I camp in my 2004 Subaru Forester and this last week I was turned into the local police as a homeless woman living in a car in the National Forest by a local "do gooder". I live just a few miles away from where I camp. I'm not homeless and own 17.2 acres of land too. I work out of my car and frequently park for a day in the woods while I work. My set up includes an inverter so I have 110 and I have two solar panels. I use solar powered security lights in camp. I sew on an old hand cranked portable sewing machine and once this pandemic is over will travel to events to sell. I own an RV but like camping in my Subaru better!
Love how simple and accessible this is! So many "no build" videos are deceiving because they really are building platforms and tables and stuff, just not doing permanent builds that altar the vehicle! I see you've done several camping videos now with the car, but I'd love to see a whole update video on things you've learned or changed, things you really like that you did etc.
Starting the same thing with my 2018 Crosstrek. Scrapped the idea of a plywood sleeping platform in favor of a thermarest to be followed by a two inch memory foam mattress cut in half to make a 4" mattress, the idea being to be able to roll up and store things more effectively
My Isuzu Trooper is my little SUV RV and it works great 👍 I also carry the clam just in case I'm camping at a place they don't allow car camping. Just pop up the clam and your good to car camp.😁
@@simplymoonchild3908 Thanks for the info but mine isn't forgiven. I don't qualify on basis of disability, borrower defense, public service, or income. I'm also almost done paying mine off because I didn't have that much to begin with.
I just found your video and this was timely for me. I plan on testing out some mattresses I already own sleeping on the floor in my house this weekend to see which one is comfortable. Then once I decide on which mattress I'm going to use (and if I can do this in my Santa Fe SUV) I plan on doing my window covering next using reflectix and sewing covers for them using black fabric on one side and something pretty on the inside. I have been watching car camping videos now for over 2 years gathering ideas and I'm ready to try it for myself. I really want a no built glamping set up. I live in Florida so this will only be for week-end get away's to visit other areas in Florida. Happy and safe travels!
Looks great! I've just started the process of outfitting my 2015 Chevy Equinox for camping and it's incredibly helpful to see how folks are going about it, especially without a complicated build. I think I'll do a video as well because I haven't seen much about doing this in an Equinox. Thanks for sharing your setup. I look forward to hearing how it's working out for you.
hello from AK! :) wanted to double check if the window covers make a gap at the bottom or fit slightly too small?? I don’t see that yours has a gap but would still like to verify before the purchase. It seems most/majority leave a gap at the bottom. We live in mosquito country and I’d like to avoid them at all costs! TYIA for your reply and TY for your video!!!! (2015 Subaru Forester, this way)
I know im asking randomly but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account? I was dumb lost my password. I love any help you can give me
@Isaac Christian I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Looks good. I am camping in my Outback as well and am going to order the reflective windownshade pckg from weatherteeck. And also a Jackery is a must have. I am having so much fun with this new trend!☺
I use the Jackery 240. I don't use much juice and didn't really use it my last trip. The real challenge would be trying to work remotely using it. I'm not sure how many hours I'd get out of it. Although between using it and using just the battery on my laptop once charged, I could probably get through 1-2 days without having to recharge the Jackery. It charges pretty quick plugged into the 12V plug while driving. I just got a Vornado fan to use next time out as well. It runs 12.2W on high. I experimented last night and it looks like it could run on high for about 13.5 hours before the Jackery craps out. Finding a fan that powerful that runs that low wattage was a blessing, even if it did cost about $50 (minus Amazon credit, which knocked it down to about $25).
Such a useful video, Lindsey. I'm getting my new Forester really soon...so excited. I was wondering about the cargo hump - is it noticeable/uncomfortable? My mattress is 4" thick so I'm hoping it'll be fine. Cheers from Australia!
very cool! i am just north of you in wa and have yet to go down the coast. also used to watch your budgeting videos. actually inspired me to do my own. love following your travel!
