The term “car camping” can be used to describe a form of camping where you sleep inside your car. But for our purposes, “car camping” will be defined as camping in a place where you can drive to the campsite and set up your tent next to your vehicle. For those new to camping, it can be a convenient way to dip your toes into life outdoors without the discomfort that usually comes with it. Car camping gives you the flexibility to bring cheaper, albeit heavier, gear since you won’t have to lug it around in your backpack. Here’s what you’ll want to pack when car camping.
Note: this post will be about what to pack when car camping focusing on gear, rather than clothing.
Essentials:
- Tent – here’s a durable starter tent from Coleman – perfect for car camping as it can be quite heavy. But it’s spacious, the 2-person size can fit up to 3 adults. I had the MSR Flylite and at 1 lb. 9 oz. it is the lightest 2-person tent I have ever owned. Keep in mind however, that it is non-freestanding and requires two trekking poles to setup. It’s perfect for backpacking. I eventually upgraded to the Mountain Hardware Ghost UL 2 because I wanted a freestanding tent. And at 2 lbs. 2 oz., it’s one of the lightest freestanding tent on the market. It’s meant for two people but I would argue it has just enough room for one adult and one child or one pet.
- Sleeping pad – probably my proudest investment is this inflatable sleeping pad from Big Agnes. It rolls to the size of a water bottle and it’s very light. It inflates to a very comfortable air pad. Even if it weren’t so light and easy to pack, I would still choose this sleeping pad over any foam pad any day. You’ll also want to get the pump (sold separately) for faster inflation.
- Sleeping bag – it’s always a good idea to have at least two sleeping bags. One for warm weather and another for cold weather camping. I currently have the Exped Comfort 800 S sleeping bag rated down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Unfortunately no longer available online. But this sleeping bag rated down to 32 degrees Fahrenheit also from Exped is a great alternative. I don’t currently have a warm weather sleeping bag, but once I find a good, reliable one, I’ll definitely write a post about it.
- Stove – I highly recommend this MSR Windburner especially for high altitude or windy days. It comes with a 1.8 L pot for boiling water but if you want to fry something, you’ll have to get the skillet attachment separately.
- Headlamp – I recommend getting a headlamp with red LED for night vision especially for star gazing, like this one from Black Diamond. But any headlamp/flashlight will do.
- Plates, cups, utensils – This two-person mess kit from MSR includes two bowls, two cups, and two spoon/forks. It’s very light and easy to pack – perfect for backpacking. But for car camping, I usually go for enamel dinnerware, like this 24-piece set from Coleman.
Optional:
- Knife – though not mandatory, I think it’s always a good idea to camp or hike with a compact knife, like this one from Gerber Bear Grylls.
- French press – if I’m being honest with myself, coffee is mandatory. Although I know not everything will agree. This is for those who like to have a fresh cup of brew in the morning. Luckily, with MSR’s Windburner Coffee Press I don’t have to bring a french press when I go camping. This attachment is compatible with my MSR Windburner so I can make coffee directly in it.
- Portable charger – It’s always a good idea to have a portable charger when traveling in general. I particularly like the Celestron Elements PowerTank because it also doubles as a flashlight.
- Water or water filter – depending where you’re camping, bringing your own water source may or may not be necessary. If they do have potable water at your campsite, I think it’s still a good idea to filter water before drinking it. For that, I use Katadyn BeFree Water Bottle Replacement Filter and I use the HydraPak Seeker Collapsible Water Container as a reservoir.
- Firewood – make sure to research the laws and guidelines where are you planning to set up camp. Some campsites do not allow open fires. If they do, you are usually allowed to use fallen branches as firewood or you can bring your own.
- Pillow – I don’t actually own a camping pillow. Usually, I use my clothes and fill them in my sleeping bag sack and use that as my pillow. Pro tip: if you are cold weather camping, this is also a good way to make sure the clothes you plan on wearing in the morning stay warm. However, if you insist on getting a pillow, here’s a Cocoon Sleeping Bag Hood Pillow that I’ve heard good things about.
With international travel still far in the distant future, I’ve turned to camping as a means of exploring my local area while maintaining safe social distancing practice. See my previous post on camping in the time of COVID.
If you’re even remotely interested in spending more time outdoors, I urge you to give car camping a try. It’s a great way to make the great outdoors accessible especially during a pandemic. So if you’re planning a getaway this summer, I hope at least one of them is camping. And that you refer to this list for what to pack when car camping.