SUBARU Outback CAR CAMPING Setup - A Closer Look

In my last video Subaru Outback Car Camping Setup (https://youtu.be/aPhlI3WxBa8), I introduced the setup I use when car camping in my 2013 Subaru Outback, and showed how I use it in the field. After releasing that video, I received some questions asking for more details about my car camping setup.

So in this video, we will take a closer look at the details of my setup, and the primary considerations behind them, including how the sleeping platform is constructed, selection of storage bins to fit under the sleeping platform just right, the hinged cooking table and more.

Again, my primary goal with this setup is to have a reasonable amount of comfort while being able to camp as close to the areas that I want to photograph as practical. Car camping in the Subaru Outback is a nice step up from camping in a tent, especially in rainy weather. While it's not as comfortable as van camping, I didn't have to buy, license or insure another vehicle, and find a place to park it at home. I might ultimately go for a van, but thought I would start with camping in the Subaru Outback I already had first. Key goal: keep things simple.

Please drop any questions, comments or suggestions in the comments, thanks for watching and thank you for your support!

DESIGN NOTES & EQUIPMENT:

Sleeping Platform:
I was worried about head room, so purchased the shortest plastic tubs I could find at Container Store. The plastic tubs are just under 5-1/2 inch tall (with lids), so I used 5-1/2 inch tall lumber for the bed frame, which is easy to do with 1X6 inch lumber (which is actually 3/4 thick X 5-1/2 inch wide). Note that the carpet wraps around the bottom of the legs, which gives a slight amount of additional height between them. The platform surface was made with about 15mm thick plywood, which is plenty stiff enough to avoid sagging. The sleeping area has 1/8" thick closed cell foam pad (https://amzn.to/3nKnw4v), and then the whole thing is covered in an outdoor carpet material.

Storage Bins:
Here are the Container Store (https://www.containerstore.com) tubs that I used for under-bed storage:
Qty 3 10023020 "Boot Box" 22-1/2 X 14-3/4 X 5-3/8
Qty 1 10077706 "Medium Modern Bin" 15-1/4 X 11-3/4 X 5-3/8

Kelty Sleeping Pad: https://snp.link/c2dd68c8
78" x 25" and 2-1/2 inches thick with R-value of 8.4 will keep you comfortable and warm.

Kelty Noah's Tarp 9': https://snp.link/527b0b9e
The 9X9 foot size is just right for suspending over hatch back. I also have a 12X12 for suspending over a picnic table. Good high-quality tarps, though not as light-weight (or expensive) as some of the high-end backpacking tarps out there (but this is car camping!).

Tarp Poles
REI: https://snp.link/a8be432f
Kelty: https://snp.link/a06eb2f8
I use one to make a nice rain-shedding peak in wet weather. Two are great for making more of a shade style awning in sunny weather. I stake them out with bungee cords so that everything stays flexible but tight with the hatchback door opened or closed.

WeatherTech Window Rain Deflectors: https://amzn.to/3vxoowb
Leave your windows down an inch at night for good ventilation, while still keeping the rain out with these window rain deflectors. Be sure to use their on-line tool to get the right set tailored to your specific car.

Jackery 300 Power Station: https://amzn.to/3vYWrOK
Keeps all my camera batteries, drone, electronics and camping lights charged up. I have not had need to hook up solar to it yet, but might make sense if you live somewhere sunny (not like where I live in Washington State) and spend a lot of time camping off-grid.

Redcamp 4 Gallon Water Container: https://amzn.to/3lWv9Ed
Holds a useful amount of water (up to 4 days for me). I usually keep it in "storage mode" with both the fill opening and spigot on top (thus less likely to leak), but then pivot it on end for an easy-operating spigot at the bottom.

Suspended Table/Desk:
I got this design from this video by Chase Christopher: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PTwJCW84bs. The desk appears at 5:49, but start watching at 5:00. Note that he removes the rear seats from his Outback. But the table still works fine even with the rear seat still installed. You may just need to slide the driver's seat forward a bit. I cut my table from 1/4 inch plywood.

This web page has a lot of the 2013 Outback interior dimensions, but always check dimensions by measuring your actual car: http://www.cars101.com/subaru/outback/outback2013.html

LET'S STAY CONNECTED:
Photography: https://www.bradmitchellphoto.com
Blog: https://www.bradmitchellphoto.com/my-blog
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BradMitchellPhotography

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Видео SUBARU Outback CAR CAMPING Setup - A Closer Look канала Brad Mitchell Photography Outdoors