A Beginners Guide To Car Camping In Cold Weather

A Beginners Guide To Car Camping In Cold Weather Description:When it comes to car camping in cold weather, having the right gear can make all the difference between a cold, miserable night and a toasty escape in nature. If you're someone who’s used to milder climates (hello, never-seen-snow folks!) and suddenly find yourself braving frosty mornings, here’s a setup designed to keep you warm, comfortable, and ready to face the elements. Stick around to the end where we’ve got our favorite expert tips that will have you car camping like a pro in no time!  3 Reasons to Embrace Cold Weather This Season  Crowds are non-existentMost folks hear “snow” in the forecast and reach for the hot cocoa and Netflix – but not us! We find that exploring in wintery conditions only adds to the adventure. Winter camping means you get the trails, the views, and the campsites practically to yourself. No waiting in line for that Instagram-worthy vista or dealing with crowded campgrounds – it's just you and nature (and maybe a few brave deer). Beautiful Winter LandscapesNothing quite compares to waking up to snow-dusted trees, frozen lakes, and a sunrise that feels like it's made just for you. Cold weather brings out a whole new side of nature's beauty, transforming familiar landscapes into icy wonderlands you’ll want to take in from every angle. You’re A True Camping FanaticIf the idea of cold-weather camping makes you smile instead of shiver, then let’s face it: you’re a camping purist. Rain or shine, hot or cold, you’re ready for the challenge and the reward that comes with each season's unique quirks. So throw on those layers, grab some gear, and lean into winter camping.  Essentials for a Cold-Weather Setup Let's start with the foundation of any cozy car camping setup: a reliable mattress. The Luno AIR+FOAM Pro Vehicle Mattress is more than just comfortable – it’s designed to keep you warm with an impressive R-value of over 11.  For those unfamiliar with the term R-value, it measures insulation, meaning this mattress keeps the cold air out and you toasty while sleeping, fully protected from the chilly ground beneath. This mattress is tailor fit to the back of your vehicle, creating a snug sleeping space.  Another bonus? If you're solo camping, try unzipping the mattress down the middle and bringing just one side. This leaves extra room for gear without the added bulk! Organization is key when camping, especially when you need quick access to essential items. A collapsible storage container like the Rux 70L keeps all essentials in one place.  Pro tip: store a can of soup (or your preferred shelf-stable meal) in your kit. It’s a reliable backup that could be your best friend if you’re ever caught out longer than planned. When it’s cold outside, layers are your friend. For the ultimate warmth, invest in a sleeping bag rated for temperatures below what you expect to encounter. Pair it with a plush blanket and consider adding a sleeping bag liner for extra insulation – this liner from Sea-to-Summit is our favorite. The combination of these layers will keep you toasty no matter how frosty it gets outside. For those who find their feet turn into blocks of ice overnight, try this tried-and-true hack: fill a Nalgene with hot water and tuck it into the bottom of your sleeping bag. Instant warmth!  A little bit of ambiance goes a long way. While not strictly essential, hanging some battery-powered Camping String Lights around your setup makes the space feel inviting … especially during these shockingly early 5 o’clock winter sunsets. It’s a small addition that adds a lot to the cozy factor, perfect for chilly evenings by the fire or winding down after a day of adventure. Gear for Safety and Convenience Portable Power SourceCold temperatures can drain batteries fast, so a portable power station, like a Goal Zero, is worth bringing along. It’ll keep your devices like phones, laptops, or cameras charged and ready, even on the longest camping trips. Even power stations can feel the chill in cold temperatures, so keep yours in a warm spot inside your car. Pro tip: Sleep with your batteries tucked in your sleeping bag or wrap electronics snugly in a blanket to keep them cozy and functional! Collapsible Shovel for Unexpected SituationsSnowy weather can be unpredictable, and having a collapsible shovel stowed away is a simple yet essential precaution. Whether it’s digging out snow or helping with campsite setup, a shovel is a good item to have on hand – especially if the forecast hints at snow. To be honest, this is a great piece of gear to keep in your car all winter long!  Headrest Organizer for Nighttime MunchiesWinter camping burns calories, even while you’re sleeping! Pack high-calorie snacks (nuts, cheese, and chocolate – oh my!) and eat some before bed. This will keep your metabolism working overnight to keep your body warm. We like to keep our snacks in our Headrest Organizer to keep them accessible when we’ve got the munchies while in bed.  4 Tips For Traveling Like a Pro Car camping in cold weather has its perks, and one of them is the added layer of security. Being able to lock up and sleep in your car provides a sense of safety and comfort that you won’t find in traditional tent camping. If you want to read more about winter hazards to watch out for and prepare for, check out our blog post. With everything you need contained within your car, you can rest easy, knowing you’re protected from the elements. If you’re like us though, knowing these tips for peace of mind is a must.  