Camping is one of the most thrilling outdoor adventures. Not only does it offer an excellent opportunity to interact up close with nature, but But it also allows you to meet people from different walks of life and possibly establish value networks.
One way to spice up your next camping vacation is to step away from the traditional tent-themed camp to a more car-themed one. Here’s a definitive guide to car camping, with a focus on the essentials for the trip.
Car Essentials
1. Roof Rack
When planning a car camping trip, it’s natural to wonder if your vehicle will accommodate all the essentials.
One way to optimize your car’s storage space is by mounting a roof rack. Just order high-quality rack accessories from credible suppliers like Front Runner Outfitters.
Front Runner Outfitters deals in various tools required to successfully mount a roof rack.
2. Jerry Can
A jerry can is one of the most useful yet commonly overlooked essentials for any road trip, including car camping.
You could also use jerry cans to store other essential liquids, such as water and paraffin.
3. Spare Wheel
You don’t need to have owned a car long enough to understand the significance of tire replacement.
Besides taking your car for a comprehensive servicing before embarking on a road trip, it’s also prudent to bring a spare wheel. Two wheels would be preferable if the vacation destination is hundreds of miles away.
4. Suitable Car
It’s impossible to plan a successful road trip without the right vehicle.
So, even before you bring in the requisite essentials, it would be best to start by buying or renting a suitable car camping SUV.
Jeep Wrangler and Subaru Forester are noteworthy high-performing off-roaders to consider. Others include Hyundai Kona Electric, Toyota 4Runner, and Subaru Outback.
Camp Supplies
1. Camp Chair
A few experiences are more scintillating than perching yourself on a chair at a campsite and simply watching the world go by. That’s precisely what makes a camping chair essential for your next car camping expedition.
Since you want to save as much space as possible, only bring chairs that correspond with the number of travelers.
It would also help to consider stacking and/or folding chairs for ease of storage and portability.
2. Camp Table
Camping tables aren’t as critical as camping chairs, and you can literally do without them.
But for extra convenience on the camping trip, you might want to spare a thought for a camp table as well.
Expectedly, the rules of storage and portability apply here too.
3. Fire Starter
A camping experience can quickly turn into a nightmare without a fire starter. A fire starter lets you light a fire for cooking. You could also use the fire to warm up during colder nights or scare away potentially dangerous animals.
A matchbox and a lighter provide the quickest way to light a fire at a campsite. However, you could also elevate the experience by experimenting with primitive fire-making techniques.
4. Flashlight
It’s not unusual to be awakened by strange noises while camping in the middle of nowhere. Or, worse yet, to suddenly discover that your camping site has been overrun by crawlers like serpents or army ants.
It’s during such moments that a flashlight is most useful. This camping essential lets you illuminate your surroundings for any potential dangers.
Flashlights are more convenient and easier to use than lanterns, although the latter may come with additional features like phone charging capabilities. Since you’re planning a car camping trip, it would also be great to invest in powerful headlamps.
5. Tent
A car camping trip doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will sleep in the vehicle’s cabin.
If traveling with a relatively large group, you might want to pitch a tent for additional sleeping space.
Just remember to pick a tent that can accommodate the intended number of sleepers.
Personal Effects
1. Sleeping Gear
Even if your vehicle’s cabin is warm enough, you’ll still need sleeping essentials for additional comfort. These include a sleeping bag or inflatable mattress, a blanket, and pillows.
2. Air Conditioner
An air conditioner is a critical car camping supply, whether your trip coincides with the dead of summer or winter.
Pick a portable AC that can quickly heat and cool your sleeping environment when required.
3. Toiletries
The excitement of setting out on a car camping trip could easily have you forget things like a toothbrush, toothpaste, tissue paper, and skincare products. But while seemingly trivial, toiletries can impact your camping trip significantly.
Don’t forget a portable bathroom, too, as this lets you pee without leaving your car.
4. Medication
Most people do not anticipate diseases when planning a camping trip. But with multiple risks to contend with, including water contamination and insect bites, it helps to bring in over-the-counter (OTC) meds like antihistamines.
Summary
The success of a car camping vacation depends primarily on the supplies you bring to the trip. We hope you can use this article as a guide when putting together a vehicle camping checklist.
