Over the previous 12 months and a half, I’ve spent most of my time residing in my Subaru Outback. I’ve discovered the ins and outs of the automotive tenting life-style and am right here to share every little thing I’ve discovered on the way to flip your Subaru Outback into the proper automobile for automotive tenting and Overlanding.
Whether or not you merely wish to begin occurring extra highway journeys, or for those who’re a hiker who flees town to hit the paths on the first light, or a photographer who wants a spot to crash after capturing the milky manner, automotive tenting in your Subaru is a good way to make these adventures occur.
Why a Subaru is Good for Automobile Tenting
Whether or not you drive a Subaru Outback, Forester, Crosstrek or one other mannequin, Subaru SUVs are the proper journey automobile. Subaru’s are nice for:
Excessive Floor Clearance
The Subaru Outback, Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent all have a floor clearance of 8.7 inches. You may journey over rocky, robust terrain, figuring out that the danger of scraping the underbody of your automobile is minimal.
All Wheel Drive
All Subarus (besides the BRZ) have all-wheel drive (AWD), making them the proper off-road automobile. According to Subaru, with symmetrical all-wheel drive, Subarus acquire extra energy, traction, stability, and management. This helps preserve a stable grip on the highway in quite a lot of situations.
Spacious Cargo Space
The Outback and different Subaru fashions have loads of cargo house. Folding down the rear seats creates extra leg room for sleeping. Plus, each the spare tire properly and house below the entrance seats present room for added storage.
How one can Flip Your Subaru Outback right into a Camper
Turning your Subie right into a camper really takes much less work than you’d assume! You may go the DIY route for those who’re snug with that, or there are many custom-made gear choices match particularly to completely different autos—Subarus specifically.
With nearly every little thing you possibly can think about on the market in the marketplace, and an infinite variety of methods to show your Subaru right into a camper, sleeping in your automotive can really be extremely snug. There’s virtually no motive to not!
After all, everybody has a distinct funds for turning their automobile into their camper. Whether or not you’re a gear junkie seeking to construct out a sick rig for overlanding, otherwise you’re extra of a DIY funds explorer, I’ll run you thru all the knowledge you might want to know earlier than you set out in your adventures.
Fold-Down the Again Seats for Your Mattress
Top-of-the-line options of a Subaru is that the again seats fold comparatively flat. This makes sleeping in your automobile extra snug as you possibly can lie fully flat in your mattress. With the whole again row of seats folded down, you’ve got virtually as a lot room as a full-sized mattress.
Totally different Subaru fashions and years have barely completely different dimensions when the seats are folded down however most common about 4 toes of house throughout from the narrowest level by 6 toes in size for those who transfer your entrance seats ahead.
Even for those who’re tall—and even when there are two of you—sleeping in your Subaru is not going to be an issue!
Use a Mattress to Sleep Comfortably
When car camping there are many mattress choices relying on how a lot time you spend in your Subaru and the way a lot cash you’re prepared to spend. Your sleeping space is on the core of your checklist of car camping essentials.
Air Mattress
For optimum consolation try Luno Life! They create sturdy air mattresses which are {custom} lower to suit the precise form of your automobile. It inflates through a pump that pulls energy out of your cigarette lighter, and it packs down small and simply when not in use.
Foam Mattress
I personally went a distinct route and use a 6ft x 2ft x 4in piece of cushioning foam from JOANN Fabrics. This foam is usually used to make chair pads, boat seating, and camper cushions—however I take advantage of it as a mattress!
As a result of I all the time preserve my seats down I preserve my mattress setup full time. And regardless of it solely costing about $80, it’s very snug and sturdy.
Sleeping Pad
Lastly, for those who’re making an attempt to make do with what you have already got, an everyday tenting sleeping pad works nice too! I really like my Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite. It really works nice in my Outback and as an ultralight sleeping pad, it really works nice for backpacking too. With a weight of lower than a pound, it packs all the way down to concerning the dimension of a water bottle.
Alternatively, Use a Rooftop Tent or Pack a Common Tent
A snug night time of relaxation is important to take pleasure in a number of days of automotive tenting. With quite a lot of tent brands in the marketplace, there are so many various choices relying in your consolation stage and funds.
Tent Tenting
In case you have the house to arrange a tent, the best possibility when tenting exterior your Subaru Outback is a tenting tent. They get rid of the additional weight on high of your automobile, are straightforward to place up, easy to take down and supply the identical quantity of house and sturdiness as a rooftop tent.
A tenting tent additionally offers extra room than sleeping in your automotive.