Don’t Skimp On Your TiresMake sure to look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol when researching – even vehicles with only two-wheel drive can still travel with more peace of mind because these are specifically rated for winter conditions to add more traction while traveling over icy roads.  Condensation Is a KillerCold-weather camping often means dealing with condensation, especially in the morning. A portable Car Camping Fan helps keep air moving inside your vehicle, reducing the dampness that can collect overnight. Additionally, you can find products that are designed to absorb moisture like silica gel packs or commercial dehumidifiers.  Research Your Route BeforehandWhether it’s checking webcams on mountain passes or using apps like OpenSnow or NOAA to check snow forecasts, ensure you already know road conditions before you ever start your engine.  Insulate Your Vehicle’s WindowsCar windows are major culprits for heat loss, letting warmth escape and cold air seep in. Our best DIY hack? Buy a roll of Reflectix and cut window covers to fit each window for a custom-made insolation solution.  The secret to an enjoyable cold-weather camping trip is preparation. With the right gear, a few warming hacks, and some thoughtful organization, you’ll be ready to handle anything Mother Nature throws your way. So, load up, layer up, and hit the road—your next adventure awaits. Happy camping, and remember to embrace the chilly morning!

What is R-Value in Camping Mattresses

What is R-Value in Camping Mattresses Description:If you’re shopping for a camping mattress, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the phrase “R-value” once or twice. We’ll dive into this topic below, but here’s the basic definition: R-value is a measurement of thermal resistance. Sleeping pads with lower R-values are more susceptible to heat loss, while those with higher R-values are better insulated and keep campers warmer on cold winter nights.  This number can be confusing, but R-value is important to keep in mind when choosing a camping mattress or a sleeping pad–especially if you’re hoping to camp in cold weather or hang out in ski resort parking lots this winter.  In this quick, informative guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about R-value, including what R-value stands for, how R-value is calculated, what R-values are best for winter camping, and more. We’ll also recommend a couple of our favorite mattresses for cold-weather adventures. Why do insulated sleeping pads matter? Before we dive into all things R-value, we’d like to address a common misconception about camping mattresses. Many campers are unconcerned with mattress insulation, usually because they’ve already invested in warm sleeping bags. If you have a warm sleeping bag, why bother with an insulated mattress?  To answer this question, it’s important to consider exactly how a sleeping bag keeps you warm. Sleeping bags trap warm air in pockets formed by the insulation inside the bag, and those pockets of warm air keep you warm. When you lie down on your sleeping bag, those air pockets are pancaked between your body and mattress and rendered useless. Not to mention, the ground is a major cold source while camping, one capable of leeching your body heat through the warmest of sleeping bags. It’s up to your mattress’ insulation, then, to keep the parts of your body that are in contact with the mattress warm.  What is R-value? The “R” in “R-value” might as well stand for “Relax” or “Rest,” because on a cold winter night, a higher R-value will help you do just that. In reality, though, the “R” stands for “Resistance.”  R-value, as we mentioned earlier, is a measurement of thermal resistance, and it denotes how well a material resists heat flow or heat transfer. The higher the R-value, the more resistant the material is to thermic conduction. In other words, mattresses with higher R-values are less susceptible to heat loss and are thus warmer and better suited to camping in the cold. While we focus specifically on sleeping pads and mattresses in this article, R-value is also used to describe everything from, as Lil Jon once yelled, the windows to the walls. That’s right–if you walk through the aisles of Home Depot, you’ll see everything from triple-pane windows to thick foam insulation boards that boast high R-values. How is R-value calculated and tested?  In the past, different sleeping pad brands had different R-value testing techniques, which made shopping for the right sleeping pad extremely difficult. Nowadays, most gear manufacturers stick to the ASTM F3340-18 standard testing method, which is helpful, as it allows campers to more accurately compare different products from different brands.  