Best all around storage build that isn’t obnoxious?

Is there any fall elk hunters winter skiers out there with some advice? I’m looking for the best all around storage solution for me. And before anyone suggests, I don’t want an overland rack i think they look awesome and work well for what they are made for but this truck is also my daily driver and I don’t think I’d enjoy driving around with a rack all the time no shade to anyone with a rack just not for me.

I spend my falls elk hunting, And winters skiing. The solution I’ve landed on is a Diamondback HD cover with front runner rack. I ride long skis and it’s a tight fit in the short bed so carrying multiple becomes pretty cumbersome. With the front runner rack I can carry skis above the bed and use the bed for the extra gear I bring that spends it’s time in the cab right now. Plus I can take extra people. The Diamondback cover will keep the elements and people out. In the fall the diamondback cover will allow me to utilize all my bed space, keep my bow and rifle out of reach from thieves. and strap antlers/meat bags to the top. I’ve read that the front runner rack is pretty easy to remove from the rails. I currently have the oem hard tonneau which is great for keeping elements out but falls behind with any tie down cleats or possibility of being able to open with a rack on top. It is also extremely loud to open and close securely which I don’t enjoy at 5 in the morning at my hunting trailhead.

the diamondbacks seem like the best solution to keep a low profile but also very versatile but they are just so pricey it’s hard for me to justify it. Are the diamondbacks worth it? Does anyone have any good alternatives?

 

I have your same needs. Friend has the DB cover and loves it--no hatred here. I went with a cheaper soft rolltop and 2x4s and haven't looked back. When the budget improves, I may reconsider. For now:

The 2x4s in the bed slots can carry multiple pairs of skis including my 190s, my 184s, and my kids multiple pairs of alpine and nordic skis.
The 190s are a stretch diagonally but they fit.
Would be easy and cheap to drill holders / brackets for your custom configuration.
I am not obsessive, but I do want to keep my edges and bases protected from open air racks, highway rocks, grime, etc. Having them on racks isn't a good choice for me. I want all skis in roof boxes or in the covered bed.

Last year, all my big-game days were on snow. We skinned / booted from and skied back to the truck. I did not harvest. Had I, the plan was simply to roll back the cover, stack the 2x4s against the cab, load the quarters / bags, then skis on the side or diagonally across the animal.

It's not very trick, won't win you any points with the polished after-market crowd, but it works really well. Again, I am not against an expensive solution. Sometimes you get what you pay for.

If Wyo = Wyoming, I wonder how much real concern you have for theft. Anything truly valuable would be locked in the car if unattended or carried with you?
What is your longest pair of skis?