Well done, nice video with my morning coffee. Looks like a good start !! We'll see about any changes, improvements, or upgrades with your first trip. I subscribed with all notifications, so let's see that next video !! Thank you for posting.
Great job I have that same cooler and it's a pain in the butt to empty I wish I'd got something with the spout and with handles on the side because the handle gets in the way all the time when you're trying to empty it
It's a horrible situation. It looks like they only want to put drains on them if they hit about 50 quarts. The ones we all want to use are about 28- 35 quarts, and NONE of them have drains.
It's always fun seeing the first load that people believe they're going to need while camping in their SUVs. They all take twice as much as they should. Make that 3x if it's a woman or gay man. This one wasn't as much overkill, though! At least, i didn't SEE three different kinds of lights being packed up. 😉 It's a learning curve, and I was fortunate that I made most of my mistakes as a backpacker so I got to skip this stage in my SUV. My main thing is I went pretty much without bins! I have a small one for auto fluids, cables, etc., but I instead bought a plastic 3-drawer cabinet from Walmart for about $14. It stands about 24" tall (I don't use the wheels that come with it) and I can fit almost all other non-clothing items in there. The rest is just a $20, 28-qt. Igloo cooler that I put under the part of the seat on which I lay my head when I sleep (my SUV also has back seats that angle up instead of lying flat), my roll-out sleep pad (a "water pad" I got on clearance from WM last year that's about 24" wide, 60" or so long and consists of a bunch of small foam water weiners running horizontal inside the pad), my sleeping bag, Jackery charger, an extra $20 camp blanket from WM, a pee bottle and a backpack containing my clothes. Similar to this vid, I also sometimes bring a $20 fold-up camp chair from WM and I got that behind-the-seat storage bag that I kind of forget is there. For lighting, I mounted Velcro squares on the sides of some of the drawers of my cabinet, and the other side of the Velcro to the back of an LED light I got from Dollar Tree for $1 that lights the entire place almost too well. For entertainment, I slide my tablet in the open space on the side of the cabinet and pair it with a bluetooth speaker I keep by my head and watch movies downloaded in NF, Vudu, and Prime. I just purchased a very good, small fan to help battle condensation on my next trip. If it doesn't work, at least it will do a good job of blowing air over my body, although I've found that the $10 ones you get at WM will run all night if plugged into an 8K battery pack via USB and also do a surprisingly good job. The only "kitchen stuff" I bring is my backpacking cook kit, which all fits inside of a 750ml titanium pot w lid, which fits inside the cabinet. Most of the time you'll find you're so close to a grocery store or Walmart anyway and you don't really need to bring so much. Plus you also find you don't really eat "home cooked" as often as you think you will. I almost have to force myself to use my cooler. Take care.
@@lindseyhikesandtravels Yes. I'd never go without the cooler even though I don't use it as expected. Usually when you see people packing their first set up, they're bringing strings of LED lights and USB candles in addition to the light they actually need, then add books, way too many utensils, etc. It's like with a lot of things. It's no surprise for people to fall in love with bins. They just tend to feel compelled to then fill those bins rather than leaving themselves a little wiggle room. 😂
Nate Wise has a great fan that hangs from his seat back ... something to consider? Loved your set up especially since I’m not ready to give up my day job just yet...totally ready to try it for camping. Thanks!!!!
WeatherTech is a ridiculous expense.... except their window coverings in my Forester give me total black out. Go frugal on everything else... but window coverings... pay the dollar.
I'm happy with my window coverings. Total blackout would freak me out. I like some natural light shining through! But good rec for those who might want that.
Hello. Enjoyed your video. How comfortable is the camp chair? Asking because I bought a similar chair from REI and one from Walmart and had to return them both, just could not get comfortable plus the chairs did not feel as stable as they looked.
It's tough! I got the WM chair and the more pricey lightweight brand that REI sells. And, yes, you have to sit in them a certain way, especially the UL one which wiggles if you tax it too much. I've just found that you're pretty much always going to get roughly that same design if you want it to be that compact.
