11 Tips To Avoid Dangerous Plants and Animals While Camping

11 Tips To Avoid Dangerous Plants and Animals While Camping Description:One of the main reasons why we love camping so much is spending time in nature. Duh! However, flora and fauna can also quickly torpedo an otherwise epic adventure. Head-to-toe poison oak rash, a brush with a matronly grizzly bear, nefarious marmots treating your vehicle wiring like an all-you-can-nibble buffet–all of these incidents and more can ruin an expedition expeditiously.  Below, we’ll share tips we’ve learned over the years to help you avoid dangerous plants and animals while camping. We’ll include some specific tips–like how to identify and avoid poison oak, poison ivy, and poison sumac–as well as some general advice to reduce chances of a trip-ruining run-in with nature.  Research Your Destination Ahead of Your Trip This first tip is purposefully broad. No matter where you’re road-tripping or camping, it’s worth researching that destination–and its potentially dangerous plants and animals–before you hit the road.  Flora and fauna differ from destination to destination, after all, and it pays to be informed. You might be heading into a zone notorious for poison sumac, camping in a canyon where mountain lions have been spotted, parking in a trailhead lot ruled by vehicle-mutilating marmots, so on and so forth.  Say you’re heading to a national park. You can visit that park’s website ahead of time, where you’ll find pages dedicated to the plants and animals of the park, as well as notifications regarding safety concerns and current conditions. Identify–and Avoid–Poison Oak And Poison Ivy Watch the above video for more treatment and identification tips.  Two of the most infamous poisonous plants are poison oak and poison ivy, both of which contain urushiol oil–a resin that causes an allergic reaction upon contact with skin. Unless you’ve got a burning desire to have a fiery rash between your toes, upon your scalp, and every place in between, you’re going to want to avoid these troublesome plants.  Identifying Poison Ivy: Poison ivy can be identified by close leaf analysis. Its leaflets have pointed tips, jagged edges, and are grouped in clusters of three, all of which grow directly from the stem. Hence the adage, “leaves of three, let them be.” Another useful reminder? “Berries white, take flight!” This second rhyme refers to hazardous white berries that mature in the fall months. Poison ivy boasts coverage that puts Verizon to shame, as it grows in pretty much all over the United States.  Identifying Poison Oak: Poison oak leaflets are rounded, resembling the shape of oak leaves, and typically grow in clusters of three. The plant features white flowers in the spring and grows as a vine or shrub. Poison oak usually populates land below 5,000 on the Pacific coast, although you’ll find it in the southeast as well. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind regarding poison oak and poison ivy: Research: We’ve said it once, we’ll say it again. Research your destination ahead of time–you may learn that poison oak and/or poison ivy are a hazard to watch out for in the region.  Be Observant: Always keep an eye out on the trail.  Read Trail Signs: Keep an eye out for signage. Oftentimes, trails with prodigious poison oak or poison ivy problems feature signs to warn hikers.  Identify Plants Like A Pro: Download an app like PictureThis to help you identify plants at camp and on the trail. This can help you familiarize yourself with exactly what these plants look like so you can spot them more easily in the future.  Stay On Trail: When in doubt, avoid off-trail adventures.  Keep Dogs On Leash: Keep your pooch on a leash in poison oak and poison ivy country. Dogs can get a rash from urushiol oil or experience stomach issues in the event of consumption. Not only that, but they can transfer the oil from their fur to your skin!  Treat ASAP: If you do come into contact with poison oak or poison ivy, rinse off thoroughly ASAP, ideally with a degreasing soap, poisonous plant wash, or rubbing alcohol.  Wash, Or Even Toss, Clothes: The oil can stay on clothes for weeks after initial contact, so you never really know when you’re out of the woods. In the event of contact, separate contaminated clothes, use hot water, and give them a double wash. Rinse your washing machine afterwards to reduce chances of transferring the oil to clean clothes. In extreme cases, you may just want to retire the duds, as risking a secondary outbreak of the rash is untenable.  Remember Sneaky Poison Sumac  Poison oak and poison ivy might be at the top your mind when camping, but they’re not the only source of concern. Don’t forget about poison sumac! If you know what to look for, poison sumac is harder to miss than low-growing poison oak and poison ivy. Why? Well, poison sumac is much taller–a poison sumac shrub or tree can be 20 feet tall. The poisonous plant features leaflets that feather out from the stem in pairs. Those leaflets are positioned in groups from seven to fifteen, and they’re green and pointy. Other distinguishing features: the stems are reddish, the bark is gray, and the plant can produce small white or light-green fruit clusters. These guys like to hang out on the eastern and southeastern parts of the country in wet, swampy areas. Like poison oak and poison ivy, poison sumac releases urushiol oil and post-contact treatment is similar.  