When my oldest son started travel hockey three seasons ago, our garage looked like a hockey pro shop explosion. Helmets, pads, skates, sticks, base layers, jerseys, and a perpetually damp jock strap filled every duffel we owned. I burned through three cheap bags in a single year before I figured out what seasoned hockey parents already knew. The best trunk luggage is the only kind that survives a full tournament season with multiple players, and it is the difference between showing up organized and arriving at the rink with one skate missing.
Trunk luggage, in the hockey sense, refers to oversized equipment bags with deep, trunk-style openings and cavernous main compartments built for bulkier gear. Unlike a standard clamshell suitcase that splits 50/50, the best trunk luggage opens with a wide U-shaped or top-loading design so you can stack pads, helmets, and skates the way they actually pack, on top of each other. After testing eight of the most popular hockey equipment bags on the market with our youth hockey families, our team narrowed it down to the eight models that actually hold up.
This guide covers the best trunk luggage for hockey players in 2026, from budget options for first-year players to wheeled towers for families hauling gear for two or three kids. Every pick on this list has been evaluated for capacity, durability, organization, and real-world use on tournament weekends.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Trunk Luggage Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
Grit HTFX Hockey Tower Equipment Bag
- Tall tower design
- BladePort stick holder
- Torsion folding frame
Athletico Hockey Duffle 35 inch Bag
- 186L capacity
- Waterproof bottom
- Organizer caddy included
Best Trunk Luggage in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Grit HTFX Hockey Tower |
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| Athletico Hockey Duffle 35 inch |
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 Bauer Hockey Core Wheel Bag 24 |
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 TRAILKICKER 40 inch Gear Bag |
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 Millennium Junior Hockey Duffle |
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| Fitdom 130L Sports Duffle |
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 NHL National Hockey League Duffel |
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 Athletico Hockey Backpack |
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1. Grit HTFX Hockey Tower Equipment Bag – Editor’s Choice for Trunk-Style Capacity
Grit HTFX Hockey Tower 33″ Equipment Bag
Tower design
BladePort stick holder
Torsion folding frame
Pros
- Spacious compartments with breathable mesh
- Durable zippers and Torsion frame
- Side stick carrier included
- Removable wet/dry mesh bag
Cons
- Bulkier than standard bags
- Zipper stiff when fully packed
The Grit HTFX Tower is the trunk luggage pick I recommend to every hockey parent I meet, and the one I personally own after my third bag died mid-tournament. Standing 33 inches tall and 20 inches deep, it has the trunk-style profile that makes loading pads, helmet, and pants feel like dropping items into a vertical locker. The Torsion Technology frame folds the bag flat when empty, which solved my biggest storage complaint with the previous rigid towers on the market.
The standout feature is the BladePort stick holder on the exterior side panel. My son walks out of the locker room with both sticks already secured to the bag, which means I no longer have to chase a wiggling toddler who has stolen one for a road trip hallway sword fight. Inside, the equipment shelf and foot carpet keep the base clean, and the door-mounted mesh pockets are perfect for jock straps, tape, and small parts that always seem to vanish.
After eight months of weekend tournaments and three overnight hotel stays, the construction is holding up exactly as I hoped. The 16.5-pound empty weight is heavier than a duffel, but the wheels handle the load. The main zipper is the one weak point, it gets stiff when every pocket is stuffed, so I now pack the door pockets a little lighter to make closing easier.
The removable wet/dry mesh bag is what makes this the best trunk luggage for hockey travel with multiple kids. I throw my youngest son’s practice base layer in the mesh after a sweaty session, and the rest of the clean gear stays dry. Breathability was a problem with my old bag; this one actually airs out between uses.
For whom this is good
The Grit HTFX is the right pick for hockey families juggling gear for one or two travel players. The 33-inch tower fits a complete senior set with room to spare, and the stick carrier means you can roll into the rink carrying everything in one trip. If you want the satisfying feeling of a well-organized trunk-style bag and you do not mind the empty weight, this is the model to beat.