Hi! I’m about to outfit my subie and after hours of watching videos of others outfitting their car, I am looking at the same purchases you made! I wanted to support your video by purchasing off your links, but links don’t seem to be working? If it’s just my phone that’s not doing this, wondering if there’s a way you can make the links available elsewhere? Thanks and really enjoyed your video!!
@@lindseyhikesandtravels I was able to use one of the links, but some of them lead me to a page on Amazon that says it's a page no longer there. Anyhow, thanks for sharing your purchase info & content, I enjoy learning about your solo travel adventures :)
Hello is there a FB Group for Forester Camping? I'd like to follow some DIY so we. An build one once we retire and travel around. Van Life is not do-able due to rising gas prices and reliability is not better than Subarus. Thanks and Happy Adventures
Good luck on your journey. Its super fun. I just converted my Jeep and started a few months back. Definitely learn a lot once you are out there. Feel free to check out my channel, maybe some ideas there.
Some kind of toilet @ least 4 emergency #1 will make e your trips more pleasant....they sell the multi-use pee-bags with built-in funnel that have moisture absorbing powder inside like adult Depends. Don't have to use them unless you need 2, but if you do......what a relief. Major traffic jam at a dead stop ✋ on the Freeway and nowhere to GO...😬....Not a problem. 😉😇 Happy Travels......
I like that you actually tried out the stove on camera for us. great video
Thanks!
I camp in my 2004 Subaru Forester and this last week I was turned into the local police as a homeless woman living in a car in the National Forest by a local "do gooder". I live just a few miles away from where I camp. I'm not homeless and own 17.2 acres of land too. I work out of my car and frequently park for a day in the woods while I work. My set up includes an inverter so I have 110 and I have two solar panels. I use solar powered security lights in camp. I sew on an old hand cranked portable sewing machine and once this pandemic is over will travel to events to sell. I own an RV but like camping in my Subaru better!
That is annoying! People should mind their own business haha My Forester is super comfortable. Love it!
Good no build setup, I used my stimulus money for camping gear too. Those vehicles make a good car camper.
Love how simple and accessible this is! So many "no build" videos are deceiving because they really are building platforms and tables and stuff, just not doing permanent builds that altar the vehicle! I see you've done several camping videos now with the car, but I'd love to see a whole update video on things you've learned or changed, things you really like that you did etc.
Thanks! Honestly, I haven't really changed anything from this video. My system still serves me well.
Starting the same thing with my 2018 Crosstrek. Scrapped the idea of a plywood sleeping platform in favor of a thermarest to be followed by a two inch memory foam mattress cut in half to make a 4" mattress, the idea being to be able to roll up and store things more effectively
I hope it works out well for you!
Just a thought, try to keep the driver seat as clear as possible in case of emergency. Never hurts to be safe.
I will think about this, thanks!
My thought as well. If you have to leave quickly that would by way heavy to move without getting out of the car.
My Isuzu Trooper is my little SUV RV and it works great 👍 I also carry the clam just in case I'm camping at a place they don't allow car camping. Just pop up the clam and your good to car camp.😁
Not a bad idea. Thought of finding one, or around a 3000 lb. camper myself.
I'm doing the same thing with half of my stimulus check! (The other half is going toward student loans. Boo hiss.) Enjoy your travels!
Awesome! Boo to student loans! I am almost done paying mine off.
Roxanne F...student loans are forgiven....if you give them your money, they will take it.
@@simplymoonchild3908 Thanks for the info but mine isn't forgiven. I don't qualify on basis of disability, borrower defense, public service, or income. I'm also almost done paying mine off because I didn't have that much to begin with.
I just found your video and this was timely for me. I plan on testing out some mattresses I already own sleeping on the floor in my house this weekend to see which one is comfortable. Then once I decide on which mattress I'm going to use (and if I can do this in my Santa Fe SUV) I plan on doing my window covering next using reflectix and sewing covers for them using black fabric on one side and something pretty on the inside. I have been watching car camping videos now for over 2 years gathering ideas and I'm ready to try it for myself. I really want a no built glamping set up. I live in Florida so this will only be for week-end get away's to visit other areas in Florida. Happy and safe travels!
