What car camping gear to take with you?
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In this article:
Camping gear I personally use
I have listed various items below, but here are my top personal picks that I carry on every camping trip. They add another level of comfort (or are absolute necessities).
A car camping tent (SUV tent) – extend your living space:
My top picks (see full review here)
I go camping with my girlfriend and dog and this tent is more than enough.
Decathlon Arpenaz Base M
If you don’t mind it’s not meant to be used as a car tent – but it actually can do the job pretty well, you’re in for a treat – at only 129.99 GBP / 139.99 EUR, you will get a pretty good tailgate tent – or a side door tent, you can make it fit both. Better for cars like Caddy, Berlingo, Sharan etc – with lower height compared to a Multivan (as most car awnings are made for those). Confirmed to fit most MPVs, barn doors as well. (see images below)
129.99 GBP / 139.99 EUR
I haven’t seen a tailgate tent in this price range that works better. Easy to carry, easy to erect and does the job perfectly – you gain a lot of storage space / living room with mosquito nets and window covers for privacy / cover during the rain. Add a tarp to cover the tailgate for extra rain protection and there’s not much missing from this (unintentional) car tent. If you are considering trying car camping with a car tent, this is the one to try. And you may never need another one, unless your family starts to grow 🙂
Available at any Decathlon website for your country.
There are three ways how you can fit it over your tailgate or side door:
Car tent for bigger families or even longer camping trips:
Inflatable luxury for 6 people (3 bedrooms)
+ 170cm opening for any tailgate
Fits MPVs, SUVs, Bedrooms:140×210 cm | Stand-up living room:
7,1 sqm with zipped basin groundsheet
Fresh fabric: reduces heat inside your tent in the sun
I’d recommend this one for bigger families or even longer camping trips for 2 people – if you want to have more room or prefer an easier setup.
A foldable camping table – to eat from, cook, play games
You can sleep in your car, but if you don’t have a camping box fitted with a table – you’ll want some flat surface to put your coffee/tea/beer on. And breakfast, lunch, dinner. And cards or any other table game. And your portable cooker. Well – there’s plenty of need for a camping table + chairs. Make sure it’s a foldable one!
I have bought this one – it’s the smallest I’ve found (including 4 chairs) and pretty light. Works well for 2 and I’d say even more people. The chairs are basic – no backrest, I’m probably going to buy 2 bigger ones. But the table is still great – you won’t find any better at this price – 39.99 GBP.
Need a dedicated cooking area you can fold away when finished?
Stay fit – portable exercise equipment
Exercise works best if kept regular – no need to stop if you are going camping – I carry these little helpers with me on every longer camping trip. You can find out more about them in my full portable camping exercise equipment review + other items I recommend.
Resistance bands
I personally use and can vouch for this 3-pack from Decathlon.co.uk at £4.99
Suspension trainer (TRX)
I personally use and can vouch for this suspension trainer from Decathlon.co.uk at £14.99
Gymnastic rings
I personally use and can vouch for these Decathlon.co.uk rings at £24.99
Other camping gear I carry with me
Camping gas stove
Need something more robust?
Aeropress coffee maker
Because there’s never a good time for bad coffee! Quickly Makes Delicious Coffee Without Bitterness.
I100 Women’s Short Wellies – Green
Lightweight wellies which are easy to put on and pull off. The non-slip sole with lugs provides a good grip on muddy ground, and they can be washed inside and out. They dry quickly too. Available for men as well.
Multitool
Because there’s always something to fix.
More camping gear you might want to take
Car camping cooking stoves & sink/hob combo
Europe
(the URL will link to Amazon best for your country, despite the prices being in GBP)
Storage nets for car camping
…because there’s never enough storage space 🙂
Car camping other useful gear
Car / SUV tents & awnings
Extend your living room + shaded area
Lukas
Founder of NimbleCamper.com, avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast. Car camping and microcamping allows me to keep traveling and exploring with a much greater level of freedom & privacy – to go anywhere and sleep anywhere. I didn’t have 30K to buy a VW Multivan, so found my way to the world of everyday car camping conversions. Here I share my experiences and what I learn.
Check out my thoughts on a balanced life: sensimism.com