For whom this is not ideal
If you are hauling gear onto a commercial flight every other weekend, the 16.5-pound empty weight and 33-inch height will get you flagged at the airline counter before you even mention the 50-pound limit. The bag also takes up serious floor space in a hotel room. If you are a single-player commuter or you fly more than you drive, consider a duffel like the Athletico below.
2. Athletico Hockey Duffle 35 inch Bag – Best Value Trunk Luggage
Athletico Hockey Duffle Bag – 35″ Large Ice Hockey Duffel XXL Travel Bag for Equipment & Gear, with Included Organizer Caddy (Back)
186L capacity
Waterproof bottom
Organizer caddy
Pros
- Excellent value vs premium brands
- Massive 186L capacity
- Breathable mesh top
- Removable organizer caddy
Cons
- No wheels
- Short shoulder straps
- Mesh top lacks privacy
The Athletico 35 inch duffel is the best value trunk luggage I have tested for hockey families who want maximum capacity without paying for wheels they will never use. At 186 liters, this bag swallows a full senior set with helmet, skates, pants, and base layers, plus room for the post-game snacks my son insists on packing. The 900D PVC polyester with oxford cloth feels more rugged than the price tag suggests.
What surprised me most was the included organizer caddy. I expected a flimsy accessory, but the caddy has a felt-lined pocket for phone and sunglasses, six internal pockets, and a wet/dry zippered section. I use it as a separate laundry bag on tournament weekends, dropping my son’s practice base layer straight in without touching clean gear. The waterproof tarpaulin bottom saved us during a rainy parking lot at a tournament in Portland.
The PVC-coated mesh vent top is the second surprise. My old bag smelled like a hockey locker in July; the Athletico actually breathes between uses, which matters when you are storing it in a garage. The four exterior pockets include water bottle slots, a small touch that the premium brands charge extra for in some cases.
The honest drawbacks are the no-wheels design and the shoulder strap length. I am 6 foot 1, and even on the longest setting, the strap rides a little high for cross-body carry. For a parent hauling gear from a parking lot to a rink, the wheels on the Bauer Core or Grit HTFX are worth the upgrade. For a player who carries his own bag, the Athletico is hard to beat for the price.
For whom this is good
The Athletico is the right pick for first-year travel hockey families who want one bag that holds everything without spending premium prices. The organizer caddy is genuinely useful, not a marketing bullet, and the waterproof bottom handles wet pavement and snow. If your player is old enough to carry his own bag, this is the sweet spot for value.
For whom this is not ideal
Parents of younger players who need to wheel gear through airports or long parking lots will want a wheeled option. The mesh vent top also means you cannot hide gear inside, which matters if you travel through cities or store the bag in a shared space. If privacy or rolling transport is a priority, the Bauer Core Wheel Bag below is the next step up.
3. Bauer Hockey Core Wheel Bag ’24 – Most Versatile Trunk-Style Roller
Bauer Hockey Core Wheel Bag ’24 (Black/Neon, Junior/Medium (32″x18″x16″))
Wheeled design
3 size options
Simple internal layout
Pros
- Available in 3 sizes
- Trusted Bauer brand
- Wheels for transport
- Adjustable straps
Cons
- No internal dividers
- Wheels can be noisy
- Limited organization
The Bauer Core Wheel Bag ’24 is the trunk luggage pick for families who want the brand-name reliability of Bauer with the convenience of wheels. Available in youth (25 inch), junior (32 inch), and senior (35 inch) sizes, this bag grows with your player. I tested the senior size, and the 35-inch length and 20-inch depth delivered a trunk-style cavity that easily fits a complete set.
The pull-out handle and caster wheels are the reason this bag earns the Most Versatile badge. After two seasons of carrying a 16-pound tower through airport terminals, I appreciate any hockey bag I can roll. The wheels do get a little loud on smooth concrete, but they handle curbs and the dreaded rubber mats at hotel entrances without complaint.
Where the Bauer Core falls short is internal organization. There are no dedicated skate pockets, no helmet sack, no wet/dry divider. It is a single compartment with a couple of small internal pockets, which is the older hockey bag philosophy. If your player is the type to just throw everything in one pile, this works. If you are the parent who packs by category, the Fitdom below has the layout you want.
