8 Best Overhead Storage Nets and Gear Hammocks for Van Life

Living in a camper van quickly teaches you that floor space is your most precious commodity, and leaving it cluttered makes a small home feel claustrophobic. By shifting your focus upward, you can turn unused ceiling zones and wall corners into highly functional storage hubs. Overhead cargo nets and gear hammocks are the unsung heroes of DIY builds, keeping daily essentials secure while keeping your living area completely clear.

08/23/2026 07:43 pm GMT

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Maximizing Vertical Space in a DIY Camper Van Conversion

Standard van layouts often prioritize floor-level cabinetry, leaving the upper third of the cabin completely empty. This wasted air space is prime real estate for lightweight, bulky items like sleeping bags, winter jackets, and extra pillows. Hard-sided upper cabinets are expensive to build, add significant top-heavy weight, and permanently shrink the visual volume of your living space.

Soft-sided storage nets offer a flexible, ultra-light alternative that conforms to the shape of whatever you stuff inside. They maintain your van’s open feel while providing immediate, visual access to your gear. When empty, they press flat against the ceiling, preserving crucial headroom for taller travelers navigating the cabin.

Key Features to Compare When Buying Van Storage Nets

Not all nets are engineered to withstand the constant vibrations and sudden stops of life on the road. The first crucial decision is choosing between elastic bungee nets and static webbing or tight-mesh nets. Bungee nets excel at stretching over irregular, bulky piles but can sag dangerously over time, while static mesh keeps items pinned tightly to the ceiling but has zero give.

Pay close attention to the perimeter attachment points and the density of the grid. Large, open grid patterns (like 4×4-inch bungees) will let small items fall through, potentially distracting you while driving. Look for tight nylon mesh with heavy-duty plastic or metal carabiners that can reliably anchor to your van’s interior ribs, L-track, or structural panels.

Ceiling Cargo Net – Carzkool Car Ceiling Storage Net

Ceiling cargo nets act as a suspended attic inside your van, utilizing the wide, flat plane above your bed or cab seats. The Carzkool Car Ceiling Storage Net is specifically designed to solve the common issue of sagging by incorporating an adjustable, double-layer mesh pocket with a heavy-duty zipper closure. This dual-layer design allows you to slip flat items inside the zippered pocket while stacking larger, soft items on top of the net itself.

• Dimensions: 31.5″ x 21.6″
• Material: High-elasticity polyester mesh
• Best Uses: Towels, extra blankets, clothing, and lightweight jackets
• Attachment Method: Four adjustable corner straps with quick-release buckles

While the adjustable straps make it incredibly easy to hook onto grab handles or overhead L-track, you must ensure your anchor points are spaced correctly to keep the net taut. If your van lacks factory grab handles, you will need to install eyelets or D-rings directly into your ceiling panels. This net is perfect for weekenders looking to organize bedding, but it is not sturdy enough for heavy kitchen gear or metal tools.

Gear Hammock – ENO TrailFlyer Outdoor Gear Loft

Gear hammocks excel at capturing irregular, oddly shaped spaces like the void directly behind your front swivel seats or above the foot of your bed. The ENO TrailFlyer Outdoor Gear Loft brings outdoor-grade durability indoors with its specialized, multi-pocket design that organizes small gear rather than just pooling it in the center. Its six integrated pockets keep headlamps, phones, and sunglasses separated and instantly accessible.

• Dimensions: 36″ x 18″
• Material: 70D High-Tenacity Nylon Taffeta
• Best Uses: Personal electronics, books, glasses, and toiletries
• Attachment Method: Integrated tensioning buckles with reflective cord

The high-tenacity nylon construction ensures that this loft will not stretch or sag over time, even when loaded to its limit. However, because it is a structured hammock, it requires four distinct, tensioned mounting points to hold its shape properly. This is the ultimate choice for full-timers who need a dedicated bedside or cab-zone organizer for daily personal items, but it is too small to function as a bulk clothing stuffer.

