Our Favorite Car Camping Gear from REI: Camp Comforts

This is a sponsored post brought to you by REI.

ohOnce you’ve covered the basics (a reliable shelter and sleeping system), it’s the comfort-focused extras that can take a car camping trip from a character-building experience to something truly enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for better seating, a more functional campsite, or some fun additions for downtime at the campsite, here are some of our favorite picks for car camping gear from REI.

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Our Favorite Car Camping Gear from REI: Camp Comforts

Nemo Stargaze Evo-X Folding Reclining Camp Chair

• Recommended RRP: $179.95
• Folded dimensions: 40 x 10 x 8 inches

A great camping chair can transform an evening around the fire, and the Nemo Stargaze Evo-X takes comfort to the next level with a suspended and gently reclining design that allows you to lean back and relax after a day outdoors. As the name suggests, it’s perfect for an evening of stargazing in style.

Coghlan’s Cast Iron Camp Kitchen

• Recommended RRP: $24.95
• Dimensions: 27.2 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches

From luxury kitchens to humble campfires, cast iron is the holy grail of cooking materials. This pre-seasoned cast iron pot makes it easy to toast sandwiches, grill meats, or experiment with creative desserts over the coals. The wooden handles are also removable, making it easy to pack and store.

Outdoor Essentials Base Camp Chess/Checkers

• Recommended RRP: $24.95
• Dimensions: 9.5 x 9.5 x 1 inch

Free time at camp is part of the fun. This travel-friendly chess and checkers set is designed to pack up easily while still offering a full-size playing experience. We especially love that the board is magnetic so the pieces can’t easily fall off (or blow away in a breeze at the inconvenient time).

Outdoor Essentials Cornhole Game Backpack

• Recommended RRP: $39.95
• Dimensions: 12 x 5.75 x 2.75 inches

Less cerebral than chess, cornhole remains a camping favorite. This miniature portable version makes it easy to take the competition anywhere you camp. It can also be used indoors as a cornhole board game. Please note that this set is significantly smaller than a typical cornhole setup.

Igloo MaxCold Latitude 54-Quart Cooler

• Recommended RRP: $60
• Ice retention: 5 days

Believe it, dear reader: a reliable cooler is one of the most important improvements you can make for car camping, helping to keep food fresh and drinks cold during long weekends outdoors. Plenty of capacity for group travel, this model strikes a good balance between size and portability and will free you from the worry of constantly having to replenish your ice supply (it can keep ice for up to five days).

Goal Zero Yeti 500 Power Station

• Recommended RRP: $499.95
• Watt-hours: 499

A portable power station can take your camping experience to the stratosphere. Whether you’re charging phones or using small camping electronics, the Yeti adds convenience without the noise and fumes of a gas generator. You can charge it from multiple sources: your car, a standard wall outlet, or a solar panel (sold separately).

It’s also great to have this at home in case of a long power outage.

REI Co-op Men’s Sahara Shade Hoodie | Women’s

• Recommended RRP: $59/95
• UPF Rating: 50+

UV rays do not discriminate between motorhomes and backpackers. A good sun hoodie is just as functional on a backcountry campsite as it is on a remote hike and will save you from having to slather on greasy sunscreen every few hours.

boat WULF 11’4″ Aerodynamic Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board with Paddle

• Recommended RRP: $579
• Weight: 21 pounds

While it’s certainly a luxury item for any camper, an inflatable paddleboard has topped this Trek editor’s car camping wish list for many years.

If your campsite is near a lake or calm river, an inflatable paddleboard opens up a whole new way to enjoy the water. This all-in-one package is small to carry, but inflates into a stable board suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers. It only weighs 21 pounds, making it easy to transport between your car and the boardwalk.

Zempire Kitpac Pro Standard Camping Table

• Recommended RRP: $140
• Unfolded dimensions: 25.6 x 25.6 x 19.7 inches

Trek editor here: I’m trying not to get mad at the fact that this folding camping table looks better than the furniture in my actual apartment. The Kitpac Pro folds up small but provides 3.5 square feet of heat-resistant natural bamboo surface for food prep, potlucks, and gaming. It even has a bottle opener at the bottom of the table.

Don’t forget to check out REI’s complete (and extensive) camp collection before your next summer adventure.

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Cover image: Graphic design by Mackenzie Fisher.

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