This standardized R-value test involves placing a sleeping pad between a cold metal plate and a hot metal plate in a lab setting. The cold plate mimics the ground, while the hot plate represents your body’s natural warmth. This setup allows lab workers to measure the temperature exchange between the two plates and provide a standardized R-value.  This is a fairly simplistic overview of R-value testing, but if you’d like to learn more or watch this test in action, check out this video from REI on the subject. What R-value is right for me?  While R-value is a now-standard measurement of sleeping pad thermal resistance, there are a few factors that can make picking the right R-value challenging. Wind and precipitation can impact your warmth, and the same goes for your sleep setup. Are you bunking down in a tent or sleeping under the stars? Are you camping in a vehicle? All of these pieces of the puzzle influence what R-value is right for you.  That said, general consensus is the following:  R0 - R2: Best reserved for summer use R2 - R4: Suitable for three-season use R4 - R6: Suitable for winter use R6+: Ready for extreme cold Before we share a couple of our favorite mattresses for cold-weather camping, here are a few things to note: Different mattress types can have the same R-value: Mattress type can dictate R-value. For example, air mattresses tend to have lower R-values than hybrid or foam mattresses. However, you can have a hybrid mattress with an R-value of 2, and a foam mattress with an R-value of 2, and they will provide the exact same amount of insulation.  R-value is additive: If you have two R2 mattresses and stack them, your new Franken-mattress has an R-value of 4. For this reason, you’ll often see winter campers and mountaineers use a closed-cell foam pad with an inflatable mattress on top.  Higher R-values won’t make you overheat in the summer: We camp on mattresses with high R-values all summer long and don’t have any issues with overheating. Yes, well-insulated mattresses are warmer in colder temperatures, but they won’t make you overheat in the summer like a warm sleeping bag will. In warmer temperatures, we’ll adjust accordingly by ditching the sleeping bag and keeping it simple with a set of sheets, and if needed, a light blanket. Say Hello to AIR+FOAM PRO: Our Favorite Mattresses For Cold-Weather Camping A camping mattress has two jobs. The first is to keep you warm, as we’ve discussed at length already. The second? To keep you comfortable, so you can sleep like a rock and wake up refreshed and energized for a day of adventures. Our newly launched, unbelievably comfortable AIR+FOAM PRO Mattresses do just that thanks to a thick, plush, insulative, and ultra-comfy open-cell foam construction. You can even inflate or deflate the mattresses to fine-tune the firmness to your liking, further enhancing comfort at camp.  We currently have two AIR+FOAM PRO Mattresses on the market, both of which have R-values over 11. Keep in mind what we mentioned earlier: R-values of 6 or higher are suitable for winter camping. Needless to say, these ultra-insulated mattresses are ready for whatever weather you are.  AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress Our AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress is a self-inflating, rectangular mattress that’s designed to fit in a traditional tent, rooftop tent, RV, van, you name it. It works well in SUVs and hatchbacks, too, courtesy of our included, innovative new Head Support Bridge Attachments, which bridge the gap between your front seats and folded back seats. If you’re looking for versatility, you can’t go wrong with the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress.  AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress Our AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress utilizes the same incredibly comfortable construction technology, but the mattress shape is curved and contoured to maximize sleeping real estate in the trunk of your SUV or hatchback. If you plan to car camp in ski resort parking lots or at backcountry trailheads this winter, the AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress is the way to go.  Bonus Pick: The Luno Memory Foam Mattress Topper Already have a Luno AIR Mattress you know and love? No worries. Grab our Memory Foam Topper to add some welcome warmth to your sleep setup this winter! This topper adds a supportive, insulative layer of foam to help your mattress adapt to cold conditions. Plus, it's super comfy, too. _________ R You Going To Winter Camp Or What? We hope this guide helped you understand R-values and why an insulated mattress is important while camping in cold weather. More importantly, we hope this article inspires you to get out and camp comfortably this winter. After all, winter is one of the best times to camp–there aren’t many crowds, the snowy landscape is nothing short of stunning, and there are powder turns to be had. Thanks for reading, and as always, we’ll see you on the road–no matter the weather. –The Luno Crew

How to Put Away the AIR+FOAM Pro Vehicle Mattress

How to Put Away the AIR+FOAM Pro Vehicle Mattress Description:

Gift Guide: 2024 Holiday Gifts for Car Campers, Vanlifers, and Road Trippers

