'Use whatever you have at home' is my theory. I use my hatchback car and fold down the back seats. I use my exercise mat as sleeping pad, not long enough but I use pillows I use the kitchen eating utensils. Anyway, it is only car camping, not thru hiking. No need to buy fancy gear.
I got a pair of yoga mats in place of an inflatable mattress and I'm never going back. They also replace beach blankets, creepers or tarps for sliding under a vehicle to fix stuff, they provide a waterproof temporary seat cover to keep your wet swim suit from soaking your seat, they can be used on the hood or roof for star gazing or watching meteors, emergency traction mat once you've used up the floor mats - they're versatile. I do construction and swear by haul tail trash bags. You can reuse them a couple times just by dumping them. I keep about 4 of the green one pound propane bottles and have a Mr buddy heater, propane stove, and click ignition torch. Matches are cool, but torches are hot! I snatch my silverware drawer and dump it in a metal utensil holder. Wet wipes are your friend. I've been camping since I could walk. I've done tents, hammocks, pop-ups, motorhomes, and laid straight on the ground. If you can pack a lunch for work, you can car camp. It takes about the same level of gear planning. Just go and learn something each trip!
I'm one of those "Want to, never done it since I was 8 and in my back yard" kind of campers. Now being over 60, I'd like to "just go" and this video was a GREAT encouragement. I have a Honda CRV and I think I can outfit it with what I have and have a fun time. Maybe start with a few overnights and then go from there. Thanks, Mr. Martin. Definitely going in my favorite Camping videos!
I take my tent and set it up to put stuff in but I sleep in my GMC envoy. It's comfortable and safer. I am a 72 year old lady and I camp in state parks.
Throw a sleeping bag in the back of the rig and a couple of bags of jerky. Done! Oh and a first aid kit, Oh and toilet paper. Welp, I'm going to the store.
Car camping hack if you don’t go camping that often and don’t want to invest in sleeping pads or mattresses but have a patio set, the patio cushions are great for sleeping on. We use these every summer when we go to the drive-in or camping they’re very cushy and it’s repurposing something you may already have on hand. This works especially well if you have thicker patio cushions or a set because then you can take multiple cushions and use them to fill up your whole space and make it a nice place to sleep.
My easiest fire starter is an empty toilet paper roll stuffed with dryer lint. I bring bags of those with me. They light easily and put one under a log snd it will really get that log burning. No special skills needed to make it. Snd it’s something that’s free snd readily available.
I would also recommend bug spray. Bugs can make things miserable. Sunscreen should probably be brought if you're camping out in the open or are going to be out hiking or something.
"If its not quite your comfort level, You know replace something with something better" - Exactly. Get the basics and just go. With experience You will learn about what more You need, what You don't need, etc. Eventually, when You have good equipment suited to your needs, it will last You decades of fun and enjoyment. Speaking from experience.
Here's a motto the Jeep club I belonged to had... leave the woods with more trash than you brought in. (pick up after yourself and those who left trash).
Totally admitting I'm a first time camper. I signed up for the REI membership and had a $30 voucher about to expire. Bing bang boom, I walked about with a tent (marked at $569 but went for $169) , two sleeping bags and a cooktop. Super excited and nervous that I'm going to f it up. Planning to do a test run in the backyard of setting up. Wish me luck (that my husband doesn't scream at me). lol.
I’m new to camping, too. I bought a butane stove for my 1st trip and found that cooking was one of the most fun parts of camping. Surprising, since at home I’m not that enthusiastic about. And a hot cocoa, tea, coffee, or soup is really warming and satisfying when temperatures drop. Have fun in your new adventures! Hope you’ve picked up a couple of sleeping pads; they make all the difference in comfort.
Your comment about bringing adequate clothing for different temperatures is very important. Being caught off guard by an extra cold night or an unexpected rain shower will ruin the camping trip. Always bring extra warm coats and a wind-proof, water proof layer like a wind breaker jacket or rain jacket.
Thanks for this! I have finally decided to stop waiting for others and just do what I enjoy. Working on planning my first car camping trip and this was very helpful !
