Words & Photos by Britany Csurka
Last month, we packed up our 1984 Westy and hit the road from Squamish to the BC Interior. Road trips have always been my preferred way to travel. Hours upon hours of driving give you time to really soak in the scenery, pull over whenever something catches your eye, and connect with new people along the way. Our van is old-school but fully loaded thanks to the previous owner, who added solar panels, a mini fridge, Bluetooth speakers, and even swapped in a Subaru engine. It’s reliable (for the most part), but let’s be honest, there’s always a bit of nervous energy when you take a vintage rig on a 2000 km journey through the mountains.
We set out to visit some of our favourite kinds of places: mountain towns like Revelstoke, Rossland, and Nelson, family time in Kimberley, and plenty of biking, hiking, and hot springs in between. Storage in the Westy has always been strategic. I’m known to be a bit of an over-packer, so we usually rely on every inch of space, filling smaller compartments with food, cooking gear, and daily essentials. The closet filled up fast with clothes, and the bench seat, our biggest storage spot, was quickly filled by beach towels, an emergency socket set, extension cords, hammocks, etc. Helmets, dirty gear, and other bulky items ended up floating around without a real home. The RUX 70L changed all that.
Organized, Accessible, and Dirt-Proof
Every ride usually ends the same way: sweaty gear, dirty shoes, and nowhere to put it all. The 70L became our go-to spot for everything post-ride. Instead of tossing stuff around the van, we dropped it straight into the RUX, keeping dirt contained and our limited living space clutter-free. And because the RUX is so durable and waterproof, it didn’t matter how dirty things got; we knew it could handle the mess without a problem.
Big, But Never in the Way
Despite its generous size, the 70L never felt bulky. It tucked right into the back of the van and transitioned seamlessly from vehicle to campsite. At camp, it lived outside as our utility box, rugged enough to handle the elements.
From Van to Lake, All-in-One
When we met up with family in Kimberley for a day at the lake, the RUX 70L once again stepped up. We tossed in towels, books, sunscreen, snacks, and cameras. Then we strapped it to the back of the quad and took off, no need for multiple bags or extra gear runs.
The Ultimate Catch-All
By the end of the trip, the RUX 70L had been just about everything: gear bin, prep table, lake bag, backseat organizer. It carried what we needed and made the chaos of camp life feel just a little more dialed. When the bag isn't in use, it easily packs down flat for storage. No matter what the day threw at us, the RUX kept up.
From muddy trailheads to lakeside picnics, the RUX 70L proved itself as the ultimate vanlife companion—durable, versatile, and always ready for whatever the road threw our way. Whether you're heading out for a weekend escape or a cross-province adventure, this bag keeps your gear organized, your space cleaner, and your setup stress-free.
Ready to streamline your road trips? Try the RUX 70L and experience the difference a well-designed bag can make.
