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Camp Cuisine: 11 Meals You Need to Try This Camping Season

Camp Cuisine: 11 Meals You Need to Try This Camping Season

Camp Cuisine: 11 Meals You Need to Try This Camping Season Description:One of the biggest misconceptions about camping? The food sucks. Sure, you can rely on uninspired dehydrated meals, subsist on nuts and seeds for days on end like a starving squirrel, or char hot dogs past the point of no return over a bonfire. But with a little love and proper planning, camp cooking can be fun and flavorful. Today, we’re going to show you how to whip up camp meals like you’re Guy CampFierri. Get it? CampFierri? Like campfire… Nevermind. Poorly executed puns aside, consider this article a cookbook for your next campout—maybe even a full menu for your next adventure. The Recipe Breakdown Here’s a quick breakdown for you. Below, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite recipes and go-to dishes, including three breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners. For each mealtime, we’ve included a “No Stove Needed” recipe, a “Jetboil” recipe, and a “Two-Burner Recipe.” No Stove Needed: If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest option, these recipes are for you. No need to fiddle or fuss with a stove. Just toss these ingredients together and go. Jetboil: Jetboils are single-burner, integrated canister stoves, meaning they’re best-suited for boiling water and one-pot dishes like ramen or mac and cheese.  Our “Jetboil” recipes aren’t as quick as our “No Stove Needed” meals, but they’re served hot–a welcome treat on chilly nights at camp. Plus, they’re quicker, easier, and less involved than our “Two-Burner” meals. Two-Burner: If we’re cooking an involved meal or feeding three or more people, we’re on the two-burner. A reliable two-burner stove allows you to sizzle, sauté, and sear just like you would at home. Our “Two-Burner” dishes can be more time-intensive, but if you’re smart about your meal prep before you hit camp, it’s amazing how much you can streamline your cooking process. Spice It Up: Many of these recipes are purposefully simple. We’re talking three or four basic ingredients. Some have even less. You can go the bare-bones route for a quick-and-easy meal, or spice it up with extra ingredients (we’ve listed some, and you can easily freestyle others).  For instance, our recipe for ramen starts out with two ingredients: eggs and a ramen packet. The result is pretty damn good, especially when you consider how easy it is to make (you just crack an egg into the ramen as it’s cooking and voila!). But if you want to take the dish to the next level, we also share our favorite ways to spice it up, like adding some spicy chilli paste, chopped tofu and mushrooms, or topping the steaming soup with basil and bean sprouts.  Long story short? Depending on how much time you have–and how elaborate you want your meal prep to be–you can easily tune these recipes to the adventure at hand. Stocking Up Your Camp Kitchen: Last thing to note before we get cooking. (That pun was much better.) If you need tips, tricks, and gear recommendations on how to build the ultimate car camping kitchen, check out our full guide to the subject here. In this helpful article, we discuss everything from our favorite two-burner stove to organizing hacks and Luno storage essentials we can’t camp without. 3 Easy, Delicious Camp Breakfasts It’s cliché to say, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you’re on an adventure. Here are a few tried-and-true camp breakfasts that are easy, delicious, and nutritious to boot. No Stove Needed: Granola Bowl Why We Love It: This breakfast is as healthy and versatile as it is easy to make. Basic Ingredients: Yogurt Granola Fresh or dried fruit Extra Ingredients: Add high-protein extras like nuts, seeds, and peanut butter. The world is your oyster. Don’t add oysters, though, that probably won’t taste too good. Prep: Aside from chopping fruit (which you can do at home for quicker camp meal prep), this one is incredibly straightforward. Toss the ingredients together in a bowl and eat up! Jetboil:  Adventure-Ready Oatmeal Why We Love It: On cold mornings at camp, a steaming bowl of oatmeal is a great way to warm up your belly. Plus, it packs a seriously nutritious punch, especially if you spruce it up like we do. Basic Ingredients: Oatmeal (we like quick oats or instant oats to minimize cook time) Extra Ingredients: Oatmeal on its own is admittedly bland, but the right toppings can make it a truly sublime camp breakfast. Nuts (we usually go with almonds and cashews) Seeds (flax and sunflower are always a hit) Peanut or almond butter Fresh or dried fruit (berries and bananas for the win) A drizzle of honey or maple syrup won’t hurt Prep: Cook oatmeal as directed, then add toppings. Stirring is your friend, especially if you are whipping this up in a Jetboil. The pot can burn the oatmeal and be a pain to clean. Another option: just boil the water, put the quick oats in a bowl, pour hot water over the oatmeal, then stir. Two-Burner: The Eternally Beloved Breakfast Burrito Why We Love It: If you’re hoping to impress your camp date or just fuel up for a big day ahead, breakfast burritos are a smart pick. You can do them fast and simple, or take your time and go all out. Plus, the wrap-style dish can be eaten on the go. Basic Ingredients: Eggs Tortillas Salsa Extra Ingredients: Shredded cheese Home-style potatoes Avocado Bacon or sausage Hot Sauce Prep: We like to go with a scramble for breakfast burritos at camp, although runny sunny-side up eggs are a tasty play, too—it’s just a little messier. The Easy Way: Heat up some butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat on the two-burner stove. Crack and beat your eggs in a bowl, adding a splash of water for that chef’s kiss fluffiness. Pour the eggs into the skillet and work ‘em with a spatula so they cook evenly. Scoop the eggs onto a tortilla, top with store-bought salsa, and wrap it up. Bacon Is Better: If we’ve got the time, though, we like to fry up some home fries in one skillet and get the bacon started in another before we work on the eggs. Once those ingredients are cooked and ready to rock, we’ll move them off the heat and start on the scramble.  Before the eggs are fully cooked, we’ll add chopped bacon, home fries, as well as shredded cheese so the scramble can melt into a gooey ambrosia. Top with hot sauce, avocado, and, if you’re really not playing, a homemade salsa (chopped jalapenos, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice… maybe some peaches or mango if in season!), then wrap! Don’t Forget The Coffee: Nothing beats a hot cup of java in the morning when you’re camping. If you want a fast caffeine fix, instant coffee is the way to go. But not all instant options are as flavorful as we’d like them to be, which is why we developed our own Campers Blend Instant Craft Coffee in collaboration with Doma Coffee Roasters. Check out our guide to making killer instant coffee here, where we dive into the nuances of water temperature, fun spin-offs like Vietnamese coffees and Greek frappés, and more. 4 Epic Lunches To Try On Your Next Camping Trip To be honest, most of the time when we’re camping, we’re not eating lunch at camp at all. We might be upriver at a fishing spot, mid-hike, or chilling at the crag between climbing sessions. As such, we’ve purposefully included a couple of easier options here. That said, if you are hanging around at camp, a hot lunch can definitely feel luxurious and make your day! No Stove Needed: Trail-Ready Charcuterie Why We Love It: This can be as fancy as you want it to be. You might have a full-on spread of mustards and fig jams, French cheeses and Spanish ham, all laid out on a cutting board… Or, you might have a ziplock bag full of salami and cheese. Either way, we’re here for it. Basic Ingredients: Cured meats (prosciutto, salami, even classic cold cuts like smoked turkey and ham) Cheeses of choice Crackers Extra ingredients: Olives and pickles Mustards and jams Sliced fruit (apples, pears, strawberries, etc.) Toasted baguette slices Prep: Try not to smash everything together in your backpack, because presentation is key. Lay out the ingredients on a plate, cutting board, or, for bonus points, a smooth river rock or your upturned ski base. Make sure everything looks just-so for the ‘gram, snap that camping charcuterie pic so everyone knows how cultured and outdoorsy you are, then house it with your hands like a wild animal. Bonus Trail-Ready Lunch: Breakfast Burrito Leftovers Remember that tasty breakfast burrito we described above? Make extra burritos, then wrap them in tinfoil so you can munch ‘em for lunch. We can’t think of a better, easier trail meal. In fact, we’ll let you in on a little secret. Sometimes, when we don’t want to spend any time cooking at camp, we’ll make a big batch of burritos at home, freeze them, chuck ‘em in the cooler, and then reheat as needed on the two-burner or over a campfire. Jetboil: Ramen On The Run Why We Love It: Ramen on its own? Pretty good. Ramen with an egg in it? Campers go crazy! Basic Ingredients: Ramen (Any old packet from the grocery store will do). Eggs - crack ahead of time and store in a jar or tuperware Extra ingredients: Chilli paste Chopped veggies (green onions, carrots, onions, mushrooms, peppers, bok choy, snap peas) Tofu Prep:The Easy Way: Boil water in your Jetboil, then add the ramen brick and the flavor packet. After a minute or so, crack eggs into the mixture. Keep an eye on them—you want the whites to cook through without losing the gooeyness of the yolk. Dial back the heat so it doesn’t overflow. A Healthier And Heartier OptionIf you’re adding veggies, add carrots, onions, and peppers before the ramen, because they take longer to cook. Mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu are pretty fast, so they can go in at the same time as the ramen. 📍 Pro Tip: Add extra toppings for flair, flavor, and crunch! We like to top off our camp ramen with fresh basil, minced peanuts, bean sprouts, crispy onions, you name it. Two-Burner: A Simple Grilled Cheese (With A Tangy Twist) Why We Love It: Grilled cheese is a comfort food, no doubt about it. But the big reason we highly suggest adding grilled cheese to your camp recipe repertoire is that they can be prepared a million ways with all sorts of ingredients.  The classic grilled cheese is always a hit–some cheddar, sourdough, a little oil to crisp up that bread. But we like to throw one key ingredient—pickles—into the sandwich for a tangy kick! Ingredients: Olive oil or butter Sourdough bread Sharp cheddar cheese Pickles (Dill or spicy, ideally in rounds or slices) Prep: Lather the outside of each piece of bread with olive oil or butter Stack cheddar slices and pickles to your liking Sizzle it up on low to medium heat for a few minutes per side. You want the bread to be toasted to perfection and the cheese to be one, uniform, melted mess. Looking for more grilled cheese ideas? Check out our guide to irresistible grilled cheeses here, where we deep dive into a prosciutto, pesto, and provolone sando (The Triple P) and a blackberry, brie, and basil option (The Triple B). Both are A+ camp lunches! 4 Hearty Camp Dinners To Fuel Up For Another Day Of Adventure Dinner is our favorite time to spend at camp. Tired and stoked after an action-packed day, grubbing down with your adventure buddies, kicking back on a log or in your go-to camp chair… that’s hard to beat. And that’s especially true when you’re eating well.  No Stove Needed: Chopped Veggie Salad Why We Love It: When’s the last time you ate a salad while camping? With mom-approved nutrition facts, no stove required, and umpteen variations, a chopped salad is just the ticket on a warm summer night. Basic Ingredients: Greens (arugula, romaine, spinach—choose your fighter). Chopped veggies (carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, the more the merrier) Your favorite dressing (we like to keep it simple with balsamic vinegar and olive oil) Extra Ingredients To Pack This Salad With Protein: Hard-boiled eggs (it’s way easier to hard-boil a bunch at home before your trip!) Camp-friendly fish! We’re talking smoked salmon, tuna, anchovies, sardines, etcetera. Nuts and seeds Steak or chicken (pre-cook and cut these proteins at home so you’re ready to mix them into the salad at camp!) Prep: Don’t overthink it. It’s a salad! Jetboil: Mac N’ Cheese With Tuna Why We Love It: This recipe is actually one of our go-to backpacking meals. It’s so simple, hearty, and tasty that we’ve taken to cooking it while car camping, too, especially if we’re pressed for time. Ingredients: Box of mac and cheese Can of tuna Extra Ingredients:  Sun-dried tomatoes Sriracha or another heat source (We’ve got this in the extra ingredients category, but we consider it essential. Mac and cheese with tuna is good, mac and cheese with a kick is way better.  Sriracha is our usual move, or you can keep it classic with Tabasco, Cholula, etcetera. Prep: Cook the pasta as directed by the box.  Transfer pasta from the Jetboil to your bowls (This is crucial, because chances are your camp bowls are easier to clean than your Jetboil pot) Mix the cheesy powder into the mac. Sometimes, when we’re camping, we won’t bother bringing milk, we’ll just use butter, as it’s easier to store.  Drain tuna, then mix it into the mac.  Add extras like sun-dried tomatoes and sriracha to taste! Two-Burner: Walking Tacos Why We Love It: If you caught our recent article on Walking Tacos, you already know we’re big fans. These deconstructed tacos are tasty, fun, and perfect for a big group. Below, we’ll share an abridged version of this recipe. Basic Ingredients: Cooking oil  1 pound of ground beef (or veggie alternative) Taco seasoning  Chips (Fritos are the classic option–you may have also heard this dish referred to as “Frito Pie–but Doritos work well, too.) Diced onion (optional) Taco Toppings:  Sour cream (You can also use plain Greek yogurt. Make sure you don’t accidentally get vanilla.) Chopped or grilled onion Salsa (we have a soft spot for Herdez Guacamole Salsa) Hot sauce  Shredded cheese Shredded lettuce Diced tomato Jalapeño Avocado or guacamole Black olives Prep: Saute onions in oil, then add ground beef and stir until cooked thoroughly, adding taco seasoning to taste Pour chips in a bowl (originally, this recipe would use little bags of chips, hence the name “Walking Tacos,” but that just creates more trash at camp, so we prefer to go with a bigger bag and use camp bowls. It’s not as fun, but it’s better for the environment!)  Top chips with a helping of beef, then add toppings to taste. (We like to chop and prep toppings at home for quicker taco assembly at camp.) Open Flame: Steak And Potatoes Why We Love It: If campfires are permitted, cooking over an open flame is a memorable experience. And why not go with the classic pairing of steak and potatoes!? Ingredients: Steak (We love a rib-eye) Potatoes  Butter Potato Prep: The potatoes will take longer, so start here. Get the fire going until you have a robust bed of coals. Poke the potatoes with a fork, rub ‘em down with butter, then wrap each potato tightly and securely in tinfoil and tuck them into bed (the bed of coals, that is) for about 40-50 minutes. Timing will depend on the heat of the fire and the size of the potato. Steak Prep: If you have a decent cut of meat on your hands, there’s no need to go crazy with seasoning. A little salt, pepper, and olive oil, and you’re good to go. Slap the steaks on the campfire grate and flip to cook evenly. Like the potatoes, timing will depend on heat, thickness of the cut, and how you like your steak cooked (anything but well-done, please). Step Up Your Culinary Camping Game There you have it: 11 adventure-ready recipes to help you step up your camp cooking game.  We highly suggest you give one of these recipes a shot on your next trip. Chances are you’ll be blown away by how easy, convenient, and flavorful it is! And don’t be afraid to experiment, either, and make these dishes your own. At the very least, you should be able to save the dehydrated meals for your next ultralight backpacking mission.  As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you on the road! -The Luno Crew

