Thank you for sharing , my housing situation is extremely unhealthy for me and i don’t have anywhere else to go , it’s nice to know that I can pretty easily camp in my car when I need to get away
Hi, Craig! I have a '21 Crosstrek Sport that I've been considering rigging up for car camping. Don't want to spend $2k minimum on a roof top tent and, as much as I think it's a cool concept, I really don't want to spend $300 minimum on a hammock hitch stand. Camping inside the car seemed appealing to me so I came across your video. Thanks so much for comprehensively sharing your excellent setup. You've definitely given me a lot of ideas to consider. Cheers!
@Ray Hi Ray, this definitely helps as I've been considering various car camping setups and I'm 6.2. I've pre-ordered Subaru crosstrek 2022 base model with CVT, as I'm fine with 2.0l engine. I have looked into hard shell rooftop tents from Sparrow but they seem to be expensive and I don't want to be driving this thing around when in town but your sizing feedback really helps. Thank you!
Thank you so much Craig for this video. I've been watching so many videos on TH-cam about the subject and most were complicated for me to do, your video is the best and as they say " simplicity is beauty "'.
Sleeping in mine full-time. Only have a couple of eggcrate mattresses for padding. Can't slide on them very easily, and because I can't close the tailgate from the inside, I'm sleeping with my feet towards the tailgate... luckily, I'm 64".
Wow! Good for you. I just got done car camping the last 3 days. My setup is slightly different now. I am now sleeping with my feet towards the tailgate. I'll post a short video sometime soon.
There's a company called heat shield and you can give them the year the brand to make the model whatever and they make them specifically for your vehicle. I had them done for my van when I was living in it. Awesome! Sorry this is kind of late! Nice setup and I'm a side sleeper so it would really work for me!
@@CODistanceRunner were they just the kind that has the silver on the back to reflect some out or were they have special style that helps keep your car cooler?
@@NoZenith I ordered them from wathertech. So they are fitted to each make/model. And yes, it's the reflective silver material on one side and black on the other side.
@Craig Runs Ultras thanks! I have the collapsible ones for the windshield that have no actual insulation, they're just nylon with a silver coating on one side and something like a wire around the outside so you can twist and collapse them down to a small little disk. Just putting those in the windshield (is a generic 2 pack that overlaps) makes a MASSIVE difference so I'm trying to find out if the insulated type or the one with the air bubbles like reflectix type material are actually worth the additional bulk and expense
@@NoZenith I'm really happy with mine. I was once car camping in Moab (desert) and I was really surprised how well the weathertech window coverings had kept my car cooler...even throughout the hot and sunny day.
Pre covid while at the January 2020 Chicago Auto Show this car was one of my favorites. It's one of the few cars you can still buy with a manual trans.
It's definitely my best car I've owned in a awhile. Just big enough for me and it gets pretty darn good gas mileage. Granted...I had a Jeep Wrangler before my Crosstrek.
Nice setup! I have the same car, 2 years newer (looks the same). I haven’t yet car-camped in it. I like your ideas. I used to car camp in my old jeep cherokee. I would use dark colored polar fleece fabric to cover the windows at night, and clip it to the window trims with small binder clips. I also always carry ear plugs in case I end up sleeping in noisy locations, since I am a light sleeper. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Would earphone helps? incase you have an ipad bag carrier behind your driver seat and you can watch at night or play music that soothe you to sleep. :)
This looks pretty much like the interior of my 2009 VW Sportswagen. I would also carry a large Coleman 5 day Xtreme cooler....might put the Jackery on the floor behind the passenger seat. I might keep the rear left seat up because I could sit on it and prep food on a board on the right...roll up the sleeping gear and would have that area to work with....This video really clearly gives me an idea of what I have been thinking of after watching so many videos.
I do pretty much the same set up when I go car camping. You can get move room if you fold the front seats backs in the all the way forward position. Twin size fleece blankets from walmart are great for the windows, they also help insulate a little. I tuck them into the plastics that meet the headliner.
So enjoyed your video and set up! Im new to camping and have a small tent and went twice last year and it rained on one trip so I been looking into simple ways to car camping for rainy those rainy nights!! I'm going camping next weekend and plan on setting up my car for camping because there is rain in the forecast unfortunately!! I love the simplicity of your setup!! Thank you for sharing it!!
@@CODistanceRunner Its a good reference when I will be camping out too :) Thank you. I was thinking of putting a clothes box organizer, the space you mentioned where you would put your shoes in. Then toiletry and bathroom accessories hanging behind the back of your driver's seat. toothbrush. wetwipes etc.
I've been sleeping in my 97 and now 99 outback for almost 5 years now. Must be a hell of a lot nicer in a new crosstrek 😂 I'm hoping to get a forester soon. Nice setup
Nice and simple. Your setup is way more tidy than mine. Ive been concerned that my solar panels would crack so haven’t stowed them flat yet. I’ve recently been camping with way more gear, trying to decide what I will actually need before a long upcoming trip. I’m hoping I can pare it down to a crate. In the meantime I use smaller containers and bags to stuff in niches. A tip I learned from Outlierrin is to store clothing and toiletries in clear bags. No guessing where items are. They go under my head, behind the drivers seat so I can easily reach a sweater if I need it at night. Figuring out what works is part of the fun.
I'm so glad I came across your video and thank you so much for sharing with all the details from the fridge, the jackery and your sleeping gears. I'm planning on doing car camping soon. I really liked your video, you gave me great ideas.
Nice video! Would like to have seen how you deal with clothes (dirty and clean), toiletries, emergency supplies, work materials, electronics, trash, dry foods, and so on.