Same here. I’m a 70 year old single female and came to same conclusion. Looking for used Sienna and collecting minimal supplies for a road trip. This won’t be a roughing it trip or staying in Walmart parking lots. Traveling alone isn’t an issue with me but have never camped alone. I plan to take a couple weekend local trips before I venture out on longer adventure.
@@lorihamlin3604 Yassss Lori! Getting it done!!! I'm so excited for my first solo car camping trip in a couple weeks for a post-birthday celebration. I'm mainly going for meditating so this will be awesomeee! Love reading inspiration like yours! Xoxo ❤️
I like the outdoor direction you've been sticking with and I'm glad you're not going to pretentious route and keeping things simple and accessible. Keep up the great work!
It sucks that it's illegal here in Belgium to sleep in your car. I really want to go car camping but the police scares you away from literally every forest if you're sleeping in your car.
Oh I've car camped and brought a bunch of blankets and a pizza and drinks. Campsite provides a picnic table. Only other thing is wood and a lighter at the front gate. Just put down the seats, blanket up, and you are good to go. Enjoy some walks, and sitting by the fire eating your pizza.
Thank you for the tips! I have started doing just that, camping in my car. I'm going to buy a small camper eventually, but I figured that if I start getting out when I can, with what I have, it will give me a good idea if camping is something that I really want to invest in. So far I love it! Just being in the outdoors is the best escape from all the crazyness of home life and all the problems that come with a home. I think I could sell it all and RV full time, as long as I had a small home base near family. Thank you again, and I will be looking for more of your videos!
I am a NC native and know about the Linville Gorge. My husband and I will be camping at the Linville Falls Campground this Summer. Thanks for the video. Absolutely leave no trace behind.
I realize this is an older video, that being said with all the fire bans lately when or if cooking you’ll need a small stove and a can of propane or Isobutane no fires of any kind during the ban except stoves with canister. Like you said, pack it in, pack it out, leave no trace, use biodegradable soap and have a great trip. Thanks for the video.
list for quick reference, but watch for details and nuance. 1. First aid kit 2. Sleeping bag 3. sleeping bag 4. cleaning supplies, paper towels, tissue, trashbag 5. food and water, eating utensils 6. Light sources 7. knife, or someting to cut stuff with 8. firestarter 9. appropriate clothing
Amazon flash cards..3 to 5 flashcards per set. . easy to understand 1. First aid..wound cleaning for cuts/sting/bite plus CPR flashcards. 2. Knots flash cards (fishing n regular camping knots) 3. Start a fire and its safety 4. Catching n cleaning small game. 5. Sign language learning 6. Camp designs and it's how to 7. Dangerous plants and insects 8. Do's n don't of camping And some other.. of course u can make ur own.. Flash cards sizes vary. All have grommet holes so easy to carry or carry in ur first aid kit. And last but not least (for ur car).. a can of gas..with flexible spout some Wheel flat patches.. Wheel anti slip chains for mud n snow Thank you for the upload. Very visually effective. Stay safe.. God bless
I have an air mattress that's about 6" inflated, it's not bad in my TrailBlazer and would likely work in that Buick, the one my son uses in his tent is over 18", that might be ok in the van... We are still having some cold weather here in Florida, down into the upper 30s at night so I carry extra sweatshirts and jackets as well as blankets which I prefer to sleeping bags because they can become a shade structure or a picnic spot or a privacy curtain. I agree with most of what you said but especially, "JUST DO IT"
I have a 83 Toyota Dolphin RV but I travel and camp in a 2004 Subaru Forester instead of the RV. It's easier to park, more stealth, cheaper on gas, and I'm more comfortable in it. I use solar lights, have flexible solar panels, 1500 watt inverter, and putting in a battery bank next. I carry camera gear, laptop, light boxes and found the car battery wasn't enough to keep everything charged. We camp and work over half the year. I've a hand crank sewing machine for my craft work and we take that too. Once we hit the road it's sometimes months before we go home. I take a 12 volt immersion water heater for hot water, a sterno cooker that folds up, to cook on, and don't make complex meals. It's mostly cooking meat for Dog the Dingo dog I'm a plant eater. We Carry tarps and tent too. Car camping is fun!
