As someone who lives on the road full-time (out of an SUV), I’ve tried so many different camping and overlanding items. Here are some of the things I think are great items for camping or long road trips that I’ve been reaching for again and again. These are in no particular order and are just a few things I would recommend — I only recommend things that I myself have purchased and used 🙂

#1. Luno Camp Lights ($40) for the vibes

I’ve had a few different camp lights or fairy lights and most seemed to always be lacking in some way. I can now leave these up all the time if I want because of the suction cups they have attached and they’re just a lot easier to hang up and around. They give off the perfect warm white light glow for perfect camp vibes — I even used them around my outdoor movie theater for a little extra ✨

The Luci Solar String Lights are another contender, but I found them to be a little too difficult to hang up and are a lot bulkier, but the solar recharge is nice.

#2. Hest Mattress (~$350) or the Exped DeepSleep (~$169) Sleeping Pad

I used the Exped Sleeping pad in my car for five years before recently switching to the Hest. The main reason I switched is because the Exped was just a little too wide to fit in my car build and since it had been kind of squished in for so long, I had to inflate it every night and it would be mostly deflated in the morning. I got the Hest Shorty now and while I do miss some the support from the inflatable part of the Exped, the Hest been pretty great so far and I like that its super durable. I also got these sheets on Amazon that are a pretty good fit! I have the shorty size so they are a little long but still been working great.

Even though this is still a bit of a splurge, I do highly recommend a good camping mattress if you will be doing any significant amount of camping. Since I sleep on these more than anywhere else, both these matresses have proven to be just as comfortable as a normal house mattress which makes them 🤌🏻

#3 & #4: Scepter Water Jug ($50) and Lone Rock Dispenser ($80)

I drink a lot of water so always having a lot of water with me is definitely needed. I’ve had this jug for years now and last summer added this water pump that fits perfectly on top of the Scepter water jugs. I wont lie — when I bought the pump it was not nearly this expensive and I do think its a bit overpriced now, but a friend of mine did order not one, but two knockoffs without the adapter on Amazon and they both ended up being faulty and not working or turning on randomly and without the adapter it doesnt really stay on the jug. So in the long run, its probably worth it.

I also started carrying one of these collapsable water jugs if I know I want to be out longer and not have to worry about not having enough water. Its super small so when its collapsed so it stows away easily.

Also a bit niche and expensive, but I have the MSR Guardian Water Purifier with me too so I can always filter water from pretty much any water source. It has a pump so its more efficient than just a backpacking filter, and is good for even murky water sources if you’re in a pinch. Just generally a good item to have for emergencies, but I use this a lot when on the road because I can basically have unlimited water if im near any water source.

#5. Dometic CFX3 Fridge (or similar 12V Cooler, ~$700)

Definitly a bit of a splurge but I think the electric coolers are a total game changer for any kind of camping. I have had the Dometic CFX3 25L 12V Fridge for over three years now and I absolutely love it. I have had no issues with it at all, I run it constantly in all types of weather. It has a low power draw, and I’ve found that the 25L is a perfect size for me (1 person, if you have more people you’d probably want a bigger size). It also happens to fit perfectly in the spot I have for it in my car.

I do know people who have gotten other brands that they love so I would encourage you to shop around and find one within your budget — this is probably the #1 recommendation I would have for anyone trying to get on the road for longer periods of time. Coolers and ice are just 🙅🏻‍♀️

#6. Rumpl Original Puffy Blanket

A classic for a reason, I love having this to use around a fire, or laying in my hammock early in the morning. Its durable (I walked through some spiky cacti while wearing it and it was unharmed), and I love that it has the little clasp so you can wear it like a cape 🦸🏻‍♀️

Also side note, I originally got the nano loft blanket and do not recommend it. I washed it per their instructions and all the filling got all funky, and even before that I did not find it to be warm at all.

#7. Reusable Paper Towels & Cotton Rounds

When you’re in the wild or even just at a campground, doing dishes is always the worst. These are great to help with doing some dirtbag dishes or just to have around to wipe things down without going through so many paper towels and generating a lot more garbage you have to pack out. I also got a wet bag to put the used towels in until I do laundry. I got mine from Marley’s Monsters if you want to support a small business (non-affiliate), but it looks like Amazon has some similar options.

I also use washable cotton rounds with micellar water for easy skincare on some nights — they are so great to have around again, help generate less waste.

#8. AeroPress Go Plus and/or Rumble Jar Cold press maker

Must have coffee. Luckily I drink my coffee black (yes I like it) so I’m pretty easy to please when it comes to coffee, but I do love the aeropress coffee makers because they make a nice strong cup. When its hot out and I have room in my fridge I love to make some cold press and got the Rumble Jar Cold press maker.

Ive previously used the AeroPress Portable option but just upgraded to the Go Plus for two reasons - the caraffe on this is larger and has a lid, making it easier to take your nice coffee on a walk or on the go without needed a separate thermos. And the filters are perfectly stored on the bottom of the thermos instrad of a tiny flat container that never closed and always got water in it. I’m really enjpying the clear option as well — its relaxing to watch the water swirl around the coffee grounds.

#9. Jetboil 10” Fry Pan

I have a Sea to Summit 8” fry pan that I use almost exclusively for Pancakes 🥞 but really needed something a bit bigger for normal food - like sauteeing up a giant batch of veggies for dinner, or making some quesadillas. So I picked up this Jet boil pan, and it is big but its been super nice to have and luckily fits pretty compactly with my other dishes. I do wish it had a lid, but i might just have to find a solution for that soon.

#10. Teva ReEmber Terrain Camp Shoes

I’ve been wearing Teva ReEmber Mocs for years and finally decided to try the Terrain ones and I was not disappointed. I still love the original ones, but these ones do feel like they fit the shape of my foot a bit better and I really appreciate the extra grip. I wear them constantly around camp - they’re nice and toasty - but they are also appropriate enough for quick things in town. Mine get etremely dirty at camp but the material is super easy to wipe down.

Bonus #11. Patagonia Slope Explorer 18L Vest

More targeted toward people who like to explore and hike but — I am most definitely not a runner, but I just got this to have as an alternate pack from my backpacking bag (which I normally just use for dayhikes too because its so lightweight). Ive been loving having this for last minute, shorter hikes (around 5 miles or less). I like that its super small, but unlike most hydration vests there is enough room for extra layers and snacks, or cameras in my case. I love that it comes with the two front hydration bladders because I dont really like the large pack bladders. There is also enough room in the front pockets for quick reach snacks, your phone, and car keys. It might even make me want to… start… running? There are a lot of different hydration vests out there but after researching this seemed to check most of the boxes for me — vest structure with a decent amount of space and non-bladder hydration option and quick reach pockets ✅

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