Best Car Camping Essentials 2021
Exped MegaMat Max 15 Duo Sleeping Pad
This is the big one. Literally. With roughly the same dimensions as a full-size bed, the Exped MegaMat is big enough for two and downright decadent when you’re solo. Exped uses simple one-way valves to make inflation as simple as laying it out and waiting, and the included hand pump makes it easy to top off if you like a firmer sleep surface. Baffled construction and vertical sidewalls on the interior eliminate the “waterbed effect” some air mattresses can cause, and with an R-value of 10.6 it’ll also make it easy to expand your camping season into colder weather.
Price: $199.99
Kelty Cosmic Sleeping Bag 40F
We’ve already told you we’re big fans of this bag, with a more spacious cut that still packs down efficiently and provides targeted insulation for all-season comfort.
Price: $89.95
NEMO Fillo Pillow
Of course you can always throw your pillow from home in the truck before you head out, or kick it old school and ball up a sweatshirt to rest your head on overnight. Or, choose something a bit more versatile like the NEMO Fillo Pillow. It’s mostly inflatable, allowing you to fine-tune the height and support to suit your preferences, and helping it pack down tiny if you want to sneak in a backpacking overnight during your trip. But it can also be used as a lumbar support on the long drive to your campsite, and the machine-washable cover will have it fresh and ready to go the next time you’re heading out for the night.
Price: $39.95
Nemo Helio LX Pressure Shower
There’s a couple different camp shower options out there, but we like this one the best. First off the wide opening allows you to fill it almost anywhere, faucets and hand pumps, or even a nearby stream. Then just park it in the sun for a bit and let the light-absorbing material warm the water for you. But the trick that makes the Helio LX special is the integrated foot pump, which not only eliminates the need to lift this water over your head, but it also allows this little reservoir to deliver a more powerful rinse than the gravity-fed alternatives.
Price: $149.95
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
Don’t let the moderately kooky label fool you, this stuff is awesome. It’s fully vegetable-based, and biodegradable, which means it’s safe to use when you’re away from municipal wastewater systems. Use it on your dishes, yourself, your whatever, and it’ll have you feeling pretty good about it. And pretty clean too.
Price: $27.95
Cleanwaste Go Anywhere Portable Toilet
In some areas all you need is a dose of confidence and a stout shovel, but in more travelled areas or sensitive ecosystems where you’re required to pack it out again, going can be a bit of a challenge. Even if that’s not where you’re heading, having a more “normal” setup can be preferable for some campers. Whatever the case, this option from Cleanwaste does everything you need it to do. The included kit comes with biodegradable waste bags, and a special powder that not only helps the composting process along but also fights odors too.
Price: $79.95
Goal Zero Yeti 200X + Nomad 20 Solar Kit
There’s a whole world of solar-powered options out there, infinitely customizable to perfectly fit your rig, your gear, and your terrain. But getting them set up takes time, research, and most importantly money. Or you can just grab this package from Goal Zero and be done with it. It includes their Nomad 20 solar panel, pumping out 20W of power, as well as the Yeti 200X power station to store that power and put it into your electronics. It’s a simple, portable solution that can help you document your trip by keeping phones and cameras charged, or even get you out of a jam when you use it to recharge your jump box.
Price: $429.95
Einova Ultra Fast Power Bank
For shorter trips, or less power-intensive campers, consider the Einova Ultra Fast Power Bank as a way to extend the battery life of your compact electronic devices. It’s got two full-size USB outputs, and a combined input/output USB-C port, meaning you’ll be able to charge up to three devices at a time from this little block. In fact, because it’s rated at a max of 60W output you can even use it to recharge certain USB-powered electronics like a Macbook Air.
Price: $69.99
Silva Trail Runner Free
Whether you’re relaxing at the end of the day with a good book, or finding the trail down after a mountaintop sunset, you’ll need to see. And with the option to run off standard AAA batteries or a dedicated rechargeable battery pack, this head lamp offers 400 lumens of power to light up the night. But what really makes it stand out is the split design, which allows it to fit more comfortably by reducing the weight at the front and distributing the load more evenly around your head.
Price: $88.99
This is a great list and a money saver. I struggled with outdoor showers, and composting toilets. This is awesome. Thanks for the suggestions!