Does anyone have a list of car camping essentials? I am planning a road trip to ski over a week in below freezing temperatures. I have a sleeping bag, built a sleeping platform, have a yeti to stop things from freezing overnight, have base layers, ski gear, etc. and will be working on a power supply box. I want to get a camping stove for breakfast/coffee. Any other large items I am missing?

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I’d add that whatever your sleeping bag is rated, it’s to prevent death not warmth. So a 20 degree bag will keep you alive in 20 degree weather, but you will not be warm.

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But it would also help to avoid having the battery die in cold temps, no? Speaking as a northener

Am I the only one that thinks this sounds dangerous? Why not just get a cheap hotel room? It sounds like with everything you have to buy anyway you’d end up spending the same amount but you’ll be warm and won’t die of CO poisoning in your sleep.

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I’ve been doing car camping in my solo trips and I can vouch to that it is so worth it. You wake up to nature to amazing sights. Also, a good sleeping bag will keep you warm and no need to run car heater for it.

How I plan for any trip, not just camping, is to go through my day start to finish and write down everything I use. This includes materials and facilities. Then eliminate everything that is provided (hotel room amenities) and review the remainder to determine if what I have is adequate.

Example: You mention buying a camping stove. Will you have access to fresh water, does your cooking kit have al utensils for cooking/eating, and so on.

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Here’s an example, this is my saved list for race day. When packing, I simply go down the list and mark it off once packed.

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Get a portable battery powered carbon monoxide detector to sleep with just in case you do turn on your car at night.

Other items I would get:
Portable jump start devicE
Cast iron skillet if you want to cook or grill over a fire.
Fire starting matchesin the event you build a fire
Compostable outdoor toilet paper
Emergency flares
Collapsible shovel
Traction mats (get off Amazon, the ARB ones are overrated)

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Way to go - sounds amazing! I love camping, but never camped in my car. I’ve camped in 30 degrees but I want to do a snow/20 degree camp like this...maybe next year. In terms of gear, lots of good suggestions already I’d just add that having more cozy WOOL socks than you think you need, an extra jacket I put that over my head/arms like a blanket if it gets cold, lots of hand warmers and open them BEFORE you get cold, I presume you have a camping stove/pot/mess kit, I’d suggest extra propane, it doesn’t burn as efficiently when it gets cold, go over the top with equipment to start fires (I swear by those little wooden fire starters balls and FATWOOD, the only place I see fatwood is at the grocery stores typically), lights/lanterns (aside from a mandatory headlight, flashlight and mini latern, I love the roll-up string lights from REI it really adds a warming ambiance), make sure you have at least 2x the spare batteries than you think you need since the cold really cuts the battery lifespan, cleaning wipes, I like having a hatchet bc far too often firewood is bigger than it should be to catch fire easily, I’d get an extra nalgene to fill with hot water before you go to bed and put in your sleeping bag to keep you warm if you’re worried about getting cold but my hypothesis is that the car will actually keep you just fine once you’re in the sleeping bag since it’s really just another layer of insulation to trap the warmth your body is producing, and most importantly a bottle of scotch

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If you’re sleeping in your car tho, window shades unless you want to rise with the sun

Batteries, battery power bank (to charge phone) , flashlights. Disposable hand warmers.

Maybe one of those jump start battery packs for your car if it gets too cold for your car to start. That will stink if you can't get home and that was also your backup heat option.

I'd check to sure car is in shape,. Windshield fluid, tires properly inflated, battery in good condition, wipers good condition.

I bought the Top vision 2200A 21800mAh pack from amazon based on reviews. I haven't used it yet though.
It's $80 and then 20% off cpn right now.

There is a YouTube channel that review the different starters and this one got good reviews.

Assume you won’t be running a heater inside the car or the car itself to keep you warm. Then pack cold weather gear accordingly. If you are camping near someplace where you are skiing I would suggest a 0 degree sleeping bag at the very least.

Emergency blankets. I wrapped one around my sleeping bag when it was freezing and it was so warm and nice! Plus always good in an emergency

Hopefully you have read some cold weather survival information. Remember, although it seems counter-intuitive make sure to strip down before you get into the sleeping bag. And keep the initial layers in the bag with you (just not on you). Understand the signs for cold weather injuries. Try to stay dry. And good luck!

So if you only have 1 layer. The body heat from your chest can circulate throughout entire sleeping bag and keep your hands and feet warm.

But if you are too layered up, your chest might be super warm even sweaty , but because not circulating your hands and feet could still be cold and there would be contained hot spots throughout the sleeping bag ?

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Pack several layers for sleeping - being cold makes for bad sleep. Consider 2 or more sets of all clothing - dry clothes/socks help a lot. Think about a way to shield from wind for cooking - an ez-up with side walls may be overkill but a way to fly a tarp or two will make you happier when cooking or eating. Consider fuel availability - a backpacking stove packs small however a Coleman stove with 1 pound propane bottles may be a better if larger choice.

Make sure to leave your window cracked all night...sounds counter productive, but trust me.

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