While packing essential food items, sleeping gear, and kitchen supplies, you must not forget to have a portable power source. Jackery Portable Power Stations are highly efficient and robust charging solutions that can power most of your appliances for long hours. The power stations can be packed in the vehicle's rear compartment so you can safely carry them wherever you go.
Campsite Essentials
When setting up a camp, you will always need a shelter, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag to stay warm at night. Other items, such as chairs and pillows, add an extra layer of comfort. However, before you start packing the car camping essentials, you are advised to check the campground amenities. Most campgrounds will offer a picnic table and fire pit, so you don't have to bring your own.
Here is a car camping checklist you can refer to for packing basic campsite gear:
Food: Create a food shopping list based on what you want to make while camping. Some easy-to-cook camp classics include oatmeal, sandwiches, hot dogs, and freeze-dried soups.
Sleeping Gear: For comfortable sleep, you should consider bringing a car camping tent, extra stakes, and air mattresses or sleeping pads. The sleeping gear will ensure you never have to worry about a peaceful night's sleep.
Portable Power Station: Jackery Portable Power Stations are powerful and robust charging solutions that can keep your outdoor devices charged, especially if you are camping in a remote location. They feature a robust handle and ergonomic design that ensures easy movement from one place to another.
Camp Light: You will also need some lights to illuminate your path on a night hike. Some easy-to-carry lighting items include a lantern, flashlight, matches or lighter (for a campfire), headlamps, firestarter, extra batteries, and glow sticks.
Just-in-Case Gear: You never know when things can go wrong during camping, so it's great to have some essential car camping gear for quick fixings, such as duct tape, a multitool, scissors, a hammer, antiseptic wipes, water purifier tablets, a wood axe, and a first aid kit.
But is it illegal to sleep in your car? No, it is not illegal to live in your car in the US, but it's best to check local and state laws to understand where to park your vehicle while camping.
Camp Furniture Essentials
Carrying some camping furniture to the car camping location offers lots of benefits. For starters, it can transform the outdoor space by making it feel cozy and more like home. It can also personalize the space and create an atmosphere for a glamping experience.
Camp Table: A camp table is a must-have car camping essential that will help you keep your gear organized and within reach. You can cook delicious meals on the table or just use the place to plan various fun activities, such as working on a puzzle or playing cards.
Hammock: A hammock is nice to have around when camping. You will definitely love lounging in a hammock on a sunny day and watching the beautiful stars.
Camping Chair: Even if you have a picnic table at the campsite, it's not the most comfortable place to sit. An affordable and durable camping chair with a built-in cooler is great for holding extra drinks or other items.
Camp Kitchen Essentials
If you plan car camping in a remote location, you must carry the camp kitchen essentials to set up an outdoor kitchen space or cooking setup.
Cookset: You will need something to cook your food outdoors, so pack a frying pan, a pot, and some cooking utensils.
Cooler: A small cooler can help you keep your drinks and food items cold.
Dinnerware: Pack some bowls and plates, so you have something to eat out of. If you are camping with two people, a dinnerware set of four with some extra plates and bowls seems an ideal solution.
Insulated Mug: An insulated mug keeps beverages warm when camping in cool weather or cold in the summer heat.
Coffee Maker: If you love coffee, a coffee maker is a must-have car camping essential. With it, you can drink coffee anytime and anywhere.
Clean-up Towels: Remember to carry some hand-sized quick-dry towels for wiping off surfaces and drying dishes.
Cooking Utensils and Cutlery: You will also need to carry some easy-to-use, durable, and easy-to-clean cooking utensils, such as a knife, large spoon, small cutting board, and more.
Electronics Essentials
Electronics are often overlooked, but they are essential for modern camping trips. Here are some electronics essentials you must check out:
Headlamp: A headlamp or a flashlight is a car camping essential that can help you navigate the campsite at night, especially if you want to find something in a car or tent.
Lantern: A lantern can provide enough lighting for cooking, organizing gear in the dark, and playing games in the car camping tent.
Speaker: You might also consider bringing a portable speaker to listen to music and podcasts around the campsite. However, keep the volume low to avoid disturbing nearby campers.
Clothing Essentials
The clothing type you bring to the campsite will depend on where you are going, what outdoor activities you are planning to do, and the weather.
Quick-Dry Tees: If you are car camping in warm temperatures, make sure to pack quick-dry tees that don't hold odors and can be worn multiple times.
Fleece: Nights can often get chilly, and a warm fleece can ensure you don't have to worry about the cold weather outdoors.
Rain Jacket: Another item you should pack is a rain jacket just in case it starts raining. A rain jacket can also double as a windbreaker.
Camp Shoe: A camp shoe is a supportive yet comfortable essential that allows your feet to relax while you are driving or hanging out in the evenings.
Sun Hat: A sun hat is a summer car camping item that protects your scalp from the sun in hot weather.
Health & Hygiene Essentials
Staying healthy and clean is essential during car camping trips, especially those that take you to remote locations. Here is a car camping list for health and hygiene essentials:
First Aid Kit: A first aid kit is non-negotiable when camping in a car. It should typically include bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers for minor injuries.