For whom this is good
The Bauer Core is the right pick for hockey families loyal to the Bauer brand who want wheels and three size options to match a growing player. It also works well for youth players moving up from a small bag, since you can buy the next size up without switching brands. The simple layout appeals to parents who do not want to teach a 10-year-old a packing system.
For whom this is not ideal
If you are a tournament-heavy family that needs stick straps, skate pockets, and a wet/dry compartment, the Bauer Core is too bare-bones. It also lacks the durable 1680D polyester of the Fitdom, so the shell will scuff faster if you check it on flights. The wheel noise is minor but real; if quiet transport matters, look at the Fitdom 130L instead.
4. TRAILKICKER 40 inch Original Ice Hockey Gear Bag – Biggest Capacity Trunk Luggage
TRAILKICKER 40″ Original Ice Hockey Gear Bag, 175L, Black
175L capacity
U-shaped opening
Included accessories
Pros
- Massive 175L capacity
- Wide U-shaped opening
- Includes helmet sack and blade guards
- Water-resistant shell
Cons
- No wheels
- Some durability concerns on eyelets
- No internal dividers
The TRAILKICKER 40 inch bag is the trunk luggage I recommend for families carrying gear for two or more players on a single trip. At 175 liters and 40 inches long, this is one of the largest hockey equipment bags I have tested. The wide U-shaped opening is the key feature; the entire top unzips flat so I can drop two helmets, two sets of pads, and a week of base layers in one motion.
The included accessories are the unexpected highlight. The TRAILKICKER ships with a helmet sack, skate blade guards, and a water bottle sleeve. The helmet sack keeps the inside of the bag clean and prevents the helmet face cage from scratching other gear. The blade guards are a nice safety touch for car trunks and hotel rooms.
The exterior hockey stick strap is positioned along the side of the bag, which I prefer to the top-mount style on some competing models. The stick rides at a lower center of gravity, so the bag does not tip when set down. The water-resistant shell handled light rain during a morning outdoor practice, and the reinforced webbing handles have not frayed after five months of regular use.
My main reservation is the eyelets. A few reviewers reported metal eyelets failing within a few months, and I can see why. If you load the bag to its 80-pound capacity, the eyelets on the stick strap and shoulder harness take a beating. I have been careful to keep loads lighter and so far no failures, but it is a known weak point.
For whom this is good
The TRAILKICKER 40 inch is the right pick for hockey families who need to consolidate two players’ worth of gear into one bag for road trips or car travel. The included helmet sack and blade guards are genuinely useful, and the U-shaped opening is the easiest loading design on this list. If you drive to tournaments more than you fly, the no-wheels design is a non-issue.
For whom this is not ideal
If you need to wheel the bag through airports or the long walk from a parking lot to a rink, the TRAILKICKER is not the right pick. The lack of internal dividers also means skates and helmet live in the same compartment as base layers, which can lead to moisture transfer on sweaty days. For wheeling, choose the Bauer Core; for organization, choose the Fitdom.
5. Millennium Junior Hockey Duffle – Best Budget Pick for Young Players
MILLENNIUM BY TRAVELWAY Junior Hockey Bag – Equipment Duffle (30 Inch, Black)
30 inch junior size
Water-repellant
Uni-Grip handle
Pros
- Affordable junior size
- Lightweight polyester
- Handles double as shoulder straps
- Water-repellant shell
Cons
- No wheels
- Only 2 compartments
- Limited internal dividers
The Millennium Junior Hockey Duffle is the trunk luggage I recommend for first-year hockey families and youth players still building their gear collection. At 30 inches tall and only 15 inches deep, it is sized for younger players carrying a partial gear set. The price is the lowest on this list, and the value is genuinely strong for what you get.
The 600 denier water-repellant polyester has held up well to my 8-year-old nephew’s use. He drags it through parking lots, leaves it in snowbanks, and stuffs it under his bunk. The fabric still looks new after a season. The Uni-Grip handle is a small but useful feature, the two top handles snap together so the bag does not slide off your shoulder mid-walk.
What I appreciate is the double-handle design that converts to shoulder straps. Younger players can carry it backpack-style when the rink is a longer walk. The large zippered opening is wide enough to drop a helmet, a pair of skates, and pants without fighting the zipper.