Have fun creating your setup and finding what works for you!
Looks great! I've just started the process of outfitting my 2015 Chevy Equinox for camping and it's incredibly helpful to see how folks are going about it, especially without a complicated build. I think I'll do a video as well because I haven't seen much about doing this in an Equinox. Thanks for sharing your setup. I look forward to hearing how it's working out for you.
Hope it goes well!
@@lindseyhikesandtravels Thank you!
I have a Buick Enclave, so these videos are super helpful and I am a retired Nana. Thank you!
Awesome!! Thanks for all the links in description
I have a 2017 forester .. sleep in the back with an suv tent attached. I have the fork , knife and spoon set its awesome 👌..
Awesome!
Hello very nice Subaru camper. I'm currently buying a 2014 Subaru Outback and building it into a camper. Greetings from S witzerland 🤠🤠
Thanks!
I’m looking into outfitting my 2013 Forester similar to how yours is set up
Have fun!
Hi Lindsey, Northern California is really beautifully. Looking forward to your new adventures. Be blessed.
Thanks! ☺
Lindsey this is sooooooo cool! 😂 Stimulus check on wheels!
😎😎
hello from AK! :) wanted to double check if the window covers make a gap at the bottom or fit slightly too small?? I don’t see that yours has a gap but would still like to verify before the purchase. It seems most/majority leave a gap at the bottom. We live in mosquito country and I’d like to avoid them at all costs! TYIA for your reply and TY for your video!!!! (2015 Subaru Forester, this way)
No gap and no bugs ever got in!
Looks wonderful! I have a Subaru Outback and have thought about doing this for myself. Thanks for the info!
Thanks! This has been a super fun project and I can't wait to actually go camping in it now!
I know im asking randomly but does anyone know a tool to get back into an instagram account?
I was dumb lost my password. I love any help you can give me
@Pierce Gavin Instablaster ;)
@Isaac Christian I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im in the hacking process atm.
Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Isaac Christian it worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thanks so much you saved my account !
Looks good. I am camping in my Outback as well and am going to order the reflective windownshade pckg from weatherteeck. And also a Jackery is a must have. I am having so much fun with this new trend!☺
Car camping has been great!
I use the Jackery 240. I don't use much juice and didn't really use it my last trip. The real challenge would be trying to work remotely using it. I'm not sure how many hours I'd get out of it. Although between using it and using just the battery on my laptop once charged, I could probably get through 1-2 days without having to recharge the Jackery. It charges pretty quick plugged into the 12V plug while driving. I just got a Vornado fan to use next time out as well. It runs 12.2W on high. I experimented last night and it looks like it could run on high for about 13.5 hours before the Jackery craps out. Finding a fan that powerful that runs that low wattage was a blessing, even if it did cost about $50 (minus Amazon credit, which knocked it down to about $25).
Such a useful video, Lindsey. I'm getting my new Forester really soon...so excited. I was wondering about the cargo hump - is it noticeable/uncomfortable? My mattress is 4" thick so I'm hoping it'll be fine. Cheers from Australia!
Thanks so much! Nope, I don't notice it with the mattress.
Did it arrive? I’ve ordered the MY23 model and hope to get it in the New Year. I’m in Sydney
I bought Patriot Street Fighter Peace Pipe Tomahawk with my stimulus and a log cabin like tent.
very cool! i am just north of you in wa and have yet to go down the coast. also used to watch your budgeting videos. actually inspired me to do my own. love following your travel!
Thanks!
Im in Wa as well. Most of my car camping is here but i try to get out of state when i can.
Well done, nice video with my morning coffee. Looks like a good start !! We'll see about any changes, improvements, or upgrades with your first trip. I subscribed with all notifications, so let's see that next video !! Thank you for posting.