This is a great video. I loved camping when my kids were little but I haven't been in years. I think your idea of just a quick overnight is great. I live on the Olympic Peninsula so there is no shortage of camp grounds. My only suggestion for the video would be a screen with the list on it so I could take a screenshot and have the list instead of scrambling to write down what you've said. Thanks, again.
Hypothermia is something to be mindful of. When I was a scout I capsized a canoe and everything I had got soaked including my sleeping bag. Freakish July weather in the 50s compounded the seriousness of of wet clothing and a wet sleeping bag. A space blanket keep me from sitting by the fire all night. A second time, we were drenched from a downpour and then the temperature dropped 20 degrees. Dry bags to keep clothing didn't exist them.
I love this list. Most of it is stuff that we always keep in the wagon anyway. BUt my favourite item on your list is the Hori Hori! I bought one for my wife for her birthday a couple of years ago, and she LOVES it! She is a gardener by hobby, but she also carries it when we go hiking and camping. It is a super versatile multi-tool. Thanks for what you do. Buen Camino!
Great video! During the video I kept going to my camping list and adding things. I’m going camping this weekend and I might be going car camping with my boyfriend and so I’m getting a list ready and doing my research because it’s my first time going car camping.
Don't forget some form of emergency communications, especially if you are solo camping. I was recently camping in a remote area of Ethiopia when a fellow camper was seriously injured in a fall. It took two days to get a medevac helicopter in for him. A couple of us had sat phones, which probably saved him. A similar emergency situation happened (a heart attack) when I was hiking in Utah. It only took a couple of hours to get a medieval team in for him. SHIT HAPPENS, SO BE CAREFUL OUT THERE FOLKS!
I've done a lot of car camping but usually bring a tent. Some suggestion, hopefully they haven't been mentioned; Instant coffee and some sugar packets you get in restaurants, evap milk for creamer, canned soups, Dinty Moore beef stew (oh yeah!), canned pork & beans, ravioli, spaghetti O's and the like, and a Can Opener! Potatoes in the fire. Aluminum Foil rules! an onion is great. Some butter or margerine, salt and pepper packets from where you got the sugar. The stuff all fits in a box. Not exactly back packing, but car camping is different. And a deck of cards. Trash bags of course!! Have fun!
The frist time I went camping i was 18 , 3 of us went in my friends datsun 1200. Went from Los Angeles to Oregon and back. All we had was sleeping bags, small styrofoam cooler , plastic tarp. Can opener and a cooking pan. No tent , lantern or stove. We had the bare minimal. Stayed in national and state parks. It was one of the funniest camping trips I've ever been on. Thanks for the video.
Motorcycle rider and soon to be camper (yeah, wrong time of the season to start, I know) so i'm starting to assemble my gear. The most important two things I can add is "be prepared to bail out." Don't assume you have to stay there if conditions go south. Do NOT be inflexible with your plans. And keep a credit card on you in case you need to get a hotel. And, as a common sense measure, always make sure someone mature and reliable knows where you are camping for that night.
Bring a shovel for when you go to the restroom. Dig a hole each time you need to use the restroom. Put the dirt back in the hole when you're done. You don't want to poop on the ground, it will attract animals and make your camp site smell.
Great video! Your suggestions of key things for car camping are very thoughtful. If the bugs are out, don’t forget to include spray to keep the mosquitoes and other bugs away.
Xclnt list! There are times I’m ready to take off and the work of planning, shopping, cooking and cleanup of food bog me down . You can just eat very simply without cooking or a big heated washup. It’s also pretty liberating to just plan on sleeping in the car. Even in the warm summer days, depending on where you are, fog can roll in and dampen and chill whereas the hard shell of the car can protect and give a cozier atmosphere. Whatever slows you down from taking off and getting out there, find a simpler way bc days outdoors are just too precious to miss!
Wind deflectors! They stop the rain from coming in the car whilst providing opportunities for airflow circulation. Such an important addition as waking up to moisture in the car is not fun to clear up.