A Complete Guide To Camping In National Parks

A Complete Guide To Camping In National Parks

A Complete Guide To Camping In National Parks Description:Our national parks are a national treasure (shout-out Nicolas Cage—we appreciate you protecting our Constitution from bad guys). All jokes aside, thanks to the hard-working National Park Service, our most magnificent wild places are conserved for current and future generations to enjoy. And the best way to enjoy these stunning public lands, in our humble opinion, is on a camping trip.  Simply put, camping in national parks puts you at the heart of the action. Instead of commuting from afar, you can start your day at the foot of mighty peaks or sip your morning coffee while gazing out at a spectacular desert vista. If you have a big day of hiking, climbing, fly fishing, exploring, or just relaxing in a hammock on the docket, there’s no better launch point than a national park campground.  In this guide to camping in national parks, we’ll first break down the differences between frontcountry and backcountry camping—an important distinction as you’re planning a trip. Next, we’ll share a handful of important tips to keep in mind while planning a camping trip to these popular public lands. Finally, we’ll nerd out on a few must-have pieces of gear. Where to Camp: The Difference Between Frontcountry and Backcountry Camping You essentially have two options for camping within national park boundaries: frontcountry or backcountry camping.  What is frontcountry camping?  Frontcountry camping means you can park your vehicle at the campsite–no heavy backpacks are required. Frontcountry campgrounds are easily accessible and usually reservable in advance, although some are first-come, first-served. They also cost a designated fee and often provide access to amenities like bathrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits. You can pitch a tent or sleep in your vehicle in most frontcountry campsites, and some even accommodate RVs with electric hookups.  Who it’s best for: If you’re looking for an easy camping experience—and love to haul lots of gear, beer, and tasty grub—frontcountry camping is for you. What is backcountry camping?  Anytime you say sayonara to your vehicle and camp in the wilderness in a national park, you’re backcountry camping. Sometimes, backcountry campers will bed down in designated campsites, but oftentimes, they’ll make camp wherever they can reduce their impact on the ecosystem. Amenities, it follows, are often scarce, and backcountry permits are standard issue. Who it’s best for: If you love to get away from the crowds, have lightweight and packable gear, and want to explore deeper, less-traveled zones in national parks, this option is for you. Backpackers, bikepackers, backcountry skiers, and whitewater rafters all fall into this category. Because frontcountry camping and backcountry camping necessitate such different planning strategies, we’ll be focusing on frontcountry camping in this guide. If you’re hoping to pitch a tent near your vehicle or camp inside your rig, keep on reading! 9 Tips To Keep In Mind When Camping In National Parks 1. Invest In An America The Beautiful Pass Most national parks in the United States require an entrance fee. Those fees vary from park to park, but they’re usually $30 to $35 for a vehicle entrance pass. You can check the entrance prices for all 63 national parks and hundreds of other federally managed preserves, historic trails, national monuments, and more here.  Our advice? Invest in an America The Beautiful Pass. These annual passes cost $80 (they’re only $20 for seniors!) and provide access to public lands overseen by the NPS as well as additional lands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and the Bureau Of Land Management, among others. If you average more than two national park visits a year, it’s a smart investment. 2. Learn the Differences Between Parks Every park is different, and camping options vary from park to park, so it pays to do your research. And when it comes to researching parks, we like to browse the National Park Service website. You can search for parks by state, and when you click through to your park of choice, you’ll be able to find everything from camping info to wildlife warnings and trail closures.  You may find heaps of reservable campgrounds and no first-come, first-served options, or you might be completely out of luck unless you’re backpacking or backcountry camping. It all depends on the destination and the time of year you’re visiting. 3. Book Reservations like a Pro with Recreation.gov When it's time to book a site, use Recreation.gov. This online database of national parks and other federally managed public lands allows you to search, book, and reserve campgrounds across the country. You can even rent out yurts, cabins, and more if you’re looking for those types of accommodations! 4. Early Bird Gets The Worm Part 1: Reserving A Campsite If you’re booking a campsite, especially at a popular national park during the summer months, you can’t be too early to the party. If possible, plan your trip months in advance. Do your research on the NPS site and Recreation.gov to find out exactly when reservations become available (Pro tip: they can vary from campground to campground in the same national park!). When you find out when campsites are released, make an event on your calendar so you’re ready to book the moment they become available. Yup—it’s just like shopping for Taylor Swift tickets. 5. Early Bird Gets The Worm Part 2: First-Come, First-Served Sites If you’re heading to a first-come, first-served campground, expect it to be bursting at the seams come Friday afternoon. Going earlier in the week—and earlier in the morning—can improve your chances of finding a site. Regardless, it’s important to have a backup plan in case you don’t score a site. (See tip #8 to look beyond park boundaries for free dispersed camping possibilities). 6. Check For Last-Minute Campground Cancellations (Or Set An Alert) While booking early is undoubtedly the move at national park campgrounds, don’t give up hope just because your destination of choice is all booked up.  As reported in The Dyrt’s annual Camping Report, a whopping 25.8 percent of 2024 campers canceled reservations two or more days before their trip, and another 6.9 percent axed reservations less than 48 hours before their scheduled arrival.  Needless to say, it’s worth checking back in on Recreation.gov to see if sites open up as time rolls on. Another option? You can subscribe to The Dyrt Pro—The Dyrt’s premium app, which provides campers with maps, access to discounted campgrounds, and more. Dyrt Pro members can even schedule cancellation alerts that will ping you if a spot frees up at a specific campground. 7. Consider Mid-Week And Shoulder Season Travel Again, national parks are often slammed on summer weekends, making it tough to book a campsite on holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.  Now, if you’re quick on the draw, you can certainly score a reservation during those peak periods. However, a pro move is to book mid-week in the summer. Another option to help you beat the crowds? Travel during shoulder season—namely, early in spring or late in fall. Not only will you have a better chance of getting a campsite reservation, but there will also be significantly fewer day visitors and less trail traffic. 8. Look Beyond Park Boundaries For Free Dispersed Camping Looking for a free alternative to pricey campgrounds? Well, we’ve got good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that it’s virtually impossible to find free and legal camping in national park boundaries. You might be able to get away with a night or two in your rig in more remote nooks and crannies of bigger parks, but we don’t recommend it. While we’re happy to stealth camp in quiet neighborhoods that don’t have “no overnight parking” signs, such antics are usually explicitly prohibited in national parks and not worth the risk.  The good news? National parks are often bordered by national forests, BLM land, and other public lands that are more accommodating of free camping. Oftentimes, we’ll skip busy national park campgrounds and camp for free a stone’s throw outside of park boundaries, then explore within park boundaries on day trips.  📍Pro Tip: We like to use The Dyrt or iOverlander (another one of our must-have apps for camping) to hunt for free campsites. Be sure to give our comprehensive guide to free car camping a read for a deeper dive on this subject! 9. Leave No Trace Of course, any time you’re camping, it’s important to Leave No Trace. But because national parks see so much traffic, it’s especially key to keep Leave No Trace principles in mind during your visit. Check out our article on the seven Leave No Trace principles here to learn how to be a responsible and respectful steward of our public lands. It's always better to leave it better than you found it, even if it means picking up after the people before you. Gear To Help You Camp Comfortably In National Parks 1. A Comfy, Rugged Mattress If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep while camping in a national park, the most important piece of the puzzle is a comfortable mattress. That’s where we come in.  All Luno mattresses are extraordinarily comfortable, easy to set up, and rugged and reliable for your most demanding adventures. We make purpose-built mattresses for trucks, SUVs and hatchbacks, and vans that help you turn your rig into a cozy cabin on wheels. And while we’re best known for our vehicle-based mattresses, we also recently launched our versatile AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, which fits in tents and trunks alike. It’s been a game-changer for many Luno community members! 📍Pro Tip: Not sure which Luno mattress to pick? Check out this in-depth article, where we break down each mattress in our line and who it’s best for. 2. Manage The Summer Heat With Our Car Camping Fan And Window Screens  Camping in the summer can turn from a dream into a nightmare if you’re unprepared to deal with the heat.  A pro move to cope with rising temperatures? Check out our lineup of window screens so you can roll down your windows and welcome the breeze without letting in any mosquitoes, gnats, or other bugs. We have options for your sunroof, rear windows, and even trunk window for some vehicles. Plus, they add a touch of privacy and help block out the sun to help you sleep in. And if there’s no breeze to speak of? No problem. Just set up our Car Camping Fan. This compact and quiet yet powerful fan can run off your car jack or a portable power bank. It features a suction cup and articulating ball mount, so you can stick it to your dash or windows and aim it wherever you please. Honestly, it’s a little life-saver, producing welcome airflow on muggy, buggy nights. 3. Storage Essentials To Help You Stay Organized At Camp and On The Road A messy, unorganized pack job is another easy way to dampen an otherwise epic national park campout. Here are a few storage essentials to help you stay organized at camp (so you can spend more time enjoying the park and less time searching for that misplaced headlamp).  Cargo Hammock: This nifty net turns unused SUV ceiling space into invaluable storage real estate. We use it for stashing everything from sleeping bags and pillows to fly fishing rods and climbing gear. Mesh Gear Duffel: Thanks to the see-through mesh fabric, it’s easy to keep track of whatever you pack in this durable duffel. That mesh also lets damp duds and wet gear drip dry and air out so your rig stays odor-free! Gear & Shoe Storage Bag: Integrated magnets secure this storage bag to the outside of your vehicle. A waterproof lid and mesh bottom make it perfect for storing stinky shoes overnight. That said, the use cases are limitless, and we’ve also deployed these bags as trash and recycling receptacles, kitchen organizers, laundry baskets, you name it. 50L Gear Tote: This open-mouthed gear hauler is the ultimate utility player at camp. We use it for everything from hauling groceries to transporting damp wetsuits. Even better, it's crafted from upcycled mattresses, keeping them out of the landfill.   Seatback Organizer & Headrest Organizer: Like a bedside table for car campers, these two organizers provide storage space that’s easily accessible from the comfort of your Luno mattress. We like to use it to stash smaller essentials that you always want on hand, like your phone, car keys, headlamps, pocket knives, and the like. Explore And Enjoy Our National Parks As we’ve outlined above, camping in national parks isn’t without its challenges. Many of these protected public lands are incredibly popular (rightfully so!), and reserving campsites is often easier said than done. That said, we hope this article helps you strategize, plan, and execute camping trips to national parks. These public lands are, after all, some of our nation’s most prized treasures.  Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you at the park! -The Luno Crew