Clean clothes are in my small gym bag. The dirty clothes will be put in a small bag I bring with, so they are not with my clean clothes. My toiletries are in another small bag. I bring a small tool bag with on trips that has a variety of tools and such. Sometimes I will bring my laptop to work from, sometimes just my tablet. My electronics are kept in my small gym bag within one of the side pockets. Sometimes I do bring my drone, which has its own case. Sometimes I'll bring one of my DSLR cameras with, which also has its own case. Trash...I used to use a Walmart bag, but now in Colorado we no longer can use plastic bags, so I use a small trash bag to collect my trash. I'll use one or two grocery shopping bags to bring and store my food in.
This is great, thank you! My CR-V i(3rd generation) is most likely similar in size to your car. Really appreciate the details and it's really going to help. Hope the race goes well!
Great video Craig thank you! I have a 2013 Crosstrek and want to do some traveling and sleep/camp in my car. I looked for the sleeping pad you are using but I could not find it on the Alps Mountaineering website??? Maybe it has been superseded? Which one could you recommend for me please? TIA.
Nice setup. I have a crosstrek too (2017 prev gen) but I travel with too much sports gear (surf or skiing) so never have managed to sleep inside the car and have room for everything... I will try it again though, thanks for the ideas!
Awesome setup! I’m just starting to get stuff gathered for car camping very soon. I will only be car camping on some weekends since I work full time. I have a Honda Fit Sport 2010. I’m a petite woman so the backseat will be a perfect fit to sleep back there. Thanks for sharing your setup.
I have an 09 Jazz/Fit & have always slept in the back on road trips. It’s one of the best for a proper flat floor when the seats are down (those magic seats truly are magic!), plenty of room for me & my big dog. They’re a great car, not a lot of ground clearance but it’s taken me to lots of places it probably shouldn’t have ; ). Enjoy!
You can make your own window blockers by buying black foam posterboard from the Dollar Tree . For under 15 dollars and a few hours of your time, you can trace out the shape of your windows and then cut them to fit. It's a great temporary solution.
I think you’re the only one who mentioned their height when trying to sleep on the back of their vehicle 😆 I’m the same height as you glad to see I’ll fit in the back of my Subaru no problem!
Hi friend like your set up similar to a Japanese guy called Dentan his stuffs cool, car camping needn't be complicated thought one thing I'd like if I can get it on board toilet!! Am considering the Berlingo or Suzuki carry!! Stay Safe!!
Thought I was looking at my 2021 Crosstrek Sport! Lol. .. I have two of the 50 quart Plano boxes .. one for food and one for cooking gear and the like. I have a Jackery 300 for all my charging needs .. don’t carry a cooler of fridge .. take up to much room. Mine is lifted 2” and I have Toyo All Terrains and a skid plate. At night the boxes go outside so I can maximize my sleeping area .. when camped I use one as a table and the other as a seat.
Hi there 👋🏽, Just Subscribed to your Channel, gave you a thumbs up 👍🏻, great presentation, great Van tour setup, thanks so much for Sharing this amazing Van tour with Us ♥️.
It's totally free...the rear passenger door. Now my rear driver's door...I can't. No more car camping for me till next Spring. I live in Colorado...winter will be here soon.
@@CODistanceRunner do you find it annoying or fustrating to walk out the front driver door and walk around to the other side back door? I would set up my bed behind the driver's seat. IF you have something dangerous items that launch like a missile if you got into a car accident. best not to have stuff behind you, i guess. idk its just my thought
It is great to see a man my age ths active. Without the inspiration of people like this gentleman, I couldn't stay motivated to live an active lifestyle on my own. I like your setup. Do you know the number of inches from the back of the front seat when the front seats are moved forward to the hatchback door when it is closed (2018 Crosstrek and above)? Im leaning toward buying a Crosstrek but I need to first verify I can sleep in the back. I have been searching around trying to find this info but all the specification lists have it in cubic feet which doesn't answer the question.
Thank you! I just went out and took a measurement...it's 75 inches. That's with the front passenger seat all the way forward. I put the seat of course forward when I sleep, but I also use a hard plastic storage container that I place on the floor behind the front passenger seat to use as support for my head when I'm sleeping.
@@CODistanceRunner Wow, that length is excellent. Thank you for the measurement! Now I'm 100% sure I'm going to buy that car. That means a 6'2" person would not have to sleep diagonal to fit. I plan to travel hitting dispersed camp sites for a couple of years and although I plan to use a large tent, I wanted to skip the hotel bills when ihitting the highways between forest destinations by car camping in the back.
Thanks for sharing your camping set up. Is your Crosstrek a 2.0L or 2.5L engine. If it's 2.0, how do you like the performance on hilly roads? The newer 2.5 Crosstrek has vinyl seats which are no good for me. Thanks.
It's the 2.0 I live in Colorado Springs, right next to the mountains and I have taken my car up and over mountain passes numerous times. I have no problems...at all! I'm also not a lead footed driver.
At 6’1 and 250lbs I don’t know if I’d be comfortable but I do think I could make it work. Maybe. I’m seriously considering buying one but I should wait until I can afford the Forester or Outback.
Probably not as comfortable as me...at 5'8". Last week I drove to a race that was over 4 hours away, spent 2 nights car camping, then back home. I got an average of 45 mpg with my Crosstrek!
Great video. Is the floor really flat with the seats down. I though I noticed something sticking up. Do you feel any bumps or does the air mattress take all that out.
