7 Best Truck Bed Side Pockets For Small Supplies

Digging through a cluttered truck bed for a pair of work gloves or a roll of tape can turn a quick chore into a frustrating ordeal. Proper side-pocket storage transforms a chaotic cargo area into a streamlined workspace, keeping essential tools within arm’s reach. Choosing the right organizational system makes every weekend project or grocery run significantly more efficient.

UnderCover SwingCase: Best for Quick Bed Access

If the daily routine involves frequent stops to grab tie-downs, jumper cables, or basic hand tools, accessibility is the primary concern. The SwingCase mounts to the side of the truck bed and pivots nearly 180 degrees, allowing items to be retrieved without climbing inside the bed.

This design is particularly helpful for those who struggle with mobility or prefer to keep their feet on the pavement while grabbing supplies. It effectively utilizes the otherwise unreachable space near the tailgate, making it an excellent choice for truck owners who use a tonneau cover.

Because it is a locking, weather-sealed unit, security is a major advantage for storing expensive gear. Just keep in mind that the swing mechanism requires a bit of clearance, so ensure that any existing bed liners or accessories do not interfere with the pivot path.

Dee Zee Poly Wheel Well Box: Best for Durability

Truck owners who frequently haul construction materials, firewood, or heavy equipment need storage that can withstand accidental bumps and scrapes. The Dee Zee Poly Wheel Well Box is constructed from heavy-duty, rust-proof plastic designed to endure harsh weather and rough handling over many years.

By contouring specifically to the shape of the wheel well, this box fills the awkward “dead space” typically found behind the rear tires. This creates a sturdy, permanent home for heavy recovery gear, tow straps, or bulk automotive fluids.

While this box is incredibly rugged, it is a stationary solution that lacks the mobility of soft bags. It is the ideal pick for the homeowner who wants a “set it and forget it” storage unit that maintains its structural integrity through seasonal temperature fluctuations.

DU-HA Humpstor: Best for Using That Wasted Space

Many truck owners find themselves frustrated by the high, unusable space above the wheel wells. The DU-HA Humpstor is engineered to mount to the truck’s bed rails, creating a “hump” storage solution that sits above the wheel well rather than sitting on the floor of the bed.

This is a game-changer for people who need to retain full floor space for bulky items like plywood sheets or large appliance boxes. It provides a secure, out-of-the-way shelf for smaller kits that might otherwise roll around the bed during transit.

Installation typically involves clamping onto the bed rails, making it a viable option for those who do not want to drill holes into their truck’s metal body. It essentially turns thin air into a high-utility storage shelf without compromising the footprint of the bed.

TruXedo Saddlebag: Best All-Around Value Option

For those who want to keep gear organized without committing to a heavy, permanent box, the TruXedo Saddlebag offers a versatile alternative. These bags attach to the sides of the bed with heavy-duty snaps or straps, allowing them to hang much like a bicycle pannier.

The price-to-utility ratio here is hard to beat, especially for households that need occasional storage for gardening tools or emergency kits. They are lightweight, removable, and surprisingly spacious for their compact footprint.

While these bags are water-resistant, they are not as secure or weatherproof as a rigid plastic case. They serve best as a budget-friendly way to declutter a truck bed for those who prioritize flexibility over absolute security.

Rightline Gear Side Bag: For Soft-Sided Storage

Soft-sided storage is an excellent solution for those living in apartments or homes with limited garage space to store bulky truck accessories. The Rightline Gear Side Bag is designed to be completely collapsible when not in use, making it easy to stow away during the off-season.

These bags utilize clips that attach to the bed rail, providing a simple way to hang gear along the sides. They are perfectly suited for holding smaller items like bungee cords, rags, or light cleaning supplies that need to stay separated from the main cargo.

Do not expect the same level of impact protection as a hard case, as these bags are primarily meant for non-fragile items. However, their convenience and ease of removal make them a top-tier choice for the casual user who values a clean, empty bed at a moment’s notice.

Husky GearBox Storage: A Reliable, No-Frills Choice

When the goal is simple, robust organization at a fair price, the Husky GearBox is a reliable standard. These units offer a straightforward, black-molded aesthetic that blends into most truck beds without looking like an intrusive aftermarket modification.

They provide a structured space for tools and supplies, helping to stop smaller items from sliding across the bed floor during cornering. This is a practical, utilitarian approach for the homeowner who views their truck as a tool rather than a showpiece.

Maintenance is minimal, requiring only an occasional hose-off if dirt accumulates inside. For those prioritizing long-term value and basic functionality, this is a dependable, no-nonsense solution.

VDP Wheel Well Pods: Best for Organizing Small Gear

Small, loose items like hardware, zip ties, or first-aid supplies can easily get lost in the vast expanse of a truck bed. VDP Wheel Well Pods are smaller, modular-style containers that sit snugly over the wheel well, creating a dedicated home for these often-misplaced essentials.

These pods are great for people who like to keep their gear segmented rather than tossing everything into one large, deep container. By keeping small things together, the time spent searching through a “junk drawer” style bin is eliminated.

They are generally easier to install than larger storage boxes and occupy a very small profile. While they won’t hold power tools or large equipment, they are the champions of sorting and small-item management.

Hard Case or Soft Bag? Matching Material to Your Needs

Choosing between rigid plastic and soft fabric comes down to climate and security needs. Hard cases offer superior protection against theft and extreme weather, making them the better choice for storing high-value items like power tools or sensitive emergency equipment in open truck beds.

Soft bags excel in situations where storage space is at a premium and the need for a full-sized bed changes day to day. They are portable, lightweight, and can be easily transferred between vehicles or stored inside a home closet during winter months.

Evaluate whether the items stored will stay in the truck permanently or move indoors. If the goal is long-term storage of heavy-duty equipment, prioritize rigid materials; if the goal is temporary organization for weekend errands, opt for soft-sided convenience.

Drill vs. No-Drill: Which Installation Is for You?

The installation method is often the deciding factor for many truck owners, especially renters who cannot modify their vehicle. No-drill options usually rely on clamps, heavy-duty adhesive, or existing bed-rail slots to secure the storage unit.

Drill-in options are generally more permanent and can often handle heavier weight capacities. They provide a more secure, rattle-free experience, but they do require a commitment to the truck’s body, which may affect future resale value or lease agreements.

Always check the bed rail system of the specific truck model before purchasing, as many modern trucks have factory-installed rail systems that simplify the process. Aim for the solution that provides the necessary security without causing unnecessary damage to the vehicle’s finish.

Sizing Your Pockets: Measure Twice, Buy Just Once

Before committing to any storage system, take a measuring tape to the truck bed to ensure there is adequate clearance. It is vital to measure from the floor to the bottom of any tonneau cover, as well as the width between the wheel wells and the tailgate.

Remember to consider how much space is needed for the items typically carried. If the storage pockets are meant to hold specific tool cases, confirm those cases fit inside the product dimensions, not just the overall external size.

Avoid the mistake of buying storage that blocks access to tie-down points or interferes with bed extenders. Taking ten minutes to measure the specific gaps will save the trouble of returning oversized or ill-fitting products later.

Ultimately, the best storage solution is one that fits the unique cadence of a household’s daily activities. By balancing security, ease of access, and the specific types of gear being hauled, any truck bed can become a model of efficiency. Choosing a system that is easy to maintain ensures that organization remains a habit rather than a chore.