A Complete Guide to Truck Bed Camping

A Complete Guide to Truck Bed Camping

A Complete Guide to Truck Bed Camping Description:It’s no secret that the pickup truck is an ideal adventure rig. Built to haul heavy loads and navigate rutted-out backroads, a solid truck can take you and your beloved gear wherever you want to go. Not to mention, a truck bed accommodates equipment that a standard SUV trunk just can’t, from muddy mountain bikes to kayaks.  But you know what we love the most about trucks? They come ready to camp with a built-in sleeping platform and let you sleep up and out of the dirt, away from critters. That’s right—your truck bed is just a camp bed in disguise. All you need is an aftermarket truck bed camping mattress like our purpose-built Truck Bed Mattress or versatile AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress, and you can snooze like a champ at camp - no matter where you park. In this helpful article, we’ll define and outline the pros and cons of truck bed camping. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of truck camper shells and hard-shells, and soft camper toppers, two popular albeit pricier alternatives. Next, we’ll dive into a few of our favorite truck bed camping tips, highlighting everything from gear storage hacks to precipitation management. Finally, we’ll break down all four sizes of our AIR Truck Bed Mattress and our AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress to help you find the right truck bed camping mattress for you. What Is Truck Bed Camping? When we use the phrase “truck bed camping,” we’re talking about tossing a comfy, rugged, inflatable camping mattress into the back of your truck. Simple as that. We’re a big fan of this style of camping for a truckload of reasons, but here are a few of our favorites.  Unreal ComfortFirst off, truck bed camping is incredibly comfortable. Your truck bed doubles as a flat and stable sleeping platform, and when you add a comfy mattress, it’s a match made in heaven.  Quick And Easy SetupOur truck bed mattresses are easy to install. They come with an electric pump, and setup takes a matter of minutes. Deflation is similarly a cinch. If you like to set up camp quickly and hit the trail, river, crag, waves, etc. as soon as possible, truck bed camping is a fantastic option.  Take Advantage Of Your Truck’s Full Gear Hauling PotentialWhen you’re truck bed camping, you don’t need to sacrifice any of your gear-hauling potential like you do with a camper or truck shell (more on that below).  Instead, you can rely on your beloved truck to haul gear to and from your campsite, and quickly set up your mattress upon arrival. If you like to camp one day and use your truck normally the next, there’s no better way to play.  Sleep Under The Stars Nothing beats sleeping under the stars in the bed of your truck. You’re on a flat, comfortable, raised platform, so you’re out of the dirt and away from creepy-crawlies, but you still get to enjoy the tapestry of constellations overhead. Truck Bed Camping Versus Truck Campers Another popular option for truck owners? Truck campers. These self-contained, RV-style units fit into your truck bed and turn your vehicle into a house on wheels. The benefits here are obvious. When we use the phrase “truck bed camping,” we’re talking about tossing a comfy, rugged, inflatable camping mattress into the back of your truck. Simple as that. We’re a big fan of this style of camping for a truckload of reasons, but here are a few of our favorites.  Truck campers offer incredible comfort and home-like luxuries on the road, including features like toilets, hot showers, built-in kitchen sinks, and cozy seating areas. They also provide excellent weather protection, keeping you dry and sheltered in rough conditions. However, truck campers come with significant downsides: they're extremely expensive—often costing six figures—and they negatively impact your vehicle’s aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. Plus, they take up valuable truck bed space, limiting gear-hauling capabilities. If you have the budget and plan to live on the road full-time, a truck camper can be a great investment. But if you're looking to save money, preserve your truck's full utility, and keep your setup flexible for both weekday commutes and weekend adventures, a truck bed camping mattress is a much smarter and more versatile choice. Truck Bed Camping Versus Truck Campers Another popular option for truck owners? Truck campers. These self-contained, RV-style units fit into your truck bed and turn your vehicle into a house on wheels. The benefits here are obvious.  Comfort & LuxuriesFirst off, truck campers are often extremely comfortable, and they provide adventurers with the luxuries of home no matter where they roam. We’re talking toilets, hot showers, built-in kitchen sinks and stoves, tables and chairs for hanging out, you name it. Weather ProtectionAdditionally, truck campers offer top-notch weather protection—a warranted source of concern for folks sleeping under the stars on a truck bed mattress (one we’ll get into further below).  Cost, Aerodynamics, and Other Pitfalls of Truck CampersHowever, campers are not without their disadvantages. Namely, campers are expensive—we’re talking well over six figures for higher-end options. And speaking of cost, campers can drastically reduce your aerodynamics and lower your fuel efficiency, increasing your gas spend by painful margins on longer road trips. Navigating narrow backroads, low-hanging trees, or even tight parking garages can become a struggle as well. Still, our biggest qualm is that you lose the gear-hauling capacity of your truck bed.  Long story short, if you’ve got unlimited funds or are going to be living in your rig near full-time, a camper is a great move, and you’ll want to add racks to tote gear. But if you are camping on a budget, want to maximize your truck’s gear-hauling capacity, or need your weekend adventure rig to double as your weekday commuter, then going with a simple truck bed camping mattress is the smartest move. Another Option? Hard- And Soft-Topped Camper Shells Another option truck owners can consider? Camper shells. Unlike RV-style campers, shells don’t come with beds, bathrooms, or kitchens. Instead, they simply encapsulate the truck bed and protect it from the elements. Camper shells are much less expensive (and less livable) than RV-style campers, but they do offer excellent weather protection. You have two options here: hard- or soft-topped camper shells. Hard-topped shells are usually crafted from fiberglass, while soft options feature a canvas-style fabric that stretches over a metal frame. The Pros and Cons of Hard-Topped Truck Camper ShellsHard-topped camper shells are sturdier. They’re a much better option if you want to install racks and other aftermarket accessories. Additionally, hard-topped shells are lockable, so they safeguard valuable gear better than softer alternatives.  The Pros and Cons of Soft-Topped Truck Camper ShellsWhile soft-topped camper shells don’t provide much peace of mind when it comes to petty theft—it’s possible to slash through the fabric with a pocketknife, after all—they still offer top-notch weather protection. They’re also cheaper than hard-topped shells. Finally, soft-topped shells are much lighter, making them easier to install, uninstall, and store than their hard-topped compadres.  To wrap this up, if you plan to camp in your truck bed on a Luno mattress, a shell is a welcome addition, at least in terms of precipitation protection. However, shells are pricey, and they can reduce the hauling capacity of your rig—a sacrifice some adventurers aren’t willing to make. (For instance, it’s much easier to shuttle mountain bikes without a camper shell.)  That said, it’s worth noting that it’s possible to camp comfortably in your truck bed without any shell or camper—and we’ll teach you how to do just that in the next section. 6 Tips for Truck Bed Camping 1. Sleeping Under The Stars? Invest In A Warm Sleeping Bag If you’re camping in an open truck bed—meaning, without a camper shell—you are more susceptible to lower temperatures. We highly recommend checking the forecast before your trip to ensure you have a suitable sleeping bag that’s rated to withstand the weather at hand.  If you’re in need of a new sleeping bag, we’re always quick to recommend these synthetic options from Mountain Hardwear. They’re not the lightest or most packable sleeping bags on the market, but they’re toasty and affordably priced. Besides, because you’re truck bed camping, not backpacking, you don’t need to bother with more expensive, lighter, more packable options. 2. Be Prepared For Precipitation When you check the forecast, it’s important to keep an eye out for precipitation. We love the magic of camping under the stars in a truck bed, but that becomes a less romantic prospect when rainclouds roll in.  If there’s a chance of rain (and even if there isn’t), it pays to have a plan for precipitation management. Here are a few ideas in that department: Camper Shell: The best way to manage precipitation while truck bed camping is definitely a camper shell. These offer stellar, seamless weather protection, although, as we mentioned above, they are pricey and reduce your gear-hauling potential.  Tarp: Bring a tarp, either to toss over your truck bed or string between trees. Tent: Bring an old tent as a backup plan. You can set up a tent at camp anyway for gear storage—a pro tip from Luno team member and avid climber Nick—and if the rain comes down, you can hop in as needed. There are specifically designed tents that go on the back of truck beds that are a great option for someone looking to not have a camper shell on their rig. 3. Smart Food Storage  If you’re camping in an open truck bed, it’s important to be mindful of your food storage and kitchen gear, especially in bear country.  