Thanks so much! 😀
Great job I have that same cooler and it's a pain in the butt to empty I wish I'd got something with the spout and with handles on the side because the handle gets in the way all the time when you're trying to empty it
I use ice packs and frozen water bottles, not ice. No emptying needed! I haven't found the handle to be annoying. Sorry it hasn't worked out for you!
It's a horrible situation. It looks like they only want to put drains on them if they hit about 50 quarts. The ones we all want to use are about 28- 35 quarts, and NONE of them have drains.
What tri fold mattress did you end up getting, link doesn't work :(
Your dog is beautiful
Thank you!
It's always fun seeing the first load that people believe they're going to need while camping in their SUVs. They all take twice as much as they should. Make that 3x if it's a woman or gay man. This one wasn't as much overkill, though! At least, i didn't SEE three different kinds of lights being packed up. 😉
It's a learning curve, and I was fortunate that I made most of my mistakes as a backpacker so I got to skip this stage in my SUV.
My main thing is I went pretty much without bins! I have a small one for auto fluids, cables, etc., but I instead bought a plastic 3-drawer cabinet from Walmart for about $14. It stands about 24" tall (I don't use the wheels that come with it) and I can fit almost all other non-clothing items in there. The rest is just a $20, 28-qt. Igloo cooler that I put under the part of the seat on which I lay my head when I sleep (my SUV also has back seats that angle up instead of lying flat), my roll-out sleep pad (a "water pad" I got on clearance from WM last year that's about 24" wide, 60" or so long and consists of a bunch of small foam water weiners running horizontal inside the pad), my sleeping bag, Jackery charger, an extra $20 camp blanket from WM, a pee bottle and a backpack containing my clothes. Similar to this vid, I also sometimes bring a $20 fold-up camp chair from WM and I got that behind-the-seat storage bag that I kind of forget is there.
For lighting, I mounted Velcro squares on the sides of some of the drawers of my cabinet, and the other side of the Velcro to the back of an LED light I got from Dollar Tree for $1 that lights the entire place almost too well. For entertainment, I slide my tablet in the open space on the side of the cabinet and pair it with a bluetooth speaker I keep by my head and watch movies downloaded in NF, Vudu, and Prime. I just purchased a very good, small fan to help battle condensation on my next trip. If it doesn't work, at least it will do a good job of blowing air over my body, although I've found that the $10 ones you get at WM will run all night if plugged into an 8K battery pack via USB and also do a surprisingly good job.
The only "kitchen stuff" I bring is my backpacking cook kit, which all fits inside of a 750ml titanium pot w lid, which fits inside the cabinet. Most of the time you'll find you're so close to a grocery store or Walmart anyway and you don't really need to bring so much. Plus you also find you don't really eat "home cooked" as often as you think you will. I almost have to force myself to use my cooler.
Take care.
There isn't much I packed that I didn't use car camping all last summer. I cooked plenty of meals and always used my cooler. To each their own!
@@lindseyhikesandtravels Yes. I'd never go without the cooler even though I don't use it as expected.
Usually when you see people packing their first set up, they're bringing strings of LED lights and USB candles in addition to the light they actually need, then add books, way too many utensils, etc. It's like with a lot of things. It's no surprise for people to fall in love with bins. They just tend to feel compelled to then fill those bins rather than leaving themselves a little wiggle room. 😂
I try not to judge others for what they do or bring, especially since I'm not the one who has to manage all that stuff.
@@lindseyhikesandtravels A lot of people try.
Nate Wise has a great fan that hangs from his seat back ... something to consider? Loved your set up especially since I’m not ready to give up my day job just yet...totally ready to try it for camping. Thanks!!!!
I have a fan that hangs and showed it in the video 😊 Hope you can get out camping soon!
Sorry I missed it! Will watch again! I guess multitasking isn’t working for me!
Hahaha no worries!
Very cool! How are your screens attached to the windows?
They fit over them like a bag.
Love it,congratulations
Can you sit up comfortably while in bed mode? Considering buying an outback vs forester. The forester seems higher..