Bungee Cargo Net – PowerTye 50124 Elastic Net

When you need to secure bulky, irregular items like plastic storage bins, camp chairs, or sleeping pads, standard fabric nets lack the necessary grip and tension. A heavy-duty bungee net like the PowerTye 50124 Elastic Net uses thick, rubber-core cords to exert constant downward pressure on your gear, preventing shifting on winding mountain roads. The tight 2×2-inch mesh pattern prevents smaller items from slipping through the gaps during transit.

• Dimensions: 15″ x 30″ (stretches up to 30″ x 60″)
• Material: 4.4mm heavy-duty latex rubber cord
• Best Uses: Securing loose boxes, bulk bedding, or sporting equipment
• Attachment Method: 6 adjustable ABS plastic hooks (non-scratching)

The adjustable hooks can be repositioned along the perimeter cord, allowing you to customize the tension and fit for various spaces. The major trade-off is that elastic cords will eventually degrade and lose their bounce if left under extreme tension in hot vans for months on end. This net is ideal for active van lifers who need to lash down outdoor gear or bins on top of their platform beds, but it is not intended for fine, loose items like clothing layers.

Heavy-Duty Cargo Net – Gladiator SGN-100 Mesh Net

For those who prioritize rugged security over all else, a heavy-duty cargo net is essential for securing heavy gear, tools, or recovery equipment in the rear of a garage build. The Gladiator SGN-100 Mesh Net features rip-stop, weather-resistant webbing that is rated for serious load management, ensuring nothing becomes a projectile during an emergency stop. Unlike cheap bungees, this net uses solid, non-stretch materials that hold heavy cargo completely static.

• Dimensions: 4.75′ x 6′ (designed for small truck beds but perfect for van garages)
• Material: Heavy-duty rip-stop mesh and webbed straps
• Best Uses: Heavy toolboxes, bins, camping gear, and rear garage organization
• Attachment Method: Four adjustable tie-down straps with integrated carabiners

This commercial-grade net requires robust mounting hardware, such as L-track or heavy-duty D-rings anchored directly to the van’s metal chassis. It is far too heavy and stiff for casual use in the living cabin or above a bed. Choose this if you have a rear “garage” layout under a platform bed and need to safely tie down heavy gear, bikes, or water canisters for rugged off-road travel.

Mesh Ceiling Organizer – Ubon Car Roof Storage Net

A mesh ceiling organizer is the perfect middle ground for those who want the structured compartmentalization of a cabinet without the weight. The Ubon Car Roof Storage Net stands out by featuring a reinforced center strap that prevents the dreaded “belly sag” that ruins most cheap ceiling nets. This sag-resistant design keeps your stored clothes and gear tucked tight against the ceiling panels, maximizing your headspace.

• Dimensions: 35.4″ x 25.6″
• Material: Reinforced double-layer nylon mesh
• Best Uses: Daily clothing, jackets, hats, and sleeping bags
• Attachment Method: 4-corner adjustable nylon straps with sturdy plastic buckles

Installing this organizer is straightforward, but it performs best when the four corner straps are pulled as tight as possible to keep the mesh taut. Because it covers a large surface area, placing it over the bed or the cab area prevents it from interfering with your standing room in the kitchen. This is the ideal solution for solo travelers or couples who need a dedicated, out-of-the-way “closet” for their soft goods.

Compact Gear Loft – Kelty Camp Gear Loft

If you are building out a smaller mid-size van or want a dedicated micro-storage solution directly above your pillow, a compact gear loft is the logical choice. Originally designed for tents, the Kelty Camp Gear Loft is incredibly compact, lightweight, and efficient with its footprint. It suspends easily from small hooks, offering a flat, tensioned platform for items you need to grab in the middle of the night without fumbling around.