No...it's not completely flat, but my air mattress helps a lot, plus I store my solar panels for my Jackery at the low end....that really helps out too.
going to do this for my 19 impreza hatch, thanks so much ! what did you do for the uneven surface when u folded the back seats down? or did you just put a plush matress on top of it? once again thanks for the informative video!
Thanks for watching! I have the air mattress that is 3" I believe, but I also store my solar panels underneath my air mattress on the lower end...that really levels things out.
It's a single burner that I plug into my Jackery to cook on. It draws about 900 or so watts, so it's pushing the limits of my 1,000-watt Jackery, but it works and it makes cooking fast and easy to do.
Thank you! I use my Jackery to power my single burner hot plate. I will also bring my small propane camping stove, but most of the time now I just use my Jackery to power my hotplate.
@@CODistanceRunner yay, I get a gold star for the day! 😊 I’m going on a road trip to NH in a few weeks, I think I will lay down my wool blanket like you did. Great idea!
Nice video. At 14:30 into it, you mention that you got an average of 40 Miles per Gallon on a 600 mile road trip. I also have a 2018 Crosstrek, that just turned 4,000 miles due to limited use during Covid. I have never gotten much more than about 24 MPG, even on longer freeway rides. Even my much larger 2018 Honda Pilot gets better mileage than the Crosstrek. So, maybe you can clue me in. Is yours a diesel? Stick shift? Mine uses regular gasoline, and is an automatic. The only thing I can think of, is living in SF I'm much closer to sea level than you are in Colorado. Would that account for the difference in gas mileage? What's your secret to such great mileage, please? Thank you. I hope your foot race went well. Take care.
Thanks! So far all of my races this year have gone really good! My next race is in 2 weeks...the Javelina 100 mile race. Elevation would make a difference! Mine is automatic and I use regular gas. Also I don't accelerate fast or drive aggressively at all...that helps me too. I kind of like to make a game of it to see how I do during my road trips.
@@coblaze1 I have the same make and model and my car averages around 35 to 40 mpg on the highway and only 30 in the city. It's a noticeable difference. I'm also in colorado.
Hi Craig. New to your channel and subscribed. Yes that is a cute setup! I was looking at information on Crosstrek and ran into your channel. What are the dimensions of your fridge? And how long does the jackery last in between charges? What is the brand of that case that holds your kitchen box? 40mpg on the Crosstrek! I’m still waiting for mine to arrive and I can’t wait. I just hope I can do the same MPG.
Thanks! Let me look tonight after I get home from work and a bike ride...regarding the dimensions of my Dometic frig. The Jackery 1000w was my best ever purchase. It makes life so much easier and convenient for cooking and charging up my cell phone, drone, and tablet. The jackery will last for at least 3 days with my frig. and cell phone plugged in. The box that holds all of my kitchen stuff...I probably bought that from Walmart, but I'll look at it too, to see what brand it is. It doubles as my table to cook on and eat from. Congratulations on your new Crosstrek! You'll love it.
My Dometic Frig is Model #CDF-11, It's 21 inches long, 9 inches wide and 14 inches tall. It holds 10.5 litters. It's small, but it works for me. The plastic bin is made by Plano. Hopefully this helps you
I ask friends who have camped at a race before where to camp or I'll look ahead of time for a national forest nearby. The last car camping trip I just looked for a good spot (within a national forest) as I got close to where I wanted to hike. Some races...like Mad Moose Behind the Rocks race in Moab, UT has camping at the start/finish line area. Last July I ran the Never Summer 100k race near Gould, Colorado and that race also had car and tent camping at the start/finish line. Races like that makes it really easy for car camping.
@@CODistanceRunner wow awesome. Thanks for replying! I’m actually running a Mad Moose race next year in Monticello. What a small world. Thanks for sharing how you set everything up!!! Just subscribed today.
@@elanastahl619 I'm running the Golden Bears Ears 30k there this month! I love running any of the Mad Moose races. After Bears Ears...it will be Mad Moose's Crested Butte 55k, then at the end of October...Aravaipa's Javelina Jundred 100 mile race outside of Phoenix. Yes...it's a small world! 😊
I usually bring with one or two gallons of water, which I put on the floor behind the front passenger's seat. I'll have one or two small gym bags that will hold my running clothes/gear and my regular clothes. I say one or two gym bags, cause it will depend on how long I'll be gone. Those bags will go on top of my sleeping bag while I'm traveling, then at night they will go on the front seat.
I don’t understand the need for the Jackery 1000 and refrigerator for a two night camping trip. The Jackery alone would cost $1,000 and what would you need it for. An ice chest would also fill any needs for a 2 day trip.
I car camp a lot...going to races, so having the convenience is worth it for me. I use the Jackery all the time to power my cell phone, tablet, and hot plate to cook on. Plus recently I used my Dometic frig/freezer as a freezer for a friend who was running a 200 mile race (4 day event) because she wanted ice cream when she came into the aid station. Having my Dometic that we kept powered by using my Jackery sure helped us ensure we had ice cream for her. I have had my Dometic for 8 or 10 years and I've used it too many times to count. It's always getting used.
@@markshoenus2591 hey what about gals??? I actually have 2 jackery 1000's b/c I loved my first one so much I waited and waited until they went on sale and got my second one with the panels....they really are amazing
I have an alpicool fridge that I love and it did heat the interior of my car slightly but on the nights I was able to keep the windows down with bug nets it didn't heat the car at all.. and very quiet.. compressor only runs occasionally... kind of a nice hum
@@CODistanceRunner store mosquito window nets and black out window covers under your mattress. hopefully that helps the floor leveling. the solar panels you can have them in the front passenger seat. or hand around the seat's head neck like a necklace. Did you consider making a ceiling fish nets? You can store objects up top then use bungee cords to wrap them up.
last time I went camping in my outback it did kill my battery b/c I left the back gate up half the morning when I was breaking camp... seems this is a drawback as all the security lights stay on as well... they are the ones that light up on my side mirrors.. seems I read somewhere this has been addressed b4 by subaru and there is a way to disconnect the fuse for prevention...
