How to Turn Your Subaru Outback Into the Ultimate Weekend Adventure Vehicle

If you just picked up a Subaru Outback, or finally decided to take yours beyond trailhead parking lots, welcome to the club! The Outback is one of the most capable, practical, and adventure-ready vehicles on the road, and with a few smart upgrades, it can become a fully functional basecamp for weekend escapes, surf missions, and week-long road trips.

Whether you’re transitioning from tent camping, downsizing from a rooftop tent, or just want a more comfortable, stealthier, and simpler camping setup, this guide will walk you through exactly how to turn your Outback into a cozy, dialed-in adventure rig you’ll love.

Watch as Chase R. dives deep into his Outback build, sleep setup, tips, tricks, and more in the video here 👇

Why the Subaru Outback Makes an Amazing Adventure Vehicle

Before we get into gear, let’s acknowledge what makes the Outback so perfect for this lifestyle:

• All-wheel drive + great clearance = surprising off-road ability
• Fuel efficient compared to trucks or vans
• Wide hatch + long cargo space = ideal for sleeping setups
• Roof rails & crossbars make gear hauling effortless
• Car-like comfort makes long drives and daily life easiest

It’s basically the adventure sweet spot: rugged enough to get you out there, refined enough to enjoy every mile.

Why Transition From Tent or Rooftop Tent to Sleeping in the Outback?

If you're used to ground tents or rooftop tents, here’s what you’ll love about moving inside the vehicle:

• Shorter setup time — just park and sleep. You can even set your bed up in your driveway at home so its ready when you park at your campsite.
• Weatherproof comfort — protection from wind, rain, and cold temps. No more dealing with cold hands putting away a soaking wet and muddy tent.
• Stealth camping freedom — great for road trips or late arrivals
• Better warmth — your car insulates better than a tent and you can always run the AC/heater for a brief time to get comfortable.
• Total security — lock the doors and relax. Better protection from prying eyes and wildlife.

Car camping often ends up being simpler, faster, and more comfortable than any other method. You already have a vehicle in your driveway that can become your home on wheels.

Core Setup: Your Perfect Subaru Outback Camping Build

Below is the essential gear and structure you’ll want for a fully usable, organized, and comfortable car-camping system.

1. DIY Storage Drawer System

A drawer system is a game changer in the Outback. It keeps the cabin clean, maximizes storage, and doubles as the “platform” your mattress rests on.

Why you should consider building one:

• Keeps cooking gear, tools, recovery items, and miscellaneous camp gear tucked away
• Creates a flat sleeping surface
• Lets you pack once and never unload between trips
• Helps you stay organized without feeling cramped

A simple plywood drawer build works perfectly and can be customized to your exact needs. Many Outback owners include:

• 1–2 rollout drawers
• Side cubbies for misc. items
• A hinged top that opens for larger storage

2. Luno AIR+FOAM Pro Vehicle Mattress

This mattress is made specifically for cars like the Outback. The blend of air and foam construction gives you adjustable firmness and insulation—critical for cold nights, better packability than all foam alternatives, and maximum comfort.

What makes it ideal for the Outback:

• Fits the cargo area perfectly
• Packs down small
• Adds insulation from the cold floor
• Durable enough for long-term use
• Way more comfortable than tent pads or inflatable camp mattresses

If you're switching from tent or rooftop tent camping, sleeping inside your car will feel like discovering cheat mode.

3. The Importance of Roof Storage

Roof boxes are basically superpowers for weekend warriors. They give you:

• Space for bulky gear (sleeping bags, camp chairs, helmets, boots, etc.)
• Easy access without unloading your whole car
• A cleaner interior for sleeping
• A more dialed, minimalist feel inside

It’s especially valuable if you're storing most of your “garage items” in the Outback build.

4. Surfboard Racks

If your weekends revolve around chasing swell, board racks are essential.

They allow you to:

• Carry one or multiple boards securely
• Free up cabin space
• Keep sandy gear outside the car
• Organize road-trip and surf trip loads easily
• Whether you use hard racks, soft racks, or a combination depends on your quiver.

5. Utilize Unused Space with a Cargo Hammock

This extra ceiling storage is shockingly useful. Use a Luno Cargo Hammock and take advantage of that under-utilized space for:

• Puffy jackets
• Towels
• Extra blankets
• Wet gear you want to dry
• Lightweight camp layers

It keeps the “stuff explosion” from taking over your sleeping area and makes the rig feel bigger than it is.

Safety Essentials for Weekend Warriors

Your Outback is capable, but emergencies still happen. Adding these items ensures you’re ready for almost anything:

Fire Extinguisher

Mount it where it’s accessible from the driver’s seat and sleeping area. Ensure it is a vehicle specific fire extinguisher meaning it is designed to put out automotive fires. A home fire extinguisher usually isn't designed to put out vehicle fires that involve electronics, plastics, and flammable liquids.

Backup Food & Water (even more important in the winter)

Always have 1–2 days of:

• Non-perishables - canned food or freeze dried camping meals
• Extra hydration
• High-calorie snacks

First-Aid Kit

Include blister kits, trauma supplies, and meds you use frequently. This is something that can live in your car full time whether you'r commuting to work or on a backcountry road trip.

Portable Power Station

Having a portable power solution gives you the ability to charge your devices over night, run small electronics like a portable fan, and avoids putting extra strain on your car's battery. There are hundreds of options out there now so get what works for you in your budget.

Recovery Gear

Even AWD cars can get stuck. At minimum:

• Folding shovel - both for winter and summer
• Traction boards
• Tow strap so someone else can pull you out or you can help someone else.

These are all relatively small but incredibly helpful and should live in your car.

Navigation Backup

A physical map or offline GPS (like Gaia or OnX) is a must in areas without service. 

Extra Gear to Take Your Outback Build Further

These are not required, but they'll transform your comfort:

• Luno Fitted Sheets for better warmth and sleeping directly on the mattress
• Packable camp pillows
• Window screens for ventilation without bugs
• String lights to make the interior feel homey
• Insulated blanket or sleeping bag comforter

Build a General Camping Essentials Bin

Think of this as your “grab-and-go” kit — a small bin or tote that always stays packed with the items you need every single trip, no matter the season, destination, or type of adventure. Keeping these core essentials in one place saves time, prevents forgotten items, and makes setup at camp way easier.

What to include in your essentials bin:

• Headlamp (plus spare batteries)
• Fire starters (multiple types: wax cubes, cotton + Vaseline, etc.)
• Lighter + backup lighter
• Compact first-aid kit
• Multi-tool or knife
• Phone charger + power bank
• Toiletry basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, deodorant, etc.)
• Duct tape + repair tape
• Paracord or lightweight rope
• Small microfiber towel
• Hand sanitizer
• Trash bags (for leave-no-trace)
• Snacks or emergency calories (bars, nuts, jerky, etc.)
• Backup water or purification tabs
• Gloves (for firewood, cold mornings, or repairs)

📍Pro Tip:
Keep this bin near the hatch so it’s accessible the moment you arrive at camp. No digging. No chaos. Just everything you actually need, right where it should be. You can even opt to leave this in your car year round.

Wrap-Up: Build Your Outback Into Something You’ll Actually Use

Your Subaru Outback is already a killer starting point, but adding a few intentional upgrades—like a drawer system, a Luno AIR + FOAM Pro mattress, roof storage, and safety items—will turn it into a true adventure machine.

Whether you're chasing surf, heading into the mountains, or just planning easy weekend escapes, this build ensures you're always ready to go. Pack once, keep things organized, sleep comfortably, and enjoy the freedom that comes with a fully functional adventure vehicle.