Well… this is what it looks like when you assume an average of 15 L/100 km and pack the six jerry cans that requires — plus 40 L of water tucked behind the seats.

And before anyone panics:

Yes, I know the jerry cans aren’t tied down. This is just the first packing test. I wouldn’t drive off the driveway like this, let alone into the desert.

This is simply to see what the raw volume looks like before I start the real-life game of Jimny Tetris.

First packing test complete — and surprisingly, everything does fit inside the Jimny if we’re willing to sacrifice the freezer (RIP bacon) and the esky. Space-wise, it works. Emotionally… still processing.

A few notes about what you can’t see from the photo:

• I used the traction boards as a cargo barrier.
  It actually works brilliantly — until we need to use them in mud. Then the inside of the Jimny will look like a wombat rolled through it.
  Yes, I could add roof bars… but that’s weight. And then I’d need a real cargo barrier… more weight.

Here’s what’s what in the picture:

• Big green bag (front): All our food goes here.

• Small khaki bag: Kitchen gear.

• Space above the power pack: Starlink mini + odds and ends.

• Large space above the food bag: Our clothing duffel.

• Two green/brown bags: Our sleeping system — bulky but very light.

• Grey “tarp-looking” blob: Our tiny tent.

• Shade cloth: Groundsheet.

• Self-inflating mattresses: Used as padding to lock everything snug so it doesn’t bounce around like a washing machine.

Conclusion:
From a space perspective, we don’t need a roof rack at all — and skipping it saves weight, money, and one more thing that could rattle loose somewhere.