Camping season is here! Turn your backseat into a basecamp for under $100
We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals .
Camper vans have been having a moment — and by "moment," I mean a years-long parade of Instagram posts showcasing tiny stoves, hidden toilets and fairy lights that somehow make sleeping in a parking lot look magical (I've done it. It's not). These builds are beautiful. They're also wildly expensive. Some cost as much as an actual house.
Van life used to be for people who were down on their luck. Now it's aspirational. But here's the thing no influencer tells you: At some point, you're going to wake up at 2 am and desperately need a bathroom. Good luck with that.
So no, I'm not converting my everyday cars into full-time campers. They carry groceries, car seats, friends, family and my dog. There's no room for a built-in bed or a tiny farmhouse sink. Instead, we've landed on a way to camp in the car for under 100 bucks. There are no cedar-paneled ceilings, but we sleep just fine, and in the morning, the car goes right back to being a car. It gets the job done — and it leaves us with more money for, you know, actual adventures.
Sleeping Setup
Amazon Intex Air Mattress - Twin Size
$15
$20
Save $5
Before you buy anything, grab a measuring tape, fold those seats flat and see what size mattress you're working with. In my case, a twin fits snug in the back of my Subaru. My larger vehicle has room for something bigger, but I kept it simple and stuck with the twin since I wanted one setup that works in both. It's not fancy, but considering I've paid more for a six-pack, it does the job just fine.
Posh upgrade: Exped MegaMat Auto Sleeping Pad
$15 at Amazon
Amazon Inflatables Air Pump for Air Mattress
$10
$15
Save $5
A plug-in air pump feels like a luxury I shouldn't need — and yet, every time I use one, I wonder why I ever did it the hard way. Maybe I used to think camping meant earning your sleep by nearly passing out blowing up a mattress. But these days, when all vehicles have a 12V and/or an AC outlet, why not let the car do the work?
$10 at Amazon
Amazon Mesh Car Window Shades, 2-Pack
$12
$14
Save $2
Stagnant air in the car at night is the worst. Well, second worst. Mosquitoes are the worst. Thankfully, these window screens solve both of those problems. They slide over the entire window, so you can open them completely if you want to. I only roll them down a few inches so that they're open enough for quality air flow, closed enough that if a bear or other creature with teeth wanders by, they can't easily get into the car before I wake up and get the heck out of there.
If you're sleeping in the great outdoors, there's no reason to wake up to the smell of morning breath and sweaty feet — not when fresh mountain or lake air is just a window crack away!
$12 at Amazon
Amazon Car Window Sun Shades Covers
$15
$18
Save $3
Just like the windshield shade, these magnetic shades cover your side and rear windows to keep things dark and cool — or warm, depending on how you use them. They stick right to the metal window frame, so setup takes about two seconds. If it's cold out, I flip them black-side-out to soak up a little extra warmth from the sun. Not exactly high-tech, but it works.
$15 at Amazon
You might be wondering where the blankets and pillows are. Answer? In your home! Just grab what you already use, maybe an extra blanket or two, and bring them along with you. There is a caveat, though: if you're going to be camping somewhere colder, you should bring a sleeping bag rated for cold temps with you, not only for your comfort, but for your safety as well. Sleeping bag temperature ratings are for survival, not comfort, so go 15-20 degrees lower than you think you'll need. Here are a few of my favorites:
Kitchen Setup
Amazon Portable Camping Stoves Backpacking Stove
$7
$11
Save $4
Sleeping's important, sure — but so is eating. And while a lot of campsites come with fire pits or grills, the last thing you want is to arrive somewhere and find out you don't have a way to heat your food or water. This little ultralight stove was designed for backpacking, but it works just as well at a car campsite. It barely takes up any space; I keep one stashed in the car year-round. That way, even on a random road trip, I can fire it up for a hot cup of coffee when the nearest café is 60+ miles away.
Posh upgrade: Coleman Peak1 Portable 2-Burner Camping Stove
$7 at Amazon
Amazon Folding Camp Table
$20
$22
Save $2
This is another item that you'll probably find if you're spending the night at an established campsite, but if not, it is so much easier to prepare dinner on a table than try and balance everything in the back of the car without spilling it. It's also the most expensive item on this list, so if you're looking to save cash, this is what I'd get rid of.