Our advice? Cook, clean, and store your kitchen gear a safe distance away from your sleep site (the Forest Service recommends a distance of 100 yards). Use a bear box for food storage if available, or a bearproof canister. If you do store food or a cooler in your vehicle, be sure to lock your doors. 4. Smart Gear Storage  When you’re truck bed camping, you’re typically hauling gear in the bed on the way to camp, then removing gear upon your arrival so you can set up your mattress. Because you’re inevitably shuffling gear, it pays to be organized. Don’t forget that your front cab and front seats are now prime storage space to move items to after you’ve parked at camp. Managing loose, random items is a royal pain. Instead, we like to compartmentalize gear into plastic bins, boxes, etc. Our Mesh Gear Duffel is another pro move, as the transparent mesh allows you to quickly take stock of contents. Organized, intentional storage allows you to quickly empty or re-pack your truck bed, plus it makes it easier to find individual pieces of gear.  5. Optimize How You Use Your Cab Another piece of advice? Use your cab wisely, and adopt systems that will help you stay organized and keep track of your belongings. For instance, we’ll store clothes in the front seats, climbing gear in the back of the cab, toiletries on the dash, so on and so forth. You’d be surprised at how much storage space  6. Invest In The Right Truck Bed Mattress For You The majority of your comfort while truck bed camping depends on your truck bed mattress. We’re a little biased here, but we’re big fans of our AIR 2.0 Truck Bed Mattress and AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress—they’re both comfortable, rugged, reliable, and easy to set up.  AIR Truck Bed MattressOur AIR Truck Bed Mattress is crafted from our ultra-tough, 300D, polyurethane-coated Oxford fabric. Not only is this fabric waterproof and easy to clean, but it’s also tough as can be and able to withstand everything from puppy paws to pine needles. Inside each mattress, we deploy our trademarked CloudSupport Technology—a grid of supportive, comfortable O-beams that cradle and conform to the body. All of our truck bed mattresses have two independent chambers, allowing you to camp comfortably with your favorite adventure buddy. They’re also double-chambered, so you can fold the mattress in half, inflate a single side of the mattress, and roll solo, enabling more room for gear storage in the truck bed. If you love the sound of the Luno AIR Mattress, you’re in luck. Luno offers configurations for both full-size and mid-size trucks, covering all short and standard bed box sizes. For shorter truck beds, we offer mattresses with Tailgate Buddies—inflatable rectangles that allow you to drop the tailgate and extend your sleeping platform. We’ll list the four mattress sizes below, as well as a few common vehicle options for each mattress size.  Mid-Size Trucks With Short Beds (5ft): This is our shortest offering, and it comes with Tailgate Buddies, allowing you to extend your sleeping space. The mattress fits short-bed trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. You can also use them as a couch to sit back and relax in the bed of your truck, perfect for camp or the drive-in theater. Mid-Size Trucks with Long Beds (6ft): The Tacoma, Frontier, and Colorado are also available with longer, six-foot beds. This mid-sized mattress is purpose-built for those trucks, featuring a six-foot mattress length. It doesn’t come with Tailgate Buddies.  Full-Size Trucks with Short Beds (5.5ft): Designed for full-size trucks with shorter, 5.5-foot beds, this option comes with Tailgate Buddies and is best for the following vehicles: Ford F150, F150 Lightning, Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado, to name a few. This one also comes with Tailgate Buddies to use as a couch to sit back and relax in the bed of your truck, perfect for camp or the drive-in theater. Full-Size Trucks with Long Beds (6.5ft): Our longest truck bed mattress, this one measures 6.5 feet long and fits full-size trucks with long beds, like the Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado. It doesn’t come with Tailgate Buddies.  If you don’t see your vehicle listed, measure your truck bed before you shop to ensure a perfect fit.  AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress We do have one more option for truck bed campers: our AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress. This mattress features our new, revolutionary AIR+FOAM Pro construction, which sandwiches comfy, open-cell foam between rugged, protective exterior fabric. The foam is inflatable, allowing you to fine-tune mattress firmness to match your personal preference. Honestly, this is our most comfortable mattress to date, and sleeping on it is a dream.  Now, unlike our truck-specific mattresses, the Camping Mattress isn’t purpose-built to fit in your truck bed, and it doesn’t accommodate two campers. Instead, it’s a standard rectangular shape and sleeps just one camper. However, the shape actually makes the mattress exceptionally versatile, as it can be deployed in your truck bed, a tent, or even an SUV trunk. The mattress is also available in three sizes (short, regular, and long), so you can measure your truck bed and find the size that’s right for you.  Keep On Truckin’ To be transparent, we don’t care if you decide to invest in a truck camper, add a hard- or soft-topped shell to your rig, or sleep under the stars on one of our mattresses. What stokes us out the most is that you’re embarking on adventures and enjoying life on the road. More than anything, we hope this deep dive into truck bed camping helps you learn a few tricks of the trade and inspires you to get out and get after it, no matter what rig you’re driving.  Thanks as always for reading, and we’ll see you on the road. –The Luno Crew

Car Camping Essentials Packing List & Checklist

Car Camping Essentials Packing List & Checklist

Car Camping Essentials Packing List & Checklist Description:Ready to hit the road? Whether you're heading out on an overlanding adventure or planning a weekend of car camping, having the right gear makes all the difference. From a comfy air mattress to a must-have first aid kit, we’ve put together a downloadable packing list to make sure you’ve got everything you need for sleeping in your car. No more forgotten sunscreen or last-minute store runs—just check the list, pack it up, and you're good to go. 💤 Sleeping Luno Mattress Sleeping bag or blankets (or check out the Luno Sleeping Bag Comforter) Luno Packable Pillow — 🍳 Kitchen Camping stove or portable grill Fuel for stove or grill Lighter Cookware (pot, pan, kettle, etc.) Utensils (spork, knife, spatula, tongs, can opener, etc.) Plates, cups, bowls Camping mugs or reusable cups Cutting board and knife Cooler (for perishable foods) Ice packs or ice (if needed) Food storage containers or resealable bags Paper towels or a kitchen rag Biodegradable soap — 🥦 Food Snacks (trailmix, granola bars, chips, etc) Camp Meals A sweet treat S'mores Seasonings Condiments Water + extra water — 🏕 Campsite Furniture: Camp Chairs or stools Folding Table Ground Mat Trash Bags Shade Structure (optional)  — 🔦 Lighting & Power: Headlamp or flashlight (bring extra batteries or charging cable)) Lantern Solar charger or portable power bank (optional) Luno Camping String Lights — 🥾 Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing (layers for cold or rain protection, breathable clothes for warm weather) Rain jacket Sturdy shoes (for hiking and walking around) Extra socks and underwear Hat (for sun protection or warmth) Gloves (optional) Towel (quick-dry is best) — 🩹 Safety & First Aid: First aid kit (including any personal medications) Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF Bug spray (mosquito repellent) Bear Spray Multi-tool or pocket knife Whistle (in case of emergency) Map or GPS device (especially if you're going somewhere remote) Duct tape + zip-ties (for quick fixes) — 🧻 Personal Items: Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.) Toilet paper and trowel (for digging a cat hole if you're in a backcountry site) Hand sanitizer Wet hygiene wipes Notebook and pen Books, cards, or games for relaxation Sunglasses — 🚗 Vehicle-related: Spare tire, jack, and tools (in case of a flat) Car phone charger Bins or storage containers (to keep everything organized) Extra gas or fuel (if you're heading into remote areas) Tire pressure gauge — 🪵 Extras (optional but useful): Hammock Bear bin/box Rope or paracord (for hanging items or creating a clothesline) Firewood & fire starter (if camping in fire-safe area) Portable water filter or purification tablets (if water is uncertain) Binoculars (for wildlife watching) Camera (if you like taking photos) Gummy bears — 💪 Practical Luno Gear: Luno Gear & Shoe Storage Bag (extra storage) Luno Car Window Screens (for additional airflow) Luno Car Camping Fan (add a little breeze) Luno Cargo Hammock (smart gear organization) Luno Mesh Gear Duffle (great for bedding and clothes) Luno Privacy Curtain (additional privacy and less sunshine in the morning) Luno Seatback and Headrest Organizer (top road trip storage hack) — With this packing list in hand, you're all set for a smooth and stress-free car camping trip. Whether you're chasing sunsets, exploring off-grid trails, or just enjoying a quiet night under the stars, being prepared lets you focus on the adventure—not what you might’ve forgotten. Download the list, double-check your gear, and hit the road with confidence. If you're looking for more beginner tips, checkout our YouTube Car Camping 101 series. Happy camping! Download Printer-Friendly PDF Here