@@GotChrist60 No...that one would be to hard for me. Right now, my only ultra on the calendar is Lake Sonoma 50 mile on April 13th. I need to figure out what 50k or 60k race I can run before Lake Sonoma...to use it as a training run.
I don't understand why you wouldn't put the passenger seat all the way ahead and lean it forward so it is out of the way of your feet. Also I'd put a yoga mat in the way back to avoid the lip in your back.
![[Snow camping] Little Japanese truck camper by an extremely cold lake](/img/n.gif)
I personally love the no frills basic car setup. 👍 New sub
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you for sharing , my housing situation is extremely unhealthy for me and i don’t have anywhere else to go , it’s nice to know that I can pretty easily camp in my car when I need to get away
Thank you and good luck with everything
Hi, Craig! I have a '21 Crosstrek Sport that I've been considering rigging up for car camping. Don't want to spend $2k minimum on a roof top tent and, as much as I think it's a cool concept, I really don't want to spend $300 minimum on a hammock hitch stand. Camping inside the car seemed appealing to me so I came across your video. Thanks so much for comprehensively sharing your excellent setup. You've definitely given me a lot of ideas to consider. Cheers!
Thanks! I really enjoy my setup and me being 5'8"...it works for me and it's cozy.
Hey Kory, how do you like the Sport? I'm considering the Crosstrek Sport and the Forester Sport. The Forester seems to have a lot more space.
A
@Ray I believe it would be too small. Or it might (?) work if you use the center armrest to place your feet.
@Ray Hi Ray, this definitely helps as I've been considering various car camping setups and I'm 6.2. I've pre-ordered Subaru crosstrek 2022 base model with CVT, as I'm fine with 2.0l engine. I have looked into hard shell rooftop tents from Sparrow but they seem to be expensive and I don't want to be driving this thing around when in town but your sizing feedback really helps. Thank you!
Thank you so much Craig for this video. I've been watching so many videos on TH-cam about the subject and most were complicated for me to do, your video is the best and as they say " simplicity is beauty "'.
Thank you! I just got done car camping again for the last 3 days. It's good to take a shower in a hotel! 🤪
Thanks for posting this. I’m an ultra-runner too and I was looking to save money on hotels for my races. Your setup gave me a lot of ideas.
Oh good...glad it helped! It's always nice to see what others are doing.
Sleeping in mine full-time. Only have a couple of eggcrate mattresses for padding. Can't slide on them very easily, and because I can't close the tailgate from the inside, I'm sleeping with my feet towards the tailgate... luckily, I'm 64".
Wow! Good for you. I just got done car camping the last 3 days. My setup is slightly different now. I am now sleeping with my feet towards the tailgate. I'll post a short video sometime soon.
There's a company called heat shield and you can give them the year the brand to make the model whatever and they make them specifically for your vehicle. I had them done for my van when I was living in it. Awesome! Sorry this is kind of late! Nice setup and I'm a side sleeper so it would really work for me!
Since I made that video, I actually bought a set of window shades from Weathertech. It's nice having the privacy and to help keep the car cooler.
@@CODistanceRunner were they just the kind that has the silver on the back to reflect some out or were they have special style that helps keep your car cooler?
@@NoZenith I ordered them from wathertech. So they are fitted to each make/model. And yes, it's the reflective silver material on one side and black on the other side.
@Craig Runs Ultras thanks! I have the collapsible ones for the windshield that have no actual insulation, they're just nylon with a silver coating on one side and something like a wire around the outside so you can twist and collapse them down to a small little disk. Just putting those in the windshield (is a generic 2 pack that overlaps) makes a MASSIVE difference so I'm trying to find out if the insulated type or the one with the air bubbles like reflectix type material are actually worth the additional bulk and expense
@@NoZenith I'm really happy with mine. I was once car camping in Moab (desert) and I was really surprised how well the weathertech window coverings had kept my car cooler...even throughout the hot and sunny day.
Pre covid while at the January 2020 Chicago Auto Show this car was one of my favorites. It's one of the few cars you can still buy with a manual trans.
It's definitely my best car I've owned in a awhile. Just big enough for me and it gets pretty darn good gas mileage. Granted...I had a Jeep Wrangler before my Crosstrek.
Thanks for the video! I'll be car camping in my '21 CrossTrek a lot this winter. Can't wait!
Awesome...have fun!
You have planned your car camping very well . Good luck with your travels !
Thank you!
Thank you for video. Blessings to you.
Very nice no build for a little trip. Good for you!
Thank you!
Can the front passenger seat tilt forward at all?
Nice setup! I have the same car, 2 years newer (looks the same). I haven’t yet car-camped in it. I like your ideas. I used to car camp in my old jeep cherokee. I would use dark colored polar fleece fabric to cover the windows at night, and clip it to the window trims with small binder clips. I also always carry ear plugs in case I end up sleeping in noisy locations, since I am a light sleeper. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
You're welcome! It's fun having the freedom and so easy to get around and having your car to sleep in. Safe travels!
Would earphone helps? incase you have an ipad bag carrier behind your driver seat and you can watch at night or play music that soothe you to sleep. :)
@@easymixedsignals534 Thank goodness for me...I can sleep anywhere and through almost anything.
