The 12 Best Car Camping Gifts of 2021
A car camping trip is a chance to enjoy the outdoors in luxury: You get to bring everything that will help you lounge in comfort, without worrying about weight or how much space you have in your pack. Help your loved ones take their trips to the next level with these 12 covetable gifts, ranging from $20 to $1,000.
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RUX 70L, $265
Stay organized with this all-in-one system that’s easy to move from the house to the car to the campsite with its robust carrying straps. The TPU-coated high-tenacity 840-denier nylon and molded EVA bottom are weatherproof against water, mud, and dust. When not in use, the sides break down so it stores flat. Buy Now at Backcountry
Omnia Stovetop Oven, $67
Don’t sacrifice freshly-baked goods when you’re at the campground. This doughnut-shaped portable oven distributes heat evenly to make scones, bread, cinnamon rolls, and even savory meals. Omnia won’t fit on a backpacking stove, but it’s perfect for a grill, campfire, or car camping stove. Buy Now at Amazon
Biolite Sitelight Mini String Light, $20
Jazz up your campsite with these lightweight string lights, which run from any USB power source. The 4-to-a-string lights are daisy-chainable, meaning you can buy a few and extend them around your site for maximum homeyness, and emit a soft white glow that add instant ambiance. Bonus: At just 2.5 ounces, they’re light enough to take backpacking, too. Buy Now at the Outside Store
Luno Van Front Cab Air Mattress, $400
When sleeping in your van, the front of the cab is useless unless you’re snoozing upright. Luno created an air mattress specifically for this space so you can have another sleep surface for your kids or extra guests under 5’7″. The 300-denier nylon topper fabric won’t scratch or pop, and fits in several Ford, RAM, Mercedes, and Winnebago van models. Buy Now at Luno
Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station, $999
Weight isn’t an issue when you’re car camping, but power certainly is. Bring along this huge battery bank for a charge the whole time you’re on the road. It supplies 1000W of power through multiple outlet ports, and lasted one tester an entire week of laptop charges. Add solar panels for a consistent supply. Buy Now at Amazon
Tarpestry Rugged, $198
Want to make your campsite feel more like home? Add a floor mat to wipe your feet. Tarpestry’s Rugged line of outdoor tarps—measuring 7.5 by 4.5 feet—are made from a UV-resistant and water-repellent polyester that will neither fade over time nor soak up moisture. You can also string it up as a shade using the integrated grommets. Buy Now at Tarpestry
Front Runner Camp Chair, $76
Tree stump or camp chair? We’d rather pack one extra item than gamble on sitting on a log or rock at camp. Front Runner’s Expander Camp Chair collapses down to the size of a laptop case to save space. Utility pockets and cup holders keep your items close, and the sturdy steel frame holds up to 253 pounds. Buy Now at Amazon
IGNIK Heated Seat Cover, $60
Keep your bum and whole body toasty while you’re lounging in any camp seat. The IGNIK Heated Seat Cover connects to a 12V power supply or 5V USB adapter and heats up to 140°F within two minutes. Once everyone has gone to bed, bring it into your sleeping bag to continue the coziness. Buy Now at REI
Snow Peak Pack and Carry Fireplace, $190
Get the cozy warmth of a real campfire while minimizing your impact on the environment with this easy, foldable fire pit. Made of stainless steel, the ingeniously-designed Pack and Carry folds flat, slipping into a nylon case for transport. Add on Snow Peak’s optional grill bridge and grill ($60 each) and you can cook your dinner over wood as well. Buy Now at the Outside Store
Tentsile T-Mini 2-Person Double Camping Hammock, $189
Rest under the trees while being suspended off the ground. This 5.3-pound double-hammock was designed to support two adults, whether they’re sleeping or stargazing. Seatbelt webbing and contoured mesh creates two separate sleeping spaces to prevent rolling, and the three tension points with strap ratchets are straightforward to set up. Buy Now at Tensile
Moon Shade, $325
For being only 8 pounds and the size of a yoga mat when rolled up, this 9-by-7-foot vehicle awning offers an immense amount of sun-protective covering. Set up is a breeze: Use the included anchor suction cups on your vehicle, attach the shade with carabiners, insert the aluminum telescoping tension poles, and prop it up. Enjoy shade all day. Buy Now at Moonshade
Teva x Cotopaxi ReEmber Slippers, $85
These slippers are such a good gift, you’ll want to get a pair for yourself. Teva and Cotopaxi teamed up to create these quilted slip-ons entirely out of recycled materials, from the ripstop upper to the EVA midsole. They provide traction around camp, and are safe to throw in the wash. Buy Now at REI