Camp Cuisine: 11 Meals You Need to Try This Camping Season

Camp Cuisine: 11 Meals You Need to Try This Camping Season

Camp Cuisine: 11 Meals You Need to Try This Camping Season Description:One of the biggest misconceptions about camping? The food sucks. Sure, you can rely on uninspired dehydrated meals, subsist on nuts and seeds for days on end like a starving squirrel, or char hot dogs past the point of no return over a bonfire. But with a little love and proper planning, camp cooking can be fun and flavorful. Today, we’re going to show you how to whip up camp meals like you’re Guy CampFierri. Get it? CampFierri? Like campfire… Nevermind. Poorly executed puns aside, consider this article a cookbook for your next campout—maybe even a full menu for your next adventure. The Recipe Breakdown Here’s a quick breakdown for you. Below, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite recipes and go-to dishes, including three breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners. For each mealtime, we’ve included a “No Stove Needed” recipe, a “Jetboil” recipe, and a “Two-Burner Recipe.” No Stove Needed: If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest option, these recipes are for you. No need to fiddle or fuss with a stove. Just toss these ingredients together and go. Jetboil: Jetboils are single-burner, integrated canister stoves, meaning they’re best-suited for boiling water and one-pot dishes like ramen or mac and cheese.  Our “Jetboil” recipes aren’t as quick as our “No Stove Needed” meals, but they’re served hot–a welcome treat on chilly nights at camp. Plus, they’re quicker, easier, and less involved than our “Two-Burner” meals. Two-Burner: If we’re cooking an involved meal or feeding three or more people, we’re on the two-burner. A reliable two-burner stove allows you to sizzle, sauté, and sear just like you would at home. Our “Two-Burner” dishes can be more time-intensive, but if you’re smart about your meal prep before you hit camp, it’s amazing how much you can streamline your cooking process. Spice It Up: Many of these recipes are purposefully simple. We’re talking three or four basic ingredients. Some have even less. You can go the bare-bones route for a quick-and-easy meal, or spice it up with extra ingredients (we’ve listed some, and you can easily freestyle others).  For instance, our recipe for ramen starts out with two ingredients: eggs and a ramen packet. The result is pretty damn good, especially when you consider how easy it is to make (you just crack an egg into the ramen as it’s cooking and voila!). But if you want to take the dish to the next level, we also share our favorite ways to spice it up, like adding some spicy chilli paste, chopped tofu and mushrooms, or topping the steaming soup with basil and bean sprouts.  Long story short? Depending on how much time you have–and how elaborate you want your meal prep to be–you can easily tune these recipes to the adventure at hand. Stocking Up Your Camp Kitchen: Last thing to note before we get cooking. (That pun was much better.) If you need tips, tricks, and gear recommendations on how to build the ultimate car camping kitchen, check out our full guide to the subject here. In this helpful article, we discuss everything from our favorite two-burner stove to organizing hacks and Luno storage essentials we can’t camp without. 3 Easy, Delicious Camp Breakfasts It’s cliché to say, but breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you’re on an adventure. Here are a few tried-and-true camp breakfasts that are easy, delicious, and nutritious to boot. No Stove Needed: Granola Bowl Why We Love It: This breakfast is as healthy and versatile as it is easy to make. Basic Ingredients: Yogurt Granola Fresh or dried fruit Extra Ingredients: Add high-protein extras like nuts, seeds, and peanut butter. The world is your oyster. Don’t add oysters, though, that probably won’t taste too good. Prep: Aside from chopping fruit (which you can do at home for quicker camp meal prep), this one is incredibly straightforward. Toss the ingredients together in a bowl and eat up! Jetboil:  Adventure-Ready Oatmeal Why We Love It: On cold mornings at camp, a steaming bowl of oatmeal is a great way to warm up your belly. Plus, it packs a seriously nutritious punch, especially if you spruce it up like we do. Basic Ingredients: Oatmeal (we like quick oats or instant oats to minimize cook time) Extra Ingredients: Oatmeal on its own is admittedly bland, but the right toppings can make it a truly sublime camp breakfast. Nuts (we usually go with almonds and cashews) Seeds (flax and sunflower are always a hit) Peanut or almond butter Fresh or dried fruit (berries and bananas for the win) A drizzle of honey or maple syrup won’t hurt Prep: Cook oatmeal as directed, then add toppings. Stirring is your friend, especially if you are whipping this up in a Jetboil. The pot can burn the oatmeal and be a pain to clean. Another option: just boil the water, put the quick oats in a bowl, pour hot water over the oatmeal, then stir. Two-Burner: The Eternally Beloved Breakfast Burrito Why We Love It: If you’re hoping to impress your camp date or just fuel up for a big day ahead, breakfast burritos are a smart pick. You can do them fast and simple, or take your time and go all out. Plus, the wrap-style dish can be eaten on the go. Basic Ingredients: Eggs Tortillas Salsa Extra Ingredients: Shredded cheese Home-style potatoes Avocado Bacon or sausage Hot Sauce Prep: We like to go with a scramble for breakfast burritos at camp, although runny sunny-side up eggs are a tasty play, too—it’s just a little messier. The Easy Way: Heat up some butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat on the two-burner stove. Crack and beat your eggs in a bowl, adding a splash of water for that chef’s kiss fluffiness. Pour the eggs into the skillet and work ‘em with a spatula so they cook evenly. Scoop the eggs onto a tortilla, top with store-bought salsa, and wrap it up. Bacon Is Better: If we’ve got the time, though, we like to fry up some home fries in one skillet and get the bacon started in another before we work on the eggs. Once those ingredients are cooked and ready to rock, we’ll move them off the heat and start on the scramble.  Before the eggs are fully cooked, we’ll add chopped bacon, home fries, as well as shredded cheese so the scramble can melt into a gooey ambrosia. Top with hot sauce, avocado, and, if you’re really not playing, a homemade salsa (chopped jalapenos, tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice… maybe some peaches or mango if in season!), then wrap! Don’t Forget The Coffee: Nothing beats a hot cup of java in the morning when you’re camping. If you want a fast caffeine fix, instant coffee is the way to go. But not all instant options are as flavorful as we’d like them to be, which is why we developed our own Campers Blend Instant Craft Coffee in collaboration with Doma Coffee Roasters. Check out our guide to making killer instant coffee here, where we dive into the nuances of water temperature, fun spin-offs like Vietnamese coffees and Greek frappés, and more. 4 Epic Lunches To Try On Your Next Camping Trip To be honest, most of the time when we’re camping, we’re not eating lunch at camp at all. We might be upriver at a fishing spot, mid-hike, or chilling at the crag between climbing sessions. As such, we’ve purposefully included a couple of easier options here. That said, if you are hanging around at camp, a hot lunch can definitely feel luxurious and make your day! No Stove Needed: Trail-Ready Charcuterie Why We Love It: This can be as fancy as you want it to be. You might have a full-on spread of mustards and fig jams, French cheeses and Spanish ham, all laid out on a cutting board… Or, you might have a ziplock bag full of salami and cheese. Either way, we’re here for it. Basic Ingredients: Cured meats (prosciutto, salami, even classic cold cuts like smoked turkey and ham) Cheeses of choice Crackers Extra ingredients: Olives and pickles Mustards and jams Sliced fruit (apples, pears, strawberries, etc.) Toasted baguette slices Prep: Try not to smash everything together in your backpack, because presentation is key. Lay out the ingredients on a plate, cutting board, or, for bonus points, a smooth river rock or your upturned ski base. Make sure everything looks just-so for the ‘gram, snap that camping charcuterie pic so everyone knows how cultured and outdoorsy you are, then house it with your hands like a wild animal. Bonus Trail-Ready Lunch: Breakfast Burrito Leftovers Remember that tasty breakfast burrito we described above? Make extra burritos, then wrap them in tinfoil so you can munch ‘em for lunch. We can’t think of a better, easier trail meal. In fact, we’ll let you in on a little secret. Sometimes, when we don’t want to spend any time cooking at camp, we’ll make a big batch of burritos at home, freeze them, chuck ‘em in the cooler, and then reheat as needed on the two-burner or over a campfire. Jetboil: Ramen On The Run Why We Love It: Ramen on its own? Pretty good. Ramen with an egg in it? Campers go crazy! Basic Ingredients: Ramen (Any old packet from the grocery store will do). Eggs - crack ahead of time and store in a jar or tuperware Extra ingredients: Chilli paste Chopped veggies (green onions, carrots, onions, mushrooms, peppers, bok choy, snap peas) Tofu Prep:The Easy Way: Boil water in your Jetboil, then add the ramen brick and the flavor packet. After a minute or so, crack eggs into the mixture. Keep an eye on them—you want the whites to cook through without losing the gooeyness of the yolk. Dial back the heat so it doesn’t overflow. A Healthier And Heartier OptionIf you’re adding veggies, add carrots, onions, and peppers before the ramen, because they take longer to cook. Mushrooms, bok choy, and tofu are pretty fast, so they can go in at the same time as the ramen. 📍 Pro Tip: Add extra toppings for flair, flavor, and crunch! We like to top off our camp ramen with fresh basil, minced peanuts, bean sprouts, crispy onions, you name it. Two-Burner: A Simple Grilled Cheese (With A Tangy Twist) Why We Love It: Grilled cheese is a comfort food, no doubt about it. But the big reason we highly suggest adding grilled cheese to your camp recipe repertoire is that they can be prepared a million ways with all sorts of ingredients.  The classic grilled cheese is always a hit–some cheddar, sourdough, a little oil to crisp up that bread. But we like to throw one key ingredient—pickles—into the sandwich for a tangy kick! Ingredients: Olive oil or butter Sourdough bread Sharp cheddar cheese Pickles (Dill or spicy, ideally in rounds or slices) Prep: Lather the outside of each piece of bread with olive oil or butter Stack cheddar slices and pickles to your liking Sizzle it up on low to medium heat for a few minutes per side. You want the bread to be toasted to perfection and the cheese to be one, uniform, melted mess. Looking for more grilled cheese ideas? Check out our guide to irresistible grilled cheeses here, where we deep dive into a prosciutto, pesto, and provolone sando (The Triple P) and a blackberry, brie, and basil option (The Triple B). Both are A+ camp lunches! 4 Hearty Camp Dinners To Fuel Up For Another Day Of Adventure Dinner is our favorite time to spend at camp. Tired and stoked after an action-packed day, grubbing down with your adventure buddies, kicking back on a log or in your go-to camp chair… that’s hard to beat. And that’s especially true when you’re eating well.  No Stove Needed: Chopped Veggie Salad Why We Love It: When’s the last time you ate a salad while camping? With mom-approved nutrition facts, no stove required, and umpteen variations, a chopped salad is just the ticket on a warm summer night. Basic Ingredients: Greens (arugula, romaine, spinach—choose your fighter). Chopped veggies (carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers, the more the merrier) Your favorite dressing (we like to keep it simple with balsamic vinegar and olive oil) Extra Ingredients To Pack This Salad With Protein: Hard-boiled eggs (it’s way easier to hard-boil a bunch at home before your trip!) Camp-friendly fish! We’re talking smoked salmon, tuna, anchovies, sardines, etcetera. Nuts and seeds Steak or chicken (pre-cook and cut these proteins at home so you’re ready to mix them into the salad at camp!) Prep: Don’t overthink it. It’s a salad! Jetboil: Mac N’ Cheese With Tuna Why We Love It: This recipe is actually one of our go-to backpacking meals. It’s so simple, hearty, and tasty that we’ve taken to cooking it while car camping, too, especially if we’re pressed for time. Ingredients: Box of mac and cheese Can of tuna Extra Ingredients:  Sun-dried tomatoes Sriracha or another heat source (We’ve got this in the extra ingredients category, but we consider it essential. Mac and cheese with tuna is good, mac and cheese with a kick is way better.  Sriracha is our usual move, or you can keep it classic with Tabasco, Cholula, etcetera. Prep: Cook the pasta as directed by the box.  Transfer pasta from the Jetboil to your bowls (This is crucial, because chances are your camp bowls are easier to clean than your Jetboil pot) Mix the cheesy powder into the mac. Sometimes, when we’re camping, we won’t bother bringing milk, we’ll just use butter, as it’s easier to store.  Drain tuna, then mix it into the mac.  Add extras like sun-dried tomatoes and sriracha to taste! Two-Burner: Walking Tacos Why We Love It: If you caught our recent article on Walking Tacos, you already know we’re big fans. These deconstructed tacos are tasty, fun, and perfect for a big group. Below, we’ll share an abridged version of this recipe. Basic Ingredients: Cooking oil  1 pound of ground beef (or veggie alternative) Taco seasoning  Chips (Fritos are the classic option–you may have also heard this dish referred to as “Frito Pie–but Doritos work well, too.) Diced onion (optional) Taco Toppings:  Sour cream (You can also use plain Greek yogurt. Make sure you don’t accidentally get vanilla.) Chopped or grilled onion Salsa (we have a soft spot for Herdez Guacamole Salsa) Hot sauce  Shredded cheese Shredded lettuce Diced tomato Jalapeño Avocado or guacamole Black olives Prep: Saute onions in oil, then add ground beef and stir until cooked thoroughly, adding taco seasoning to taste Pour chips in a bowl (originally, this recipe would use little bags of chips, hence the name “Walking Tacos,” but that just creates more trash at camp, so we prefer to go with a bigger bag and use camp bowls. It’s not as fun, but it’s better for the environment!)  Top chips with a helping of beef, then add toppings to taste. (We like to chop and prep toppings at home for quicker taco assembly at camp.) Open Flame: Steak And Potatoes Why We Love It: If campfires are permitted, cooking over an open flame is a memorable experience. And why not go with the classic pairing of steak and potatoes!? Ingredients: Steak (We love a rib-eye) Potatoes  Butter Potato Prep: The potatoes will take longer, so start here. Get the fire going until you have a robust bed of coals. Poke the potatoes with a fork, rub ‘em down with butter, then wrap each potato tightly and securely in tinfoil and tuck them into bed (the bed of coals, that is) for about 40-50 minutes. Timing will depend on the heat of the fire and the size of the potato. Steak Prep: If you have a decent cut of meat on your hands, there’s no need to go crazy with seasoning. A little salt, pepper, and olive oil, and you’re good to go. Slap the steaks on the campfire grate and flip to cook evenly. Like the potatoes, timing will depend on heat, thickness of the cut, and how you like your steak cooked (anything but well-done, please). Step Up Your Culinary Camping Game There you have it: 11 adventure-ready recipes to help you step up your camp cooking game.  We highly suggest you give one of these recipes a shot on your next trip. Chances are you’ll be blown away by how easy, convenient, and flavorful it is! And don’t be afraid to experiment, either, and make these dishes your own. At the very least, you should be able to save the dehydrated meals for your next ultralight backpacking mission.  As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you on the road! -The Luno Crew

