I keep my hitch, spare winch cable, machette, gloves up front all the time. Other things get added as per the ride. It works great for me as it's a nice pleace to keep your get out of the mud gear and you can get to it without having to get off your bike. I even stand on it when winching myself out of the mud.

 

This is what I carry in mine:

- flat tire kit
- basic tools
- gloves
- ziploc bag with baby wipes
- roll of toilet paper
- tow rope
- bottle of water
- cell phone
- pistol (I have a CCW permit)

And on the top of it I use one of those bungee nets to strap larger stuff under.

 

I put a foam kit from polaris in the front storage box. Cut out for two pistols and a lever action .30cal. perfect for runnin coyotes.

 

One of the main reasons I would not buy another brand is the front storage:
Rain suit ( Jacket and Pants)
jeans
shirt
socks
tire pump
trail maps
snacks
jacket

 

Well it was not waterproof but i took some rubber 1 1/2 wide adhesive tape and put it around the Radiator/fuse cover Then went to home depot and bought some 3/8 wide by 1/4 high foam one side adhesive weatherstriping and did the lid seal ontop of the exsisting gasket and have been through many rain storms and so far not a drop yet ,also found out th rear storage on the 05 SP 's are made with 2 snap together parts witch alow much water in well 1 tube of silicone i did the inside and outside of box and also some weatherstriping on top of original gasket ...And now it's waterproof ..