In this one video, I learned about the ideal lantern I'd been looking for (Luci), the knife/shovel/hammer multitool I need (horihori), and a perfect solution for matches. Subscribed, great channel and very informative.
i'm driving a Crosstrek now ... can't say don't like can't say like it either! what do you think about that model if you've been a Subaru owner for longer than i surely have been? (been driving this for less than a year now ... it's a used but good condition 2013 model btw ...)
i know Outback and Crosstrek are very similar models, in size and other things ... i have also realized the fuel economy of Crosstrek isn't bad, well, for a gas-driven car anyway ... but i like the Ford C-max i had before this one more ... for fuel economy at least ... (and the C-max Energi model is also way better for obvious reasons ... although there are some small yet serious problems with them both, safety-wise that is ... i think that's why mine was recalled ...) the problem with the C-max series though, is that they're not well suited for off-road driving! they're city / freeway cars only! i'm thinking however, if i could modify a C-max in a way that its height could be adjusted to go higher for off-road and then lowered again for paved roads whenever needed, maybe that could help ... if that works, then only use different tires better suited for rough tracks and then you'd be set ... C-max bodies are made of steel btw and not sure but i'm guessing they're also well-guarded within their door frames with extra enforcements, similar to the Dodge Caliber cars ... they're truly good cars but underrated in the market ...
dadautube The Crosstrek and Outback are vastly different vehicles. The OB is much larger than the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek is built on the Imprezza where the OB ia built on the Legacy. Where the Crosstrek is more sporty/rugged the Outback is more of a luxury/rugged. The engines are also different. The Crosstrek should be getting more mpg than the OB.
yes, you're right, i forgot Ct is based on Imprezza! :) once i refilled my Ct from near-totally empty to full (that goes up to more than 14 gallons btw) and when i started cruising on an open road right away, its info section that shows how much more you can drive before you get to the next gas station, told me i could drive up to 510 miles! kinda unbelievable ... but of course less than one hundred miles later, the same info panel told me i had only 300 miles left, which was more to the truth of this car based on my previous experience ... long story short, a round trip of 1000 miles or so, cost me about $200 worth of gas, which makes it about 50c / mile ... not too bad, kinda about the same as (or maybe even less than) what it costs with a typical hybrid car i'd say ... thanks for tagging along btw! cheers
Dude. Your content is fantastic. I lived in/ traveled in a van for a few months back in 2015 and back pack often but this was a great refresher for my upcoming trip to the Colorado back country. Keep it up!
Good video. Thank You. By the way a lot of trash can be accidental for example every time there are storms or tornado the wind tosses it everywhere so don’t get angry just clean it up. ❤❤❤
Tuna in a pouch is more camper friendly. I have a small crank-charge flashlight. (made by the bunny company) horis are great for metal detecting too :)
Hello my outdoors friend, I saw this video several months ago and wanted to check it out again, great content. All the best to you, stay healthy my friend. 🤗
I get those crack glo lights from the dollar store for camping. Two packs will get you through a weekend. I carry some in my car all the time. I buy the fire starters at the store and keep them in the vehicle. I always do. Making fire starters is work. Who has the time? I like the idea of instant meals. Back in my youth, back packing foods were too expencive. You can even buy Knorr side dishs as a meal. They only require water so easy to use. I used to teach kids how to camp in Young Marines. I showed them the cheapest best way to tent camp. I always brought a fishing pole. I had fresh fish every trip.
When I was a Boy Scout we brought canned food; pork & beans, ravioli, Dinty Moore beef stew was a big hit etc. And potatoes thrown right into the fire (Mickeys). Aluminum foil makes it better! A tub of margerine or some butter, salt and pepper. Soups are good. And maybe smuggle in a Playboy magazine and a litre of vodka for the older Scouts (LOL)
I take a tent since I can't sleep in my sedan. I tried sleeping out on the ground but never felt safe. Also a bag of good smoking dope make the trip more enjoyable.
Very sensible video. You may not usually need a fire, but a fire starter is CRITICAL in winter. You want something that won't blow out easily in a moderate wind.. I prefer a piezoelectric cigarette lighter because with the spark wheel kind a drop of water on your flint turns it to a useless green powder. You won't know till you need it. For fire starting: just cut about 2 cubic inches off of those fireplace logs "duraflame". You don't need much..just enough to get your fire started. It's toxic so let it burn thru before you start cooking. BTW I agree in general: you don't really need a fire and you don't need to cook. Many Dedicated hikers avoid the rituals of camping and avoid the delay. If I could get it, I'd want for my first aid a prescription ophthalmic antibiotic and prescription opthalmic painkiller for eye gouge.
