My SUV Camping Setup | Solar Power, Cooking & Accessories 

My camper setup is complete and I'm so excited to get out and use it! If you're looking for a fun way to explore right now I highly recommend this - you don't need all of the extra accessories to get out and have a good time either. If you do want the extra accessories, I'm really loving all of the things I talked about in this video. Except I may need a heavier blanket heading into fall... 🥶 thanks for watching!

It's taken me about 10 years to collect all the camp gear that I own, purely becuase I just can't afford to buy the expensive equipment all at once. Blessings that you were able to have all of this on your first go-around at a campsite. It's not always about the gadgets, so if you're watching this and feel discouraged cause ya can't afford a $300 awning, just remember that $10 tarps and rope get the job done. Use what you have, and get out in nature!!!!

I've been camping in my vehicle(s) for years. Couple of items you really don't need. A wooden platform. It is just cumbersome and must be dragged out when you need to use your SUV for 'normal' everyday activities. Just use a 12" thick or less memory foam cut to size of SUV for your bed, light weight easy in easy out. Add blankets All that cooking stuff is to much bother, pack cold food or use a fire pit for cooking. Bring a small iron grid. Showering can be done in a campgrounds, or I use two buckets one to wash in one to rinse in. I carry 3 gallons of water, replenish/refill when ever possible (I've never run out). I also carry a Life Straw for drinking out of streams, lakes, etc. Electronics I use a solar power mat or simply power Up/recharge when I am driving. Lot of the items are a huge waste of space and you most likely will find them a bother in the woods. The item that made my camping so much nicer was window screens and the magnetic sunroof screen. Inexpensive on Amazon. Hardest part is a bathroom, a portable bathroom would be great. I'm female - 64 years old and have traveled across America 4 times now, just my dog and I. It is the greatest time of my life! Never ever had any issues (with humans or animals). I've put about 350,000 miles on my vehicles traveling. Happy camping everybody!

Hey Allison! Love the setup. To solve your problem at 10:30, instead of wooden legs, wrap paracord around your headrest and attach it to the plywood! that way it is hanging rather than standing and there is no obstruction in the way of your cooler!

You’ve given me hope that i can turn my small suv into a camper! I’m your grandmother’s age and a widow for the past 5 years but want to explore this car camping idea. I’m handy but not so much these days so seeing all your gear and that most is easily purchased is exciting!! Thank you for making this video. Blessings on your travels 😊

A hot water bottle for cold nights is a total game-changer. I heat up my water just before bed and tuck it into my sleeping bag so it's super cozy when I get in. Stays warm through the morning. I reuse the water several times over, so it doesn't draw on your water supply. Plus, they're inexpensive!

The negativity in these comments is ridiculous. Still WAY cheaper than building out a van. Beautiful set up and very COOL! Thanks for putting this content out, girl!

Can’t help but notice every thing in this video is brand new. Even the car is clean😂 Great Ad REI

Solar string lights for night time lighting work great and less drain on your power source. Love your set up! And to the critics, it's less about the specific products and more about the ideas.

Hi Allison, you brace the head part of your sleeping platform with a stick. I use a chain and wrap it through the headrests of the front seats to keep it stabilized. That leaves the full foot space available for cargo. Super awesome video! Thank you!

Absolutely one of the best SUV camping builds I’ve seen. The design thinking and simple but effective solutions have led you to almost a minimalist camper, which is pretty rare. Most builds look like the vehicle is making a trip to a storage unit. Very nice. You’re likely aware, but they make a pressurized shower system that attaches to your roof rack - or you could make one fairly easily out of PVC. Just a thought if you decide you want more water on hand without giving up any interior space. You’ve probably already seen them. Very nice storytelling on the video too. Straight forward, direct, yet still conversational. Great job all around. You def earned my sub.

Allison here is a tip for you , reference sleeping in comfortable heat during colder months. I presume you have heard of MERINO sheep ? Now their wool is so versatile that if you buy a king size double blanket, place it below you and above you and your night will be glorious and warm - maybe even too warm? But they are expensive and I purchased mine via Amazon here in the UK - so by all means try one out and see what you think. Nice set up which I am going to copy, once travel restrictions in Scotland are lifted.

Cool setup! Just a thought, I’d incorporate pull out drawers so it extends out past the car. Gives you extra counter space and a place to get food organized and prepped, etc.

it is channels like yours that i cling to when i feel daunted or doubtful about trying the minivan camping life! I'm a young female from Washington state as well, still in the research phase of doing what you're doing! I get stressed out sometimes thought with the seeming mountain of stuff to figure out. Thank you!

It is a very emotional camping. The nature is beautiful and the air is clear

Instead of cutting that platform support leg completely you can add hinge point so you can use it with and without cooler box

I used to watch your videos back in the day, and I've recently rediscovered and reconnected with your content--which is awesome! You have a great set-up. I'm currently working on turning my Honda Element into a cozy camper. Thank you for the suggestions!