A Complete Guide To Camping In National Parks

A Complete Guide To Camping In National Parks

A Complete Guide To Camping In National Parks Description:Our national parks are a national treasure (shout-out Nicolas Cage—we appreciate you protecting our Constitution from bad guys). All jokes aside, thanks to the hard-working National Park Service, our most magnificent wild places are conserved for current and future generations to enjoy. And the best way to enjoy these stunning public lands, in our humble opinion, is on a camping trip.  Simply put, camping in national parks puts you at the heart of the action. Instead of commuting from afar, you can start your day at the foot of mighty peaks or sip your morning coffee while gazing out at a spectacular desert vista. If you have a big day of hiking, climbing, fly fishing, exploring, or just relaxing in a hammock on the docket, there’s no better launch point than a national park campground.  In this guide to camping in national parks, we’ll first break down the differences between frontcountry and backcountry camping—an important distinction as you’re planning a trip. Next, we’ll share a handful of important tips to keep in mind while planning a camping trip to these popular public lands. Finally, we’ll nerd out on a few must-have pieces of gear. Where to Camp: The Difference Between Frontcountry and Backcountry Camping You essentially have two options for camping within national park boundaries: frontcountry or backcountry camping.  What is frontcountry camping?  Frontcountry camping means you can park your vehicle at the campsite–no heavy backpacks are required. Frontcountry campgrounds are easily accessible and usually reservable in advance, although some are first-come, first-served. They also cost a designated fee and often provide access to amenities like bathrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits. You can pitch a tent or sleep in your vehicle in most frontcountry campsites, and some even accommodate RVs with electric hookups.  Who it’s best for: If you’re looking for an easy camping experience—and love to haul lots of gear, beer, and tasty grub—frontcountry camping is for you. What is backcountry camping?  Anytime you say sayonara to your vehicle and camp in the wilderness in a national park, you’re backcountry camping. Sometimes, backcountry campers will bed down in designated campsites, but oftentimes, they’ll make camp wherever they can reduce their impact on the ecosystem. Amenities, it follows, are often scarce, and backcountry permits are standard issue. Who it’s best for: If you love to get away from the crowds, have lightweight and packable gear, and want to explore deeper, less-traveled zones in national parks, this option is for you. Backpackers, bikepackers, backcountry skiers, and whitewater rafters all fall into this category. Because frontcountry camping and backcountry camping necessitate such different planning strategies, we’ll be focusing on frontcountry camping in this guide. If you’re hoping to pitch a tent near your vehicle or camp inside your rig, keep on reading! 9 Tips To Keep In Mind When Camping In National Parks 1. Invest In An America The Beautiful Pass Most national parks in the United States require an entrance fee. Those fees vary from park to park, but they’re usually $30 to $35 for a vehicle entrance pass. You can check the entrance prices for all 63 national parks and hundreds of other federally managed preserves, historic trails, national monuments, and more here.  Our advice? Invest in an America The Beautiful Pass. These annual passes cost $80 (they’re only $20 for seniors!) and provide access to public lands overseen by the NPS as well as additional lands managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and the Bureau Of Land Management, among others. If you average more than two national park visits a year, it’s a smart investment. 2. Learn the Differences Between Parks Every park is different, and camping options vary from park to park, so it pays to do your research. And when it comes to researching parks, we like to browse the National Park Service website. You can search for parks by state, and when you click through to your park of choice, you’ll be able to find everything from camping info to wildlife warnings and trail closures.  You may find heaps of reservable campgrounds and no first-come, first-served options, or you might be completely out of luck unless you’re backpacking or backcountry camping. It all depends on the destination and the time of year you’re visiting. 3. Book Reservations like a Pro with Recreation.gov When it's time to book a site, use Recreation.gov. This online database of national parks and other federally managed public lands allows you to search, book, and reserve campgrounds across the country. You can even rent out yurts, cabins, and more if you’re looking for those types of accommodations! 4. Early Bird Gets The Worm Part 1: Reserving A Campsite If you’re booking a campsite, especially at a popular national park during the summer months, you can’t be too early to the party. If possible, plan your trip months in advance. Do your research on the NPS site and Recreation.gov to find out exactly when reservations become available (Pro tip: they can vary from campground to campground in the same national park!). When you find out when campsites are released, make an event on your calendar so you’re ready to book the moment they become available. Yup—it’s just like shopping for Taylor Swift tickets. 5. Early Bird Gets The Worm Part 2: First-Come, First-Served Sites If you’re heading to a first-come, first-served campground, expect it to be bursting at the seams come Friday afternoon. Going earlier in the week—and earlier in the morning—can improve your chances of finding a site. Regardless, it’s important to have a backup plan in case you don’t score a site. (See tip #8 to look beyond park boundaries for free dispersed camping possibilities). 6. Check For Last-Minute Campground Cancellations (Or Set An Alert) While booking early is undoubtedly the move at national park campgrounds, don’t give up hope just because your destination of choice is all booked up.  As reported in The Dyrt’s annual Camping Report, a whopping 25.8 percent of 2024 campers canceled reservations two or more days before their trip, and another 6.9 percent axed reservations less than 48 hours before their scheduled arrival.  Needless to say, it’s worth checking back in on Recreation.gov to see if sites open up as time rolls on. Another option? You can subscribe to The Dyrt Pro—The Dyrt’s premium app, which provides campers with maps, access to discounted campgrounds, and more. Dyrt Pro members can even schedule cancellation alerts that will ping you if a spot frees up at a specific campground. 7. Consider Mid-Week And Shoulder Season Travel Again, national parks are often slammed on summer weekends, making it tough to book a campsite on holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day.  Now, if you’re quick on the draw, you can certainly score a reservation during those peak periods. However, a pro move is to book mid-week in the summer. Another option to help you beat the crowds? Travel during shoulder season—namely, early in spring or late in fall. Not only will you have a better chance of getting a campsite reservation, but there will also be significantly fewer day visitors and less trail traffic. 8. Look Beyond Park Boundaries For Free Dispersed Camping Looking for a free alternative to pricey campgrounds? Well, we’ve got good news and bad news for you. The bad news is that it’s virtually impossible to find free and legal camping in national park boundaries. You might be able to get away with a night or two in your rig in more remote nooks and crannies of bigger parks, but we don’t recommend it. While we’re happy to stealth camp in quiet neighborhoods that don’t have “no overnight parking” signs, such antics are usually explicitly prohibited in national parks and not worth the risk.  The good news? National parks are often bordered by national forests, BLM land, and other public lands that are more accommodating of free camping. Oftentimes, we’ll skip busy national park campgrounds and camp for free a stone’s throw outside of park boundaries, then explore within park boundaries on day trips.  📍Pro Tip: We like to use The Dyrt or iOverlander (another one of our must-have apps for camping) to hunt for free campsites. Be sure to give our comprehensive guide to free car camping a read for a deeper dive on this subject! 9. Leave No Trace Of course, any time you’re camping, it’s important to Leave No Trace. But because national parks see so much traffic, it’s especially key to keep Leave No Trace principles in mind during your visit. Check out our article on the seven Leave No Trace principles here to learn how to be a responsible and respectful steward of our public lands. It's always better to leave it better than you found it, even if it means picking up after the people before you. Gear To Help You Camp Comfortably In National Parks 1. A Comfy, Rugged Mattress If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep while camping in a national park, the most important piece of the puzzle is a comfortable mattress. That’s where we come in.  All Luno mattresses are extraordinarily comfortable, easy to set up, and rugged and reliable for your most demanding adventures. We make purpose-built mattresses for trucks, SUVs and hatchbacks, and vans that help you turn your rig into a cozy cabin on wheels. And while we’re best known for our vehicle-based mattresses, we also recently launched our versatile AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress, which fits in tents and trunks alike. It’s been a game-changer for many Luno community members! 📍Pro Tip: Not sure which Luno mattress to pick? Check out this in-depth article, where we break down each mattress in our line and who it’s best for. 2. Manage The Summer Heat With Our Car Camping Fan And Window Screens  Camping in the summer can turn from a dream into a nightmare if you’re unprepared to deal with the heat.  A pro move to cope with rising temperatures? Check out our lineup of window screens so you can roll down your windows and welcome the breeze without letting in any mosquitoes, gnats, or other bugs. We have options for your sunroof, rear windows, and even trunk window for some vehicles. Plus, they add a touch of privacy and help block out the sun to help you sleep in. And if there’s no breeze to speak of? No problem. Just set up our Car Camping Fan. This compact and quiet yet powerful fan can run off your car jack or a portable power bank. It features a suction cup and articulating ball mount, so you can stick it to your dash or windows and aim it wherever you please. Honestly, it’s a little life-saver, producing welcome airflow on muggy, buggy nights. 3. Storage Essentials To Help You Stay Organized At Camp and On The Road A messy, unorganized pack job is another easy way to dampen an otherwise epic national park campout. Here are a few storage essentials to help you stay organized at camp (so you can spend more time enjoying the park and less time searching for that misplaced headlamp).  Cargo Hammock: This nifty net turns unused SUV ceiling space into invaluable storage real estate. We use it for stashing everything from sleeping bags and pillows to fly fishing rods and climbing gear. Mesh Gear Duffel: Thanks to the see-through mesh fabric, it’s easy to keep track of whatever you pack in this durable duffel. That mesh also lets damp duds and wet gear drip dry and air out so your rig stays odor-free! Gear & Shoe Storage Bag: Integrated magnets secure this storage bag to the outside of your vehicle. A waterproof lid and mesh bottom make it perfect for storing stinky shoes overnight. That said, the use cases are limitless, and we’ve also deployed these bags as trash and recycling receptacles, kitchen organizers, laundry baskets, you name it. 50L Gear Tote: This open-mouthed gear hauler is the ultimate utility player at camp. We use it for everything from hauling groceries to transporting damp wetsuits. Even better, it's crafted from upcycled mattresses, keeping them out of the landfill.   Seatback Organizer & Headrest Organizer: Like a bedside table for car campers, these two organizers provide storage space that’s easily accessible from the comfort of your Luno mattress. We like to use it to stash smaller essentials that you always want on hand, like your phone, car keys, headlamps, pocket knives, and the like. Explore And Enjoy Our National Parks As we’ve outlined above, camping in national parks isn’t without its challenges. Many of these protected public lands are incredibly popular (rightfully so!), and reserving campsites is often easier said than done. That said, we hope this article helps you strategize, plan, and execute camping trips to national parks. These public lands are, after all, some of our nation’s most prized treasures.  Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you at the park! -The Luno Crew