Posh upgrade: REI Co-op Camp Prep Table
$20 at Amazon
Amazon WaterStorageCube Water Container with Spigot
$13
While it may be last on the list, water is the most important thing you'll bring on any camping trip. You can find jugs for cheaper, but the spigot is the real game-changer here — no more awkwardly lifting and tilting a sloshing 40-pound container just to fill a cup. This one makes it easy, and when you're using water for cooking, cleaning, drinking and doing dishes, easy matters.
Posh upgrade: Rtic Halftime Water Cooler $13 at Amazon
The total for all of that? $97. Not bad at all. That leaves you three bucks for a coffee and you'll be ready to hit the road for a camping adventure. Is your budget a bit higher than $100? Check out some splurges below.
Nice extras if you have the cash
Amazon All-Top Vehicle Awning
$148
$160
Save $12
Awnings are great. They protect you from the sun and weather and, depending on your car, are way easier to set up than a tailgate tent. This one from All-Top isn't the cheapest one out there, and far from the most expensive, but it is a good middle ground of ease-of-use and features. Just throw a few camping chairs underneath, crack a cold drink and you're golden.
$148 at Amazon
$100 can go a long way into turning a run-of-the-mill camping trip into a relaxing weekend you'll remember forever. (Getty)
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
34 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tractor carrying fertiliser overturns on A259
There were no injuries after a tractor carrying fertiliser overturned in West Sussex on Tuesday, police have confirmed. At 21:00 BST Sussex Police responded to a report that the tractor had overturned on the A259 Roundstone Bypass in Angmering. The road was closed in both directions while the chemical was cleared from the scene, Sussex Police said. By 04:30 the road was fully reopened. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Sussex Police
Miami Herald
13 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Which Subaru Wilderness Model is Best? I Explain
I've been asked, "Which Wilderness model is the best?" Too many times to count, and it's a complicated question to answer. Instead of shrugging and saying, "It depends," I'll break down the subtle differences between each one to help you make a more informed decision before you head to your local dealership and the commission-chasing Subaru salesmen start circling like sharks. Right now, there are only three Subaru Wilderness models available: the Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. Each one is equipped with Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, glossy black model-exclusive wheels, bronze accenting, rugged exterior cladding, and a matte black glare-diffusing patch on the hood. Each one comes with Subaru's award-winning tri-camera EyeSight setup, making them just as safe as the standard models. Subaru reinforced the roofs on all three models to carry an additional 70 pounds, and raised roof rails make it easier to install those Yakima or Thule crossbars you've got in your garage and get yourself a nice rooftop tent, cargo box, bike rack, or basket. The optional OEM ladder-style crossbars are a great option too, over the fold-away bars that can be added onto the standard models. That beautiful Geyser Blue exterior color is trim-specific, too. And it looks smashing when it's decorated with mud. On the inside, more bronze complements the otherwise black interior. All three Subies come with all-weather cargo and floor mats, and Subaru's StarTex waterproof (but still very comfortable) seating in the front and rear. Of course, it wouldn't be a fancy trim level if it didn't have "Wilderness" badging throughout. They're all ready to hit the trails with preinstalled mudflaps and underbody protection for the oil pan and gas tank, too. Subaru says the dual-function X-MODE is more effective in the Wilderness, thanks to an updated CVT for all three models. Then there's the biggest change: the factory lift. The Outback boasts the most lift of the trio, going from 8.6" to 9.5". Which, if you're a nerd about ground clearance like I am, is only 0.2" lower than the stock height of a Jeep Wrangler. The Crosstrek comes in second with an upgrade to 9.3", and then the Forester has the mildest increase to 9.2". This means you can buy a Wilderness model and show up to an Off-Road Subaru meet within the same hour. That's why Subaru developed the Wilderness models, to give those who frequent the roads less traveled without having to modify them. The Outback was the brand's most luxurious one of the lot. It was one of the first to come with a CVT, and had leather seats, a large sunroof, and an upgraded Harmon Kardon sound system, even in the early 2000s. So, it's shocking to literally no one that the Outback is the largest, roomiest, and most comfortable Wilderness. It comes with all the add-ons that come exclusively with the Wilderness trim, but having the taller lift, additional cargo space thanks to a longer wheelbase, and the reinforced roof make the Outback the best choice for families, though even single drivers can still enjoy the Outback. The waterproof seating and all-weather mats make it ideal for dog owners and campers. Plus, it's the only Wilderness model that comes with a turbocharger. Under the hood is Subaru's newest 2.4-liter turbo Boxer four, which makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It has the highest towing rating of the trio, too, at 3,500 lbs-though I don't know that I'd trust a CVT mated to a four-cylinder engine with that much weight. Especially since the brakes haven't been upgraded from the standard model, but take that as you may. The Wilderness, XT, Touring XT, and Onyx editions are the only versions of the Outback that have the added turbo boost. Off-road, that additional power most certainly comes in handy. Trust me. With all those extra ponies and cubic inches of space comes a steeper price tag, though. Though the price range of $37,648 to $47,070 MSRP is actually quite a bargain for what you get, especially when you compare it to the SUVs it competes against, like the Honda Passport TrailSport, Mazda CX-50 Meridian, or the Hyundai Santa Fe XRT, which all have a higher base MSRP over the Outback. When it came to loading my two toddlers in the car, I found the Outback to be easy because of the wide entry point, visible and accessible lower anchors and upper tether points on the back of the seat, but the lower roof line made it slightly annoying to load and unload them. However, once my oldest discovered she could easily climb in and out of it, I only had to worry about bending over to grab my youngest. The trunk was the easiest to get things in and out of, too, and it fit their double stroller, diaper bag, and a Costco haul without breaking a sweat The Forester is the second roomiest, with cargo space figures just slightly lower than the Outback. A shorter wheelbase is to thank for that, but passenger comfort isn't compromised with the loss of inches. While it seems disappointing, the benefit of the Forester over the Outback is the higher roof line. You can stack more vertically, making that dorm room move or camping trip a little easier to pack for. I also appreciated the higher roof line when it came to loading and unloading my toddlers, since I didn't have to bend over as low. My oldest loved the sunroof (which is standard on the Forester, while it's optional on the Outback) and taller windows, too. Sadly, the Forester Wilderness does not come with a turbo, even as an option. Yes, I'm still mourning the death of the Forester XT, and while the Forester would greatly benefit from a turbocharger, Subaru won't budge. Americans don't get the 2.4-liter. Instead, the Forester comes with a 2.5-liter (sadly) naturally aspirated four-cylinder Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It's no race car, but the improved CVT definitely helps put some pep in its step. Not having a turbo helps keep the mileage numbers fairly high, though, with averages of 25 in the city and 28 on the highway compared to the Outback's averages of 21 and 26 mpg. So, if you're more concerned about mileage than you are about cargo space, the Forester might be the one for you. In my opinion, the shorter wheelbase made it easier to park in a garage and felt a lot more nimble off-road, thanks to better approach and departure angles. The cargo space was plenty for my toddler's needs and my own, though I imagine it would be a little tight for a larger family and all their luggage. But that's when you employ those reinforced roof rails and get a cargo box or basket. Like its larger and more stout sibling, it's fairly priced. You get all that and a bag of chips at a price range of $34,995 to $38,877, depending on how many add-ons you opt for. Looks are very deceiving when it comes to the Crosstrek Wilderness, and after putting my kids in one, I understand why they're becoming a common sight in my home of Bend, Oregon. The Crosstrek has the smallest lift of the three, but it's still a feisty little thing. The Crosstrek Wilderness doesn't come with a sunroof, but the interior felt plenty open with large windows. I felt that the corners of the roof were easy to see out of the windshield, and despite a lift and knobby tires, it rode and handled a lot better than I assumed it would. My toddlers were definitely a lot more cramped in the Crosstrek compared to the Forester or the Outback, though, so I wouldn't recommend the Crosstrek for families like I would the other two. However, if you're looking for something capable, reliable, remarkably efficient, and you're on a budget, the Crosstrek is a very respectable choice. It comes with the same engine as the Forester, but since it's the smallest, it feels a lot more poised on and off-road. It has the shortest wheelbase and the best approach and departure angle of the Wilderness models, too. What I found strange was the trunk design. The trunk itself isn't small, but the entry into it is very narrow, which made loading everyday things more difficult and ate up valuable space. Otherwise, the rear seats were still plenty cozy, but felt very closed from a lack of sunroof and smaller windows compared to the Forester or Outback. I'm a very outdoorsy person, and if I didn't have kids in car seats that require a lot of items, the Crosstrek would be perfect for single drivers or couples without kids. Unlike the Forester and the Outback, the Wilderness is the top-shelf trim of the Crosstrek. Even then, the Crosstrek Wilderness has a more-than-fair base price of $32,195 and a max price of $33,360 with all the add-ons, which is remarkable for what you get. Deciding which one is best is like trying to pick the best dessert option. Each one is delicious, and you truly