I car camp too! I got some window screens on amazon and they are great for having fresh air and keeping the bugs out

You have the cleanest camping gear l've ever seen.

Since you have a hatchback, you can use magnets to drape a tarp around the opened hatchback. Great spot to get changed, etc.

I love the setting of your car and I see that you are super excited for the camping 👏 I noticed that you’ve got only the highest quality of everything which is super expensive when you sum up everything! Just want to let the people know that it works just as fine with cheaper stuff too and some things can be done DIY 👍🏼 ✨

Allison, great video and ideas. I've been tent camping for 30 years and often sleeping in the back of my pickup. Recently I considered getting a camper van or teardrop and the prices are daunting. Seeing your simple solutions has got me motivated to jazz up the bed of my pickup. I never knew there were pull down awnings! Seriously. So much better than my tarp flapping around. Thanks.

As someone who is not “handy”, I really appreciate seeing all the cool gadgets out there to be able to get started camping quickly!

Love your courage and your build.! Giving me -a 74 yr old woman lots of ideas! Thank you, and safe travels!

This is so awesome! I just bought a Rogue and started searching for videos like this. So glad one of my fave youtubers decided to do one!

I am going to share your video with family and friends. Your simple SUV camping set up may help to inspire others to keep things simple and make adventurous vacations more doable and affordable. I have invested quite a bit of time and money in building out a van I have lived in full-time for over a year. Your build looks like it could work out very well for days, weeks or even months of adventuring at a time. It is awesome!

This is one of the most helpful car camping vlogs I've seen in that you pretty much covered all the bases except the bathroom issue lol

this is the first suv used as a camper that I've seen and you have opened up more options for me then just a Van great video and look forward to seeing more

This was SO interesting to watch. Especially the shower!

That location looks like a movie set it's so perfect

Got the same awning. Love it!! I encourage others with this awning to definitely deploy the stakes and guy lines. I learned the hard way twice (yeah, you'd think it should only take once) LOL. Once in the UP of Michigan and another time boondocking in Colorado in my Crosstrek. Great gear summary! Thank you for sharing!

Wow, Been watching you since your makeup tutorial and haul days. To see you evolved from that beauty blogger, to minimal living, and now solo camping is just beyond words. Glad to see your videos again. Such a gem!

Omg thank you for the sweet ideas. You just made my day. Now I’m going to plan my trip with my car. I’m so excited 😆

I love your set up! I love how the car is not over packed, feels homey and not stuffed

Oh my God I am drooling over that Jackery set up!!!!!!

This is the video and products I have been searching for!! Absolutely perfect!

i love the awning! I really want one bc they are just so useful and practical for any environment!

Bonjour,a note I have discovered on sleeping bags.If you get a double wide(designed for two)one person can have all the room they desire and store your clothes and gear that you want to stay warm 🙏I hope you have a lovely journey 🪷

I love camping with girls… yall make things comfy and nice! Guys are idiots and just focus on fire, knives and beers. Love your setup and the thought you put into creature comforts! That awning is amazing!

wow! you're so inspiring Allison! thanks for the tips! wishing you great travels! take care!

Those window covers are really cool, especially with how fitted they are. I couldn't sleep in a car without covered windows, but that addresses that concern.

Amazing! I LOVE your set up! I always see vans or buses but never SUV’s. Thank you so much for all the ideas! 🥰

Great job! There’s fancier set ups but yours is simple and functional. And it’s your own! Building your set up and modifying it as you go is a big part of the fun😊.

Sooo many great gadgets! I just bought a Subaru Crosstrek - a little small but still sleepable with the hatchback tent I have. Definitely going to check out that awning!

Camping like a boss, love it!

wow, what a valuable video for those who want to explore using their daily driver. when a video this good comes out, folks will get tons of ideas for future years to come. Bravo!

I love your setup, but more than that I really appreciate how self sufficient and independent you are. Well done!

This is genius!! I love the set up. Makes me want to go camping!

Inflatable Solar Light Reliable Solar Lantern, to save on using Batteries in the lanterns,, you can also hang them around your campsite, Nice power 1K watt is good, the geyser is awesome

I watched you as a beauty youtuber for years. Tonight this video popped on as my husband was watching camping videos! I couldn't believe it! It was so nice to see your smiling face in a different genre! Great video and so creative for car camping.

Car camping is such a cool idea, I love the shower contraption and the super charger!

It's nice to have the quality equipment! Love the setup. Been looking at the Jackery... very nice!

You are so prepared, its great the way you can connect with nature. Greetings from south america 🇨🇱. .

Cool ! I like the awning. For my cooler I have a 1/2" undersized closed cell foam sheet over my ice and it adds life to the ice and still keeps things cool.