A Complete Guide to Truck Bed Camping

A Complete Guide to Truck Bed Camping

A Complete Guide to Truck Bed Camping Description:It’s no secret that the pickup truck is an ideal adventure rig. Built to haul heavy loads and navigate rutted-out backroads, a solid truck can take you and your beloved gear wherever you want to go. Not to mention, a truck bed accommodates equipment that a standard SUV trunk just can’t, from muddy mountain bikes to kayaks.  But you know what we love the most about trucks? They come ready to camp with a built-in sleeping platform and let you sleep up and out of the dirt, away from critters. That’s right—your truck bed is just a camp bed in disguise. All you need is an aftermarket truck bed camping mattress like our purpose-built Truck Bed Mattress or versatile AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress, and you can snooze like a champ at camp - no matter where you park. In this helpful article, we’ll define and outline the pros and cons of truck bed camping. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of truck camper shells and hard-shells, and soft camper toppers, two popular albeit pricier alternatives. Next, we’ll dive into a few of our favorite truck bed camping tips, highlighting everything from gear storage hacks to precipitation management. Finally, we’ll break down all four sizes of our AIR Truck Bed Mattress and our AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress to help you find the right truck bed camping mattress for you. What Is Truck Bed Camping? When we use the phrase “truck bed camping,” we’re talking about tossing a comfy, rugged, inflatable camping mattress into the back of your truck. Simple as that. We’re a big fan of this style of camping for a truckload of reasons, but here are a few of our favorites.  Unreal ComfortFirst off, truck bed camping is incredibly comfortable. Your truck bed doubles as a flat and stable sleeping platform, and when you add a comfy mattress, it’s a match made in heaven.  Quick And Easy SetupOur truck bed mattresses are easy to install. They come with an electric pump, and setup takes a matter of minutes. Deflation is similarly a cinch. If you like to set up camp quickly and hit the trail, river, crag, waves, etc. as soon as possible, truck bed camping is a fantastic option.  Take Advantage Of Your Truck’s Full Gear Hauling PotentialWhen you’re truck bed camping, you don’t need to sacrifice any of your gear-hauling potential like you do with a camper or truck shell (more on that below).  Instead, you can rely on your beloved truck to haul gear to and from your campsite, and quickly set up your mattress upon arrival. If you like to camp one day and use your truck normally the next, there’s no better way to play.  Sleep Under The Stars Nothing beats sleeping under the stars in the bed of your truck. You’re on a flat, comfortable, raised platform, so you’re out of the dirt and away from creepy-crawlies, but you still get to enjoy the tapestry of constellations overhead. Truck Bed Camping Versus Truck Campers Another popular option for truck owners? Truck campers. These self-contained, RV-style units fit into your truck bed and turn your vehicle into a house on wheels. The benefits here are obvious. When we use the phrase “truck bed camping,” we’re talking about tossing a comfy, rugged, inflatable camping mattress into the back of your truck. Simple as that. We’re a big fan of this style of camping for a truckload of reasons, but here are a few of our favorites.  Truck campers offer incredible comfort and home-like luxuries on the road, including features like toilets, hot showers, built-in kitchen sinks, and cozy seating areas. They also provide excellent weather protection, keeping you dry and sheltered in rough conditions. However, truck campers come with significant downsides: they're extremely expensive—often costing six figures—and they negatively impact your vehicle’s aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability. Plus, they take up valuable truck bed space, limiting gear-hauling capabilities. If you have the budget and plan to live on the road full-time, a truck camper can be a great investment. But if you're looking to save money, preserve your truck's full utility, and keep your setup flexible for both weekday commutes and weekend adventures, a truck bed camping mattress is a much smarter and more versatile choice. Truck Bed Camping Versus Truck Campers Another popular option for truck owners? Truck campers. These self-contained, RV-style units fit into your truck bed and turn your vehicle into a house on wheels. The benefits here are obvious.  Comfort & LuxuriesFirst off, truck campers are often extremely comfortable, and they provide adventurers with the luxuries of home no matter where they roam. We’re talking toilets, hot showers, built-in kitchen sinks and stoves, tables and chairs for hanging out, you name it. Weather ProtectionAdditionally, truck campers offer top-notch weather protection—a warranted source of concern for folks sleeping under the stars on a truck bed mattress (one we’ll get into further below).  Cost, Aerodynamics, and Other Pitfalls of Truck CampersHowever, campers are not without their disadvantages. Namely, campers are expensive—we’re talking well over six figures for higher-end options. And speaking of cost, campers can drastically reduce your aerodynamics and lower your fuel efficiency, increasing your gas spend by painful margins on longer road trips. Navigating narrow backroads, low-hanging trees, or even tight parking garages can become a struggle as well. Still, our biggest qualm is that you lose the gear-hauling capacity of your truck bed.  Long story short, if you’ve got unlimited funds or are going to be living in your rig near full-time, a camper is a great move, and you’ll want to add racks to tote gear. But if you are camping on a budget, want to maximize your truck’s gear-hauling capacity, or need your weekend adventure rig to double as your weekday commuter, then going with a simple truck bed camping mattress is the smartest move. Another Option? Hard- And Soft-Topped Camper Shells Another option truck owners can consider? Camper shells. Unlike RV-style campers, shells don’t come with beds, bathrooms, or kitchens. Instead, they simply encapsulate the truck bed and protect it from the elements. Camper shells are much less expensive (and less livable) than RV-style campers, but they do offer excellent weather protection. You have two options here: hard- or soft-topped camper shells. Hard-topped shells are usually crafted from fiberglass, while soft options feature a canvas-style fabric that stretches over a metal frame. The Pros and Cons of Hard-Topped Truck Camper ShellsHard-topped camper shells are sturdier. They’re a much better option if you want to install racks and other aftermarket accessories. Additionally, hard-topped shells are lockable, so they safeguard valuable gear better than softer alternatives.  The Pros and Cons of Soft-Topped Truck Camper ShellsWhile soft-topped camper shells don’t provide much peace of mind when it comes to petty theft—it’s possible to slash through the fabric with a pocketknife, after all—they still offer top-notch weather protection. They’re also cheaper than hard-topped shells. Finally, soft-topped shells are much lighter, making them easier to install, uninstall, and store than their hard-topped compadres.  To wrap this up, if you plan to camp in your truck bed on a Luno mattress, a shell is a welcome addition, at least in terms of precipitation protection. However, shells are pricey, and they can reduce the hauling capacity of your rig—a sacrifice some adventurers aren’t willing to make. (For instance, it’s much easier to shuttle mountain bikes without a camper shell.)  That said, it’s worth noting that it’s possible to camp comfortably in your truck bed without any shell or camper—and we’ll teach you how to do just that in the next section. 6 Tips for Truck Bed Camping 1. Sleeping Under The Stars? Invest In A Warm Sleeping Bag If you’re camping in an open truck bed—meaning, without a camper shell—you are more susceptible to lower temperatures. We highly recommend checking the forecast before your trip to ensure you have a suitable sleeping bag that’s rated to withstand the weather at hand.  If you’re in need of a new sleeping bag, we’re always quick to recommend these synthetic options from Mountain Hardwear. They’re not the lightest or most packable sleeping bags on the market, but they’re toasty and affordably priced. Besides, because you’re truck bed camping, not backpacking, you don’t need to bother with more expensive, lighter, more packable options. 2. Be Prepared For Precipitation When you check the forecast, it’s important to keep an eye out for precipitation. We love the magic of camping under the stars in a truck bed, but that becomes a less romantic prospect when rainclouds roll in.  If there’s a chance of rain (and even if there isn’t), it pays to have a plan for precipitation management. Here are a few ideas in that department: Camper Shell: The best way to manage precipitation while truck bed camping is definitely a camper shell. These offer stellar, seamless weather protection, although, as we mentioned above, they are pricey and reduce your gear-hauling potential.  Tarp: Bring a tarp, either to toss over your truck bed or string between trees. Tent: Bring an old tent as a backup plan. You can set up a tent at camp anyway for gear storage—a pro tip from Luno team member and avid climber Nick—and if the rain comes down, you can hop in as needed. There are specifically designed tents that go on the back of truck beds that are a great option for someone looking to not have a camper shell on their rig. 3. Smart Food Storage  If you’re camping in an open truck bed, it’s important to be mindful of your food storage and kitchen gear, especially in bear country.  