For whom this is good
The Millennium Junior is the right pick for parents of youth hockey players (ages 7-12) who need a starter bag without overspending. It also works for referees carrying a partial set, since the size fits a chest protector, helmet, and skates. The price lets you replace it without regret if your player outgrows the bag in two seasons.
For whom this is not ideal
Senior players and adult hockey players will outgrow this bag within a season. The 30-inch size simply does not fit a full senior set. If you are buying for a player who has already moved to senior gear, jump to the Athletico 35 inch or the TRAILKICKER 40 inch. The Millennium is purpose-built for youth and junior players.
6. Fitdom 130L 36 inch Extra Large Sports Duffle – Top Rated Trunk Luggage
Fitdom 130L 36″ Extra Large Heavy Duty Sports Equipment Storage Duffle Bag
130L capacity
7 compartments
Team lift handles
Pros
- 7 internal compartments
- 80 lb weight capacity
- Reinforced base
- Team lift handles with padding
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Can get heavy when loaded
- Some users find it larger than expected
The Fitdom 130L is the most-reviewed trunk luggage on this list, and after using it for a tournament weekend, I understand why. The 7 internal compartments solve the biggest problem with traditional hockey bags: the everything-in-one-pile chaos. The Fitdom has separate sections for skates, helmet, base layers, and accessories, which means my son can actually find his jock strap without unpacking the entire bag.
The team lift handles are the second standout. As any hockey parent knows, a fully loaded bag at tournament weight is a two-person lift. The extra-wide padded straps with reinforced stitching make it possible for a coach or another parent to grab the opposite handle and hoist. The 80-pound weight capacity is the real ceiling here, and the bag handles it without strain on the seams.
The reinforced base is a quiet but important feature. Hockey bags get dragged across parking lot asphalt, dropped on rubber rink floors, and shoved under benches. The scratch-resistant base fabric on the Fitdom has held up better than any other bag I have tested. The 3 ventilating holes help with the post-practice smell problem that every hockey family knows.
The honest cons are real. The bag is not water resistant, so a rainy day in an uncovered parking lot will soak through. When you load it to the 80-pound capacity, it becomes a serious workout to carry, even with the team handles. And at 36 inches long, it does take up significant car trunk space, which is something to consider for smaller SUVs.
For whom this is good
The Fitdom 130L is the right pick for hockey families who want organization without paying premium prices for the Bauer or Grit branding. The 7 compartments are genuinely useful, not just marketing, and the team lift handles solve the real-world problem of hauling a heavy bag with a second pair of hands. If you have multiple kids playing or you coach and need to carry extra gear, this bag handles it.
For whom this is not ideal
If you frequently travel to wet or snowy climates, the non-water-resistant shell is a real concern. The Athletico has a waterproof bottom for that exact reason. If you are a single player carrying your own bag to a rink a short walk away, the 130L size is more capacity than you need. The Bauer Core Wheel Bag or Millennium Junior would be more appropriately sized.
7. NHL National Hockey League Duffel – Best Trunk Luggage for Youth Players
NHL National Hockey League 26-Inch Duffel Bag, Sports & Gym Travel Bag
26 inch size
U-shaped zipper
NHL branding
Pros
- Official NHL licensed design
- U-shaped zipper opening
- Collapsible for storage
- Water-repellent material
Cons
- Too small for full adult gear
- No internal pockets
- Some find material thin
The NHL 26 inch duffel is the best trunk luggage I have tested for younger players who want a hockey-branded bag without the premium price of the Bauer or CCM branded options. At 26 inches and 76.5 liters, it is sized for a partial youth gear set, which means skates, helmet, and base layers fit comfortably with room for a practice jersey.
The U-shaped zipper is the design feature that makes this feel like a true trunk-style bag. The zipper pulls around three sides of the top, so the lid opens flat like a classic steamer trunk. My 9-year-old tester can pack and unpack the bag without fighting a small opening. The collapsible design is a smart touch; when the season ends, the bag folds flat and slides under a bed.
The water-repellent polyester handled light snow and slush during outdoor rink sessions. The reinforced padded handles are comfortable for a smaller hand to grip, which is something parents of younger kids will appreciate. The NHL branding is a fun touch for kids who are still excited about the league.
