Whether you’re embarking on your first or hundredth camping trip, you can never be too prepared. It may seem like a great deal of trouble goes into every excursion, but we can assure you that the memories that follow are worth it. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make your next adventure the best one yet.
Circulation > Condensation
We’re down to work up a sweat, but waking up in a soggy and stuffy car is certainly not our preferred sauna experience. Avoid this sticky situation by leaving your car windows (or sunroof) cracked to allow proper ventilation throughout the night. If you’re feeling particularly gone with the wind, open two windows opposite from each other to achieve that coveted cross breeze. Throw in a car camping fan and you are off to a comfortable night’s sleep.
Level out with Luno
We recommend that you park your car on flat land to maximize overnight comfort. We’re not saying you need to take a level to the ground to verify a perfectly even surface, but even just a slight slant can ruin a night. Whether it’s the blood running to your head or a slow slide, it’s worth it to take the extra time to level out. An air mattress can help even you out a little bit. If you have to camp at a slant, let a little bit of air out of your Luno Air Mattress until you find equilibrium.
Water, Lighter & Snacks
Everyone has that one thing that they always remember to bring on camping trips. Likewise, everyone has that one thing that they always forget. Make it a point to not forget the essentials. They just get harder to find the further out you drive. We recommend making a packing list and, if you want to jump to the front of the class, a quick and dirty location guide. This will also be helpful to keep track when supplies need to be replenished.
Test Your Gear
Test your gear as you pack. Check that your flashlight has batteries and that your Camelback hasn’t sprung a leak. This will ensure that the gear you haven’t touched since last summer is still fully functioning. This also gives you the chance to shake off the old cobwebs before your trip so that you can spring into action upon arrival. Often times an in-depth dry run will give you a better idea of what you do and don’t need.
Light on, Light off
This tip is two-fold. First, remember to switch off your car lights when your engine is off. As tempting as it may be to use your handy dandy car lights to illuminate the night, your dead battery and the subsequent hour-long struggle with jumper cables is no way to start your morning. Secondly, every car camper should take a headlamp. Hands-free headlamps kick handheld flashlights’ butt any day. It’s a commonly known fact that headlamps are the true MVP of any camping trip.
Privacy, please
You don’t care that the early bird gets the worm. You want to sleep in your car until noon. Maybe it is not even the light of the sun that is keeping you awake. Do you always find yourself camping during the full moon? Us, too. Do the campground lights have you tossing and turning? The worst! Never fear, Luno car window screens are here! Not only will window screens keep out unwanted light, but it keeps out bugs as well. It is an easy solution to an annoying problem. Just remember to not leave the screens at home.
Have a plan
Even the most spontaneous adventures come with a well-thought plan. Wanderlust is fine and dandy until you’re stranded without toilet paper after you had chili for dinner (hope you the packed TUMS). Luckily, a little prep work can go a long way to prevent a crisis. Be sure to check the weather before you hit the road for a car camping, Overlanding adventure, or road trip. Research when and where you would like to stop on your route, and scan any relevant site regulations before arrival. Think ahead for your next car camping trip so you’re never caught up a creek without a paddle or in the woods without TP.
Relax!
Perhaps the most important car camping tip is to relax. Enjoy your time outside in a new and exciting place without the stresses of work. Forget about your to-do list on your fridge at home, and the iron that you may or may not have turned off—just focus on the freedom of the outdoors.