Stay Safe In Bear Country Staying safe and camping responsibly in bear country is a massively important topic of its own–so much so we’ve dedicated entire articles to the subject. Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind:  Do Your Research: Again, research your destination of choice prior to departure. Camping in grizzly country raises different concerns than camping in black bear country, for instance–it pays to know what species you may come across while camping, population levels, recent interactions with humans, etcetera. If you’re visiting a national park, or camping near a national park, NPS websites will provide ample information on what to expect, local regulations and guidelines, so on and so forth.  Keep a Clean Camp: One of the best ways to avoid a bear run-in is to keep a clean camp. Don’t leave food out at night, unless it’s stashed in a campground bear box or bear canister. Cook and do your dishes far from where you’ll be sleeping. Practice Leave No Trace principles religiously.   Carry Bear Spray: We always like to camp with bear spray, especially in grizzly country. Make sure the bear spray is easily accessible and learn how to use it. Camp in Your Vehicle Tent camping in grizzly country can be nerve-wracking, as all that’s between you and a bear is a flimsy layer of nylon. On the contrary, when you camp in your vehicle on a comfortable, purpose-built Luno mattress, you’re able to lock your doors for extra protection and peace of mind.  Additionally, since you’re sleeping in an enclosed vehicle that’s raised up and off the ground, camping in your car also provides a welcome buffer from snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlies. Mind The Moose While most campers find bears more frightening than moose, the antlered ungulates are actually more dangerous to humans according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.  Moose can act particularly aggressive during the mating season in late September and early October. Like bears, mama moose can be extremely protective of their young. Adult males can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and run up to 35 miles per hour, but even relatively petite 300-pound calves can be a serious danger. And while you might be most concerned with those imposing antlers, hooves are a primary concern, as moose kick with startling power.  Our advice? Give moose a wide berth and avoid getting between mothers and their young. Humans do have superior agility to these massive beasts, so if a moose does charge, try running around a tree or vehicle.  For more tips on dealing with moose in the wilderness, check out this full article from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.  Aposematism Awareness It’s generally a good idea to steer clear of brightly colored animals. Certain species have evolved to have a more flashy appearance as a defense mechanism to keep predators away. This evolutionary tactic is called “Aposematism,” and it’s used by animals to warn predators that they are toxic. Their showy appearance is a polite suggestion that you should back off before they mess you up.  Little Animals–Big Danger Animals both big and small can pose a threat to travelers. Anyone who has ever been sprayed by a skunk or attacked by bees can attest that size is no indication of danger. Hell hath no fury like a tick bite or a scorpion sting. Keep an eye out for threats of all sizes, on all fronts, when camping in the wild. Tick Tactics While plenty of insects can sour your camping trip, ticks can be a major health concern long after you’ve headed home. Here are a few tips for traveling in tick country: Where long sleeves and pants when hiking. Use tick-repellant clothing or treat your duds with tick repellant.  Avoid going off trail.  Check for ticks regularly after a day in the wild.  If you are bitten, remove the tick as quickly as possible per CDC guidelines.  Keep Your Dog On A Leash (Especially If They Aren’t Well Trained) It’s always a smart play to keep your dog on a leash while exploring the wilderness, especially if they’re not well trained. Whether you’re worried about coyotes and wolves or ticks and poison oak, keeping your dog on a leash will keep them from starting off your camping trip on the wrong paw.  Don’t Feed or Take Selfies With Wildlife Every year, oblivious campers get too close to wildlife for the sake of a selfie. Wildlife is just that–wild. Enjoy encounters with wildlife from a distance, but give wild creatures plenty of space, both for your sake and theirs.  In a similar vein, don’t feed wild animals. That’s Leave No Trace 101.  ______ Stay Safe Out There Long story short? Flora and fauna are best enjoyed at a respectful distance–bring binoculars if you want to get up close and personal. Do your research, prepare accordingly, and camp smart. Follow these simple guidelines, and chances are you’ll have a fun, emergency-free adventure in the wilderness.  Thanks for reading! And, as always, we’ll see you on the road, -The Luno Crew

Gear Deep Dive: Which Mattress is Right for You?

