Camping Out of Your Car. Essential Gear for Newbies
Car camping means you don’t have to carry all your gear on hikes. Just unpack from the car and set up at the campsite. This setup makes it easy to bring along items that make camping extra comfortable. Here’s a list of essentials for your first car camping adventure!
1. Sleeping Mat – 10cm Thick for Maximum Comfort
A thick sleeping mat is key to a good night’s sleep outdoors. I recommend a 10cm-thick mat because it provides excellent cushioning, making it easier on your back. This thickness also keeps you well-insulated from the ground, which adds warmth and coziness on colder nights. Check the Dune 4WD sleeping mat.
2. Sleeping Bag - 0 Degree Comfort Rating (Non-Mummy Shape)
Choose a 0 degree comfort-rated sleeping bag for warmth and versatility. This rating ensures you’ll stay comfortable even if the temperature dips, and it works well across seasons. Avoid the mummy shape sleeping bag, to allow room for moving around inside the bag. A non-mummy bag feels more like sleeping at home and is less restrictive. Check the Coleman mudgee c0 tall sleeping bag.
3. Tent – 2-3 Person Size
Even if you’re camping solo, a 2-3 person tent gives you extra space to store gear and stretch out. This size also allows you to stay organised, making the tent feel less cramped. For car camping, there’s no need to worry about weight, so opt for a tent that’s easy to set up and well-ventilated to reduce condensation inside. Check the Denali Ascent II 4 Season Hike Tent Orange.
4. Affordable Headlamp
A headlamp is an essential for any camping trip. It gives you hands-free lighting for setting up camp, cooking, or walking around after dark. A simple, budget-friendly headlamp with adjustable brightness and a red light mode (to preserve night vision) is all you need. You don’t need anything fancy; just something reliable that gets the job done. Check the 500 Lumens Stormproof Headlamp.
5. Comfortable Chair for sitting around the campfire
Nothing beats relaxing in a comfortable chair around the campfire after a day of exploring. Look for a cushy, foldable camping chair like the Spinifex Slimline Moon Chair. A good camping chair can make a huge difference in how relaxed you feel – it’s the perfect spot for unwinding, sharing stories, or stargazing.
Swag (Alternative to Tent)
If you have extra space in the car or on top, a swag with a built-in mattress can be an incredibly comfortable alternative to a tent. A swag is a heavy-duty, single or double person shelter that includes a mattress, giving you a ready-made bed as soon as you roll it out. While it does take up more room in your vehicle, a swag offers excellent comfort and an easy setup, making it perfect for those who want more comfort. Check the swag collection at BCF or Anaconda.
These items are all you need to start your car camping adventure. You’ll be comfortable, well-equipped, and able to focus on the fun of being outdoors without the hassle of carrying gear.