can't go wrong with either one, but each one has a unique strength that may make it a better buy for you and your lifestyle. The Outback has two: power and space. The turbocharger adds a lot of value to it because it not only makes it more capable off-road but also adds a lot of character. There's nothing worse than having to pass a truck or SUV towing a trailer and putting the pedal to the metal only to hear the engine roaring, but the car doesn't move. You wouldn't have to worry about that with the Outback. The cargo space is unmatched, and it does have the highest towing rating. So if you're on the hunt for a very capable off-roader right off the lot, the Outback is worth the extra dough. Especially for families or couples who take camping and softroading very seriously. I'd buy the Outback Wilderness to accommodate my family and outdoorsy lifestyle in a heartbeat. The Forester is another excellent choice for families, as it has similar cargo space numbers to the Outback, but it's easier to park in a garage and easier to load things in and out of (there's a reason why grannies love them so much!). It doesn't have the punch of the turbocharger, but it does earn better mileage than the Outback. It's also incredibly fairly priced and comes with a large panoramic sunroof as standard equipment, which my toddlers absolutely adored, as it opened up the backseats and eased car sickness. I have a 2011 Forester, and the newest generation still carries what made the Forester so successful in the first place. It's just a little bigger and a lot safer. If not for families, this is great for couples with dogs, too. The little Crosstrek has a lot of personality, and that's why I recommended one to my best friend. She bought one and loves it, due to its amazingly high average mileage rates, plentiful space for a single person, unmatched off-road capabilities, and safety ratings. It's also the most affordable of the three, even at the fancier Limited Wilderness level, making it ideal for families on a budget (though the cargo space was an issue for me, but it will work with a cargo basket or box), single campers, or families without children. If I didn't have children, this would be the Subaru Wilderness I'd buy. The 2.5-liter engine is a happy medium for the Crosstrek, so it's not shocking that it gets the best mileage of the trio. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Yahoo
See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive
See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive originally appeared on Autoblog. Expected to become available in early 2026, Rivian's upcoming R2 is a midsize, fully electric SUV that will slot beneath the R1S and R1T in the automaker's lineup and will provide a more rugged alternative to established electric crossovers such as the Tesla Model Y and the Ford Mustang Mach E. As we eagerly await the arrival of Rivian's third-ever model, we can now take a closer look at the R2's innovative suspension system, as shared on Instagram by the brand's founder and CEO, RJ Scaringe. According to Scaringe's Instagram post, the "R2 multi-link rear suspension includes 5 stamped steel links and uses an isolated rear subframe to deliver incredible ride quality and handling." In an automotive first, the Rivian R2's rear suspension resembles a "starfish" in an effort to "reduce unsprung mass to support enhanced ride quality." Judging by the comments on RJ's Instagram post, it seems that people are generally very excited by the innovative suspension system. Perhaps most importantly, the brand CEO's fascination with seemingly small details such as the R2's rear suspension system echoes the automaker's attention to detail, which seems to have resonated with buyers and enthusiasts alike. Featuring two unique battery sizes, the Rivian R2 will reportedly be available with over 300 miles of all-electric range and a 0-60 miles per hour time of under three seconds. Perhaps the most notable feature of the Rivian R2 is its size. Claimed to be a true SUV, rather than a crossover, the modest-yet-ample sizing of the Rivian R2 reminds us of a popular segment of SUVs that, into the late-2000s and early-2010s, saw most of its models morph into softer, less-rugged crossovers, such as the Jeep Cherokee, the Ford Explorer, and the Chevrolet Blazer. Now that boxy and rugged-yet-practical SUVs are regaining popularity, Rivian is set to be ahead of the game by offering a vehicle in a class that seems to have been entirely neglected for far too long, even by more traditional combustion-powered options. While the upcoming Rivian R2 seems like it's set to be one of the most exciting and most usable electric SUVs introduced to date, perhaps the most eagerly anticipated feature is the R2's supposed price tag, which is expected to start around $45,000 USD. That's about the same price as a 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line, a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, or a Tesla Model Y without the federal EV tax incentive included, despite offering superior interior spaciousness and rugged, off-road-ready chops. We're eagerly awaiting the Rivian R2's imminent arrival in early 2026, and we're excited to see how it stacks up against more established EV SUVs. See How the Rivian R2's Advanced Suspension Elevates Your Drive first appeared on Autoblog on Jun 9, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
