Table of Contents
My Shelter
To me, your shelter setup is one of the most critical aspects of a successful camping trip—it can make or break your experience, especially for newcomers to camping. Whether you choose a tent, hammock, or even sleeping in your car, having the right shelter is essential for an enjoyable trip. Below, I share the shelter setup I bring for my car camping adventures.
My Tent
Car Camping Tent
REI Wonderland 4 Person Tent
$499.99
Spacious
Easy Setup
Good Ventilation
Durability
Expensive
No Vestibule
Not Great in High Winds
Specs
Sleeps – 4 People
Dimensions (L x W x H) – 100 x 100 x 75 in.
Weight – 21 lbs 11 oz
Additional Models – 6 person
Detailed Review
REI’s Wonderland 4 tent is my choice for camping enthusiasts seeking a spacious and hassle-free camping experience. With its spacious interior, it’s user-friendly making it easy to set up with just one person, and its built to last. Its large doors and windows allow for excellent airflow. By adjusting its window openings, the Wonderland allows the flexibility to have the tent feel open or allow for privacy without sacrificing the ventilation. While The Wonderland is on the expensive side, this tent effortlessly combines comfort, quality, and reliability to provide great value for your camping adventures!
Spacious - With a peak height of 75 inches, the 4P Wonderland it’s tall enough to change and move around comfortably while standing up if you’re 6’ 3” or shorter. The 100×100-inch floor dimensions give you plenty of room for a large camping mattress (up to queen size!!) while still having room for all your gear. On a rainy day during my last outing, I was able to comfortably fit my camp chair in the tent so I could read inside, and out of the elements. The tent’s walls rise almost straight up, ensuring optimal space right to the edges without having to bend over. While I have mostly used the tent solo, the Wonderland 4 is a good size for 2 or 3 adults or a small family with kids. There is also a 6-person model available for those who need more space.
Easy Setup - With an easy-to-understand color-coding system for the poles and pole sets, setting up the Wonderland tent is straightforward and quick, even for one person. Being 5’7″, the only struggle I have is getting the fly over the top of the tent. The triangular hubs on the center poles may be different from what you might see on other dome tents, but after reading the instructions that are sewn into the bag, I found them easy to work with. After a few setups of the structure, the process will become intuitive.
Good Ventilation - Maintaining a fresh, dry, and cozy environment inside the tent is crucial, regardless of the weather outside. The Wonderland boasts an expansive mesh ceiling and generous vents throughout, ensuring top-notch ventilation. What’s more, the unique curved design allows for the triangular side windows to remain open even with the rainfly attached. Even in a downpour with everything zipped up, the upper mesh ports ensure continuous air movement. Thanks to these design elements, the Wonderland tent is versatile and easily adapts to different settings and climates.
Durability - With Aluminum tent poles and high-quality fabrics the Wonderland is durable enough to last for years of adventure. With proper care and given the materials floor, rainfly, mesh, and hardware are a step up in the quality of budget tents, and the Wonderland should and is expected to hold up well with regular use.
Expensive - If you are new to camping or don’t think you will go regularly, Wonderland may not be a good value for you. There are many tents that come in well under the $499.99 price point. That said, I find the value of the Wonderland Tent to be worth the investment given its quality and the spaciousness and living comfort of the the barn-style design.
No Vestibule - While not a huge con, the Wonderland could take a step up with an option to have an enclosed vestibule. This option would help keep gear out of inclement weather and out of sight when we’re away from camp. While dry gear can easily be stored inside the spacious main part of the tent, sometimes that gear brings in dirt and grit you’d like to keep outside. Wonderland has awnings over both doors to keep the doorways drip-free when it rains, so even extending those may help provide a solution.
Not Great in High Winds - Generally a negative to most high-profile tents, like the Wonderland, is being prone to wind damage or just being noisy with high winds. While the Wonderland is built to be durable and is quite stable when properly staked downs and guy lines set, it may not be as ideal for exposed environments with high winds like lower profile tents. The design of the Wonderland is more than adequate for sheltered locations (think wooded or forested campgrounds) that most people camp in.