Gift Guide: 2024 Holiday Gifts for Car Campers, Vanlifers, and Road Trippers Description:Holiday shopping is a lot like road-tripping: you can navigate solo, but having a solid map makes the journey smoother. To guide you this season, we turned to our team of car camping pros for their top gear picks. Below, you’ll find 23 gift ideas perfect for car campers, vanlifers, road trippers, and adventurers alike! Stocking Stuffers ($25 and under) For the Coffee Lover: Campers Blend Instant Craft Coffee ($17.99) Meet your new adventure fuel: the Luno x Doma Campers Blend Instant Craft Coffee. Small in size but big on taste and convenience, this travel-friendly coffee is the perfect companion for life on the go. Every sip delivers rich notes of brown sugar, dark chocolate, and caramel. No need for a grinder—just mix with 10 oz of hot or cold water and enjoy an instant craft coffee experience, anywhere, anytime. It's sweet, smooth, and balanced, great on its own or with a splash of cream. For the Casual Sipper: HydroFlask 6 oz Mug ($22.95) The Hydro Flask 6 oz insulated stainless steel mug is designed for the perfect pour. With a closeable, splash-resistant lid, it keeps your drink hot for hours, making it ideal for those cozy sips by the campfire or on the go. For the Night Navigator: Black Diamond Astro 300 Headlamp (19.95) Compact and lightweight, the Astro 300 is a handy light to have for unexpected situations, whether it's navigating dark trails or making your way down a surprise rappel. With 300 lumens of brightness, it provides reliable lighting without weighing you down. For the Classic Sock Gift: Darn Tough Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock ($25) Socks are a staple of any holiday gift-giving experience – buy your person socks they’ll actually use for a lifetime of adventure. Trusted by countless thru-hikers year after year, this rugged sock is designed to withstand the toughest trails, and even if they don’t, Darn Tough socks come with an unconditional lifetime guarantee that covers free replacements for socks that rip, tear, lose their fit, or are not the most comfortable, durable, or best-fitting socks you've ever owned. Radical–and Reasonably Priced–Car Camping Accessories ($25-$50)  For the Camp Vibes: Camping String Lights ($39.99) Illuminate your adventures with our versatile LED Camping String Lights, designed to cozy up your nights outside. Featuring seven variable light modes and adjustable brightness, you can create the perfect ambiance for any occasion. This kit includes a rechargeable USB-C battery pack that provides eight hours of continuous use, a translucent storage bag that doubles as a lantern, and suction cups if you want to hang the lights on your adventure rig. For the Breeze Chaser: Luno Screen for Car Windows ($50) Everyone loves to sleep in their car with the windows open, but no one wants to turn into a mosquito buffet. We get it. Luckily, there’s a solution to the problem: our Car Window Screens. These mesh, stretchy screens are easy to pop into place over a car door frame. Once installed, you can roll the windows down without fearing that hordes of buzzing bloodsuckers will storm your campground castle. Not only do these screens allow you to enjoy nature’s AC (read: the breeze), but they also block sunshine and, perhaps even more annoying than incessant mosquitos, the gaze of nosey neighbors. For the Black Hole Back Seat: Headrest Organizer ($39.99): Transform the back of your seat into an organization station in seconds with our easy-to-install Headrest Organizer. Featuring five compartments and a removable pouch, it's perfect for keeping small essentials tidy and within reach on the road. Two integrated pockets (one large, one small) handle the basics, while the removable pouch adds a spacious main pocket, an internal mesh pocket, and an external mesh pocket for extra versatility. For the Eco-minded: Medium Outdoor Ground Mat ($39.99): Upcycled from old mattresses, our new, eco-friendly Medium Outdoor Ground Mat is perfect for those who like to keep their space clean. Same construction but as our best-selling Large Outdoor Ground Mat but with a smaller footprint, this multi-purpose medium mat adds a durable layer of separation between you and dirt or dust, sand or snow, gravel or granite. For those Who Love A Tidy Campground: Gear and Shoe Storage Bag ($49.99): The Luno Gear and Shoe Storage Bag is the perfect companion for your travels, offering a waterproof, easily accessible storage solution. It’s great for keeping shoes tidy or doubling as a small trash bin. Made with water-resistant fabric and scratch-free magnets, this versatile bag helps you stay organized and ready for anything. Car Camping Extras Every Road Tripper Will Love ($50-$150) For the Creature Comforts: Packable pillow ($69.99): Revolutionize your camping sleep experience with the Luno Packable Camp Pillow. Combining portability with luxury, it offers the comfort of your home pillow in a compact design. With a plush fabric cover and memory foam filling, this pillow ensures you’ll wake up well-rested, no matter where your adventures take you. For the Fireside Gatherer: Solo Stove