Ultralight tents are the preferred tents these days. These tents work nice as each backpacking tents and for automotive tenting. For the lightest checks on the market, try the Big Agnes Copper Spur line, the Nemo Dagger, or the Nemo Hornet.
Whereas ultralight tents are nice for his or her light-weight characteristic, you may sacrifice some sturdiness. If you’re solely within the entrance nation some good choices for excellent high quality tents, that are nonetheless first rate for backpacking are the MSR Hubba Hubba or the REI Half Dome 2.
Rooftop Tent
In recent times, rooftop tents have change into extremely popular. These tents help you camp nearly wherever—in parking tons, on the facet of the highway, or on uneven terrain. Additionally, for those who’re in an space with plenty of wildlife, a rooftop tent can present extra safety from animals.
Nonetheless, a rooftop tent is considerably costlier, heavy, and infrequently requires a number of individuals to arrange. A rooftop tent is greatest really helpful for people who find themselves severe overlanders who like to off highway, or automotive residing dwellers who’ve the money and time to make a rooftop tent price it. Additionally, some rooftop tents require using brand-specific roof racks for the system to work.
If you are going to buy one, you’ve got two choices: a mushy or a tough shell tent. A softshell tent sometimes opens on the perimeters whereas a hardshell tent pops up on high. A hardshell tent has a better weight than softshell tent. As well as, it’s essential to remember that as a small SUV, the Subaru Outback doesn’t have the best weight capability.
There are plenty of manufacturers to decide on some, however these are a number of the greatest rooftop tents in the marketplace:
All of those manufacturers make each hardshell and softshell tents. They’re all sturdy, waterproof, multi-season tents price testing.
A Easy Mattress Platform Can Assist Create Area
In case you plan to spend so much of time in your Subaru Outback, constructing a mattress platform makes use of upward house whereas nonetheless offering a cushty place for sleeping. This helps maximize storage for those who plan to spend so much of time in your automobile.
I lately constructed a mattress platform behind my Subaru. I’ve hinges so it will possibly fold up small and I can nonetheless use the seats whereas creating loads of storage room beneath the mattress.
Make the most of Constructed-In Storage Area
I really like all the extra, hidden house that Subaru autos have. The cargo space that shops the spare tire has loads of additional room to retailer gear! Many Subaru’s have foam across the tire. You may pack issues into these areas and even take away the froth you probably have lots to retailer. The trunk space of the automotive gave me loads of additional house I didn’t even notice was there.
Additionally, use house across the seats for storage. These autos have a bunch of storage room below the entrance seats. When the seats are folded down there’s a little bit of storage room between them.
Ideas for Automobile Tenting in a Subaru
As you start spending extra time tenting in your Outback, you’ll in all probability need some additions to make your expertise extra snug. These gear recommendations will not be requirements, nevertheless, they may certainly make for a extra nice expertise whereas adventuring out of your automobile.
1. Give Your self Privateness—and Block the Solar—with Sunshades
Privateness, shade throughout the day, and heat throughout the winter are good luxuries to have when tenting in your Subaru Outback.
WeatherTech makes a full set of shades custom-made to suit your home windows. They assist preserve the automotive cool in the summertime and heat within the winter. When not in use, WeatherTech shades roll up neatly for compact storage.
In case you’re the artful kind, it’s fairly straightforward to make sunshades/insulation your self. You should buy a roll of Reflectix Insulation from most dwelling enchancment shops. Simply define the form of your window and lower them out. For a similar end result, this feature will value you much less for those who put within the effort to make them!
2. All the time Crack a Window (with Mosquito Netting)
Cracking a window prevents your Outback from filling with condensation and permits for circulation. Many individuals discover that even in cooler temperatures, it’s helpful to crack a window to maintain your home windows from fogging.
If in a buggy space you’ll positively wish to spend money on mosquito netting to maintain the bugs out of your automobile. Luno is available in with car window screens that preserve bugs out, assist stop UV radiation and add a layer of privateness, too. They simply slide over the window and have a handy storage pouch.
Coghlan additionally makes mosquito netting. Whereas these aren’t lower completely to border your home windows they’re an amazing different if on a funds. Product of mesh polyester, these serve the identical goal. Simply lower the netting as wanted. You may typically discover this model at Goal, Walmart, or normal shops when tenting.
3. Deliver a Cooler to Maintain Meals Chilly
YETI makes superb merchandise which are heavy-duty, long-lasting, and preserve your meals chilly. The 24L Roadie is a superb possibility for Subaru’s as a result of it suits properly within the rear footwell and is completely sized to suit a Luno air mattress. The deal with makes it straightforward to hold and with a bunch of sizes and fashions, you’ll certainly discover one thing to fit your wants.