Most tents come with the essentials, like stakes, poles, and a rainfly. However, many require you to purchase the footprint separately (you can also use a tarp). A footprint adds an extra layer of protection for your tent floor, helping to prevent wear and tear by keeping it off the direct ground.
My Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag
Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 30 Sleeping Bag
$180.00
Lightweight and Packable
Affordable
3-Season Warmth
Basic Feature Set
Limited Comfort for Broader Frames
Specs
Tested Lower Limit – 30 degrees (F)
Tested Comfort – 40 degrees (F)
Weight – 1 lb. 12.6 oz.
Fits Up To (in.) – 72 inches
Shoulder Girth (in.) – 62 inches
Hip Girth (in.) – 53 inches
Stuff Sack Size – 7 x 13.5 inches
Additional Sizes – Bishop Pass 30 Sleeping Bag
Detailed Review
The Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass 30 Sleeping Bag is a lightweight and affordable option designed for three-season backpacking. Weighing under 2 pounds and compressing to the size of a small melon, it’s highly packable, making it ideal for minimalist adventurers. Filled with 650-fill-power duck down, it provides adequate warmth for temperatures as low as 30°F, performing well in cool conditions. While its affordability is a major draw, the bag lacks advanced elements like neck baffles, which might impact comfort on colder nights. Additionally, its standard fit may feel restrictive for larger users, making it better suited for average-sized campers.
Lightweight and Packable - Weighing just under 2 pounds, the Bishop Pass 30 is notably lightweight for a down sleeping bag. Its compact design allows it to compress to 7 x 13.5 inches, making it easy to pack alongside other gear in a backpack.
Affordable - The Bishop Pass 30 offers a budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. This makes it an attractive choice for backpackers seeking quality performance at a lower cost.
3-Season Warmth - Filled with 15 ounces of 650-fill-power duck down, the bag is rated for 30°F and performs well in typical three-season conditions. Users have reported staying warm during cool nights, indicating the bag meets its temperature rating effectively.
Basic Feature Set - To maintain its affordability, the Bishop Pass 30 has a minimalist design, lacking some advanced features found in higher-end models. For instance, it does not include a neck baffle, which could affect heat retention on colder nights.
Limited Comfort for Broader Frames - With shoulder and hip girths of 62 inches and 53 inches respectively, the bag offers a standard fit. However, individuals with broader frames or those who prefer more room to move may find it somewhat restrictive, affecting sleep quality.
A 3-season sleeping bag is my go-to since most of my camping happens between spring and fall. However, depending on where you live or plan to camp, you might want to choose a sleeping bag with a temperature rating better suited to that specific climate. Keep in mind that sleeping bag warmth ratings are based on using a properly rated sleeping pad, so it’s essential to pair the two for optimal insulation.
My Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Pad
Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad
$349.95
Warmth
Comfort
Cumbersome
Price
Specs
R-Value – 8.1
Packed Size – 11 x 22 inches
Inflated – 72 x 41 x 4 inches
Weight – 7 lbs 8 oz
Sleeping Capacity – 2-person
Additional Models – Long Wide Double
Detailed Review
When it comes to outdoor comfort, the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad is my go-to choice. I’m continually impressed by the exceptional insulation it offers, keeping me warm on those cooler nights. When fully inflated my pad, size Medium Double, not only easily fits in my REI Wonderland 4 tent but also in the back of my Subaru Outback for a night in the car. The face fabric on top adds another layer of comfort, feeling soft and plush to the touch. However, it’s worth noting that its larger size can be a tad cumbersome when packing and difficult to deflate. Additionally, these sleeping pads run on the expensive side. But for me, the warmth, comfort, and versatility trade-off is well worth these minor drawbacks.
Warmth - The warmth and insulation of the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad truly set it apart. Boasting an impressive R-value of 8.1, it's designed to keep you snug in cold conditions. For those unfamiliar, the R-value measures a material's resistance to heat flow, with a higher number indicating better insulating properties. This means with the MegaMat, you're not only getting comfort, but also the assurance of warmth in chilly terrains.
