Pack This Gear for the Ultimate Car Camping Adventure
Yes, you can still go camping in the winter. Here’s what you’ll need.
Thomas J. Story
You may be slightly averse to the idea of camping during winter weather. But you can still head out on outdoor adventures! Camping in your car allows you to stay sheltered from the elements. It can also be a fun middle ground between glamping in a cabin and roughing it out in a tent.
When camping in your car, it’s important to be prepared for outdoor adventures, and also stay comfortable. After a day of hiking or rock climbing, you’ll want to create a space to rest and recover, starting with converting the back of your car into a temporary bed. We recommend bundling up in wool blankets instead of cotton—which absorb moisture—or even plugging in a heated blanket to your car’s 12-volt outlet to stay warm in colder regions. In addition, you might try incorporating an inflatable car mattress on top of your seats for added comfort (and protection from seatbelt buckles).
On top of preparing your car, don’t forget other camping materials, like a portable stove and kitchen set. You can store these items in the front seat while you sleep in the back, or use external storage to make the most of the room available in your car. And, for lighting, skip the bulky lantern and opt for battery-powered string lights that will add a soft, cozy glow rather than light that’s a bit too bright for the car.
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We’ve compiled a list of the best gear to bring with you when car camping in the winter. Check it out below.
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Double Sleeper System
This insulated sleeping bag is large enough to fit two people and includes a quilt, top sheet, fitted bottom sheet and removable hood, which doubles as a pillow.
Alpaca Wool Blanket
Alpaca wool is not only more durable than sheep’s wool, but also more insulating and odor-resistant. Alpaca Threadz made the ideal camping blanket that’ll keep you warm even in winter nights.
Air Mattress
Convert the back of your car into a comfy bed with this easy-to-use air mattress. It inflates in under two minutes and is just as firm as your mattress at home.
BioLite Alpen Glow
This lantern’s ChromaReal LED technology provides a warm glow that can be tailored to any environment. Light modes include settings like “Cool and Warm White,” “Candle Flicker,” “Multicolor,” and “Fireworks,” and feature color palettes inspired by beautiful mountain sunrises and sunsets. The AlpenGlow’s internal accelerometer, meanwhile, allows owners to change from one light mode to the next simply with a quick shake of the wrist.
Soft Cooler
You can compress this soft cooler when it’s empty to make more room in your car, and it’s seam-sealed for being both leak-proof and insulated.
BioLite Headlamp 750
We were big fans of the smaller headlamps from BioLite, which felt at home on our heads unlike many other night-brightening solutions. The fabric band is gentler to your skin, and stays put without putting you in an elastic headlock. This beefier unit offers 750 lumens of LED power.
Morning Brew
You probably won’t have access to your Keurig or local coffee shop, so pack light with this pour-over coffee set. Kuju Coffee is a Sunset favorite not only because of its convenience, but also because of its incredible taste. This is the best coffee to bring to enjoy a morning brew before a day of exploring.
Multi-Use Mug
Believe the hype with Yeti products—this mug will keep your coffee warm for hours, regardless of the outside temperature. The Yeti Rambler mug comes in classic Sunset orange.
Make Way for Happy Hour
When canned beer won’t cut it, this cocktail kit will help you whip up something spectacular. You can make just about any cocktail with the 17-piece bartending kit. The set is secured in a canvas travel bag, perfect for travel anywhere. Just toss in your favorite ingredients and you’re good to go for the entire trip.
