Having everything we need goes a long way towards having an awesome camping trip. But for those of us with smaller vehicles, cramming a weeks worth of necessities into every nook and cranny of our car can be a real nightmare. Not to mention leaving enough space for ourselves, our kids, the dog, etc.
This dilemma itself is more than enough to force most of us to put our camping adventure on hold.
Fortunately we can get around this issue of limited space by packing our vehicles more efficiently and giving ourselves some extra capacity via products such as trunk organizers and cargo carriers.
In this article we’re going to share with you 12 tips for packing a small car for camping, along with some great products to make your camping trip a bit more manageable. Keep reading to learn more!
12 Tips for Packing a Small Car for Camping
Tip #1 – Give Yourself Some Extra Space
Small cars are great for lots of things such as saving on gas and parking in tight spaces. But with that being said, they’re not the best option when it comes to storing lots of camping gear.
Fortunately, we have some options when it comes to giving ourselves a bit more square footage and organizing capability. Lets take a look.
Cargo Carriers
If your vehicle is equipped with a tow hitch, then a cargo carrier is a great option for you. Not only are they perfect for holding extra gear, they’re easy to install and remove from your vehicle. And because they’re available with different wall heights and weight capacities, its easy to find one to fit your particular needs.
One of the better cargo carriers I’ve been able to find is this one by Curt. As you can see from the picture above, its got a heavy duty mesh floor that’s capable of holding up to 500lbs! Its basket style design with 6″ high walls makes it easy to load your gear quickly and securely. Its also comes with a durable powder coat finish that’s resistant to rust, scratches, and UV damage. Definitely check out the Curt cargo carrier on Amazon if you need a budget friendly way to increase your storage capacity.
Rooftop Box/Bag
Another great way to give yourself some extra storage capacity is with a rooftop box or bag. These options can be a bit more expensive than the hitch cargo carriers but they do offer a way to keep your gear protected and dry while on the road.
If your vehicle is equipped with a roof rack, and you travel often, then a roof box would probably be your best bet. They tend to hold up longer than the bag does and they offer better protection. The SportRack Vista XL is a great rear-opening cargo box for those who need a more permanent solution. For a higher-end option, Thule roof boxes are also a worthy investment.
If your vehicle doesn’t have a roof rack or you don’t travel that often, then a roof bag will do just fine. They offer ample protection from the wind and rain and stay secured to your roof via straps. A lot of them also come with a protective mat that you place underneath the bag. This mat helps protect the paint on the roof of your vehicle.
A great option for a high quality roof bag would be this one by ToolGuards. Definitely check it out if you need a quick fix to your storage problem. I was amazed at how affordable a roof bag like this was on Amazon.
Tip #2 – Lay it all Out
Before you and your camping comrades just start stuffing your gear into the car, its best to lay it all out first. Put everything on the ground near your vehicle and assess what you have. Doing this first will allow you to see what you really have room for and what will need to stay behind.
Don’t be too surprised if you have to leave some stuff behind. Most of us tend to over pack anyways. Remember that with a small vehicle, you’re going to have to be a bit more strategic with what you bring with you. So lay it all out, decide what you really need and what you don’t, and then start loading up.
Tip #3 – Pack Heavier Items First
Typically you’ll want to place any large, heavy items on the bottom and then put the lighter stuff on top. Its a lot easier to move a small duffel bag to get to your cooler than it would be the other way around.
This goes back to Tip #2 of laying out all your gear first and then packing accordingly. Any item that is large or heavy, or not easily moved should be placed on the bottom. This includes items like coolers, storage bins, or large luggage cases.
Tip #4 – Keep Food & Water Close
Instead of packing a single large cooler full of all your snacks and drinks, be sure to bring a smaller cooler that you can keep up front with you. A small cooler or lunch bag is great for packing light items like sandwiches or chips and can keep you from having to pull over so often for a bite to eat.
If you’re concerned about keeping your beverage of choice cold or hot while driving, you can always check out a 12v beverage cooler/warmer. These are perfect for keeping your coffee hot or your soda cold. They plug right into your vehicles 12v cigarette outlet and fit perfectly in most cup holders.
