Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. And now that something like 60% of all Americans have had at least one vaccination shot, adventure is beckoning quite urgently — or at least that’s how it feels to those of us that have been in some stage of lockdown for the last year or so. While you might not be quite ready to go gung-ho into some of the more crowded spaces of the world, there are plenty of ways to get out there that are at least a touch more private and intimate.
One of the best ways to head out on an adventure without exposing yourself to too many people outside your bubble is by going car camping. You’ll get to revel in the open road — along with a select number of family members and/or friends — and perhaps enjoy a bit of hiking, campfires, and more. Of course, to do it right, you’ll also want to make sure you’ve got a loadout of gear that’s up to the task. Lucky for you, that’s exactly what we have in this month’s guide to the best gear on Amazon.
Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set
A four-piece kit perfect for more intimate usage, the Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set comes with a stainless steel combination cooker-kettle complete with a collapsible handle and handy measurement markings, a pair of cups, and a lid. Ideal for boiling water — perhaps to brew a couple cups of camp coffee — this simple kit will serve you well in your adventures, potentially for years to come.
Coleman 5-Gallon Solar Shower
Road trips are bad enough when you’re stuffed into a car with loads of gear and a hodgepodge of passengers; it doesn’t need to be made worse by poor hygiene. As such, it’s not a bad idea to bring along with you the Coleman 5-Gallon Solar Shower. All you have to do is fill it up with water, hang it in the sun, and — boom! — you’ve got a hot shower with enough water for multiple people. And once you’re done, you simply empty it out, pack it up, and head back out on the road.
Nemo Fillo Pillow
Whether you’re playing passenger for a long day on the road or you’ve found a place to camp, you’re eventually going to need to find a place to lay your head. And you could do far worse in that regard than the Nemo Fillo Pillow. This packable camp pillow boasts a soft, cooling cover that’s machine-washable, it can be inflated in mere seconds, and it can be collapsed and stored back down just as simply. It can even do double-duty as lumbar support or works just as well as an airplane travel pillow.
Coalatree Trailhead Adventure Pant
Jeans do not make for good adventure bottoms. In fact, most pants you’d wear in your day-to-day life aren’t well-suited to the outdoors. Thankfully, the folks at Coalatree have crafted the spectacular Trailhead Adventure Pants. These comfy bottoms are perfectly suited to all-day wear — thanks to their lightweight fabric and elastic waistband — but they’re also waterproof, stain-resistant, antimicrobial, stretchy, and plenty durable. You don’t have to settle for less if you opt for these outdoor pants.
TETON Sports Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag
Traditional sleeping bags can be great for solo camping, but they’re confining outside of that application. Whether you’re going car camping alone and you want a little extra room or you’ve got a partner to spend the night with (even if that’s just man’s best friend), you’ll be far better off with the TETON Sports Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag. Rated for either 20- or 0-degrees Fahrenheit (depending on your choice), this queen-sized bag is a tremendously cozy means of getting some sleep in the back of your vehicle of choice.
adidas Terrex Free Hiker Sneakerboot
Presumably, if you’re going car camping, you’re not keen on spending the entire time inside your vehicle. If you’re looking to incorporate some on-foot adventures, you’ll also need a solid pair of hikers, like the adidas Terrex Free Hiker Sneakerboot you see here. They’re equipped with grippy Continental outsoles for all-terrain stability, lightweight and durable synthetic uppers, and the longtime brand’s signature styling.
Marmot Calen Insulated Puffer Jacket
Great for keeping warm while letting the fresh air blow into your windows, perfect for around-the-campfire wear, and a nice emergency backup layer in the case that it gets a bit too cold at night, the Marmot Calen Insulated Puffer Jacket is a spectacular coat for car camping. It helps, too, that it’s machine-washable, made from tough and naturally weatherproof nylon, and comes with 60% recycled PrimaLoft insulation.
NOCO Boost HD GB70 Jump Starter Battery Pack
There are three spectacular applications for the NOCO Boost HD GB70 Jump Starter Battery Pack. First, it’s great for kick-starting your car engine, should you accidentally kill the battery overnight or by using it to charge up your other gadgets. Second, it actually functions as a standalone battery backup — meaning you can use it to charge up your phone, tablet, smartwatch, or whatever else. Lastly, as long as the onboard battery has a charge, you can also use it as a flashlight, as it has a built-in LED. How’s that for versatility?!
Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box
Not everyone has a car that’s large enough to house all the supplies and gear you might need to go on a good, long car camping trip. But, so long as you’ve got a roof mounting system, you can always attach the Thule Pulse Rooftop Cargo Box and add plenty of storage to any compatible vehicle. Better still, the hardshell case comes in three different sizes, so you can choose the one that suits your needs (and vehicle) the most.
Garmin Overlander GPS Navigator
Having an onboard navigation system can be the difference between having a fun time off the beaten path and putting yourself in a dire situation. But you won’t have to worry about the latter if you bring along the Garmin Overlander GPS Navigator. This tablet-sized device will get you to and from your favorite campsite, and it can even be used to find and navigate the best trails for you and your ride to go off-roading. You can even customize available routes based on the specs of your vehicle, helping to ensure you don’t end up getting stuck in a situation you can’t manage.
Scoured: The Best Gear On Amazon - May 2021
Some people feel the call of the wild. Others are drawn more toward boardwalks and beaches. If you fall into the latter category, you might have more luck with last month’s guide to the best gear on Amazon.