• Dimensions: 14.5″ x 11.5″
• Material: Durable polyester mesh and fabric trim
• Best Uses: Glasses, smartphones, headlamps, books, and water bottles
• Attachment Method: Adjustable corner hook-and-loop straps

Its small size means you can mount it in tight corners, alcoves, or directly underneath low shelves where larger nets would sag and flop around. The main limitation is its strictly low-profile capacity; you cannot stuff sweaters or bulky jackets into this loft. This is highly recommended for anyone needing a minimalist bedside nightstand replacement, but it won’t solve your bulk storage needs.

Corner Storage Hammock – Toyganic Mesh Toy Hammock

Van walls are rarely perfectly straight, creating odd corner voids near the rear doors or the cab headliner that are incredibly difficult to utilize. A corner storage hammock like the Toyganic Mesh Toy Hammock is designed to anchor into three points rather than four, letting it nestle perfectly into a 90-degree corner. This unique geometry allows you to transform unused corner air into a secure holding bay for soft items.

• Dimensions: Expands up to 70″ x 46″ x 46″
• Material: Woven elastic polyester mesh
• Best Uses: Dirty laundry, extra pillows, plush blankets, or winter gear
• Attachment Method: Three metal screw-in hooks and plastic anchors

Because this hammock relies on tension across a corner, you must ensure your three mounting points are securely anchored into solid wood panels or the van’s steel ribs. Since it is highly elastic, overloading it will cause it to droop down and block your view or headspace. This is an excellent, budget-friendly choice for managing laundry or bulky bedding in the rear corners of your sleeping platform, but it is not suitable for small or heavy items that can slip through the wide mesh weave.

Wall Mesh Net – Custom Accessories 73112 Cargo Net

Keeping frequently used items off your counters and table surfaces is key to maintaining sanity inside a tiny living space. A wall-mounted mesh pocket like the Custom Accessories 73112 Cargo Net provides a flat, vertical storage pouch that screws directly onto your cabinet ends, door panels, or wall cladding. It acts as a low-profile sleeve that keeps map books, iPads, spices, or kitchen towels secure while you drive.

• Dimensions: 8″ x 15″
• Material: Stretchable nylon mesh with a rigid plastic frame
• Best Uses: Tablets, magazines, charging cords, spices, and small kitchen tools
• Attachment Method: Integrated screw holes for flush wall mounting

The rigid frame ensures that the top opening stays flush against the wall, preventing items from spilling out during sharp turns. Make sure to pre-drill your mounting holes into your plywood panels to prevent splitting, and avoid mounting them to thin fabric headliners without backing. This is a must-have accessory for the sides of kitchen galleys, sliding door interiors, and bed frames, but it is too small to handle bulk clothing.

How to Securely Mount Cargo Nets to Van Ribs and Panels

Securing overhead nets isn’t as simple as using adhesive plastic hooks, which will inevitably fail under heat and road vibration. For a professional, durable installation, you must anchor your hardware directly into the van’s structural steel ribs or thick plywood wall panels. Rivnuts (threaded inserts) are the gold standard for metal ribs, allowing you to bolt heavy-duty eyelets or D-rings directly into the van’s chassis without drilling massive holes.

If you are mounting to wood panels or cabinet faces, use through-bolts with locking nuts on the backside rather than simple wood screws. Wood screws can easily pull out when subjected to the dynamic forces of a heavily loaded net bouncing down a washboard road. Alternatively, installing L-track (logistics track) along your ceiling or under-cabinet edges gives you adjustable anchor points that can be repositioned as your storage needs evolve over time.

Safety Tips for Storing Heavy Items in Overhead Nets

Physics doesn’t take a vacation when you are on the road, and an unsecured item in your living space can quickly become a dangerous projectile during a sudden brake or collision. As a strict rule, never store heavy, hard-edged items like laptops, canned goods, or heavy metal tools in overhead nets. Reserve overhead storage exclusively for soft, compressible items that will not cause injury if they slip free or sag during a bump.

