Why wouldn’t you utilize the airspace of your truckbed as storage? I’ve had traditional camp toppers, in-bed storage tubs, DIY disasters, and everything in between. The combination of a Leitner FORGED Active Cargo System and a full GearPOD setup has been, shall I be so bold to say, game-changing. Yeah, I went there.
As someone who uses my truck as a base camp just about every season of the year, secure and organized storage is invaluable. I’ve had every configuration you can imagine, from totes to duffel bags and everything in between. Because of my lifestyle, I need my truck bed. I can’t rig it out with a full in-bed camper and I certainly can’t be made into a van lifer just yet. I have feed, dogs, and meat to haul.
The Leitner Active Cargo System and GearPODS seemed like the ideal storage option and rack system to outfit my truck in a way my DIY solutions simply couldn’t. The price certainly isn’t super wallet-friendly, but is it worth it?
In short: The combination of a Leitner FORGED Active Cargo System kitted out with GearPODs has been a wild breath of fresh air. It allows me to bring it all, keep it organized and secure, and still have my truck bed available to haul my bounty.
Leitner Truck Bed Rack & Gear Pod Review

The Real Tester: Ted
Before we dive too deep, introductions: Ted is my steed. He’s a cherry red 2011 Toyota Tundra Double Cab with body damage no truck deserves. However, every ding, dent, and scratch has been well-earned.
Until recently, he sported a traditional, hard-shell topper. My storage configurations varied from season to season but always involved a raised cot that I built out of scrap wood with a conglomeration of plastic totes sliding around beneath it.
Because so many of my seasons overlap, it isn’t uncommon for my truck bed to pull quadruple duty. It’s often my riverbank camp overnight, my fishing rig in the morning, my scouting rig in the afternoon, and a hunting rig by evening. That means Ted is geared out at all times with a wide spread of outdoor goodies.
… and then there was Leitner Designs.
My Leitner Setup List

- (1) Leitner FORGED Active Cargo System ($1,950)
- (1) GearPOD XL ($699)
- (1) GearPOD Dual ($499)
- (1) GearPOD ($349)
- (2) HydroPODs ($349)
- (1) MyMedic First Aid Kit ($350)
The Leitner FORGED Active Cargo System Rack

How I Utilize the GearPODs

HydroPOD ACS Rack Shower Kit

- 4.8 gallons
- 20-foot hose
GearPOD

- Weight: 20 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 65 lbs.
- Storage space: 10.5 gals. (1.4 cu. ft.)
GearPOD Dual

- Weight: 42 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 110 lbs.
- Storage space: 24 gals. (96 qts.)
GearPOD XL

- Weight: 50 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 150 lbs.
- Storage space: 40 gals. (160 qts.)
Where the Leitner GearPODS Get It Right

Where the GearPODS Could Improve

Water, Water, Everywhere …
“Every effort has been made to make the GearPOD as watertight as possible. However, due to manufacturing tolerance, driving conditions, and weather, we do not recommend storing items that can be damaged by water before placing them in their own airtight container.”
Using Airspace, Losing Bed Space
Accessory Ideas
Leitner FORGED Active Cargo System Review: Final Thoughts