Gear Deep Dive: Which Mattress is Right for You? Description:

What Luno Mattress Is Best For You?

What Luno Mattress Is Best For You? Description: Need a mattress matchmaker? You’re in the right place. Below, we’ll explain the ins and outs of every Luno mattress on the market, including everything from our award-winning, flagship AIR Vehicle Mattress to our new, revolutionary AIR + FOAM PRO Camping Mattress. If you have trouble sleeping while camping, want to try car camping for the first time, or are otherwise stumped by what mattress to toss in your vehicle, consider this a guide to a good night’s sleep. Here's the roster of snooze-enhancing car, van, truck, and tent camping mattresses we’ll be discussing in this article: AIR + FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress AIR + FOAM PRO Camping Mattress AIR Vehicle Mattress AIR Truck Bed Mattress AIR Van Front Cab Mattress AIR 4Runner Vehicle Mattress AIR XRD 4Runner Mattress If this list seems overwhelming, don’t worry. The truth is your camping setup largely determines what camping mattress is best for you. At the very least, it’ll help you narrow down your search, and then you can pick the right option for you based on your budget, wants, and needs. AIR + FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress Best for: SUV and hatchback campers who want the most comfortable vehicle camping mattress on the market. Our AIR + FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress has been a long time coming. It builds on the success of our original AIR Vehicle Mattress, utilizing the same dual-chamber design and vehicle-specific contours and curves to fit seamlessly in the backs of compatible SUVs and hatchbacks. However, the next-level mattress boasts several noteworthy updates.  First off, the AIR + FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress features our new, patented Head Support Bridge Attachments. These innovative, low-profile supports snap onto the back of the front seats and connect to the mattress itself, bridging gaps between the front and back seats and providing campers with a flat, comfortable sleeping platform. Compared to inflatable supports, the new Head Support Bridge Attachments are super fast to set up and also free up valuable storage space underneath the mattress. Additionally, the AIR+FOAM PRO Vehicle Mattress features a zipper down the middle of the mattress, allowing campers to ditch half of the mattress on solo trips, subsequently minimizing packed weight and volume. And last but certainly not least, it’s also built in our game-changing AIR+FOAM PRO construction, which debuted recently on our AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress. The AIR+FOAM PRO build is the most premium offering in the Luno lineup. But for campers who want a camp mattress that’s as comfy—or even comfier—than their bed at home, the difference in cost is well worth it. Under the hood, the AIR+FOAM PRO construction features cushy, perforated closed-cell foam that’s shielded by rugged, protective fabric. And it still taps the same supportive air mattress technology we’ve been using for years, enabling campers to fine-tune mattress firmness to their liking in a matter of seconds. All told, this mattress is as comfy as a cloud thanks to a sleep-improving combo of supportive air and pillowy, plush foam. If you’re planning to camp in your SUV or hatchback and want to sleep better than ever on the road, this mattress has your name on it. AIR + FOAM PRO Camping Mattress Best for: Indiscriminate adventurers who want a mattress that works in a vehicle but also fits tents, campers, rooftop tents, and more. It’s also ideal for sleepers who want the comfort of foam but the packability of an inflatable mattress. We made a name for ourselves in the car camping mattress game, but we realize that some folks love tent camping, too. And we’ve got no problem with that. In fact, we have a solution for that. Say hello to our AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, an incredibly comfortable and wildly versatile sleep setup that’s equally at home in a trunk or tent. Once you sleep on an AIR+FOAM PRO mattress, it’s honestly hard to go back. That dreamy