Camping season is finally here and it’s time to make plans for exploring your state or even the nation. There are many different ways to enjoy the great outdoors. You can choose to camp in a tent, in a trailer, in a cabin or out under the open sky with nothing but a sleeping back beneath you. But for many people, camping is just a small portion of their summer travel plans.
If you want to take one or more road trips this year and are looking for ways to save money while stoking your sense of adventure, you might want to try camping with your car. Before you envision yourself trying to sleep in a cramped backseat or trunk, you should know that there are many products available that are specifically designed to help you camp comfortably in your car. From awnings to rooftop tents, here is a list of items you may want to buy so you can save money and enjoy the outdoors during your travels this year.
Rooftop Tent for Easy Set Up
Rooftop tents make camping with your car extremely easy. They also keep you lifted up off the ground so you don’t have to worry about mice and other little critters chewing their way into your tent while you sleep. Rooftop tents are designed to be easily set up on the roof of your vehicle. You’ll just need to make sure the top of your vehicle is equipped with a rooftop rack that can hold your tent. Most of these tents fold up conveniently and are stored securely on top of the vehicle. When you make it to your next stop, you can simply open the tent back up and not worry about the tent taking up additional space inside your vehicle.
Rooftop tents come in different configurations. Some are waterproof while others are not. You’ll want to consider the likely weather scenarios you will run into during your travels to ensure you get a tent that offers optimal protection from the elements. Rooftop tents are a bit small by necessity, but they can still comfortably fit one to four people.
Awnings for Maximum Shade
One of the most important things to have while camping is a reliable source of shade. Shade will not only help you stay comfortable during your travels but will also help prevent sunburns. With a vehicle awning, you can take a reliable source of shade along with you on your travels. Awnings are easy to set up and can be connected to the top of your vehicle for easy storage.
Awnings come in different sizes and shapes. Some extend straight out from one side of your vehicle while others extend around two sides of your vehicle for optimum coverage. There are also some awning systems that include walls to help block out light from the setting sun or unwanted wind.
Tent for Your Truck Bed
If a rooftop tent is not your thing, you may consider a tent for your truck bed. These tents can quickly turn your truck bed into a comfortable and secure sleeping area so you can camp almost anywhere along your road trip route. There are tents available for both short and full-size truck beds, so make sure you buy the right size for your particular truck.
Some truck bed tents include awnings while others are simpler in design. No matter what type of truck bed tent you choose to purchase, you’ll appreciate how quickly you can go from driving to camping without worrying about finding the ideal piece of ground where you can set up a standard tent. When you’re ready to get back on the road again, simply deconstruct the tent right there in your truck bed, secure it in place and drive to your next destination.
Safety Accessories
If you opt to sleep inside your car or in a car tent during road trips, you’ll want to keep some tools and accessories with you for safety purposes. A heavy-duty flashlight can function as both a source of light and a self-defense tool in a pinch. Don’t forget to keep some extra batteries on hand in case yours die. A canister of pepper spray or bear spray can also go a long way toward keeping you safe from predators of both the two-legged and four-legged varieties.
You should also bring airtight containers to keep food sealed up inside of your car. Don’t ever keep food in your car tent or you’ll increase your chances of attracting hungry bears or other dangerous critters.
These are just a few of the things you may want to consider before going on your next road trip. Camping with your car is easier and more enjoyable than you ever thought possible, thanks to car tents, awnings and safety accessories.
