Practical car camping gear guides and checklists

Pack smarter. Camp happier.

Checklists, gear guides and how-tos for car campers: tents, sleeping gear, camp kitchens, power and campsite planning, without the hype.

Latest guides

Sleep Systems

Camping Cots vs. Air Mattresses: Which Is Better for Car Camping?

Compare camping cots and air mattresses for car camping by comfort, warmth, setup, durability and tent space, plus tips to sleep better on either…
Trip Planning

Leave No Trace for Car Campers: Practical Principles

How car campers can apply the seven Leave No Trace principles, including trash, campfires, dishwater, wildlife, quiet hours and respecting other campers.
Sleep Systems

Sleeping Bag Temperature Ratings Explained: Comfort vs. Limit

Understand sleeping bag temperature ratings, including ISO 23537 and EN 13537 comfort and limit ratings, down vs. synthetic fill, bag shapes and tips to…
Camp Kitchen

How to Pack a Cooler for Camping: Keep Food Cold Longer

Step-by-step instructions for packing a camping cooler, including pre-chilling, ice vs. ice packs, layering, food safety temperatures, drainage and tips to keep ice longer.
Power & Lighting

Camping Lanterns and Headlamps: How to Choose the Right Lights

How to choose camping headlamps and lanterns, including lumens, beam types, red light modes, batteries vs. rechargeable, water resistance and popular brands.
Tents & Shelter

How to Pitch a Tent in the Rain and Stay Dry

Step-by-step tips for setting up a tent in the rain, choosing a site that drains, using tarps and footprints correctly, reducing condensation and drying…