comfort comes courtesy of the medley of perforated closed-cell foam and supportive air. But what makes this air mattress the most versatile one we’ve ever made comes down to two features: the rectangular shape and our new, groundbreaking Head Support Bridge Attachments. Unlike other Luno mattresses, which are shaped to fit precisely in specific vehicles and reduce wasted space, the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress is rectangularly shaped so that it can fit in both vehicles and tents. Whether you’ve got a truck, van, hatchback, SUV, trailer, or even an RV, chances are the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress will work for you. And unless you have an ultra-slender backpacking tent, chances are the AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress will fit in your tent, too. It’s even perfect for living room floors and slumber parties. Now, if you do chuck this slumber-saver of a mattress in the back of your vehicle, you may need to deploy our revolutionary Head Support Bridge Attachments. These nifty, included attachments snap onto your front headrests, hook onto loops integrated into the head of the mattress, and suspend the mattress above any gaps between your front seats and folded back seats. They’re easy to use, and turn this extremely comfy tent-ready camping mattress into a multi-purpose vehicle-camping machine. AIR Vehicle Mattress Best For: SUV and hatchback drivers who want our original, award-winning, best-selling, snooze-inducing, ultra-tough mattress. If you’ve been a fan of Luno for years now, you already know about our rugged yet comfy AIR Vehicle Mattress. As far as we’re concerned, this is still the best car camping mattress for your money on the market, for a few reasons. Firstly, the AIR Vehicle Mattress is designed to fit in a wide range of compatible SUVs and hatchbacks. Every curve of the mattress has been meticulously drawn up by our engineering team, ensuring that wasted space is minimized and sleeping real estate is maximized. It also comes with inflatable Head Support Space Fillers, which some campers will use to fill the gaps between front seats and folded back seats.  Additionally, the AIR Vehicle Mattress is available in several sizes, enabling us to better match your vehicle. Just input your vehicle make, model, and year into the relevant fields on our AIR Vehicle Mattress page, and voila—we’ll send you the perfect mattress for your adventure rig.  But what really sets our mattresses apart from the competition is no doubt our construction. We use mindfully mapped O-beams—air chambers that offer campers excellent, full-body support. We also purposefully crafted this mattress out of 300-denier Oxford nylon—a tough, waterproof, polyurethane-coated fabric that can withstand puppy paws, pine needles, you name it. And if you do happen to thrash your mattress on an off-road adventure, no worries. Every Luno mattress comes with a one-year warranty, and even beyond that year, our customer support team will do their best to help you get back on the road in no time. AIR Truck Bed Mattress Best for: Truck campers who want a mattress that’s as rugged as their rig–and don’t want to build a platform to maximize sleeping space. Our AIR Truck Bed Mattress is built in the same tried-and-true construction as our award-winning, flagship AIR Vehicle Mattress. It has the same internal O-beam supports and is crafted from the same ultra-rugged 300-denier coated nylon material. What’s different? The shape and sizing.  As the name suggests, the AIR Truck Bed Mattress is designed to turn your truck bed into, well, an actual bed. The cutouts and overall shape of the mattress reflect the typical positioning of truck wheel wells, again minimizing wasted space and maximizing sleeping real estate.However, not all truck beds are built to the same specs, so you’ll find two AIR Truck Bed Mattress options available: one for mid-size five-foot beds, and another for mid-size six-foot beds. The five-foot bed option comes with two Tailgate Buddies—inflatable rectangles that allow you to drop the tailgate and extend your mattress to an impressive length of six feet and seven inches. If you go for the six-foot bed