Car Camping: A Simple Way to Stay Close to the Outdoors

You don’t always need a backcountry permit, a packed itinerary, or a perfect gear list. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet pull-out, the right layers, and the time to slow down.

Car camping isn’t about shortcuts. It’s about making space for more time outside—on your terms. Whether you’re chasing a weekend of early hikes and late fires, or just looking for a pause somewhere between work and weather, having your base on four wheels is a practical, flexible way to stay connected to the outdoors.

It doesn’t require much—just a spot to park, a decent sleeping setup, and clothing that lets you handle whatever the forecast decides to throw at you.

It’s Not About the Setup, It’s About Being Out There

Car camping means different things to different people. For some, it’s folding down the seats and rolling out a mat. For others, it’s a well-worn van with built-in storage and a makeshift kitchen. The point isn’t how refined your setup is. It’s that you went.

You might not even own a car—and that’s fine. This is simply one way to access the outdoors, without needing to navigate permits or haul gear deep into the backcountry. It’s flexible. It’s repeatable. It allows you to leave work on a Friday and be eating by a fire two hours later.

And after a long day on the trail, ski touring, or scouting lines for tomorrow—being able to slide into a warm sleeping bag, make a hot meal, and listen to the wind through the trees? That’s hard to beat.

The Key Is Packing Smart, Not More

Part of the beauty of car camping is being able to bring what you actually want. You can pack the extra jacket. The camp chair. Real food. Good coffee. But that doesn’t mean throwing in everything you own.

Start with:

• Weather-adaptable layers – Mornings are cold, afternoons unpredictable. Pack pieces that let you respond to mountain shifts without fuss.
• Solid footwear – For hiking, gathering firewood, or slipping out for sunrise.
• Camp layers – The soft, low-profile pieces you throw on when the day winds down. Cozy pants, a relaxed midlayer, easy slip-ons. Gear that lets you breathe, stretch, and settle in by the fire without noticing what you're wearing.
• A sleeping setup that works for you – Could be a foam mat and sleeping bag, or a full inflatable system. Whatever gets you rested.
• A small kitchen kit – A stove, a pot, something to eat from. You don’t need more.

It’s Not a Destination, It’s a Mindset

This isn’t about the latest rooftop tent or perfect Instagram setups. It’s about simplicity. About getting out—even if just for a night—because you know what those hours outside do for you.

We’ve learned over the years that being close to the elements doesn’t require complicated plans. It just requires the right mindset—and a few pieces of gear you can count on when the wind shifts or the temperature drops fast.

Wherever you spend the night—beneath a ridgeline, by a frozen lake, or just off a quiet forest road—make sure you’ve got what you need to stay warm, dry, and ready to move again tomorrow. Shop outdoor clothing for men and women.