Light weight ! Forty years ago all I needed to go camping on the HD was #1 Matches #2 Half gallon rhubarb wine #3 A foot long Sub Way or the likes "And #4 a good Wool Fulson Coat" All though bringing #5 "Betty" was a pretty nice thing to bring along also, 45 cal. By the way if it doesn't have room service now I'm not going camping anywhere. Happy Camping.................. First Aid Kit come on kids " Duck Tape" and you shirt.
Some solid advice here .... Been a long time camper most my life up here in beautiful British Columbia. We don't have anything fancy, but I am a bit of a gear fiend and love to try new things when I can
Your video was awesome. Loved the expression, Don't get caught up in the details!! I agree and shared this with my husband who always makes many excuses. Really to me camping isn't about the food but about the great outdoors. You really can keep it simple and have plenty to eat. Thanks again.
👍🏽this was extremely helpful. I went camping for the first time in my adult life last week at Yosemite. And I wish I would’ve seen this video before going. But I know the next time. Because it was the small details I forgot. I had the sleeping bags the lanterns, the first stuff. I just missed the knife, the appropriate clothing, utensils, toilet paper and a slew of small details that would’ve made it easier. I still had a blast. And. My family and I are planning to go camping twice a year.
Thanks for making this : so helpful and straightforward! I would add jungle juice to the list. its only a couple bucks and mosquitoes and other bugs can quickly turn an enjoyable outing into a nightmare. and depending on where you're going and your vehicle, a way to jump start your car and fix a flat if necessary will always provide that extra peace of mind. especially if for unforeseen reasons you need to leave the area quickly. most likely a backup plan, but better safe than sorry ;)
If you are car camping then you probably don't have a ton of money. Stay out of REI type joints and embrace Walmart. Their camping gear is more than adequate... especially their tents. I love their instant cabin tents. They pop up and click in place. It takes longer to stake out than to erect.
Bill Vegas Walmart saved me last week when my wife and I flew from NC to Washington to camp Olympic National Park. $25 tents, $8 sleeping bags, etc. Not great quality but if it’s your first time or you don’t go often, shop Walmart.
I love that Ruike knife, its one of my fav. Cool video! But you forgot a TARP. Never go camping without a tarp (and a couple ropes and pets to set it up
With car camping it's not really a necessity. Survival prepping, sure, but there's no point in setting up a tarp if you're sleeping in a vehicle anyway and not staying long enough to build a shower and whatnot
Thanks for the info I'm going camping for the first time in Vieques PR Whit my family for the first time and were preparing thanks for the great orientation
3 months and I’m sick of it lol. I am old & grumpy though and being stuck next to a freeway for ten years is worse. It helps being 5’3” & thin but I don’t have the energy. Those “Hot Hands” things work well. Air activated with iron, like rust.
I wrote down my list of gear to bring for my family car camping trip. Im at 3 pages without food and clothing. I understand going minimal but im about 10k into gear right now. I realized my solo gear doesnt really apply to family camping with an infant and dog so I basically had to buy everything again.
I'm a Millennial, Like the first time I went camping, I like, bought a Bic lighter and like, a thing of fire wood, like 5 pieces. I never got those logs to light, they were like too big catch fire. And don't ask about the tent, it was like impossible to pitch without instructions. we got like one pole in and like used the ropes to tie it up to like a tree. Never again, like I'd have to be crazy!
Great video. I’m actually about an hour from the Boone area. I’ve been wanting to camp up that way. We usually camp at White Top Virginia. If you haven’t heard of it, check it out. Great camping area with amazing views.
***toilet paper*** is best burnt too. Even one ply is often dug up and spread by animals or water washout etc. So please consider burning it once it's used, it doesn't take long :) solid advice, great video.
Awesome Video Taylor, and one thing I learnt whilst on Expeditions, dig hole, poop in hole, use toilet paper, then BURN toilet paper and bury, if you don’t burn the paper animals will come and eat it and choke on it.