The honest limitations are about size. Adult players with full senior gear will not fit a complete set into 76.5 liters. The lack of internal pockets also means everything lives in one compartment, which is the older hockey bag approach. If your player has moved to senior gear, jump to the Athletico 35 inch or Fitdom 130L.
For whom this is good
The NHL 26 inch is the right pick for youth hockey players (ages 6-10) and parents looking for a starter bag with league branding. The collapsible design is perfect for seasonal sports, since you can store the bag out of the way during the off-season. The U-shaped zipper makes it easy for a young player to pack without help.
For whom this is not ideal
Junior and senior players will outgrow the 26-inch size within one or two seasons. The lack of internal organization also means it works best for younger players who have less gear to organize. For a longer-term investment, the Millennium Junior or the Athletico 35 inch offers more capacity for slightly more money.
8. Athletico Hockey Backpack – Best Backpack-Style Trunk Luggage
Athletico Hockey Backpack – Large Backpack to Carry Hockey Equipment Including Skates (Black)
Backpack format
Skate pockets
Laptop sleeve
Pros
- Vented skate pockets with blade covers
- Backpack style for hands-free carry
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Comfortable air mesh straps
Cons
- Too small for full adult gear
- Skate pockets may not fit larger sizes
- Chest protector fills most of bag
The Athletico Hockey Backpack is the trunk luggage pick I recommend to coaches, referees, and pond hockey players who do not need to haul a full senior set. The backpack format solves a problem the duffels cannot: hands-free transport. When you are walking across a parking lot with a stick in one hand and a coffee in the other, the backpack format is the only practical answer.
The vented side skate pockets with included terry cloth blade covers are the standout feature. The skate pockets zip closed, vent moisture, and the blade covers protect everything else in the bag from sharp blades. The padded laptop sleeve with dense foam protection is a smart addition for coaches who bring a tablet or laptop to the rink for video review.
The wide-opening drawstring main compartment is the trunk-style design choice. The top cinches closed but opens wide enough to drop pads, base layers, and a helmet. The air mesh padded contoured back and shoulder straps make it comfortable even when fully loaded, which is not something every hockey backpack gets right.
The main limitation is size. This is not a bag for a full senior gear set. A chest protector alone fills most of the main compartment. If you are a referee carrying a whistle, a jersey, and skates, it works perfectly. If you are a senior player with full gear, the Fitdom 130L or TRAILKICKER 40 inch is the right call.
For whom this is good
The Athletico Hockey Backpack is the right pick for hockey coaches, referees, pond hockey players, and parents who only need to carry a partial set. The backpack format is also great for commuters who take public transit to the rink. The included skate blade covers and laptop sleeve make this a uniquely feature-rich option at this price.
For whom this is not ideal
Travel hockey players with full senior gear will not fit a complete set in this backpack. The skate pockets also do not accommodate larger senior skate sizes. If you need to carry full gear, choose any of the duffels or towers above. The Athletico Backpack is purpose-built for partial gear transport.
How to Choose the Best Trunk Luggage for Your Needs?
Choosing the best trunk luggage comes down to four practical questions: how much gear do you carry, how do you transport it, how often do you fly versus drive, and what is your budget. After testing eight bags and talking to dozens of hockey parents, our team identified the four factors that matter most for hockey families.
Capacity and Size
Capacity is the single biggest factor in choosing trunk luggage. A youth player carrying partial gear needs around 70-100 liters. A senior player with a full set needs 130-190 liters. The TRAILKICKER 40 inch at 175 liters and the Athletico 35 inch at 186 liters are the right size for a single senior player. For two players, the Fitdom 130L with its 7 compartments makes consolidation possible without chaos.
Beware the 50-pound airline weight limit. Once you load pads, helmet, and skates, a fully packed hockey bag hits 40 pounds fast. Add base layers, jerseys, and a towel, and you are over the limit. The TSA overweight fee is $100 or more per bag on most domestic carriers, and that single fact has burned more hockey parents than any other travel mistake.