I have the white Quinn shirt. Hope to see ya on the trail
I just jump in the back of mine and sleep, nothing fancy. It's better than setting up a tent
This looks pretty much like the interior of my 2009 VW Sportswagen. I would also carry a large Coleman 5 day Xtreme cooler....might put the Jackery on the floor behind the passenger seat. I might keep the rear left seat up because I could sit on it and prep food on a board on the right...roll up the sleeping gear and would have that area to work with....This video really clearly gives me an idea of what I have been thinking of after watching so many videos.
Glad it helped! Enjoy your adventures 😊
I do pretty much the same set up when I go car camping. You can get move room if you fold the front seats backs in the all the way forward position. Twin size fleece blankets from walmart are great for the windows, they also help insulate a little. I tuck them into the plastics that meet the headliner.
Car camping is fun! I do put my front passenger seat all the way forward when I go to sleep at night. Enjoy your trips and be safe out there!
i do something similar to my 17 forester. keeps the car a little warmer.
Thanks for sharing I just bought a Crosstrek and am enjoying it
Your welcome! I'm loving my Crosstrek
So enjoyed your video and set up! Im new to camping and have a small tent and went twice last year and it rained on one trip so I been looking into simple ways to car camping for rainy those rainy nights!! I'm going camping next weekend and plan on setting up my car for camping because there is rain in the forecast unfortunately!! I love the simplicity of your setup!! Thank you for sharing it!!
Thank you and have fun! I'll be doing my first car camping trip for this year at the end of the month.
Nice job, thanks
Minimalistic is good! Thanks.
Thanks! It works for me 😊
@@CODistanceRunner Its a good reference when I will be camping out too :) Thank you. I was thinking of putting a clothes box organizer, the space you mentioned where you would put your shoes in. Then toiletry and bathroom accessories hanging behind the back of your driver's seat. toothbrush. wetwipes etc.
I've been sleeping in my 97 and now 99 outback for almost 5 years now. Must be a hell of a lot nicer in a new crosstrek 😂 I'm hoping to get a forester soon. Nice setup
Thank you and wow! 5 years :)
Nice and simple setup 👌
Keep it simple for short camping trips. I like it.
Yes...most trips are 3 days or less. Also, I've gone car camping, and threw in a hotel night, especially while on my way home.
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Awaiting my new Crosstrek 2022 in August so this helped a lot.
Well good! Enjoy your new Crosstrek!!
Nice and simple. Your setup is way more tidy than mine. Ive been concerned that my solar panels would crack so haven’t stowed them flat yet. I’ve recently been camping with way more gear, trying to decide what I will actually need before a long upcoming trip. I’m hoping I can pare it down to a crate. In the meantime I use smaller containers and bags to stuff in niches. A tip I learned from Outlierrin is to store clothing and toiletries in clear bags. No guessing where items are. They go under my head, behind the drivers seat so I can easily reach a sweater if I need it at night. Figuring out what works is part of the fun.
I usually bring more than needed. I'm trying to get better at that! 🙄 have fun on your upcoming adventures!
I'm so glad I came across your video and thank you so much for sharing with all the details from the fridge, the jackery and your sleeping gears. I'm planning on doing car camping soon. I really liked your video, you gave me great ideas.
Thank you...I'm glad it helped you out! 😊
Nice video! Would like to have seen how you deal with clothes (dirty and clean), toiletries, emergency supplies, work materials, electronics, trash, dry foods, and so on.
Clean clothes are in my small gym bag. The dirty clothes will be put in a small bag I bring with, so they are not with my clean clothes. My toiletries are in another small bag. I bring a small tool bag with on trips that has a variety of tools and such. Sometimes I will bring my laptop to work from, sometimes just my tablet. My electronics are kept in my small gym bag within one of the side pockets. Sometimes I do bring my drone, which has its own case. Sometimes I'll bring one of my DSLR cameras with, which also has its own case. Trash...I used to use a Walmart bag, but now in Colorado we no longer can use plastic bags, so I use a small trash bag to collect my trash. I'll use one or two grocery shopping bags to bring and store my food in.
excellent set up and very nice calm presentation!
Thank you!
Thanks! Having "downsized" from an Outback to a Crosstrek, I figured I'd given up being able to sleep in the car!!
I really enjoy my Crossstrek!
This is great, thank you! My CR-V i(3rd generation) is most likely similar in size to your car. Really appreciate the details and it's really going to help. Hope the race goes well!
me too! :) but mines 5th gen.
Great video Craig thank you! I have a 2013 Crosstrek and want to do some traveling and sleep/camp in my car. I looked for the sleeping pad you are using but I could not find it on the Alps Mountaineering website??? Maybe it has been superseded? Which one could you recommend for me please? TIA.
I'm out of town right now, but after I fly home the end of next week...I'll look to see if I can find what I use online, or what's out there now. 😊
Great simple set up. Love it!
Thank you! 😊
Me encanta! Simple , practico,básico excelente!👍
nice setup an iliket jackery for my jeep.see you soon.i will setup my jeep.
Thanks! The Jackery...one of my best purchases!
Nice setup. I have a crosstrek too (2017 prev gen) but I travel with too much sports gear (surf or skiing) so never have managed to sleep inside the car and have room for everything... I will try it again though, thanks for the ideas!
Thank you! Good luck and have fun out there! My next trip is coming up soon
Roof rack for sports gear.
@@RevvellRevati That would be a great option so you can carry everything and still be able to sleep in your car.