Our advice? Cook, clean, and store your kitchen gear a safe distance away from your sleep site (the Forest Service recommends a distance of 100 yards). Use a bear box for food storage if available, or a bearproof canister. If you do store food or a cooler in your vehicle, be sure to lock your doors. 4. Smart Gear Storage  When you’re truck bed camping, you’re typically hauling gear in the bed on the way to camp, then removing gear upon your arrival so you can set up your mattress. Because you’re inevitably shuffling gear, it pays to be organized. Don’t forget that your front cab and front seats are now prime storage space to move items to after you’ve parked at camp. Managing loose, random items is a royal pain. Instead, we like to compartmentalize gear into plastic bins, boxes, etc. Our Mesh Gear Duffel is another pro move, as the transparent mesh allows you to quickly take stock of contents. Organized, intentional storage allows you to quickly empty or re-pack your truck bed, plus it makes it easier to find individual pieces of gear.  5. Optimize How You Use Your Cab Another piece of advice? Use your cab wisely, and adopt systems that will help you stay organized and keep track of your belongings. For instance, we’ll store clothes in the front seats, climbing gear in the back of the cab, toiletries on the dash, so on and so forth. You’d be surprised at how much storage space  6. Invest In The Right Truck Bed Mattress For You The majority of your comfort while truck bed camping depends on your truck bed mattress. We’re a little biased here, but we’re big fans of our AIR 2.0 Truck Bed Mattress and AIR+FOAM PRO Camping Mattress—they’re both comfortable, rugged, reliable, and easy to set up.  AIR Truck Bed MattressOur AIR Truck Bed Mattress is crafted from our ultra-tough, 300D, polyurethane-coated Oxford fabric. Not only is this fabric waterproof and easy to clean, but it’s also tough as can be and able to withstand everything from puppy paws to pine needles. Inside each mattress, we deploy our trademarked CloudSupport Technology—a grid of supportive, comfortable O-beams that cradle and conform to the body. All of our truck bed mattresses have two independent chambers, allowing you to camp comfortably with your favorite adventure buddy. They’re also double-chambered, so you can fold the mattress in half, inflate a single side of the mattress, and roll solo, enabling more room for gear storage in the truck bed. If you love the sound of the Luno AIR Mattress, you’re in luck. Luno offers configurations for both full-size and mid-size trucks, covering all short and standard bed box sizes. For shorter truck beds, we offer mattresses with Tailgate Buddies—inflatable rectangles that allow you to drop the tailgate and extend your sleeping platform. We’ll list the four mattress sizes below, as well as a few common vehicle options for each mattress size.  Mid-Size Trucks With Short Beds (5ft): This is our shortest offering, and it comes with Tailgate Buddies, allowing you to extend your sleeping space. The mattress fits short-bed trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and Chevy Colorado. You can also use them as a couch to sit back and relax in the bed of your truck, perfect for camp or the drive-in theater. Mid-Size Trucks with Long Beds (6ft): The Tacoma, Frontier, and Colorado are also available with longer, six-foot beds. This mid-sized mattress is purpose-built for those trucks, featuring a six-foot mattress length. It doesn’t come with Tailgate Buddies.  Full-Size Trucks with Short Beds (5.5ft): Designed for full-size trucks with shorter, 5.5-foot beds, this option comes with Tailgate Buddies and is best for the following vehicles: Ford F150, F150 Lightning, Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado, to name a few. This one also comes with Tailgate Buddies to use as a couch to sit back and relax in the bed of your truck, perfect for camp or the drive-in theater. Full-Size Trucks with Long Beds (6.5ft): Our longest truck bed mattress, this one measures 6.5 feet long and fits full-size trucks with long beds, like the Ford F150, Toyota Tundra, Dodge Ram 1500, and Chevy Silverado. It doesn’t come with Tailgate Buddies.  If you don’t see your vehicle listed, measure your truck bed before you shop to ensure a perfect fit.  AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress We do have one more option for truck bed campers: our AIR+FOAM Pro Camping Mattress. This mattress features our new, revolutionary AIR+FOAM Pro construction, which sandwiches comfy, open-cell foam between rugged, protective exterior fabric. The foam is inflatable, allowing you to fine-tune mattress firmness to match your personal preference. Honestly, this is our most comfortable mattress to date, and sleeping on it is a dream.  Now, unlike our truck-specific mattresses, the Camping Mattress isn’t purpose-built to fit in your truck bed, and it doesn’t accommodate two campers. Instead, it’s a standard rectangular shape and sleeps just one camper. However, the shape actually makes the mattress exceptionally versatile, as it can be deployed in your truck bed, a tent, or even an SUV trunk. The mattress is also available in three sizes (short, regular, and long), so you can measure your truck bed and find the size that’s right for you.  Keep On Truckin’ To be transparent, we don’t care if you decide to invest in a truck camper, add a hard- or soft-topped shell to your rig, or sleep under the stars on one of our mattresses. What stokes us out the most is that you’re embarking on adventures and enjoying life on the road. More than anything, we hope this deep dive into truck bed camping helps you learn a few tricks of the trade and inspires you to get out and get after it, no matter what rig you’re driving.  Thanks as always for reading, and we’ll see you on the road. –The Luno Crew

Car Camping Essentials Packing List & Checklist

Car Camping Essentials Packing List & Checklist

Car Camping Essentials Packing List & Checklist Description:Ready to hit the road? Whether you're heading out on an overlanding adventure or planning a weekend of car camping, having the right gear makes all the difference. From a comfy air mattress to a must-have first aid kit, we’ve put together a downloadable packing list to make sure you’ve got everything you need for sleeping in your car. No more forgotten sunscreen or last-minute store runs—just check the list, pack it up, and you're good to go. 💤 Sleeping Luno Mattress Sleeping bag or blankets (or check out the Luno Sleeping Bag Comforter) Luno Packable Pillow — 🍳 Kitchen Camping stove or portable grill Fuel for stove or grill Lighter Cookware (pot, pan, kettle, etc.) Utensils (spork, knife, spatula, tongs, can opener, etc.) Plates, cups, bowls Camping mugs or reusable cups Cutting board and knife Cooler (for perishable foods) Ice packs or ice (if needed) Food storage containers or resealable bags Paper towels or a kitchen rag Biodegradable soap — 🥦 Food Snacks (trailmix, granola bars, chips, etc) Camp Meals A sweet treat S'mores Seasonings Condiments Water + extra water — 🏕 Campsite Furniture: Camp Chairs or stools Folding Table Ground Mat Trash Bags Shade Structure (optional)  — 🔦 Lighting & Power: Headlamp or flashlight (bring extra batteries or charging cable)) Lantern Solar charger or portable power bank (optional) Luno Camping String Lights — 🥾 Clothing: Weather-appropriate clothing (layers for cold or rain protection, breathable clothes for warm weather) Rain jacket Sturdy shoes (for hiking and walking around) Extra socks and underwear Hat (for sun protection or warmth) Gloves (optional) Towel (quick-dry is best) — 🩹 Safety & First Aid: First aid kit (including any personal medications) Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF Bug spray (mosquito repellent) Bear Spray Multi-tool or pocket knife Whistle (in case of emergency) Map or GPS device (especially if you're going somewhere remote) Duct tape + zip-ties (for quick fixes) — 🧻 Personal Items: Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc.) Toilet paper and trowel (for digging a cat hole if you're in a backcountry site) Hand sanitizer Wet hygiene wipes Notebook and pen Books, cards, or games for relaxation Sunglasses — 🚗 Vehicle-related: Spare tire, jack, and tools (in case of a flat) Car phone charger Bins or storage containers (to keep everything organized) Extra gas or fuel (if you're heading into remote areas) Tire pressure gauge — 🪵 Extras (optional but useful): Hammock Bear bin/box Rope or paracord (for hanging items or creating a clothesline) Firewood & fire starter (if camping in fire-safe area) Portable water filter or purification tablets (if water is uncertain) Binoculars (for wildlife watching) Camera (if you like taking photos) Gummy bears — 💪 Practical Luno Gear: Luno Gear & Shoe Storage Bag (extra storage) Luno Car Window Screens (for additional airflow) Luno Car Camping Fan (add a little breeze) Luno Cargo Hammock (smart gear organization) Luno Mesh Gear Duffle (great for bedding and clothes) Luno Privacy Curtain (additional privacy and less sunshine in the morning) Luno Seatback and Headrest Organizer (top road trip storage hack) — With this packing list in hand, you're all set for a smooth and stress-free car camping trip. Whether you're chasing sunsets, exploring off-grid trails, or just enjoying a quiet night under the stars, being prepared lets you focus on the adventure—not what you might’ve forgotten. Download the list, double-check your gear, and hit the road with confidence. If you're looking for more beginner tips, checkout our YouTube Car Camping 101 series. Happy camping! Download Printer-Friendly PDF Here

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