Gear Up For Adventure: Preparing Your Car For Camping
Are you looking to embark on an adventure, either solo or with the entire crew? Camping is a great option, allowing everyone to embrace the great outdoors!
From sleeping under the stars to toasting marshmallows on the campfire, camping has many benefits, provided you're prepared. However, it's not always the easiest adventure to pack for.
Thankfully, we have a few top tips to share when it comes to efficiently preparing your car for a camping adventure. Read on to discover more.
1. Invest In Quality Vehicle Storage
Pots, pans, sleeping bags, tents, headlamps, camp chairs, tables, and more - you will need to pack a handful of essentials. All of these items will ensure your camping trip is a successful one.
However, throwing these items haphazardly into the back of your vehicle isn't the most efficient option and will make finding a particular item a challenge, to say the least. This is when organization is key, and what better way to prep your vehicle than with a set of storage racks complete with storage drawers?
These space-saving drawers are available in a variety of sizes. This means they can be tailored to almost any vehicle - making organizing and storing your camping equipment a breeze.
The best part is that they have been designed with both on and off-road travel in mind, meaning you can hit as much rough terrain as you wish!
As well as organizing your kit, drawers are lockable, too! This means valuables can be stored safely and securely whilst you're out hiking, trailing, swimming, or camping.
2. Purchase Roof Racks
Roof racks like roof top tent 4runner are another great space-saving option to invest in when it comes to efficient car storage. Whether you're riding mountain bikes, snowboarding, skiing, surfing, paddling, or using canoe equipment, a roof rack will allow you to kit out your car in the best way possible.
This will allow you to safely transport an array of equipment while freeing up space on your vehicle's interior.
3. Make Sure Your Tank is Full
Although obvious, campers often forget to do this before setting off on a trip. If you're heading to a remote location, insufficient fuel in your tank could prove detrimental.
To ensure a smooth journey, filling your tank up the night before is a good idea. As an extra precaution, you can even fill up a jerry can while at the gas station.
4. Run the Necessary Vehicle Checks
As well as ensuring you have enough fuel in your car, it's essential to check the oil, water, and windscreen washer levels. More importantly, the lights, power steering, tires, and brakes must all be tested before embarking on your journey - this is key if you're planning to go off-road for a while.
These simple vehicle checks will help to avoid a dangerous incident en route to the campsite or a call to roadside assistance.
5. What to Pack
This is heavily dependent on the type of camping trip. There are, however, a few key essentials, some of which we have listed below:
Tent: This is perhaps one of the most essential items to take on your trip. The size you choose is dependent on the number of people you need to sleep. The beauty of traveling with a car is that weight isn't a factor.
Stove: If the campsite you're heading to is remote and doesn't offer cooking facilities, a stove is another must-have item to pack. This handy tool will allow you to feed the family on the go.
Air Mattress: Just because you're out in the wilderness, this doesn't mean you can't have a great night's sleep. Many of today's air mattresses fold up to next to nothing, meaning they won't take up much room in your vehicle. Just remember to pack a pump so you can inflate it on arrival. Certain vehicles even come with custom-made air mattresses for those who prefer to sleep in their car.
Sleeping Bags: Investing in a lightweight sleeping bag that is fit for all four seasons or at least 10 degrees more than you think you'll need is a must! This will ensure you stay at the correct temperature. You can always throw a few blankets in the car in case it's extra nippy on site.
Cooler: Another great piece of equipment to take on your camping trip, ensuring fresh food and beverages stay fresh!
Flashlights, lighters, and lanterns: Unfortunately, tents don't come with electricity, which is one of the beauties of camping. When you can't rely on the stars or the glow of the campfire alone, a flashlight or lantern will undoubtedly come in handy.
First Aid Kit: Throwing one in the glove compartment of your car, even if it never gets used, is an excellent piece of equipment to have. You're unlikely to be anywhere near a pharmacy if an accident occurs.
6. Pack Neatly
Packing neatly is a must when camping, especially if you're planning on a longer trip. The last thing you want is to arrive somewhere late at night and struggle to find your tent, sleeping bag, or water.
In addition, packing efficiently will save on space, meaning you can take more with you.
The Bottom Line
Part of the fun of camping is requiring very little gear to exist in the great outdoors. However, to guarantee a comfortable, homey set-up, there are a handful of essentials you will want to take with you. Ensuring your car is equipped in the best way possible to transport these items is a must!
Providing you stick to a checklist, follow these handy tips and tricks, and invest in some efficient car storage solutions, you can guarantee a hassle-free journey!
