Bumbag is made from truck mesh – much like the mesh you find on trampolines. As such, it’s UV stabilised and will last, and look great, for longer. It also comes with a magnetic foam mat to place on your tailgate to stop rubbing from damaging your vehicle’s paint and panelling. Also, it’s designed to be fitted using the existing screws on your tailgate, so there’s no need for drilling holes.

A nifty design point is that if you are using it as a rubbish bag, and your tailgate is your camp kitchen, simply unclip two clips at the bottom and the Ute Bumbag swings down vertically when you drop the tailgate.

No mess, no fuss, no damage, no paint scratching, no lingering smells and made to last. What’s not to like?

We’ve had ours for a while now and give it ‘two thumbs up’. Even Kath’s happy I bought it.

The Ute Bumbag is available at shows or various retailers with prices starting at $130. There are various models and associated mounting systems to suit different utes, wheels, stone guards and ladders.