Awesome setup! I’m just starting to get stuff gathered for car camping very soon. I will only be car camping on some weekends since I work full time. I have a Honda Fit Sport 2010. I’m a petite woman so the backseat will be a perfect fit to sleep back there. Thanks for sharing your setup.
Thank you! And enjoy your adventures 😊
I have an 09 Jazz/Fit & have always slept in the back on road trips. It’s one of the best for a proper flat floor when the seats are down (those magic seats truly are magic!), plenty of room for me & my big dog. They’re a great car, not a lot of ground clearance but it’s taken me to lots of places it probably shouldn’t have ; ). Enjoy!
I wish we all car camp buddies 😂
Great video. Just picked up a 22 sport 2.5 😊
Thank you...and congratulations!!
You can make your own window blockers by buying black foam posterboard from the Dollar Tree . For under 15 dollars and a few hours of your time, you can trace out the shape of your windows and then cut them to fit. It's a great temporary solution.
Good info!
I think you’re the only one who mentioned their height when trying to sleep on the back of their vehicle 😆 I’m the same height as you glad to see I’ll fit in the back of my Subaru no problem!
It was very helpful! thank you!😄 Good car camping!✨
Car camping is fun!
Great minimal set up. 👍
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. Very informative
Thank you! 😊
Hi friend like your set up similar to a Japanese guy called Dentan his stuffs cool, car camping needn't be complicated thought one thing I'd like if I can get it on board toilet!! Am considering the Berlingo or Suzuki carry!! Stay Safe!!
Thank you! Have fun!
Not too shabby
Thought I was looking at my 2021 Crosstrek Sport! Lol. .. I have two of the 50 quart Plano boxes .. one for food and one for cooking gear and the like. I have a Jackery 300 for all my charging needs .. don’t carry a cooler of fridge .. take up to much room. Mine is lifted 2” and I have Toyo All Terrains and a skid plate. At night the boxes go outside so I can maximize my sleeping area .. when camped I use one as a table and the other as a seat.
I really like my Jackery! Car camping is fun. Nice set up then for you.
Thanks for the video
Your welcome :)
Yah! Gear videos! It is a great setup!
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing
Your welcome 😊
Cool video Bro! Thank you
Thanks!
Thanks for the video, been thinking about doing a similar setup with my Outback
You'll have even more room in your Outback!
I wanna go car camping in my 2000 outback soon
I just bought a 2018 setting it up as well. It will be a fun project.
Hi there 👋🏽, Just Subscribed to your Channel, gave you a thumbs up 👍🏻, great presentation, great Van tour setup, thanks so much for Sharing this amazing Van tour with Us ♥️.
Thank you! 😊
This was great, gave me some added ideas to camp in my cross trek.
Great...glad it helped!
Great setup! Love it.Thanks for the ideas.👍
Yw 😀
Beautiful 👌🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿
Thank you!
Great video
Thank you!
Looks so cozy.
How do you get in and out of the car for sleeping, by using the rear passenger door?
It's totally free...the rear passenger door. Now my rear driver's door...I can't. No more car camping for me till next Spring. I live in Colorado...winter will be here soon.
@@CODistanceRunner do you find it annoying or fustrating to walk out the front driver door and walk around to the other side back door? I would set up my bed behind the driver's seat. IF you have something dangerous items that launch like a missile if you got into a car accident. best not to have stuff behind you, i guess. idk its just my thought
Simple set up & has all you need 👍
Thank you! I like it :)
It is great to see a man my age ths active. Without the inspiration of people like this gentleman, I couldn't stay motivated to live an active lifestyle on my own.
I like your setup. Do you know the number of inches from the back of the front seat when the front seats are moved forward to the hatchback door when it is closed (2018 Crosstrek and above)? Im leaning toward buying a Crosstrek but I need to first verify I can sleep in the back. I have been searching around trying to find this info but all the specification lists have it in cubic feet which doesn't answer the question.
Thank you! I just went out and took a measurement...it's 75 inches. That's with the front passenger seat all the way forward. I put the seat of course forward when I sleep, but I also use a hard plastic storage container that I place on the floor behind the front passenger seat to use as support for my head when I'm sleeping.
@@CODistanceRunner Wow, that length is excellent. Thank you for the measurement! Now I'm 100% sure I'm going to buy that car. That means a 6'2" person would not have to sleep diagonal to fit. I plan to travel hitting dispersed camp sites for a couple of years and although I plan to use a large tent, I wanted to skip the hotel bills when ihitting the highways between forest destinations by car camping in the back.
Thanks for sharing your camping set up. Is your Crosstrek a 2.0L or 2.5L engine. If it's 2.0, how do you like the performance on hilly roads? The newer 2.5 Crosstrek has vinyl seats which are no good for me. Thanks.
It's the 2.0
I live in Colorado Springs, right next to the mountains and I have taken my car up and over mountain passes numerous times. I have no problems...at all! I'm also not a lead footed driver.
Nice 👍👍
Thank you!
At 6’1 and 250lbs I don’t know if I’d be comfortable but I do think I could make it work. Maybe. I’m seriously considering buying one but I should wait until I can afford the Forester or Outback.
Probably not as comfortable as me...at 5'8". Last week I drove to a race that was over 4 hours away, spent 2 nights car camping, then back home. I got an average of 45 mpg with my Crosstrek!
Great video. Is the floor really flat with the seats down. I though I noticed something sticking up. Do you feel any bumps or does the air mattress take all that out.
No...it's not completely flat, but my air mattress helps a lot, plus I store my solar panels for my Jackery at the low end....that really helps out too.