Tip #5 – Use Your Vehicle Wisely
Some vehicles have built in storage compartments in the floorboard or trunk area. If your vehicle has built in storage, be sure to use it to maximum capacity. It’s probably best, however, to place items that aren’t likely to be used in these areas as you’ll probably have a bunch of other stuff piled up on top. Look at what you’re bringing with you and see if you have any items that can fit in these areas that you don’t plan on using much.
Tip #6 – Pack Appropriately
Its so easy to over pack on a camping trip. The truth is that most of us think we need more than we actually do.
Think ahead about where you’re going and what you’re going to be doing. Chances are you’ll have plenty lined up to keep you busy and entertained. After all, isn’t camping supposed to be a way to escape the daily grind and rid yourself of all the stuff that bogs you down?
Packing appropriately also includes taking a look at your clothing. If you’re going to be camped out near the beach in the middle of July, chances are you don’t need to bring your winter coat with you. A light hoody, pull-over, or rain jacket should do just fine.
Tip #7 – Organization is Key
Working or living in a space that is disorganized and messy leads to distraction and frustration. Imagine how much more so in a small car filled to the brim with camping gear.
Keeping your car as organized as possible will go a long way towards a pleasant camping experience. Items such as trunk organizers, front seat organizers, and back seat organizers can help keep your gear at your fingertips. Click the links above or the pics below to check out these amazing products on Amazon.
Tip #8 – Keep Your Vehicle Clean
Along with keeping your vehicle organized, another tip for a great camping experience is to keep it clean.
Empty drink bottles and bags from fast food restaurants can add up quickly in the floorboard of your vehicle. Not only is this distracting but it can also be dangerous. One way to help reduce the trash build up in your car is by purchasing a small car trashcan. Just be sure to dump it out every time you make a stop as they fill up quickly.
Tip #9 – Pack Like Items Together
When packing up for your camping trip, its best to store similar items together.
Sleeping gear such as sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows should all be stored together in one area of your vehicle. Because items like this are soft, its easy to stuff them together and save as much space as possible.
Likewise personal hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, and body wash should be stored together. Keeping your like items consolidated like this makes them easier to find when you need them the most.
Tip #10 – Use Every Nook & Cranny Possible
When packing a small car for camping leave no space unfilled. Be sure to make use of every square inch of your vehicle. This includes your center console, your door pockets, and even your glove box if necessary. You can even try to fit some things underneath your seats! Just make sure it isn’t something that you’ll use frequently.
If you have a backseat that’s not going to be filled with passengers, consider folding them flat if possible or even taking them out. Obviously only do this if it makes sense in your situation.
Tip #11 – Pack Travel Size Toiletries
You’re obviously going to need some personal hygiene supplies on your camping trip. Items like toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and soap are all necessary for keeping yourself clean and smelling fresh.
With that being said, however, you probably don’t need to bring a 32oz bottle of shampoo or 3 tubes of toothpaste for a few days journey. Its better if you pack small, light, travel size items and if you run out you can always purchase more if need be.
Tip #12 – Don’t Forget the Emergency Supplies
When preparing for a camping trip, it can be easy to overlook items that you don’t use that often. Items like a roadside emergency kit and a first aid kit.
Although we all hope to never have to use it, having a emergency kit in your vehicle is a good idea, even if your not going camping. Most of these kits will include items like flashlights, jumper cables, gloves, reflective vests, etc.
Be sure to have this in your vehicle at all times. You never know when you’re going to need it.
If you don’t already have a roadside emergency kit, consider purchasing one like this one on Amazon. It comes with pretty much everything you need in the event that your car breaks down or some other unexpected emergency occurs. It also comes with a basic first aid kit. However, it would probably be best to purchase a better first aid kit separately just to be safe.
In Conclusion
I hope by now you have a good idea of how to pack your car efficiently for your camping trip. Whether you use one or all of these tips, I’m sure your camping trip will be a success.
All in all, camping is about escaping the daily grind and enjoying the company of family, good friends, and the great outdoors. Be sure to enjoy your time away and be safe. Thanks for reading!