RTIC additionally makes nice coolers that value a bit lower than YETI coolers. They’re additionally sturdy and have quite a lot of sizes, colours, and fashions.
On my DIY funds, I selected to spend a bit much less on a cooler and acquired a Coleman. Whereas this cooler in all probability isn’t the perfect of the perfect since you might need to refill the ice extra typically, the fee distinction is one factor that makes it price it for me.
4. Deliver Your Personal Energy for Off-Grid Tenting
Having energy whereas automotive tenting in your Outback is a luxurious and it’s extra handy than most individuals assume. Each Goal Zero and Jackery make superior merchandise for off-grid energy together with mills, energy stations, photo voltaic panels, lights, and different equipment to improve your setup.
5. Connect Crossbars on Your Automobile
Whether or not you’re driving an Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, or different Subaru mannequin, attaching a retractable crossbar system could be very helpful.
With a crossbar operating the size of the automobile you possibly can simply connect your roof rack cargo field or bag for storage. The crossbars make it a lot simpler to connect different gadgets too, comparable to kayaks, bikes, skis, and many others. Take a look at the crossbars made by Thule for those who’re in search of the very best quality.
6. Use a Roof Rack for Further Storage
Utilizing a roof rack and cargo provider is a good way to maximise storage inside your Subaru Outback whereas nonetheless permitting quick access to much less generally used gadgets. Thule, Yakima, and SportsRack all make unbelievable merchandise at various costs however most significantly it’s vital to know what type of rooftop storage you need.
Professional Tip: Always examine Craigslist and native purchase and promote pages earlier than you buy! Many vacationers use roof racks and storage for a couple of journeys then attempt to promote them. I received my $400 worth cargo field for $100 on Craigslist!
Rooftop Basket
Baskets sit on high of your roof rack and since they’re an open storage platform they’ll maintain many gadgets, together with oddly-shaped ones. Subsequently, you possibly can pile on as a lot or little as you need and tighten them with cam straps, a bungee, or a web.
Rooftop Field/Cargo Service
A field or stable cargo provider is safe and the most secure method to lock your valuables. They preserve water out and also you don’t have to fret about additional straps. They’re additionally aerodynamically designed to reduce wind resistance that may gobble up gas. Nonetheless, you’re restricted to the house inside them and they’re massive in storage.
Thule is thought for quite a lot of sized rooftop cargo boxes. Whether or not you want them to suit the size of your skies, otherwise you want a wider possibility, Thule has a lot to select from.
Rooftop Bag
A bag is pretty just like a field by way of dimension, nevertheless, they retailer a lot smaller when not in use. They match oddly formed gadgets and don’t require a roof rack to mount them. They don’t seem to be as preferrred in adversarial climate situations however they’re cheaper than a cargo field.
7. Have a Dependable Tenting Range
A superb tenting range provides you the consolation of creating your individual meals and helps get monetary savings.
The Coleman 2-burner stove is a straightforward propane range that has been round for years, but it is without doubt one of the greatest on the market for the value and high quality. With the 2 burners, I’ve simply made dinner for a gaggle of associates. It’s simply nearly as good as cooking on a kitchen range!
Campers: if you’re cooking open air, follow these leave no trace principles to be taught all the knowledge you might want to assist preserve the setting wholesome.
Finest Subaru Automobile Tenting Equipment
As you start spending extra time automotive tenting there are some further issues that may assist deck out your automobile. Whereas a lot of these items will not be requirements, they’ll make your expertise extra handy and cozy.
Sleeping Luggage
For campers, a very good sleeping bag is an enormous factor to issue into your high quality of sleep. Relying on the season and setting you’re in will decide what temperature ranking you want.
When tenting in your Outback in the summertime, a 40-degree bag is often a sensible choice. In cooler temperatures, you’ll wish to get a few 20-degree bag. In case you plan to spend any time in your automobile within the winter within the mountains you’ll positively desire a 0-degree bag.
For an amazing year-round sleeping bag try the Sea-To-Summit Ascent. This bag is available in 3 temperature scores; 0°F, 15°F, and 25°F. These down-filled sleeping luggage pack down small and relying on the temperature vary you select they’ll work for a number of seasons.
Or, for those who’re in search of one thing else, try this checklist of the best sleeping bag brands.