I can if I'm sideways with legs across the car, not on my bed properly. But it works for me for reading or changing!
Lindsey, what brand of camping stove and brand of sleeping pad under sleeping bag?
The stove is Odoland and the mattress is Smile Back.
Where do you keep clothes including hiking boots, rain gear, etc.?
In a backpack or duffel bag, depending on the trip.
I have a Forester and really enjoyed this. Did you post links to any of the gear. Interested in the mattress and how it held up on you April trip.
Thanks! Yep links are all in the description box.
WeatherTech is a ridiculous expense.... except their window coverings in my Forester give me total black out. Go frugal on everything else... but window coverings... pay the dollar.
I'm happy with my window coverings. Total blackout would freak me out. I like some natural light shining through! But good rec for those who might want that.
Curious, I used to follow your budgeting/debt free journey. How’s that going these days?
I should be debt free within the next year!
I enjoyed those videos. It helped me in my personal finances. Your spreadsheets were wonderful. Impressed. 🙂
The trifold mattress link is no longer working... which one did you get?
Not sure why it's not working, sorry! The brand is Smile Back.
Hello. Enjoyed your video. How comfortable is the camp chair? Asking because I bought a similar chair from REI and one from Walmart and had to return them both, just could not get comfortable plus the chairs did not feel as stable as they looked.
Thank you! I haven't used it yet much so I can't say for certain, sorry. This spring and summer I'll be camping quite a bit.
It's tough! I got the WM chair and the more pricey lightweight brand that REI sells. And, yes, you have to sit in them a certain way, especially the UL one which wiggles if you tax it too much. I've just found that you're pretty much always going to get roughly that same design if you want it to be that compact.
great set up
Thanks! It has worked great so far.
Hi! I’m about to outfit my subie and after hours of watching videos of others outfitting their car, I am looking at the same purchases you made! I wanted to support your video by purchasing off your links, but links don’t seem to be working? If it’s just my phone that’s not doing this, wondering if there’s a way you can make the links available elsewhere? Thanks and really enjoyed your video!!
Thanks so much! I'm not sure because the links work when I click on them 🤔
@@lindseyhikesandtravels I was able to use one of the links, but some of them lead me to a page on Amazon that says it's a page no longer there. Anyhow, thanks for sharing your purchase info & content, I enjoy learning about your solo travel adventures :)
Hello is there a FB Group for Forester Camping?
I'd like to follow some DIY so we. An build one once we retire and travel around.
Van Life is not do-able due to rising gas prices and reliability is not better than Subarus.
Thanks and Happy Adventures
I don't know, sorry.
Isn't ordering on-line FUN???😊😁👏
Yes!
Great,
Fun
😊
Two words SUV tent
No thanks! 😊
I just don't care for them. I want someone to really have to put in the effort to break in before I shoot them.
I'm still learning on getting started. Any help appreciated.
Good luck and have fun!
@@lindseyhikesandtravels Have fun in your travels. I'm still in the planning stage trying to keep dream killers at bay.
@@edgarsmith4507 What would you like help with? I started last year after years of backpacking.
Nice you did not have to build anything. Thanks
Baby pooch also wants comfy mattress
Hahaha he has 2 comfy blankets he sleeps on (and under!). 😊
To think I also have a 2016 forester named ruby 👁👄👁
Haha
Good luck on your journey. Its super fun. I just converted my Jeep and started a few months back. Definitely learn a lot once you are out there. Feel free to check out my channel, maybe some ideas there.
Some kind of toilet @ least 4 emergency #1 will make e your trips more pleasant....they sell the multi-use pee-bags with built-in funnel that have moisture absorbing powder inside like adult Depends. Don't have to use them unless you need 2, but if you do......what a relief. Major traffic jam at a dead stop ✋ on the Freeway and nowhere to GO...😬....Not a problem. 😉😇
Happy Travels......
I don't mind going to the bathroom outside in nature.