Hello, fellow adventurers! I’m Jake Anderson. My weekends are often filled with exploration and adventure as I traverse the great outdoors in my trusty Subaru Outback.
My full-time job keeps me busy during the week, so we seize every opportunity to discover new trails and lakes.
In this post, I’m going to walk through the hacks I camping with the Subaru.
Table of Contents
Safety First: Preparedness is Key
Though I’ve left it open for six hours without issue, I still carry a car jumper for peace of mind. Being prepared for unexpected situations is crucial in the backcountry.
Additionally, I carry a tire pump; if a tire loses air, having a reliable pump can make a world of difference.
Keeping the Bugs Out: An Camper’s Nightmare
These shades are made of a mesh fabric that slips over the windows, allowing me to crack them open for airflow without letting in any mosquitoes.
The shades also blocked more light, adding to the privacy.
While it was colder than expected during the trip, I did get to use the shades on one warmer night. They worked perfectly—no bugs, and the interior of the car stayed cool.
Sleeping Setup: Making the Subaru as Comfortable as Possible
Sleeping Setup: Making the Subaru as Comfortable as Possible
Perhaps the most important part of any camping trip is the sleeping setup. I invested in a self-inflating mattress, and honestly, it changed the game for me.
The mattress is made of foam, and all you need to do is open the valve, and it inflates on its own. It’s designed specifically for Subarus, but they also make models for other SUVs like 4Runners.
The sleep quality was a night-and-day difference compared to my old setup. Before I got the Deep Sleep mattress, I was using a standard zero-degree synthetic sleeping bag. While the bag was warm, it was also sweaty and sticky, which I hated.
On top of the fleece blanket, I layered a wool blanket. It’s a heavy, warm wool blanket made in India, and it quickly became my favorite part of the sleep setup.
I still used my sleeping bag for extra warmth, but with the blanket, I didn’t feel gross or sticky in the morning.
The only issue I encountered was with head support. There’s not much in the way of structure in the back of a Subaru, so I found myself slipping down onto the floorboard during the night. To fix this, I took a cooler I had lying around and placed it under my head to provide some extra support.
DIY Solutions for Cooking and Dining
One of the most rewarding aspects of camping is preparing meals in nature. In the absence of a truck bed table, I crafted my own solution.
I repurposed a folding table, which has proven to be an invaluable asset. It easily slides out for cooking, allowing me to keep things discreet when necessary.
If I’m in bear country or worried about wildlife, I can quickly stow it away, ensuring safety while still enjoying the cooking experience.
My camping kitchen is housed in a bin that fits neatly under the bed. This bin holds all the essentials: a cast iron pan, a two-burner stove, cleaning supplies, and reusable clothes.
I find joy in being prepared with garbage bags, which are essential for packing out food scraps and keeping the campsite tidy.
I also keep biodegradable Castile soap for washing hands and dishes. Its eco-friendly properties are a must for camping, allowing us to leave no trace while still staying clean.
Keeping Things Cool: The Fridge Setup
A key component of my camping setup is my fridge, powered by a 1200-watt power station. This combination lasts about four days, allowing me to keep food fresh and even charge my laptop if needed.
The fridge can operate at a cool four degrees Celsius and doubles as a freezer, accommodating everything from fresh produce to frozen meats.
I’ve been amazed at how frequently I use it during trips, especially for longer excursions where fresh food is crucial.
During drives, I plug the fridge into the power station, ensuring it stays cool while charging the station itself.
This dual setup is ideal for camping trips longer than a weekend. If you’re camping for just a couple of days, switching to a cooler with ice packs can suffice, but I find that the fridge makes meal prep so much easier and more enjoyable.
Water and Power: Keeping Things Simple
No camping trip is complete without easy access to water, so I dedicated a specific area of my build to store my water jugs. I carry both large and small jugs, depending on the length of my trip.
The larger jugs can be cumbersome to move around, but they’re worth it for longer trips where water refills aren’t readily available.
The smaller jugs are more manageable and perfect for shorter outings or day trips.
The Kitchen Setup: Efficient and Compact
The Kitchen Setup: Efficient and Compact
If there’s one area that I’m particularly proud of, it’s the kitchen setup. I’ve seen many elaborate kitchen setups in car camping builds, but I wanted mine to be simple and efficient.
My kitchen fits neatly into a pull-out drawer under the platform, and it has everything I need for cooking on the road.
My stove is a compact model, I can’t recommend this stove enough—it’s incredibly adjustable, allowing me to cook everything from quick meals to more complex dishes without taking up much space.
Plus, it heats up quickly and evenly. I paired the stove with a non-stick pan that I absolutely love. It’s small but mighty, and nothing sticks to it, which makes cleanup a breeze.
In the kitchen drawer, I also have space for gas canisters, utensils, and all my cooking essentials like oil, spices, and Rags.
Everything has a designated spot, which means I’m never scrambling to find what I need. Staying organized in such a small space is crucial, and this kitchen setup helps me do just that.
Custom Features: Tailoring the Build to My Needs
I didn’t just follow someone else’s blueprint—I took ideas from various sources and made them my own. For example, I added a small table near the side entrance of the car, where I can set my coffee in the morning or cook a quick meal.
It’s positioned near the sidewalk side of the car, which is much safer for me when parked on a street.
I also built a custom emergency toilet. Now, I know what you’re thinking—why would I need a toilet in my car?
Well, when you’re camping in remote areas without access to restrooms, it’s a lifesaver. I don’t use it often, but it’s comforting to know it’s there if I need it.
Organization: A Game Changer for Car Camping
Organization: A Game Changer for Car Camping
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of car camping, it’s that organization is everything.
When you’re living out of a small space, you can’t afford to let things get messy. That’s why I designed my setup with organization as a top priority.
Each drawer and compartment has a specific purpose. The drawer under the sleeping platform, for example, is my designated kitchen space.
I have a separate area for water, electronics, and food storage.
This level of organization ensures that everything has its place, and I don’t waste time searching for things when I’m on the road.
One of the best decisions I made was installing latches on the drawers to prevent them from sliding out when the car is parked on an incline.
It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in keeping everything secure and in place.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Creating a car camping setup is all about finding what works for you.
My build might not be perfect for everyone, but it suits my needs perfectly.
I love the balance I’ve struck between comfort, organization, and functionality.
Whether I’m heading out for a weekend camping trip or embarking on a longer road trip, I know my car is ready to handle whatever comes my way.