Biodegradable Soap: Always pack some biodegradable soap, as they can break down naturally and aren't harmful to the environment. Make sure to stay at least 200 feet away from water sources and lakes before using the soap.
Sunscreen: Since you will be camping and hiking outdoors, sunscreen will protect your skin from the harsh sun's rays.
Wet Wipes: Wet wipes are handy for quickly cleaning your body or face after a dusty drive or sweaty hike.
Bug Spray: Always carry a mosquito repellent or bug spray while backpacking, hiking, or car camping to keep pesky bugs at bay.
Toiletry Bag: A small toiletry bag will keep your toiletries organized and contained. You can hang them in your tent for a quick, anytime access.
Poop Kit: If you are camping in remote locations with no bathroom facilities, you should carry a poop kit so you can poop outside and leave no trace. Also, bring toilet paper, a towel, and a plastic bag.
Personal Items
Personal items will definitely vary depending on what you need during the car camping trip. Packing the right car camping gear can greatly enhance your camping experience, and here’s what to carry.
Reusable Water Bottle: If you plan to hike while camping, a reusable water bottle or hydration pack is essential for car camping. It will ensure you stay hydrated throughout the trip.
Entertainment: Bring along a deck of cards to enjoy hours of good times, and it won't take any room in your car. You can also carry some books or journals.
Portable Power Supply for Car Camping
The joy of camping outdoors is often found in living off the grid and reconnecting with nature. However, car camping essentials like light and warmth and even access to life-saving CPAP machines can make it worth having power. That's where portable power stations come in.
Jackery is a global brand that manufactures solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels for charging appliances outdoors. Jackery Solar Generators are quiet and safe to use in outdoor locations because they produce less than 30dB of noise and do not emit any toxic fumes.
They have durable and sturdy foldable handles to carry and move the power stations around the campground. Here are some of the best portable power stations for charging appliances while living in a car:
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you plan a multi-day Coachella car camping trip and wish to cook food outdoors, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus has enough battery capacity to charge most appliances. Whether you wish to charge a portable heater to keep the camping space warm or want a mini fridge to keep food items cool, the solar generator has covered your needs. It has a pull rod and double wheels that ensure easy movement from one place to another.
Customer Review "Easy to set up and use, thoughtful design to have a battery mounted on wheels. Since this is a modular system, we will be adding more components in the future." — Denise Shepherd.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a midsize charging solution that can juice up almost anything on a car camping trip. It has a sturdy, foldable handle to move the power station around the campground. It emits less than 30dB of noise, so the solar generator can charge appliances peacefully. It is also expandable, allowing you to extend the capacity to a whopping 5kWh with the additional Jackery Battery Pack 1000 Plus.
Customer Review "My Jackery 1000 Plus does exactly what it is advertised to do. I use it for camping and love that I can add battery Packs. Solar Charging is in an acceptable range. It's perfect for what I need it for." — Deborah Wheeler.
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2
The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 offers 50% higher output than previous generations. It is capable of running high-power appliances such as kettles, mini-fridges, coolers, lights, etc., for a comfortable car camping trip. It's also portable by nature and features a foldable handle to move the solar generator anywhere you like. It can easily fit into the vehicle's rear compartment for convenient storage on the go.
Customer Review "Having a solid and reliable source of power out in the desert will be nice. Love the practical design and ease of use. It's been fun to test at home. Pretty cool." — Dayna Getz.
|
Product |
Capacity |
Car Camping Appliances |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus |
2042.8Wh |
Electric Grill (700W) = 2.4H CPAP Machine (30W) = 57.8H Portable Fridge (50W) = 34.7H Electric Blanket (80W) = 21.7H Ice Maker (500W) = 3.4H Coffee Maker (550W) = 3.1H Phone (18W) = 96.4H Coffee Maker (400W) = 4.3H Light (5W) = 347.2H Portable Heater (350W) = 4.9H |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus |
1264Wh |
Electric Grill (700W) = 1.5H CPAP Machine (30W) = 35.8H Portable Fridge (50W) = 21.4H Electric Blanket (80W) = 13.4H Ice Maker (500W) = 2.1H Coffee Maker (550W) = 1.9H Phone (18W) = 59.6H Coffee Maker (400W) = 2.6H Light (5W) = 214.8H Portable Heater (350W) = 3.0H |
|
Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 |
1070Wh |
Electric Grill (700W) = 1.2H CPAP Machine (30W) = 30.3H Portable Fridge (50W) = 18.1H Electric Blanket (80W) = 11.3H Ice Maker (500W) = 1.8H Coffee Maker (550W) = 1.6H Phone (18W) = 50.5H Coffee Maker (400W) = 2.2H Light (5W) = 181.9H Portable Heater (350W) = 2.5H |
Conclusion
One of the biggest keys to fully enjoying your next car camping experience is ensuring that you have a portable source of power for your most important devices. Traditional generators are noisy, costly, and require expensive fuel to run.
That’s why you should take a look at Jackery’s line of solar generators (a solar solution that combines a portable power station with solar panels.) They’re quiet, safe to use, and clean energy efficient. Bringing one with you could be the key to unlocking the full benefits of your next camping experience.
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