When shopping for a sleeping bag, consider:
- Sleeping luggage have two varieties of temperature scores. The examined decrease restrict states the minimal temperature that the bag will preserve you alive; this doesn’t imply it’ll preserve you heat.
- The examined consolation is often 10-15 levels greater and it is a higher indication of what temperature you’ll keep heat at.
- There are male-specific and female-specific sleeping luggage. Typically, males have a physique temperature of about 10 levels hotter than ladies. In chilly temperatures, gender-specific sleeping luggage could make a distinction as ladies’s are often filled with extra insulation.
- The size and dimension of the sleeping bag additionally contribute to heat. The higher the match, the hotter you’ll keep.
- A mummy match helps with heat too, particularly when it covers your head. Be sure you go away an area to your mouth so that you don’t find yourself with condensation inside!
As somebody who has lived out of her automotive in all situations, winter is certainly the toughest. Throughout the colder months, or anytime it’s under 20 levels exterior, it additionally helps to have further blankets and a comforter. Layer these blankets on high of you for optimum heat. The Rumpl Original Puffy is a superb out of doors blanket for including some additional heat to your sleep system.
Rooftop Awning
One superior factor concerning the Subaru Outback? The trunk opens upward. In case you’re quick, you’re in luck because the door makes an superior awning! However you may want extra room or if you’re a bit taller, a rooftop awning retains you dry and offers shade when cooking or stress-free subsequent to your Subaru.
Thule OverCast, Roam, and CVT all make sturdy, waterproof rooftop awnings, in various sizes. All costs begin round $250-$300 for the essential rooftop awning arrange to your automobile.
In case you’re in search of a funds awning, an amazing different is utilizing a tarp with some hooks or carabiners to connect the tarp to the automobile. On the opposite facet, you should use tent poles and paracord to safe it to the opposite facet of the automobile. This one won’t stand up to all situations as properly, however is a superb, cheap different.
Tenting Desk
With quite a lot of desk choices to select from, the kind of desk you select will depend upon the way in which you wish to retailer it.
For the most cost effective possibility, you should purchase a folding table at Goal. Usually these are a bit bulkier however they get the job accomplished. Usually they don’t pack down as properly however are an amazing piece if not automotive tenting too continuously.
If weight and dimension are your concern versus value, I’d advocate the Helinox assortment. They promote sturdy, light-weight tables and chairs that pack down small and serve many makes use of.
Rear Hitch Cargo Service
A cargo provider hooked up to the trunk of your Subaru opens up house for added gear storage and may double as a cooking desk!
In case you plan to off-road consider how low your rear hitch sits. Additionally, it’ll add further weight to your automotive setup which is one thing to notice.
The Yakima EXO is a superb possibility for a cargo hitch provider. It has a number of configurations and may maintain two models of storage whether or not that’s two gearlockers, a gearlocker, and a motorbike, or a solo gearlocker with a shelf on high to make use of as a cooking desk!
The Wilco HitchSwing and RIGd UltraSwing are nice options to the Yakima. Whereas they don’t have the double system they do carry bikes, baggage, or a cargo field with the choice to swing to the passenger or driver facet when hooked up. This makes it straightforward to entry the trunk of the automotive whereas offering further storage room.
RinseKit or Bathe
In case you’re fortunate, your campsite might need a bathe. Nonetheless, when that isn’t the case, many campers nonetheless wish to discover a method to keep clear which makes tenting far more gratifying.
Take a look at RinseKit as a conveyable bathe possibility. With a pressurized system just like a backyard hose, these kits are in a position to retailer water then generate scorching or chilly water in simply 30 seconds.
Cleanwaste GO Transportable Rest room
If digging a gap and pooping in a single isn’t your cup of tea, Cleanwaste makes a portable toilet you could take wherever! These are nice you probably have a base camp arrange. Whether or not you’re touring with youngsters otherwise you’re now not snug squatting, it makes going to the lavatory far more snug and you may simply wrap waste as much as pack out.
Sea-To-Summit Trash Drybag
Sea-to-Summit makes a Trash Dry Sack that turns out to be useful to maintain your Subaru Outback clear and helps keep away from leaving trash at your campsite. This dry bag is waterproof, sturdy, packs down small, and is simple to tackle backpacking journeys too.
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The flexibility to take your Subaru mannequin SUV off-road for adventures is a good way for individuals to distance themselves from different campers whereas having fun with their lives within the nice open air.
With so many choices and concepts to improve your camper setup, there are methods for everybody to take pleasure in this life-style. As extra persons are adventuring into out of doors locations, having a stable tenting scenario based mostly out of your automotive is the latest, fashionable method to trip!