@@CODistanceRunner Sounds like your comfortable. That's all that really matters.
@@RomeoEdward Right...thanks!
@@CODistanceRunner Whats also better you can also store mosquito window nets and black out window covers under your mattress too :)
@@easymixedsignals534 A good idea! Thanks
going to do this for my 19 impreza hatch, thanks so much ! what did you do for the uneven surface when u folded the back seats down? or did you just put a plush matress on top of it? once again thanks for the informative video!
Thanks for watching! I have the air mattress that is 3" I believe, but I also store my solar panels underneath my air mattress on the lower end...that really levels things out.
The solar panels are for my Jackery
@@CODistanceRunner thanks a lot, saving up for a jackery, seems like everyone has one at the campsite!
@@yungFTP You will love a Jackery! One of my best buys ever for camping
Just subscribed. Very nice
Thank you!! 😊
@@CODistanceRunner you are welcome
Please comment on using hot plate with jackery.
It's a single burner that I plug into my Jackery to cook on. It draws about 900 or so watts, so it's pushing the limits of my 1,000-watt Jackery, but it works and it makes cooking fast and easy to do.
@@CODistanceRunner induction type plate?
@@MechayaAlta No...mine is pretty old, but if mine ever stops working, I would buy an induction type hot plate.
I like it ❤
Awesome setup!! How do you cook?
Thank you! I use my Jackery to power my single burner hot plate. I will also bring my small propane camping stove, but most of the time now I just use my Jackery to power my hotplate.
Thanks so much!
You're welcome! My first car camping trip for this year will be at the end of next month when I head to Moab, UT to run a 50k race. I can't wait.
It is cute😁
Thanks!
Just curious the purpose of laying down the wool blanket? Is this for insulation and keeping the car clean? Great video!
Thank you! The answer is yes on both.
@@CODistanceRunner yay, I get a gold star for the day! 😊 I’m going on a road trip to NH in a few weeks, I think I will lay down my wool blanket like you did. Great idea!
What brand is that camping box and where did you buy it? It looks much stronger than the usual plastic tote
Plano...it's pretty strong. I don't remember where I bought it.i probably bought it either at an outdoor store or maybe Wal-Mart
@@CODistanceRunner Thanks! I see it on the walmart website now
This is a dumb question: how can you have a solar panel near a blanket? Is it a fire risk or does that only apply to mirrors?
Do you plug in the jackery in the car while driving to your camp site?
I do!
Nice video. At 14:30 into it, you mention that you got an average of 40 Miles per Gallon on a 600 mile road trip. I also have a 2018 Crosstrek, that just turned 4,000 miles due to limited use during Covid. I have never gotten much more than about 24 MPG, even on longer freeway rides. Even my much larger 2018 Honda Pilot gets better mileage than the Crosstrek. So, maybe you can clue me in. Is yours a diesel? Stick shift? Mine uses regular gasoline, and is an automatic. The only thing I can think of, is living in SF I'm much closer to sea level than you are in Colorado. Would that account for the difference in gas mileage? What's your secret to such great mileage, please? Thank you. I hope your foot race went well. Take care.
Thanks! So far all of my races this year have gone really good! My next race is in 2 weeks...the Javelina 100 mile race. Elevation would make a difference! Mine is automatic and I use regular gas. Also I don't accelerate fast or drive aggressively at all...that helps me too. I kind of like to make a game of it to see how I do during my road trips.
there is no way that car does 40mpg
@@coblaze1 I have the same make and model and my car averages around 35 to 40 mpg on the highway and only 30 in the city. It's a noticeable difference. I'm also in colorado.
@@salemantoinette8701 very surprised!
Do you have the2l. engine?
nice vid. like!
Thank you!
Hi Craig. New to your channel and subscribed. Yes that is a cute setup! I was looking at information on Crosstrek and ran into your channel. What are the dimensions of your fridge? And how long does the jackery last in between charges? What is the brand of that case that holds your kitchen box? 40mpg on the Crosstrek! I’m still waiting for mine to arrive and I can’t wait. I just hope I can do the same MPG.
Thanks! Let me look tonight after I get home from work and a bike ride...regarding the dimensions of my Dometic frig. The Jackery 1000w was my best ever purchase. It makes life so much easier and convenient for cooking and charging up my cell phone, drone, and tablet. The jackery will last for at least 3 days with my frig. and cell phone plugged in. The box that holds all of my kitchen stuff...I probably bought that from Walmart, but I'll look at it too, to see what brand it is. It doubles as my table to cook on and eat from. Congratulations on your new Crosstrek! You'll love it.
@@CODistanceRunner Thank you! Have fun on your bike ride. 19 days and counting for my Crosstrek!
My Dometic Frig is Model #CDF-11, It's 21 inches long, 9 inches wide and 14 inches tall. It holds 10.5 litters. It's small, but it works for me. The plastic bin is made by Plano. Hopefully this helps you
@@CODistanceRunner Thanks so much Craig. That helps a lot.
Great vid! Is that a Plano 50?
It is!
What type horizontal bike rack do you have?
Ibera Adjustable Bicycle Wall Hanger - Horizontal/Single bike
What size is that storage trunk please? How many quarts?
I'm not sure, but after I get home from work today, I'll look for you.
@@CODistanceRunner I think I found it. 56 quarts. I am getting ,y crosstrek ready for camping!
@@rhondaw5615 I also use that storage bin as my table to cook on and eat from
@@CODistanceRunner EXACTLY my plan :)
How do you scout out spots to park your car and sleep before your races?