Comfort - The comfort factor of the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad is undeniably one of my favorite things about it. Crafted with high-quality materials, the sleeping pad incorporates a plush, stretch tricot top that offers a soft and cozy sleeping surface. Furthermore, its self-inflating foam core adapts to the contours of your body, ensuring a restful night's sleep, even on uneven terrains. I tend to inflate the pad to about 85%, this provides me a balance of firmness but allows my body to sink in a little bit to alleviate some of the pressure points (like in the shoulders if I am sleeping on my side). Add to this the pad's generous thickness, and you have a sleeping surface that rivals many home mattresses, ensuring you wake up refreshed and ready for the day's adventures.
Cumbersome - While the Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad offers top-notch comfort and warmth, it does come with a bit of a trade-off in terms of portability. Weighing over 7 pounds, it's not the lightest option on the market, which means you'll probably not want to carry it further than from your car to your tent. Additionally, deflating the pad can be a bit of a chore. Unlike some other pads that can be quickly deflated and packed away, the MegaMat Duo requires a bit more time and effort to get all the air out, making the packing process longer.
Price - The Exped MegaMat Duo 10 Sleeping Pad undoubtedly offers premium features, but with that comes a premium price tag. When compared to other sleeping pads on the market, the MegaMat Duo's cost can be a little steep for some budgets. While you're certainly getting top-tier comfort and insulation, there are other pads out there that offer decent performance at a lower cost. It's always a balancing act between quality and affordability, and for some, the MegaMat Duo might feel like a splurge. Before committing, it's worth exploring other options to ensure you're getting the best value for your money.
An important thing to know before buying a sleeping pad, it what types of climates you’ll be camping in. Then you can find a pad with an appropriate R-Value to match sure your warm enough. The R-value of a sleeping pad measures its ability to resist heat loss and provide insulation from the cold ground. The higher the R-value, the warmer the pad will keep you by retaining body heat and blocking the cold.
Here’s a quick breakdown of R-values for sleeping pads:
- 1-2: Suitable for warm weather camping, where ground insulation isn’t critical.
- 2-4: Ideal for 3-season use, offering moderate warmth for spring, summer, and fall trips.
- 4+: Designed for cold-weather or winter camping, providing significant insulation to keep you warm.
My Pillow
Pillow
NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow
$54.08
Lightweight and Compact
Easy Inflation and Adjustability
Comfort
Limited Thickness
Price Point
Durability
Specs
Packed Size – 4 x 3 inches in diameter
Inflated – 72 x 41 x 4 inches
Weight – 3 oz
Detailed Review
The NEMO Fillo Elite Pillow offers a lightweight and comfortable solution for backpackers, campers and travelers. Weighing just approximately 3 ounces and packing down small, it is easy to carry without adding bulk. The pillow combines an inflatable air cell with a layer of Primaloft insulation and a soft jersey cover, offering a balance of support and comfort. It features a micro-adjustable valve for easy inflation and customizable firmness. The micro-adjustable valve can take a bit getting used too, but I practiced at home a few times before my first trip with this pillow and haven’t had any issues on my trips.
Lightweight and Compact - Weighing approximately 3 ounces and packing down to the size of a lemon, the Fillo Elite is exceptionally portable, making it ideal for backpackers, campers, and travelers who prioritize minimal weight and space. When inflated its small enough to fit inside the top of the head area of mummy bags which prevents slipping off during the night.
Easy Inflation and Adjustability - Equipped with a micro-adjustable valve, the Fillo Elite can be inflated with just a few breaths. You can easily fine-tune the firmness to your preference, ensuring personalized comfort.
Comfort - The pillow features a combination of an inflatable air cell and a thin layer of Primaloft insulation, providing a balance between support and softness. The soft jersey cover adds to the overall comfort, enhancing sleep quality.
Limited Thickness - With a maximum thickness of 3 inches, some side sleepers may find the pillow lacks sufficient loft to provide optimal neck support, potentially affecting sleep quality.
Price Point - The Fillo Elite is considered expensive compared to other backpacking pillows, which might deter budget-conscious consumers despite its features.
Durability - To achieve its like weight and size, thinner materials have been used. While I haven't had an issues, thinner materials are more prone for punctures and leaks if not handled properly.
For car camping, the easiest and cheapest option is to simply bring your bed pillow from home. However, I invested in an inflatable pillow for backpacking and now bring it along on all my car camping trips too. It’s compact, takes up minimal space, and stays stored with my camping gear, making it super easy to pack and remember.