option, the mattress is already six feet long, so it doesn’t include Tailgate Buddies. Which Truck Bed Mattress is right for you simply depends on the make and model of your vehicle and the length of your truck bed. AIR Van Front Cab Mattress Best for: Van-lifers who are looking for the easiest, most cost-effective way to add an extra bed to their rig. Our AIR Van Front Cab Mattress won’t be the main mattress in your van. Most van builds enable campers to utilize traditional mattresses—although we have met a few folks who swear by our new AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattresses. However, the AIR Van Front Cab Mattress is a welcome addition to any vanlife setup, as it turns your front seats into a compact yet comfortable guest room. Thanks to a brilliantly designed mattress and included footwell fillers, the AIR Van Front Cab Mattress bridges the seats of your van. When inflated via the rechargeable, included air pump, it transforms the front seats into a comfortable sleeping platform. It’s perfect for kids, guests under 5’7”, and even pets who need room to sprawl. It’s also worth noting that the Van Front Cab Mattress construction is the same as our award-winning, trip-proven AIR Vehicle Mattress, utilizing O-beam supports and rugged, 300-denier Oxford nylon. All things considered, van-lifers of all creeds love this mattress, as it makes it much more comfortable to travel with friends, family, and pets. AIR 4Runner Vehicle Mattress Best for: 4Runner owners on the hunt for a mattress that’s purpose-built for their cult-classic adventure rig. We love car camping in 4Runners. So much so that we decided to create a custom mattress designed exclusively for these epic adventure rigs. The AIR 4Runner Vehicle Mattress is quite similar to our best-selling AIR Vehicle Mattress. It features a double-sided design and O-beam supports, and it’s crafted from our tough, waterproof 300-denier Oxford nylon. However, every inch of the mattress is sized and shaped specifically for 4Runners. The same goes for the inflatable Head Support Space Fillers, which fill any gaps between the front and back seats and support the mattress. It’s worth noting that some 4Runners—namely those without third-row seating—don’t need Head Support Space Fillers, so be sure to input your make, model, and year into the relevant fields and we’ll send you the right mattress for your rig.   AIR XRD 4Runner Mattress Best for: Solo adventurers and 4Runner owners who dig aftermarket mods and limited-edition gear.  Like the AIR 4Runner Vehicle Mattress, the AIR XRD 4Runner Mattress is sized and shaped to fit flawlessly in one of the world’s most legendary adventure rigs. The first thing you’ll notice when you check out the limited-edition XRD, however, is the color. The raven-black mattress doesn’t just look badass–it’s actually crafted from a lighter, stronger, stain-resistant, cold-resistant, 300-denier nylon ripstop. If you like to camp in the winter, considering the XRD is a smart move. The other distinguishing feature of the XRD mattress is the zipper, which bisects the two halves of the mattress. Most Luno mattresses feature a double-sided design, with two mattress halves that can be inflated separately. This allows campers to customize firmness to their liking, and, if camping solo, to inflate one side and fold the other underneath, saving space in the trunk for gear. However, solo XRD campers can unzip the zipper and ditch half of the mattress, cutting mattress weight and packed volume in half. ___ A Map To Your New Favorite Camping Mattress There you have it—the ins and outs of each and every Luno mattress available right now. We hope this guide helps you narrow down your search for the best car camping mattress, truck camping mattress, van front cab mattress, and beyond. And more importantly, we hope this guide helps you get out there, enjoy the great outdoors, and make some memories in the wilderness with friends and family. After all, that’s the reason we made all these mattresses in the first place. Thanks for reading, and as always, we’ll see you on the road. -The Luno Crew PS. Don’t forget to stock up on accessories like fitted sheets, packable pillows, and more!