You are a genius! Thanks for all the tips. I am switching from a truck to a SUV and all this fits in with my plan perfectly! I cant wait to make the switch from truck to SUV! The awning is awesome and essential!

This is aweessommmee! Love Washington. Your setup is sweet! 💯

That awning is great, thanks for the recommendation

This is awesome and I loved the video!! I would be super curious to see your storage setup and your essentials for basic camping gear. Thanks for making and sharing a great video!

Love this!! Lots of good ideas to get my SUV ready for summer camping 🏕️

Love your videos. I even decided to start my own travel blog on road-tripping, love all your advice.

"This thing will power a hairdryer" you crack me up girl! Wonderhussy (YT) has taught me "janky" and now you have introduced me to a British term "rejig" that I will use from now on. RU-vid is a plethora of terminology and learning. I enjoy your videos, Safe & Wonderful travels!

Wow, Allison, this is SO cool!

this is chill, we loving using a subaru as best as we can! I really went all out on my crosstrek conversion

Love your set up. Very organized. Thank you for the great tips. Safe travels.

I car camp all the time! Thanks for these tips to make it even better!!!

Lighten up, y'all! So she monetizes her channel. Good for her. I'm impressed that she has over half a million subs and this vid has been watched over a million times in 10 months...and without a bikini.

So many inspirations! Thanks! I hope you’re staying safe out there

Brilliant! I drive a Forester and have thinking about this for a while. You've confirmed some of my thoughts and given me new ideas. I love the window shades. Thanks.

These camping gadgets are amazing I wish I could do this! Oh gosh I love camping

Thank-you Allison! Found your video today! Love your simple, efficent style. You inspired me. Be well. Stay well. D

i love the awning idea. great set up!

We live in so different places with so different lifestyles but your camper is ideal for me! Thank you for the inspiration

Thank you for this! I have a Ford Escape that I've recently been starting to convert and aside from the tab that I have open for this video, I now have one open for the Rhino-Rack awning, the Jackery, the Yeti and the WeatherTech window coverings! Looks like I've got some shopping to do! Wheeee!

I was literally thinking about making a suburu crosstrek camper van! GREAT VIDEO!

Thank you for being so thorough and thoughtful!

This is a perfect setup for a solo traveler. I need all of it!

This is amazing!!! As a nature and landscape photographer I've become obsessed with these videos, and I think you're is the perfect setup. totally going to copy this :)

You are so resourceful, and adventurous ❤️

One of the most practical ones I've seen. Awesome job!

We’re glad that we found your channel! Your videos are awesome. You have a lot of creative ideas and we want to share them with our customers. We sell land close to camping areas. And we’re always on the lookout for channels like yours where we can send our customers to get awesome ideas for their next adventure.

This so 😎. I’m not a pro at camping but I recently rented a camper van and I love the concept. I’m inspired to make one. Thank you for all the details.

Great video, wonderful ideas. OMG I especially liked the custom window coverings... you can't imagine what I've been going through to cover my windows smh A million thanks!

after all the car camping videos i just binged on, this one is my favorite! lots of cool gadgets from REI...my favorite store!

Wow! You Saved Me Tons of time Trying to find all of These Items! Thank you! Stay safe

I’ve been contemplating solo traveling and converting my SUV into a camper car and came across your tutorial videos. I’m so inspired to travel now!

That camp site was really pretty. I kept expecting to see Twilight vampires running though the background, though!

Amazing. Must be happy and healthy to camp. Thanks for the video. You sound very sincere.

Wow, that Jackery is amazing. Great stuff!! Thank you.

Highly recommend a down quilt. More room than a sleeping bag. Great for your setup.

I’m planning my first “camping” trip for April! It’s a postponed birthday trip. I’ll be in a cabin but it’s off the grid - no running water and generator power. I’m so excited!

Nice build out! And product recommends. Thank you!

And yes, the jackery wins!! Need that too!

I've followed you for years (YEARS) and I really enjoy how parallel our paths are - from makeup tutorials to more sustainable living and car camping, not to mention I believe I'm moving to CDA when I graduate chiropractic school - thank you for sharing your journey. I'd love to meet some day! Enjoy the process!

11:56 omg this view is so beautiful

Wow, this was so fun to watch! I really appreciate your evaluation of all your equipment - I'm starting to think about car camping and really needed some advice on what to consider!

Wow very comprehensive video and super well produced. Fantastic job!

An upgrade worth thinking about could be sliding racks for the 2 storage areas under your bed. Could be a nice way to maximize that storage area

Yooooooo, this is an incredible setup. I was hell bent on buying a rooftop tent, but this is making me rethink that. Thanks Allison, you’re awesome!!!✌🏽😃🤘🏽

Thank you so much. I was about to attempt making shades for all my windows and came across your video. Just ordered my custom shades!

Nice to see all the gadgets for ideas on what is available. Thanks!