Budget Friendly Shelter
For years, I used my backpacking shelter for car camping shelter since it allowed me to invest in just one high-quality shelter. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to really appreciate the extra space and comfort a dedicated car camping shelter provides, especially on those days when bad weather keeps you stuck inside. Below are budget conscious shelter reviews for car camping shelter setup.
Tent – Budget Friendly
Budget Friendly Car Camping Tent
Coleman Skydome Tent – 4 Person
$85.99
Spacious Interior
Quick and Easy Setup
Weather Protection
Limited Ventilation
Single Door
Fiberglass Poles
Specs
Sleeps – 4 People
Dimensions (L x W x H) – 96 x 84 x 56 in.
Weight – 11 lbs
Additional Models – 6 person
Detailed Review
Spacious Interior - The Skydome tent features nearly vertical walls, providing 20% more headroom than traditional dome tents. This design allows campers to move comfortably inside the tent, enhancing overall livability
Quick and Easy Setup - With pre-attached poles, the tent can be set up in under five minutes. This user-friendly design is particularly beneficial for campers seeking a hassle-free assembly process.
Weather Protection - The tent incorporates Coleman's WeatherTec™ system, featuring welded corners and inverted seams to help keep water out. Additionally, the strong frame is tested to withstand winds up to 35 mph, offering reliable protection against various weather conditions.
Limited Ventilation - Lack of adjustable vents can affect airflow which can lead to condensation buildup.
Single Door - The tent is equipped with only one door, which can be inconvenient for multiple occupants, especially during nighttime exits.
Fiberglass Poles - he use of fiberglass poles, while cost-effective, do not offer the same durability and strength as aluminum poles. This could impact the tent's longevity and performance in adverse weather conditions.
Sleeping Bag – Budget Friendly
Budget Friendly Car Camping Sleeping Bag
Coleman Brazos 30°F Sleeping Bag
$46.99
Affordability
Durability
Bulky Packed Size
Basic Features
Specs
Tested Lower Limit – 30 degrees (F)
Tested Comfort – 45 degrees (F)
Weight – 5 lbs.
Fits Up To – 71 inches
Additional Sizes – Coleman Brazos 20°F Sleeping Bag
Detailed Review
Affordability - The Coleman Brazos offers a cost-effective option for campers seeking a basic sleeping bag without significant investment.
Durability - Constructed with a polyester shell and tricot knit lining, the Brazos is designed to withstand regular use. The Fiberlock construction prevents insulation from shifting, enhancing the bag's longevity and maintaining consistent warmth over time.
Bulky Packed Size - Weighing approximately 5.5 pounds and measuring 16.5 x 10 inches when packed, the Brazos is relatively bulky.
Basic Features - The Brazos lacks advanced features found in higher-end sleeping bags, such as a hood or draft collar. This simplicity may result in less effective heat retention in colder conditions, limiting its suitability for more extreme weather.
Sleeping Pad – Budget Friendly
Budget Friendly Sleeping Pad
Elegear Self Inflating Sleeping Pad
$85.99
Comfortable
Easy Inflation and Deflation
Warmth
Heavy Weight
Packed Size
Specs
R-Value – 9.5
Packed Size – 11 x 22 inches
Inflated Size – 77 x 27 x 3.1 inches
Weight – 8.1 lbs
Sleeping Capacity – 1-person
Additional Models – Double Person
Detailed Review
Comfortable - The Elegear pad boasts a 3.1-inch thickness, providing substantial cushioning that enhances sleeping comfort, especially on uneven ground.
Easy Inflation and Deflation - Equipped with self-inflating technology and efficient valve systems, the pad inflates quickly without the need for manual pumping. Deflation is also straightforward, allowing for hassle-free setup and pack-up.
Warmth - With an R-value of 9.5, the Elegear pad offers excellent insulation, making it suitable for 4 season use.
Heavy Weight - Weighing approximately 8.1 pounds, the pad is relatively heavy compared to other camping pads.
Packed Size - When packed, the pad measures around 26.4 x 9.8 inches, making it bulkier than some alternatives. This size can occupy significant space in your camping gear, which might be inconvenient for those with limited storage capacity.