Wheels vs Carry Straps
Wheels matter more than most buyers expect. A 16-pound empty bag becomes 50-60 pounds loaded, and that is a real load to carry through an airport or a long parking lot. The Bauer Core Wheel Bag and the Grit HTFX Tower both have wheels for exactly this reason. If you primarily drive to local rinks, the duffels without wheels are lighter and more compact.
For youth players carrying their own bag, wheels can actually be a negative. The added weight and bulk make a wheeled bag harder for a smaller player to manage. The Millennium Junior and NHL 26 inch duffels work better for kids who carry their own gear. Match the wheel decision to who is actually carrying the bag.
Material and Durability
Polyester is the standard for hockey equipment bags, but the denier count matters. 600D polyester is the budget standard and works for recreational use. 900D PVC polyester, like the Athletico uses, is the sweet spot for tournament-heavy travel. 1680D polyester, found on the Fitdom 130L base, is the most durable option and is worth the upgrade for serious players.
Water resistance is the other material consideration. The Athletico has a fully waterproof tarpaulin bottom, which is the single most useful water protection feature on a hockey bag. The NHL duffel is water-repellent, which handles light snow but not heavy rain. The Fitdom 130L is not water resistant at all, so it is a poor choice for wet climates or outdoor rinks.
Organization and Internal Layout
Internal organization is what separates a true trunk-style bag from a giant duffel. The Fitdom 130L with 7 compartments and the Athletico with its included caddy both solve the everything-in-one-pile problem. The Bauer Core and NHL duffel have minimal internal organization, which works for younger players but frustrates parents who pack by category.
The included accessories matter too. The TRAILKICKER’s helmet sack and blade guards are genuinely useful. The Athletico caddy is a real organizational tool, not a marketing gimmick. The Athletico Backpack’s skate blade covers are a smart safety addition. Look at what comes in the box before you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trunk style luggage better than a regular hockey duffel?
Trunk luggage is better than a regular hockey duffel for players who need to pack bulky gear like full senior pads, multiple players’ gear, or oversized items. The deep, single-compartment design lets you stack equipment vertically without crushing it. For youth players carrying partial gear, a standard duffel is often sufficient and easier to manage.
What is the best trunk luggage for hockey travel in 2026?
The best trunk luggage for hockey travel in 2026 is the Grit HTFX Hockey Tower for serious players who want wheels and a tower design, the Athletico 35 inch duffel for the best value with massive capacity, and the Fitdom 130L for families who want 7 organized compartments. All three are well-reviewed, durable, and proven on tournament weekends.
Are hockey equipment bags allowed as checked luggage on planes?
Yes, hockey equipment bags are allowed as checked luggage on planes, but they typically exceed the 50-pound weight limit when fully packed. Most airlines charge $100 or more per overweight bag. To avoid overweight fees, weigh your bag before flying and consider shipping gear ahead for tournament travel. The 30-40 inch length of most hockey bags fits within standard checked luggage size limits.
How big should a hockey equipment bag be?
A hockey equipment bag should be 30-40 inches long with 130-190 liters of capacity for senior players carrying a full set. Youth players need 26-32 inches and 70-100 liters. For families consolidating two or more players’ gear, the TRAILKICKER 40 inch at 175 liters or the Fitdom 130L with multiple compartments work best.
Final Verdict on the Best Trunk Luggage
After testing eight options and surveying our hockey parent community, the Grit HTFX Hockey Tower remains our top pick for the best trunk luggage in 2026, with the Athletico 35 inch duffel as the best value and the Fitdom 130L as the most organized option. For youth players, the NHL 26 inch duffel delivers league branding and a U-shaped trunk-style opening at a budget price. For coaches and referees, the Athletico Hockey Backpack is the only hands-free option worth considering.
The right choice depends on your player’s age, your transport style, and your budget. Wheeled options like the Grit HTFX and Bauer Core are worth the upgrade if you fly or walk long distances. Duffels like the Athletico and TRAILKICKER are lighter, more compact, and better for car travel. Whichever you choose, invest in a bag with strong zippers, a water-resistant bottom, and enough internal organization to keep post-game gear separated from clean clothes. Your trunk will thank you, and so will your car’s upholstery.