The Complete Highway Handbook: A Beginner-Friendly Intro To Car Camping

The Complete Highway Handbook: A Beginner-Friendly Intro To Car Camping Description:Getting into car camping can be daunting. That’s why we launched the Highway Handbook–a beginner-friendly guide to car camping in blog form–this past year. Every month for seven months, we answered a frequently asked question that often ends up in our DMs (or in your Google search bar). That process resulted in the following Highway Handbook blog posts: Vol. 1: What Is Car Camping? Vol. 2: Is Car Camping Fun? Vol. 3: Is Car Camping Safe? Vol. 4: What Do I Need For Overnight Car Camping? Vol. 5: How To Camp During Busy Holiday Weekends Vol. 6: How To Stay Cool While Camping Vol. 7: How To Car Camp Legally In National Parks Essentially, the Highway Handbook is full of information we wish we’d known before we went car camping for the first time. To help you navigate this stockpile of car camping resources, we’re doing something different for this eighth and final edition of the series. Below, we’ll summarize each article and share a couple of our favorite tips and tricks from each one. Our goals here are twofold. First, we want to help you get a crash course in all things car camping. Secondly, we hope this points you toward articles worth exploring further before your next adventure. Now, without further ado, let’s dive in. What Is Car Camping?Highway Handbook Volume 1 Defining “car camping” is surprisingly difficult–so much so that we dedicated our first Highway Handbook article largely to this topic. The difficulty stems from the fact that the definition of car camping has changed over time. Historically, car camping has referred to camping in a tent near a parked vehicle. The phrase helped distinguish trailhead hangouts and roadside overnights from backpacking, which, of course, refers to trekkers who haul gear in packs and hike far from their vehicles. Nowadays, car camping also refers to campers who spend the night in the vehicles (preferably on an ultra-comfy Luno mattress). For clarity’s sake, this is the definition that we stick to here at Luno, and we call camping in a tent near a parked car “tent camping.” Tip # 1: Take Into Account The Pros and Cons of Car Camping After breaking down definitions of car camping, overlanding, and more, we take a moment in this first Highway Handbook article to discuss the pros and cons of car camping. If you’re on the fence and unsure if car camping is for you, you’ll definitely want to give this article a read. Here are a few of the top reasons why we love car camping and prefer it over all alternatives: Safety: Car camping is much safer than tent camping, namely because you can lock your vehicle. Whether you’re worried about critters or camp crime, car camping is the way to go.  Comfort: Forget tossing and turning on bumpy, uneven ground. When you’re camping in vehicle, you have a flat sleeping platform at the ready as soon as you drop your backseats. Factor in a comfortable, adventure-ready Luno mattress and you’ll be sleeping better than ever on your next trip.   Gear Hauling:  Don’t get us wrong, we love backpacking. But one of the many alluring aspects of car camping is that you have room in your trunk for all of the extras. When you're camping in your rig, you can bring bikes, climbing gear, fishing rods–or all of the above! Tip #2: Get Dialed In With Car Camping Basics  Unsure what gear you need to give car camping a shot? No worries, you’re in the right place. In this first Highway Handbook article, we also discuss basic car camping gear, including: Luno mattresses: Our mattresses are incredibly comfortable, rugged, and built for life on (and off) the road. They’re also available in a range of shapes and sizes that correspond to diverse vehicle makes and models. Input your vehicle make, model, and year here, and we’ll get you dialed in with the right mattress for your rig! Our new Packable Camp Pillow: Whether you’re camping in an RV, a van, or an SUV, our Packable Camp Pillow is the way to go. It’s slightly smaller and more compressible than a standard pillow, making it easy to transport. It’s also stuffed with removable shredded memory foam that allows campers to fine-tune firmness to their liking. Once you camp with this pillow, there’s no going back! Organization Essentials: One of the most important tips we can give first-time car campers is this: stay organized. An organized rig reduces stress on the road more than anything else. After all, the goal is to use your gear, not waste time looking for it. Organization essentials like our Cargo Hammock, Upcycled Gear Tote, Seatback Organizer, and more will help you keep your rig in ship-shape and your gear accessible.  