Where to Keep Tissues in a 4WD

There's always a packet of tissues somewhere in the vehicle. Usually under a seat, squashed behind the centre console or buried beneath something you swore you'd put away properly.

Doesn't matter whether you're driving a 4WD, ute, everyday car or camper. Tissues are one of those small things you don't think about until you need one. Dusty hands, a runny nose, a spill in the cab or something that needs wiping down at camp.

The problem isn't finding room for tissues. It's keeping them somewhere useful, where they won't get crushed or disappear under the gear.

And if you can attach a tissue holder to a suitable surface instead of letting it roll around the vehicle, even better.

Where Should You Keep Tissues in a 4WD or Car?

The best spot is somewhere accessible without digging through your gear. In a touring rig, that might mean the roof lining, a suitable dash mat or a carpeted drawer setup. In an everyday car, it might be a storage pocket or another convenient spot.

There isn't one perfect position for every vehicle. What matters is keeping tissues accessible, contained and out of the way.

1. On a Compatible Roof Lining

Depending on the vehicle and the material, a Velcro-backed tissue holder may attach to a suitable roof lining. That gets the tissues up off the seats and floor without taking up console space.

Check that the material grips properly and that the holder won't interfere with airbags, visibility or other vehicle equipment. Not every roof lining is suitable for Velcro.

2. On a Dash Mat

A compatible fabric dash mat can be another handy position for a Velcro tissue holder.

It keeps the packet in a predictable spot rather than sliding around the cab. Just make sure the holder is secure and positioned away from the windscreen sightline, airbags and driving controls.

3. In the Canopy or Drawer Setup

If your canopy doubles as your kitchen, storage area and general camp headquarters, tissues are worth keeping with the gear you use every day.

A Velcro-backed holder can attach to a compatible carpeted drawer surface, provided the material grips properly. That can keep the packet accessible instead of buried behind recovery gear or cooking equipment.

4. In the Camper, Caravan or Camp Setup

Tissues are just as useful once the driving stops.

Whether you're in a camper, caravan or campsite, a compact tissue holder is easier to find a place for than a bulky hard tissue box.

If you've got a suitable surface for Velcro, you may be able to keep it attached in one spot. Otherwise, a soft holder is easy to move around with the rest of your everyday gear.

Why Velcro Makes a Difference

A loose tissue packet has a habit of ending up wherever the road sends it. A hard box takes up space and doesn't always fit neatly into a vehicle.

A Velcro-backed tissue holder gives you another option.

Our Tissue Thing has two Velcro strips sewn onto the back, allowing it to attach to compatible fabric surfaces.

That means you can position it where it makes sense for your setup, whether that's a suitable roof lining, dash mat or carpeted drawer.

There's no complicated mounting system. The important part is checking that the surface grips securely and that the holder is positioned safely.

Velcro compatibility varies between materials, so don't assume it'll stick to every fabric, carpet or lining.

Soft-Pack Tissues vs Hard Tissue Boxes

Hard tissue boxes do the job at home. In a car, ute or 4WD, they can be awkward.

They take up space, their corners get knocked about and they aren't always easy to fit into the storage areas you've got available.

Compact soft-pack tissues are a practical alternative. They take up less room and can be tucked into smaller spaces.

But the packet itself still needs somewhere to live.

That's where a soft-pack tissue holder earns its place. It keeps the packet together and gives it a bit more structure without turning a simple item into another bulky accessory.

An Australian-Made Tissue Holder From Old 4WD Awning Canvas

We ended up making our own solution.

It's called The Tissue Thing.

It's an Australian-made tissue holder cut and sewn from reclaimed poly-cotton canvas that used to be part of a 4WD awning wall.

It started with 4WD gear, but it isn't limited to 4WDs. It's just as useful in a car, ute, camper or caravan, wherever you need a compact packet of tissues within reach.

Drop a soft pack inside, pull a tissue through the opening and attach the holder to a compatible surface using the two Velcro strips on the back. Or simply put it somewhere handy.

It's designed around the Kleenex Facial Tissue Soft 60 Pack and measures approximately 130mm x 140mm. Tissues aren't included.

Because the canvas has already spent time outdoors, some Things have marks, fading and other signs of their previous life. That's part of the deal.

They're made in small runs here in Australia, on the kitchen table, from whatever suitable reclaimed canvas is available.

Made from an old thing. Turned into a new Thing.

Canvas or Ripstop: Which Tissue Thing?

There are two versions, and the difference is more than colour.

The Original Tissue Thing

The Original Tissue Thing uses heavier reclaimed poly-cotton awning canvas and measures approximately 130mm x 140mm.

It's the one to look at if you like the feel and character of old 4WD canvas.

The Grey Tissue Thing

The Grey Tissue Thing uses lighter reclaimed grey polyester ripstop and measures approximately 130mm x 170mm.

Same straightforward idea, different material and dimensions.

Both are made here in Australia using reclaimed materials.

What Matters When Choosing a Car or 4WD Tissue Holder?

You don't need another oversized accessory just to keep tissues handy.

Before choosing a holder, think about a few practical things:

• Packet size: Check that the holder fits the tissues you actually buy.
• Mounting: If you want to attach it somewhere, check whether the Velcro backing grips the intended surface.
• Accessibility: Keep tissues somewhere you can reach without moving half your gear.
• Space: A compact holder makes more sense when storage is already tight.
• Material: Choose something suitable for where and how you'll use it.
• Safety: Keep it clear of driving controls, airbags, visibility and moving vehicle components.

The best setup is the one that works without you having to think about it.

Small Things Make a Difference on the Road

Not every useful bit of gear needs to be expensive, technical or bolted to the vehicle.

Sometimes it's just having a tissue within reach when you need one.

Whether you're touring in a 4WD, driving the daily runabout or setting up camp, a compact tissue holder with Velcro backing can make a small but useful difference.

If you're sick of crushed packets disappearing around the vehicle, have a look at The Tissue Thing or the lighter Grey Tissue Thing.

You'll find both in our Things collection, alongside the other useful bits we make for rigs, camps and life beyond the blacktop.

Made because it's useful.