Here is a small list of things that are nice to have but not necessities. They have made my life so much easier but you can definitely car camp without them.
I used to buy things because I was impulsive. But now I think things thoroughly and realize I have so much stuff. So many of the things I thought I needed, I don’t use because they are more impractical than useful. So hopefully this list will help you in deciding what you may or may not need.
1. Portable Battery
This gives me the luxury to use and charge my small appliances. Get one with a high enough wattage rating for the appliances you will use. One that charges quickly. I have the Ecoflow River which is discontinued but you can still purchase it on Amazon. I love it. It can recharge via 110 outlet or cigarette adapter while driving. It also has an app so I can turn it off via my phone. This one does not have a timer so you will want to manually turn it off to save battery. The capacity is a bit small. If I could overlook the current cost of $999, I would get the Ecoflow Delta 2 or the Goal Zero 1500x at $1999.95. It is a lot more expensive but the battery life and output is so much more practical without constantly having to recharge it or being limited to lower wattage appliances. Other top of the line options are the Jackery Solar Generator or Goal Zero Power Stations.
2. Electric Kettle
This with the battery is by far the highest on the list for me. I no longer have to pull out the propane stove to make coffee/tea or instant foods. It also seemed like such a waste burning through propane just to heat water. Make sure you get a kettle that is low enough wattage for the battery you use. Here are few good ones to look into:
- 300 Watt Travel Mug Style
- 500 Watt Collapsible Style Electric Kettle
- 600 Watt Electric Kettle
- 700 Watt Electric Kettle
3. Magnetic Window coverings
This is one of my first car camping purchases and it was beginner’s luck. Super easy to use, they cling on the inside of your car. The magnets slide around so you can get a good fit. They also keep the car cooler on hot days. It’s incognito if you have the black side facing out. I was a bit weirded out with people being able to see inside my car when I am inside.
4. Heating Blanket
This gives me that extra warmth without the added bulk of another sleeping bag. I already had one in my home so it was a nice addition to bring it on colder nights. They make ones that plug into the cigarette adapter. My River portable battery has the cigarette adapter plug. I don’t know how one would be able to use it in the car without leaving the engine on. Once I feel warmed, I turn it off. My sleeping bag is enough for the rest of the night. I have never camped in below 30s. I bought mine at Walmart 10 years ago. There are plenty of options on Amazon mostly with poor reviews. This is a travel heating blanket, it will be smaller/weaker and you should set your expectations accordingly.
Things I don’t have but others have put on their list of comforts.
5. Fridge/Cooler
If I start taking longer road trips, I may consider this. In the past, I would freeze my food and eat in order of defrost. I would replenish at the market accordingly. I don’t feel this is necessary for me due to how much space they take. This would depend on how much cooking/eating out you do. I saw on a post comment the Alpicool 35L Dual Zone Fridge Freezer can run 3 days on the Delta 2 battery. Wow! That is worth looking into.
My current setup works fine, I have a Titan Deep Freeze Cooler Bag and freeze most of my food in advance. Eat in order of defrost. If it is warm or I am taking a longer trip, I will add ice packs which have stayed mostly frozen for 2 days. If I have to replenish, I will get more frozen meats or soups. The 30 can size works well for 1 person.
6. Microwave/Airfryer/Toaster etc
They make these appliances in lower wattages that would work with my portable battery. I eat simple meals and have camped fine without ever needing one. This would really depend on how much space you have and what kind of meals you are preparing. I think as a car camper you would just pick the one that works best with your lifestyle and the space you have. I camp in a small hatchback.
6. Blender
I know some need their blender like others need their coffee. They make smaller ones that will work with the portable battery or rechargeable battery types. If you are going to use it daily, then this could be a good investment or item to bring. I personally have never wished I had my blender. I also feel it would be a bit of pain to clean since I don’t have a sink.