I ask friends who have camped at a race before where to camp or I'll look ahead of time for a national forest nearby. The last car camping trip I just looked for a good spot (within a national forest) as I got close to where I wanted to hike. Some races...like Mad Moose Behind the Rocks race in Moab, UT has camping at the start/finish line area. Last July I ran the Never Summer 100k race near Gould, Colorado and that race also had car and tent camping at the start/finish line. Races like that makes it really easy for car camping.
@@CODistanceRunner wow awesome. Thanks for replying! I’m actually running a Mad Moose race next year in Monticello. What a small world. Thanks for sharing how you set everything up!!! Just subscribed today.
@@CODistanceRunner I see you have ran it! Golden Bears ear. Off to watch your video.
@@elanastahl619 I'm running the Golden Bears Ears 30k there this month! I love running any of the Mad Moose races. After Bears Ears...it will be Mad Moose's Crested Butte 55k, then at the end of October...Aravaipa's Javelina Jundred 100 mile race outside of Phoenix.
Yes...it's a small world! 😊
how do you get out once you are all tucked in and ready to sleep?
Lol...carefully! I use the rear passenger side door.
Where do you carry water and clothing? I also have a big dog!
I usually bring with one or two gallons of water, which I put on the floor behind the front passenger's seat. I'll have one or two small gym bags that will hold my running clothes/gear and my regular clothes. I say one or two gym bags, cause it will depend on how long I'll be gone. Those bags will go on top of my sleeping bag while I'm traveling, then at night they will go on the front seat.
@@CODistanceRunner Do you have a cargo container for the roof of your car? like for the dirty clothes or shovel and tools equipment?
I don’t understand the need for the Jackery 1000 and refrigerator for a two night camping trip. The Jackery alone would cost $1,000 and what would you need it for. An ice chest would also fill any needs for a 2 day trip.
I car camp a lot...going to races, so having the convenience is worth it for me. I use the Jackery all the time to power my cell phone, tablet, and hot plate to cook on. Plus recently I used my Dometic frig/freezer as a freezer for a friend who was running a 200 mile race (4 day event) because she wanted ice cream when she came into the aid station. Having my Dometic that we kept powered by using my Jackery sure helped us ensure we had ice cream for her. I have had my Dometic for 8 or 10 years and I've used it too many times to count. It's always getting used.
If one can afford it, why not? As the old adage goes "the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys."
@@markshoenus2591 hey what about gals??? I actually have 2 jackery 1000's b/c I loved my first one so much I waited and waited until they went on sale and got my second one with the panels....they really are amazing
I also think more power is good. Especially if there’s no sun ☀️ on that occasion
Will that fridge heat the interior?
It doesn't and it's not too loud when it runs...but I can basically sleep through anything.
I have an alpicool fridge that I love and it did heat the interior of my car slightly but on the nights I was able to keep the windows down with bug nets it didn't heat the car at all.. and very quiet.. compressor only runs occasionally... kind of a nice hum
Mine doesn't
Awesome
What about the HUMP in the cargo area
Nice set up . be careful with laying on solar panels
That kind of scares me too. I need to come up with something a bit better 🤔
@@CODistanceRunner store mosquito window nets and black out window covers under your mattress. hopefully that helps the floor leveling. the solar panels you can have them in the front passenger seat. or hand around the seat's head neck like a necklace. Did you consider making a ceiling fish nets? You can store objects up top then use bungee cords to wrap them up.
Hi, i am living in Same Area.
Will the battery drain if I leave the trunk open overnight? Bc I see lights on my dash when the door is open,x thanks
I doubt it!
last time I went camping in my outback it did kill my battery b/c I left the back gate up half the morning when I was breaking camp... seems this is a drawback as all the security lights stay on as well... they are the ones that light up on my side mirrors.. seems I read somewhere this has been addressed b4 by subaru and there is a way to disconnect the fuse for prevention...
Would 6ft with a 50 IQ (me) be able to sleep flat? 😊
It would be a bit of a squeeze, but doable for a night or two. I think your legs would have to be bent just a little.
@@CODistanceRunner ever run Hardrock 100
@@GotChrist60 No...that one would be to hard for me. Right now, my only ultra on the calendar is Lake Sonoma 50 mile on April 13th. I need to figure out what 50k or 60k race I can run before Lake Sonoma...to use it as a training run.
Do you think this setup can work for a 6 ft guy?
It wouldn't be as comfortable. Your feet would need to be laying on the center armrest.
@@CODistanceRunner yeah, an Outback seems a little better. Thank you 🙏
I just read Ray's comment. I guess it does work for someone 6' 👍
How tall are you? Trying to see if I could fit in a crosstrek (I'm 6’)
I'm 5'8" maybe if you put your feet on the center console?
@@CODistanceRunner Hmm... Thanks for the help. I have an outback right now, but might get a crosstrek in the future.
40 mpg wow didn't know Subarus could do that!
I'm loving it! Before my Subaru I was driving a 2009 2dr Jeep Rubicon that was lifted with 33 inch tires...that only got 15 mpg.
The hybrid can do 90mpg
Where does your boyfriend sleep? Very nice set up. 👌
I don't understand why you wouldn't put the passenger seat all the way ahead and lean it forward so it is out of the way of your feet. Also I'd put a yoga mat in the way back to avoid the lip in your back.
Why do you need so many spoons for one person lol
Lol I once forgot my utensils, so I stopped at a dollar store and bought the cheapest set I could find.
How do you keep the fridge running?
I use a Jackery to power my frig. The Jackery is awesome! One of my best purchases.
Nice woke check out mine I have a forester 2009