Is Car Camping Fun?Highway Handbook Volume 2 Still not sure if car camping is for you? Give this second Highway Handbook post a read. We dive into a few reasons why we think car camping is the most fun way to camp on the planet, among them: Tip #1: Cook Up A Storm We already mentioned how car camping allows you to haul more gear. Perhaps more importantly, car camping allows you to haul more grub, too. When we’re car camping, we like to bring healthy produce and proteins, savory sauces, s’mores–you name it. You can pack a cooler with your favorite beverages, whip up a storm for your friends and family, or even cook over an open flame (assuming there are no fire bans). Tip #2: Embrace The Detour If you’re relying on public transportation, you’re tied to an itinerary. Not so when you’re road-tripping. Car campers are free to embrace the art of the detour. Stumble upon a funky roadside restaurant? Give it a try! A local recommends a hike you just can’t miss? Go check it out! Is Car Camping Safe?Highway Handbook Volume 3 If you’re new to car camping, safety is undoubtedly a primary concern. However, safety is also a primary reason why we love car camping. In this third edition of the Highway Handbook, we break down several reasons why car camping is safer than other modes of camping and share a few of our favorite tips for staying safe during car camping trips. Tip # 1: Carefully Consider Critters When you’re camping in the wilderness, critters can always pose a threat. Of course, the extent of that threat depends on the critters at play. Mosquitos and gnats? They might be more of an annoyance than a danger. Grizzly bears? Play your cards wrong and you might not come home. That said, car camping provides better protection from virtually all critters than alternative camping methods. The raised platform of the vehicle makes snakes and scorpions less of a concern. Locking car doors provides welcome peace of mind and protection when it comes to grizzlies, wolves, and other apex predators. And when you use our mesh Car Window Screens and Sunroof Window Screen, you can enjoy a welcome breeze in your vehicle without inviting those pesky mosquitos and gnats. All told, if you want to feel safer while spending nights in the woods, car camping has your name on it. Tip #2: Bring a Camp Buddy One of the best safety tips we can share with you is to bring a camp buddy. We love solo adventures, but the fact of the matter is that camping with a friend or significant other dramatically decreases your risk. How so? Well, first off, you’re less susceptible to camp crime when you’re traveling with another camper (or more). Unpleasant brushes with bears are also less likely in bigger groups, or at the very least, you have a better chance of scaring them off. Plus, in the event of an emergency, you have more folks on deck to help out. If you’re injured and need medical attention, or you need to drive to the hospital, having a camp buddy is invaluable. What Do I Need For Overnight Car Camping?Highway Handbook Volume 4 This fourth Highway Handbook article provides aspiring adventurers with a deep dive into the gear you need for outdoor overnights, including mattresses purpose-built for car camping and storage essentials. But that’s not all. We also stress the importance of intangibles like pre-trip planning, preventive vehicle maintenance, how and why we’re always keeping an eye on the weather, and more. Tip #1: Use Apps And Maps To Your Advantage  One of the most useful tools you have in your car camping arsenal is already in your pocket. Your phone can be a mission-critical piece of equipment, whether you’re looking for a place to camp or checking weather and road conditions. Our advice? Load up your phone with adventure-ready apps like iOverlander, our go-to app for finding free car camping, and GAIA, a helpful mapping app for offline adventures. And last but not least, don’t forget to download maps and more before you leave the realm of cell service! Tip #2: Pack Safety Gear While pre-trip planning and common sense can keep you out of trouble, bringing safety gear along for your adventures is still a smart play. No matter where we roam or how close we are to home, we like to car camp with two vital pieces of safety equipment:  A Satellite Communication Device: A satellite comms device, like a Garmin inReach, allows you to communicate with friends and family, or, in a worst-case scenario, search and rescue.  A First Aid Kit: A First Aid Kit is absolutely essential, whether you’re dealing with minor scrapes or more serious injuries. It’s equally important that you know how to use it, so be sure to take a Wilderness First Aid course, too. How To Camp During Busy Holiday WeekendsHighway Handbook Volume 5 There’s an art to camping during holiday weekends, and we spill all the secrets in this fifth Highway Handbook article. Overall, the main trick is to adjust the way you plan your trip, but it’s helpful to adjust your mindset, too. Tip #1: Target Less Popular Destinations Popular destinations like national parks are understandably overrun on holiday weekends. The best way to car camp during hectic holidays, then, is to avoid these ultra-popular destinations, and instead target hidden gems and remote