Regularly inspect your mounting hardware and the elasticity of the nets, as temperature extremes inside a parked van can weaken plastic hooks and dry out rubber bungees. Check that the net does not obstruct your rearview mirror visibility or interfere with your driving ergonomics. Keeping your heaviest gear secured down low in the garage area and your light, soft goods up high ensures a balanced center of gravity and a safer driving experience.

Conclusion

Maximizing your van’s vertical space with the right mix of nets and hammocks keeps your home organized and stress-free. Invest in quality mounting hardware, keep the heavy gear low, and enjoy the open, clutter-free living space you’ve built.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an overhead storage net in a camper van?

An overhead storage net is an elastic or webbing mesh suspended against a van ceiling to secure lightweight gear while traveling. These nets attach to ceiling ribs, L-track rails, or grab handles using carabiners and eye bolts. They keep soft goods like jackets, sleeping bags, and extra blankets off the bed or floor without taking up cabinet space. Most models stretch across spans between 30 and 50 inches.

What does a gear hammock do in van life setups?

A gear hammock provides a suspended fabric or cord sling designed to cradle bulky, soft cargo near the van ceiling. Unlike flat storage nets that hold items flat against the roof, hammocks hang slightly lower and gather items toward the center. Van lifers commonly use them above the foot of the bed or behind front seats to hold laundry, winter coats, or produce. Mesh hammocks also provide airflow, helping damp towels or clothing dry faster.

How do I install an overhead storage net to a van ceiling?

You install an overhead storage net by anchoring four to six corner points into your ceiling framing using rivnuts, sheet metal screws, or L-track studs. First, locate structural metal ribs or solid wood ceiling battens. Next, drill pilot holes and insert 1/4-20 plusnuts or mount eye straps with self-tapping screws. Finally, clip the net’s carabiners or tension hooks to the anchor hardware, pulling straps taut so the net stays firm.

How do you tighten a sagging gear hammock without drilling?

Tighten a sagging gear hammock by shortening its attachment cords using cam buckles, zip ties, or prusik friction hitches wrapped around existing van fixtures. Anchor the corners to factory coat hooks, grab handles, or headrest posts using heavy-duty paracord. To eliminate center sag, weave an extra bungee cord diagonally across the underside of the hammock. Testing the tension with a three-pound load ensures it will not bounce against your head during travel.

Which is better for van life overhead storage nets or gear hammocks?

Overhead storage nets are generally better for low-roof vans and flat items, while gear hammocks work better in high-roof vans for bulky, irregular items. Flat cargo nets maintain headroom because they pin items within two to four inches of the ceiling. In contrast, gear hammocks drop six to twelve inches lower, which can block walkways or sightlines in small builds. Choose nets for bedding and hammocks for loose fruit, shoes, or damp towels.

How much weight can an overhead storage net safely hold?

Most overhead storage nets can safely hold between 10 and 30 pounds, depending on the anchor strength and mesh material. Elastic bungee nets usually max out around 10 to 15 pounds before stretching excessively and sagging into living space. Heavy-duty non-stretch polyester or nylon webbing nets can support 30 to 50 pounds if bolted into metal ribs. Exceeding these limits risks stripping screw anchors or tearing the mounting points during rough driving.

Why does an overhead gear net sag and drop items while driving?

Elastic failure or incorrect anchor spacing causes an overhead gear net to sag and drop items while driving. Road vibration naturally pushes loose cargo toward the lowest point in loose netting. To fix the issue, reposition anchor hooks roughly two to four inches farther apart to restore baseline tension. If the perimeter shock cord has lost elasticity from heat or age, thread a secondary non-stretch cam strap across the center to hold cargo secure.

Are overhead storage nets safe to sleep under in a camper van?

Sleeping under an overhead storage net is safe as long as you restrict cargo to soft, lightweight items like clothing and pillows. Heavy, hard, or sharp gear such as cast-iron pans, toolboxes, and water bottles should never go overhead. In a vehicle collision or sudden brake maneuver, excessive downward G-force can pull anchors free from ceiling panels. Using locking carabiners and fine mesh nets prevents small items from slipping through the openings during sleep.