Mesa ($79.99): Bring cozy vibes to your table with the Solo Stove Mesa, a sleek tabletop fire pit that elevates any space. With Dual Fuel capability and Signature 360° Airflow, it’s easy to ignite and enjoy a smokeless fire, perfect for setting the mood indoors or out. For the Birdwatcher, Wave-Chaser, Climber, Etc.: Nocs Binoculars ($95) Binocs aren’t just for birdwatching. A solid pair of binoculars is an underrated road trip and camping essential. Scope wildlife, climbing routes, surf breaks, ski lines, and more with these affordable yet high-performance binoculars from Nocs Provisions. We love the wide field of view, simple controls, and compact design–they can easily stash in your console or Seatback Organizer until you need them. For the Cuddle Bugs: Kelty Low Loveseat ($125.95) The ultimate campfire cuddle spot! Kelty’s double chair seats two and comes with adjustable arms and dual beverage holders. Get cozy and enjoy the great outdoors together. For the Stylish: Glerups Slippers ($135) Are $135 slippers necessary? No. Are they worth it? Absolutely. Glerups wool slippers are arguably the coziest footwear on the planet. In fact, we’re wearing them right now as we write this holiday gift guide, while snow falls outside and the fire crackles… you get the picture. A staple on winter mornings, these slippers are crafted from thick, warm, 100% pure wool twill. The slip-on style enables hands-free entry, while the padded rubber sole allows you to take the dog for a quick walk or toss the trash out if needed. Game-Changing Gifts for Car Campers and Vanlifers ($150+) For the Gearhead: Devos Lightranger 1200 ($175.00) Devos created the Lightranger to be a high-powered, rechargeable LED lantern comes with a telescoping pole, tripod, and ground stake. It delivers powerful overhead lighting for camping, backyard gatherings, power outages, or even home improvement projects. For the Storage Fiend: Rux 70L Gear Storage Container ($199.99) Meet the ultimate gear hauler. With 70 liters of capacity, the Rux container packs like a gear box, carries like a tote or backpack, and collapses flat when not in use. It’s weatherproof, field-repairable, and built to last a lifetime, so your gear stays safe, dry, and organized on every adventure. For the Ourdoor Dining Enthusiast: Dometic GO Compact Camp Table ($199.99) Maximize your camp space with Dometic’s versatile GO Compact Camp Table. Adjustable to three heights, it suits all your camping needs—whether prepping meals at standard height, giving kids their own dining spot, or dropping it down to coffee table level for snack time. For the Culinary Explorer: Gerber ComplEAT 16-piece Cookset ($200.00) The 16-piece ComplEAT Cook Set has everything you need to easily feed a group of hungry campers. This camping cookware set features a stock pot and sauté pan with generous cooking surfaces and 3-ply base construction for even heat distribution. The tableware set assists during prep work and makes room for generous portions once the meal is ready. When campers are full, everything packs together in the storage bag for safe and compact storage between trips. For the Bold Brewers: VSSL Nest Pour Over Kit + Java G25 Coffee Grinder Bundle ($225.00) The most integrated adventure-brewing system now comes with the world’s most rugged and refined hand coffee grinder, enabling you to brew the finest cup of pour over coffee -anywhere and everywhere. The VSSL Nest Pour Over Kit + Java G25 Grinder allows you to enjoy a premium cup of coffee anywhere. The set’s 80% recycled stainless steel construction features a 6-piece system that nests together into a compact unit. Inside, you’ll find two double-walled mugs, a splashproof lid, and the Java G25 grinder for freshly brewed perfection on the go. For the Camp Chef: Messermeister Adventure Chef 6-Piece Summit Set ($250) For the camp cook in your life, there’s no better gift than this Messermeister Adventure Chef 6-Piece Summit Set. This California-based, German-inspired, female-owned brand isn’t known for its adventure gear–it’s known for its high-quality cutlery. The Summit Set takes that history of hammering out chef-approved stainless steel blades and slims it down into a camp-ready, compact package. The highlight of the set is a folding 6” chef’s knife that’s so well-made we sometimes use it at home, too. What’s more, the kit includes a folding 6” fillet knife (perfect for preparing the catch of the day), a folding utensil set, a folding peeler & parer with fish scaler, and a folding cutting board, all housed in a rugged, handsome waxed canvas case. For lovers of good grub and the great outdoors, this gift earns two Michelin stars and four Michelin tires. For the Seasoned Camper: Luno AIR+FOAM Pro Vehicle Mattress ($499.99) Sleep like a pro with our comfiest sleep system yet. The AIR+FOAM construction offers plush, pillow-like support, ensuring restful nights wherever you travel. Designed to fit around vehicle wheel wells, the Luno AIR+FOAM Pro Vehicle Mattress maximizes your sleeping area with precision. For solo trips, a center zipper allows you to remove half of the mattress, saving space and weight while freeing up room in your vehicle.