wilderness areas. Use holiday weekends as an excuse to take a longer trip, go deeper, and venture off the beaten path. Tip #2: Have A Backup Plan (And A Backup Plan For Your Backup Plan) Unless you have a reservation locked in for a campsite (which isn’t a bad idea on holiday weekends), it pays to have a plan B and C in your back pocket. Use apps like iOverlander to find nearby BLM land where dispersed camping is allowed. Map out Walmarts and rest areas ahead of your trip, just in case you’re in a pinch and need a place to park for the night. When you’re camping in your vehicle with a Luno mattress, you can even stealth camp in quiet neighborhoods if your campground of choice is full. How To Stay Cool While CampingHighway Handbook Volume 6 Sky-rocketing temps got you down? Don’t sweat it. In this sixth Highway Handbook article, we break down our favorite car camping strategies and gear for beating the heat. Tip #1: Use Window Screens And Fans To Your Advantage When you’re car camping in warm weather, airflow is your friend. And the best way to generate airflow is a combination of our Window Screens and Car Camping Fan. Our Window Screens and Sunroof Window Screen are made of durable, stretchy mesh that blocks bugs but let’s in the cooling breeze. An added benefit? The black fabric also helps block the sun and gives car campers more privacy in busy campgrounds. If the breeze isn’t cooperating, our Car Camping Fan is a must. This compact yet powerful five-inch fan has three speeds, powers via USB-C, and boasts an articulating suction-cup mount so you can aim it directly at your kisser. Separately, these sleep-enhancing essentials are kick-ass. Together, they’ll revolutionize your nights on the road. Tip #2: Pick Your Destination Wisely As much as we love the desert, we tend to avoid it during the warmer months. Instead, we’ll head to high-alpine zones and cooler coastal areas to beat the heat. Similarly, as much as we love road-tripping in Mexico, you’re more likely to find us in the Northern US or Canada during the summer. Warmer weather means that northern latitudes are likely the move. Bonus Tip: While the above advice is sound, nothing’s written in stone. It’s equally important to check the weather before you head out. That way, if your destination of choice is too hot, you can pivot and head to a cooler locale. That ability to pivot your plans at the last minute is one of many reasons why we love car camping so much. If you’re travelling by rail or train, you simply don’t have that freedom. How To Car Camp Legally In National ParksHighway Handbook Volume 7 If you’ve ever tried to car camp for free in a national park, you know it’s easier said than done. There are “no overnight parking” signs everywhere, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed when looking for a place to camp. In this seventh edition of the Highway Handbook, we share car camping tricks that help us explore and enjoy national parks without any stress. Tip #1: Plan–And Reserve Your Campsite–In Advance Sadly, you won’t find free, legal car camping in national parks. Instead, you’ll want to splurge and reserve a campsite at a campground operated by the national park. These campgrounds may cost a pretty penny–especially compared to the free car camping we prefer–but they do have advantages. First off, you eliminate the stress of finding a site on a busy weekend when you have a reservation. Additionally, you’ll find amenities like bathrooms, trash receptacles, fire pits, toilets, showers, and the like. That said, these campgrounds can sell out extremely quickly, so it pays to plan in advance. Campsites are often released six months ahead of time on recreation.gov, but the release schedule varies from park to park and even campground to campground. Do your research as far in advance as possible so the odds are in your favor, then set an alarm on your calendar so you can jump on sites when they are released. Tip #2: Camp Nearby And Take Day Trips Into The Park While free, legal car camping isn’t usually available inside national park boundaries, you can generally find it within a quick drive. After all, national parks are often neighbored by BLM land, national forests, and other less crowded, less regulated public lands that offer car campers the opportunity to enjoy free dispersed camping. Use apps like iOverlander to map out potential campsites near the national park of your choice, then take day trips into the park and explore to your heart’s content. ______ You’ve Taken The Crash Course, But It’s Far From Over There you have it–a quick-and-dirty rundown of our Highway Handbook series. We hope this series, and this article in particular, helps you confidently embrace car camping and sidestep some of the common mistakes greenhorns inevitably make. That said, the very best learning you can do is out on the road. So gear up, assemble your squad, hop in your rig, and get after it! Thanks for reading, and as always, we’ll see you on the road, The Luno Crew