Home THE JOURNEY Road Trip 5 Car Camping Essentials When Traveling to a New Place as a...

5 Car Camping Essentials When Traveling to a New Place as a Beginner

Photo by Alfred Boivin

Engaging in car camping offers a fantastic escape from your regular schedule without the need for lengthy journeys. Additionally, the flexibility to bring along more equipment is a notable advantage since backpack limitations do not restrict you.

Do not overcrowd your vehicle with unnecessary items! Implementing a bit of foresight ensures you enjoy the comforts of home and set the stage for a highly enjoyable experience. Presented below is our comprehensive compilation of top-tier car camping gear and essential accessories to assist you in mapping out your forthcoming outdoor exploration:

Sleeping Bag and Pad

Ensure you achieve optimal sleep comfort during your camping trip with no compromises. Given that pack weight isn’t a concern, opt for the largest, most luxurious sleeping bag you desire, which can be a budget-friendly choice.

Larger sleeping bags are more cost-effective than sleek, technical options with superior warmth-to-weight ratios. Additionally, consider a sleeping pad for both comfort and insulation. For enhanced comfort, consider adding a camp cot to your tent setup. This will elevate you above the ground for a restful night’s sleep. ARB car camping gear offers options to suit any budget or desired level of comfort.

Portable Kettle

Starting your day with a steaming cup of coffee or winding down after a hike with a soothing tea can significantly enhance your camping adventure. Coffee and tea are conveniently available in small biodegradable packets, which allow you to prepare them easily by pouring hot water over the bag.

A compact kettle, whether electric, propane-fueled, or simply a pot heated over a fire, can facilitate this process. If you intend to build a campfire during your car camping trip, ensure you pack fire starters and safety gear while confirming that campfires are permitted in your location.

Food

Extended camping trips require more than just basic snacks. Preparing meals in advance or packing ready-to-eat options stored in a cooler is advisable. Strategize meal planning by selecting items with a longer shelf life. Keep your food fresh during the trip by using a well-insulated cooler.

Pre-chill the cooler the day before your excursion to enhance its cooling efficiency. Store cold food in a cool area, fill the cooler with ice, and drain excess water before departure. Consider purchasing camping-specific meals that require hot water for a convenient and nourishing option, even if they may not always be the most flavorful.

Camping Table

A camping table is highly practical and exceptionally portable, easily storable in any vehicle. Having sufficient surface area becomes essential when it comes to accommodating all the necessary supplies and kitchen tools for preparing camp meals.

Utilizing a collapsible camp kitchen table can offer the necessary space for ingredient preparation or vegetable chopping on a cutting board. Once your cooking is complete, you can elegantly present and savor your delicious meal outdoors on this versatile table.

Dressing Suitably for the Weather

When planning a camping expedition, pack clothing suitable for various potential weather conditions, including hot to cold and rain to snow. To safeguard against the risks of hypothermia or frostbite stemming from abrupt weather shifts, pack warm garments, spare blankets, and opt for layered attire while outdoors.

Layering provides adaptability as you can easily shed layers when needed; however, lacking alternative clothing options can leave you vulnerable. It’s wise to include extra pairs of socks and pants in your gear to prepare for unexpected downpours during your outdoor escapades.

Endnote

Exploring the world of outdoor adventures through car camping offers a fantastic entry point. It presents a high reward for minimal effort, yet the risk of being ill-prepared is ever-present. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you for success when you embark on outdoor ventures.